Freya had left.
With her departure, the gods no longer felt the need to maintain appearances. They began pairing off or gathering in small groups, making excuses about the banquet not having been satisfying enough and heading off to the tavern for another round of drinks.
One after another, the deities all took their leave.
Outside the Apollo Familia grounds, Lili and the rest of the Hermes Familia now entered the main hall of the venue.
Currently, in the main hall of the Apollo Familia's venue, aside from Alice, Loki, Riveria, and Lefiya, there were also the two members of the Hestia Familia, most of the Hermes Familia, and the entire Apollo Familia.
"Lord Hermes, thank you so much for your Familia's help in this matter. I will settle my deal with Asfi as soon as possible, and the cost of the materials for the puppets will also be repaid promptly."
Although Alice was somewhat annoyed about the whole Freya puppet issue, the Hermes Familia had truly been a great help in smoothly sending Apollo back to Heaven.
First, there were the puppet materials.
The puppets that had surrounded the Apollo Familia were hastily crafted by Alice over the last two days, yet each one was of higher quality than those from her "Little Legion."
The magic crystals for their cores and the materials for their bodies were all purchased from the Hermes Familia.
And bought on credit, no less.
After all, Alice's personal mana alone wouldn't have been enough to pull all the gods at the banquet into the illusion.
So, the puppets had played a crucial role in this affair.
In response to Alice's gratitude, Hermes tipped his hat.
"Not a problem. Through this incident, I've become quite satisfied with our cooperation, Alice-chan. There's no rush on the material costs; pay them back whenever you like."
"Besides, aren't you planning to open a puppet shop, Alice-chan? From now on, any materials you purchase from the Hermes Familia will be just ten percent above cost. Consider it a gesture of goodwill from us."
"It's fine if you dislike me, Alice-chan. Just maintain a good relationship with my Asfi, that's all I ask."
After this incident, Hermes was very keen on getting into Alice's good graces. But since Alice had outright refused the Goddess of Beauty, Freya, and publicly revealed her own preferences in front of the gods, she would likely never form a deep connection with him, a male god.
But he still had Asfi.
Because of this, even Hermes had to admit his luck was pretty good—his own child had managed to build a decent relationship with the girl from another world.
Though, if anyone had truly great luck, it had to be Hestia.
Alice hadn't needed to attend Apollo's banquet, but she'd come because of Hestia.
And most importantly, Alice didn't dislike Hestia; in fact, she seemed rather fond of her.
True, Alice was currently closer to Loki, but one had to remember that Alice had been connected to Loki from the start and had initially planned to join the Loki Familia.
And Hestia? She'd just been kicked out by Hephaestus and happened to live across from Alice. That was all it took for her to build a good relationship with her.
Her luck was just too good.
Hermes gave a slight smile.
"I am the God of Travelers. As for Familia matters, I'll leave them to you, Asfi, same as always."
"Well then, since everyone present is female, I, a mere male, won't spoil the atmosphere by sticking around. If I find the time, I'll drop by your little shop, Alice-chan. I hope you won't chase me out."
As Hermes spoke, Alice's expression turned cold. "As long as you don't order any strange custom items. And to think you gave something like that to the actual person... How you didn't get beaten to a pulp by Freya is beyond me."
"Ha, haha..." Even Hermes felt a bit awkward under Alice's words. Forcing a laugh, he said, "Freya was actually quite fond of that puppet of herself, you know."
"Oh, and one more thing, Alice-chan. Freya can be very... passionate. Since she said those words, you'd better be very careful when she visits your shop for that 'physical inspection.'"
A suggestive smile spread across Hermes's face. "With Freya's skills, even just her hands could reduce you to a helpless mess. So do be cautious."
Having said that, and after enjoying a good look at Alice's adorably fierce glare, Hermes waved his hand and departed, taking all the members of his Familia with him.
Watching Hermes leave, Alice let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Having males around really made her uncomfortable. Now that she was surrounded entirely by women—and familiar ones at that—she could finally relax.
Hm? Bell?
That child was harmless. Alice didn't think of him as a member of the opposite sex at all. Bell was just a simple kid.
"Well then, it's all over. We should head back too." By now, the mana in Alice's body had recovered enough for her to move freely.
Though the mental fatigue would still require a good night's sleep to shake off.
"That's true, it is getting quite late." Loki glanced out the window at the deep night. "Alice-chan, do you want me and Lefiya to walk you back? You're not in top shape right now. How about staying at Lefiya's place tonight?"
"And you, the little Pallum girl—Lili, right? You come along too. You too, shortstack, but remember, you're only getting to stay at the Loki Familia home because you're with Alice-chan."
"So you'd better be properly grateful."
Loki crossed her arms, looking down at Hestia from her height.
Hearing this, Hestia rolled her eyes and replied grudgingly, "As much as I don't want to, given the circumstances, I suppose we have no choice but to trouble you."
This wasn't like ordinary times.
Anyone could see Alice wasn't in good condition. If her usual strength was around Level 3, right now she was probably only about Level 2.
So, if any of the gods who had just left were entertaining any shady ideas, now would be the perfect time to try and snatch Alice away.
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