Gods aren't easily influenced.
Even Apollo was no exception. He couldn't be altered by some mere illusion, yet the result was undeniable—Apollo had been changed.
Just like the puppet show Alice had described.
Apollo, like a marionette, had performed an exquisite play under Alice's 'direction.'
The only things that can affect a god are those closely tied to the god themselves.
To be more specific, a certain object, or a certain person.
And within Alice's illusion, the only things connected to Apollo—aside from Hyakinthos, unexpectedly—were likely the entire story of that puppet play itself.
Alice's methods revealed her identity as someone from another world.
And because of who Alice was, Freya felt absolutely certain that the story Apollo experienced came from another world—that it was his story.
So, if Apollo's story existed out there, did that mean stories of other gods existed too?
For instance, in Alice's world, was there another Freya?
Were myths and tales about Freya also passed down among the people there?
Freya cared deeply about her own story. She was intensely curious about what kind of existence she was in the eyes of people from another world.
Whether she was still regarded as a being of beauty.
"Alice, you mentioned before that you prefer women over men, didn't you? I'm quite confident in my own appearance and feminine charm," Freya said, her smile unwavering.
As she spoke these words, she didn't show any particular expression.
There was no trace of arrogance or overt confidence.
It was as if she was stating a simple, ordinary fact—without a hint of boastfulness.
"Of course, I can also tell that even if you say you like women, you undoubtedly have your own standards."
"While my own preference is for men, if it's for you, Alice, I would strive to change myself. To become someone who could accept you, and whom you could accept in return."
Freya's words were filled with sincerity.
Loki could sense the genuineness in Freya's voice, and so could Alice.
However, "I'm sorry, Lady Freya, I do not have feelings for you. There's no need to change for my sake," Alice stated plainly, her refusal direct.
Everyone surrounding them widened their eyes in shock at Alice's words.
As the Goddess of Beauty, Freya's charisma was almost like a divine authority. Even with her divine power sealed, she passively attracted others.
Apollo's emotions had been simple possessiveness.
Though, just moments ago, that possessiveness had transformed into love.
But Freya was different from Apollo. From the very beginning, Freya loved all people, and because of that authority-like affinity…
Freya was beloved by everyone.
Especially since the Freya Familia had Ottar, the strongest in Orario. Even if someone disliked Freya, they would never say it to her face like this.
To tell a Goddess of Beauty that you didn't like her, that you weren't captivated by her beauty…
For such a goddess, that was absolutely unacceptable. It would surely provoke her wrath.
So, when Alice so casually stated that she didn't like Freya, everyone present was astonished once more. The watching gods then looked at Alice with pity.
If Freya were to get angry, Alice would truly be finished.
Compared to the Apollo Familia, the Freya Familia was far more powerful.
But just as the gods thought Freya was about to unleash her anger upon Alice, Freya simply gave a soft smile.
"Is that so? Though your words sadden me a little, Alice, I won't give up. I heard your little shop is about to open? I'll stop by when I have time. If possible, I'd like to order a few life-sized dolls of myself."
"That last life-sized doll Hermes gave me actually exploded while I was sleeping holding it. When I asked Hermes about it later, he said he wasn't sure what happened either."
"Thinking about it now, that doll must have been made by you as well, Alice. But the proportions in many places didn't quite match my actual measurements. Next time I place an order, I hope to get a doll that's a perfect replica."
"Of course, whether it's my body measurements or anything else, I'll let you inspect everything, Alice~ Inside and out~~ I won't hold anything back…"
The moment Freya mentioned the doll…
Alice's eyes widened, and she immediately turned to glare at Hermes, who was currently admiring the scenery outside the Apollo Familia grounds.
"Wow~~~ The purple hyacinths are simply beautiful~~~"
"Mm, Apollo really did a good thing before he left!"
His deliberately loud voice made it clear he had heard the conversation, but he was pretending otherwise.
Seeing Hermes act like this, Alice's face flushed red with frustration.
'You didn't keep that doll for yourself! You gave it to Freya?! Just what were you thinking?!'
Watching this, Freya's smile deepened, thoroughly satisfied. She turned, preparing to leave.
"Well then, I look forward to our next meeting, my lovely Alice. By the way, I quite enjoyed Apollo's story. If there are stories about others, I'd really love to hear them."
Hearing Freya's words, Alice stared intently at Hermes, feeling a bit aggrieved.
"Of course there are. Like the various stories about a certain thief and trickster named Hermes, born in Greece."
"Is that so?" The smile on Freya's face grew even deeper. "Then I'll eagerly await the opening of your shop, Alice."
As Freya walked towards the entrance, she suddenly caught sight of a pure flash of white, and beside it, Hestia.
Looking at Hestia, Freya seemed to have a sudden realization.
"Now that I think about it, you've been getting along quite well with Alice lately, Hestia. You get to go over for meals every day."
Alice's attitude towards her was completely different from her attitude towards Loki.
Freya had been pondering the reason, but upon seeing Hestia, she seemed to understand.
"Freya…"
Hestia, noticing Freya approaching, quickly moved to shield Bell behind her.
"Alice made a deal with me. While I'm teaching her Divine Script, I get to have meals at her place."
"I see." Freya finally understood completely. "Looking at it that way, it seems I truly don't have much of a chance. But even so, I won't give up."
Her gaze fell upon the boy shielded behind Hestia. A flicker of surprise passed through Freya's eyes, and then her expression softened even further.
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