[Daliance with Destiny]
For the first time since arriving in Orario, Tanya didn’t wake up at dawn and immediately prepare for a dungeon run.
Instead, she rose at a reasonable hour, took her time dressing, and made her way downstairs to find the Hostess of Fertility already bustling with the morning crowd. As usual, Tanya found herself gravitating toward the table in the corner that had ostensibly become hers over the weeks since she had arrived.
Also as usual, Syr appeared at the table’s edge, a steaming pot in hand and a smile on her face.
“The usual?” the gray-haired woman asked.
“Please.” Tanya nodded. Syr poured a generous measure of the steaming drink into Tanya’s cup, filling it to the top. Tanya wrapped her hands around the ceramic, savoring the warmth that seeped into her fingers. The first sip was bitter and strong, exactly the way she preferred it.
“You’re in a good mood today,” Syr observed as Tanya hummed in pleasure.
Tanya raised an eyebrow. “This is my usual mood,” she said, gently placing the cup down. “I’ve simply been a bit... out of sorts lately.”
Syr nodded, immediately catching Tanya’s meaning. She glanced around, noting the empty tavern and the other waitresses milling around. After a moment, she slid into the booth across from Tanya, placing the coffee pot between them.
“So I assume that means there’s good news about your debt?”
Tanya nodded, taking another sip of her coffee. “I’ve acquired the requested sum. Now all I have to do is deliver it.”
Syr’s face brightened immediately, her hands clasping together in genuine delight. “That’s wonderful, Tanya! I’m so happy for you! Though...”
The woman’s face suddenly shifted, a strange look slipping over her expression as she trailed off. Tanya noticed and her brow furrowed in concern.
“Is something wrong?” she asked.
Syr blinked, as if she hadn’t realized what had happened. Then, she laughed, her grey hair swaying as she shook her head. “Oh! No, nothing’s wrong. I guess I’ve just grown a bit used to seeing you here in the mornings. It’s going to be weird not having you around.”
Tanya studied the woman’s expression, noting the way her fingers fidgeted with the lapel of her uniform. It was strange, in a way. They had only known each other for a few weeks, and their interactions had been limited to brief exchanges over meals and the occasional conversation. Yet Syr seemed genuinely affected by the prospect of her departure.
“I might stay for a little longer,” Tanya said, setting down her cup. “I’ve grown accustomed to the accommodations here, and I haven’t found anywhere else that brews a decent black coffee.”
Syr tilted her head. “Have you tried other places?”
Tanya smiled wryly. “No, I haven’t.”
“Then keep it that way,” Syr said, topping off Tanya’s drink with a wink. “Personally, I think our coffee is kind of bad.”
Tanya snorted, an undignified sound that drew a wider grin from Syr. The coffee wasn’t exceptional by any means, but it was serviceable, and serviceable was better than the alternative. “I’ll take that under advisement.”
Syr rose from the booth with a giggle. Before she could say anything further, a booming voice cut through the near silent tavern.
“Syr! Stop chatting and get back to work!”
Mama Mia stood near the kitchen entrance, her thick arms crossed over her chest as she glared at the gray-haired waitress with a stern expression, though her eyes were light with amusement. Syr stuck her tongue out at the older woman before turning back to Tanya.
“Duty calls,” she said, retrieving the coffee pot and giving Tanya one last grin. “I’ll be back soon if you want to order breakfast.”
With that, she disappeared, heading back into the kitchen where a few other voices were coming from. Tanya watched her go, then grabbed her journal from her satchel, opening it to a fresh page.
It was strange, she reflected, how quickly certain aspects of this new life had become routine. The morning coffee, the familiar faces, the rhythm of the Hostess. In her previous lives, such stability had been rare, often interrupted by war or corporate restructuring or the whims of a petty deity. It was nice, in a way. Having something predictable in her life once more.
Tanya lifted her cup to her lips, sipping quietly. She would need to stay in the city for a while longer anyway, if she wanted to pursue the repair of her computation orb. The lead she had found in Krov was promising, though the cost remained a bit prohibitive. Though with her debt cleared, she could at least begin setting aside funds for that project.
That was assuming, of course, that Apollo didn’t have any other nasty tricks up his sleeve for her.
~~~
The walk to the Apollo Estate was a familiar one by now. Tanya had made the journey only once before, but the route was simple enough to remember. Head east from the Hostess, pass through the merchant district, and continue until the white marble columns came into view.
She was dressed in the same attire as last time: a white button-down shirt and simple black trousers. Her saber was sheathed on one hip, her Luger on the opposite side, hidden beneath her shirt. And in her hand, she carried a heavy pouch that clinked with every step. One hundred thousand Valis, the full sum of her debt.
The morning sun was pleasant against her skin as she walked, and for the first time in weeks, she felt something approaching contentment. That was until the Apollo Estate came into view around a bend in the road, and Tanya slowed to a halt, taking in the scene in front of her.
The gates were swarming with people. A veritable crowd had gathered just outside the estate’s entrance, and they were decidedly not adventurers. These were men and women of obvious wealth and status, dressed in fine fabrics and expensive jewelry. The women wore flowing gowns in vibrant colors, their hair styled in elaborate arrangements, while the men sported tailored coats and polished shoes. They stood in clusters, laughing and chatting amongst themselves as they waited for entry.
