The grand carriage rolled to a stop before the Apollo Familia estate, a massive structure brimming with ostentatious gold embellishments and an air of arrogance. The ball had already begun, the rhythmic melody of string instruments flowing into the night, interwoven with laughter and chatter of gods, goddesses, and adventurers alike.
The door of the carriage opened smoothly, and Harry stepped out first, his azure eyes glowing faintly in the light of the grand chandeliers beyond the entrance. His presence alone demanded attention, his sharp features and carefully curated attire radiating an aura of power and charisma. Blond hair in a stylish curtain cut, a sleek black button-up with the sleeves rolled up, black pants, and elegant shoes with crimson soles—his look was nothing short of captivating.
Then, in a perfectly smooth motion, he turned and offered his hand.
A delicate yet confident hand took his own.
Hestia stepped out, her presence stealing the breath of everyone nearby. Her black, backless dress, hugging her curves in all the right places, paired with white thigh-highs and black heels that she had trained herself to wear, made her a vision of divine beauty. Silky black gloves, golden jewelry embedded with blue gemstones, and a high ponytail with delicate strands framing her face completed her ethereal look.
The moment they entered, all eyes turned to them.
Silence.
Gods and goddesses gawked. Mortals either blushed, gulped, or turned away in sheer intimidation. The sheer presence they exuded was enough to drown the entire room in a sea of whispered admiration and envy.
Hooking her arm around Harry's, Hestia smirked with an amused glint in her deep blue eyes. "We're stealing the show, aren't we?"
Harry grinned, his aura shifting slightly, playful yet deadly. "Was there ever a doubt?"
Bell, watching from behind, scanned the ballroom swiftly, analyzing points of interest, exits, and threats. But his hungry goddess was more interested in another target—food.
"There's a table with food and beverages over there, Lady Hestia." Bell pointed.
"Excellent work, Bell-kun! I shall reward you with my blessing later!" Hestia declared before skipping off excitedly.
And with that, Harry was left alone, only for two imposing figures to approach him.
Freya and Ottarl.
The Strongest Adventurer and the Goddess of Beauty, Love, and Desire.
Freya's eyes shimmered with their usual charm, her lips curling into a smile as she examined him, expecting him to fall under her spell, as many had before.
But instead of succumbing, Harry merely smirked. He held her gaze, completely unfazed.
"Oh? Not immediately taken by me?" she mused.
Harry tilted his head. "What can I say? I like a challenge." His voice dropped into a smooth, teasing tone. "Are you offering yourself?"
Freya's eyes widened slightly before she laughed, genuinely entertained. "You're bold, I'll give you that."
"Bold enough to score a date with you?" Harry grinned.
"Hmm… how interesting," Freya purred, pressing a delicate finger to her lips. "Very well. I shall indulge you, Harry of the Hestia Familia."
Just as the tension thickened, a force of nature stormed in.
Hestia.
Her possessiveness flared as she latched onto Harry's arm, pulling him into a deep, claiming kiss.
Freya clicked her tongue in mild irritation.
But Harry simply chuckled, glancing at Hestia with fond amusement. "Hestia, love, did you forget?" He tapped his temple lightly. "I'm resistant to this kind of thing."
Freya's lips parted slightly as realization dawned.
"I see…" she hummed, a smirk playing at her lips. "That makes things… much more fun. I look forward to our date."
And with that, she departed with Ottarl, leaving behind a flustered Hestia and an amused Harry.
As the music shifted to a slow, elegant rhythm, Loki and Aiz appeared.
"Oi, brat," Loki grinned, hands on her hips. "The money from our little deal will be transferred after this event. Don't go spendin' it all in one place, ya hear?"
Harry nodded. "Duly noted."
Then, the slow music started, and Hestia and Loki immediately got into a friendly quarrel over who danced better.
Rolling his eyes, Harry turned to Aiz and extended his hand. "Would you care for a dance?"
Aiz blinked, then, after a moment's hesitation, placed her hand in his.
The two glided across the ballroom, their dance mesmerizing onlookers. The way Harry led with confidence and Aiz followed with quiet grace made them appear almost unreal—like figures from a dream.
And then—
A spotlight.
The music stopped.
Stepping forward dramatically, Apollo arrived, flanked by his Familia.
With a smug expression, Apollo spread his arms. "Harry of the Hestia Familia! You and your Familia have committed heinous acts of violence against my members! I demand justice!"
Silence.
Then—
A chuckle.
A low, quiet sound at first, before it turned into a full-blown laugh.
Harry burst out laughing in front of everyone.
Apollo's face twisted in rage. "What's so funny!?"
Harry wiped a tear from his eye, smirking. "Oh, I'm sorry. It's just—you really thought this would work?"
Murmurs spread through the crowd.
Harry turned to the gods. "Let's make this simple. We all know gods have lie detection, right? So let's have a third-party god handle this."
Hermes stepped forward, grinning. "Well, I do love a bit of drama."
Both Harry and Hermes vowed to speak only the truth.
Harry recounted the exact events of the Hostess of Fertility incident, with Hermes confirming every statement as true.
Apollo's face twisted in fury. His plan—exposed as a blatant fabrication.
But Apollo wasn't done.
"I challenge Hestia Familia to a War Game!" he declared, his voice filled with arrogance.
Silence.
Then, to everyone's utter shock—
Harry accepted.
And he didn't stop there.
With a smirk, he leaned in slightly. "You're either really brave or really dumb, Apollo." His voice turned cold. "Either way, you have put your Familia in grave danger now."
Apollo took a step back, feeling an ominous chill run down his spine.
And then—
Darkness.
Harry used his magic for a grand display of magic, shrouding himself and Hestia in swirling shadows while allowing their figures to remain illuminated.
Their presence became overwhelming.
The gods shuddered.
And with a final parting glance, Harry smirked.
"I shall see you on the battlefield."