A party? Tanya observed the gathering from a distance, her brow furrowing. She had not heard anything about a banquet. Then again, why would she? She wasn’t exactly privy to the social calendar of Orario’s elite.
This could be an issue. She was hoping to make this a quick affair, and she certainly didn’t want to get roped into whatever was going on here.
She considered her options. Returning tomorrow seemed the most prudent course of action. The debt wasn’t due until the end of the month, and she had time to spare. Alternatively, she could return later that night, after the festivities had concluded and the guests had dispersed.
But as she stood there, weighing her choices, she noticed the crowd shifting around her. The movement was subtle at first, a few glances in her direction, a pause in conversation. Soon, the attention of those nearest to her had drifted away from their companions and settled squarely on her.
Tanya was acutely aware of how she must have appeared. A child in simple clothing, weapons at her hips, standing among nobility in their finery. It was akin to a wolf walking amongst poodles.
“Who is she?” someone whispered nearby.
“Did Apollo invite her as well?”
“Look at those clothes. She’s dressed like a young man!”
“How uncouth!”
“She’d best not ruin the party.”
Tanya ignored the murmurs, eying the crowd as she debated on the most prudent course of action. She was prepared to turn around and simply walk away when a voice called out to her.
“Miss Degurechaff?”
Tanya turned toward the voice, finding the gate guard from her previous visit watching her from his post. He was hard to miss, built like a statue and just as expressive, though his eyes held a hint of recognition as he gazed at her through the crowd.
“Miss Degurechaff,” he repeated, gesturing for her to approach. “Lord Apollo has been expecting you. Please, follow me.”
The murmurs around her intensified. Tanya caught fragments of conversation as she made her way through the crowd, the guests parting before her like water around a stone.
“Degurechaff? Who is that?”
“Is he letting her through? I’ve been waiting for an hour!”
“Is she some kind of entertainer?”
“Hmph! I won’t forget this.”
The guard paid them no mind, leading her through the gates and into the estate grounds. Tanya followed, her hand resting casually on her saber. The gates closed behind them with an audible clang, separating them from the masses once more.
Tanya glanced back, taking in the displeased faces of the crowd just beyond. “I wasn’t aware there was an event being held today.”
The guard didn’t even look at her. “Lord Apollo announced the banquet only yesterday. It was quite sudden, even by his standards.”
“How convenient that my visit coincides with such an occasion,” she remarked dryly.
The guard’s expression didn’t change, but something flickered in his eyes. “Indeed.”
The guard led her through the estate’s entrance, but instead of heading toward the solarium where she had met Apollo before, they turned down a different corridor. The sounds of the banquet filtered through the walls, the dull murmur of conversation and clinking glasses just within earshot. The guard paid them no mind.
“Lord Apollo has prepared a room for you,” he explained. “You will need to change before entering the banquet hall.”
Tanya’s steps faltered. “Change?”
“Your current attire is not appropriate for the occasion.” The guard’s tone was flat, leaving no room for argument.
Tanya’s jaw tightened. She was here to settle a debt, not to play dress-up. She almost thought about saying something, but she had made it this far. She could make do with a small setback as long as she got what she wanted in the end.
They arrived at a door that the guard opened to reveal a modest sitting room. Inside, a woman in finery waited beside a rack of clothing. Dresses of various styles hung from wooden hangers, their fabrics catching the light in shimmering waves.
“Please,” the guard said, gesturing inside. “You may leave your belongings here. They will be returned to you after the banquet.”
Tanya’s eyes narrowed. “My belongings will remain with me.”
The guard’s expression didn’t waver. “Weapons are not permitted in the banquet hall. It is standard protocol for events of this nature. I assure you, your belongings will be perfectly safe.”
Tanya studied the guard’s face, searching for any sign of deception. The man’s face was a professional mask and she couldn’t glean a single thing behind his blank expression. Behind him, the servant woman gave Tanya what she likely thought was a reassuring smile, lips tilting as if she were trying to comfort a child getting ready to throw a tantrum.
“I will leave my saber,” Tanya said finally. “But the money will stay with me.”
The guard’s gaze flickered to the pouch in her hand. “I can deliver that to Lord Apollo on your behalf.”
“No,” Tanya said sharply. “I will deliver it myself. Directly.”
For a moment, the two of them stared at each other. Then the guard inclined his head once. “As you wish. Please, be quick. You don’t want to miss the festivities.”
Tanya stepped into the room, and the door closed behind her with a soft click.
The woman moved forward immediately, her hands already reaching for the buttons of Tanya’s shirt. “If you would, miss, we don’t have much time.”
Tanya stepped back, frowning deeply “I can undress myself.”
“Of course, miss. I apologize.” The woman stepped back, her cheeks flushing. “It’s just that the banquet has already begun, and Lord Apollo was very intent on your being there. We don’t want to keep him waiting.”
So he knew I was coming, Tanya thought as she worked the buttons of her shirt. Licia must have told him or perhaps he had simply made an educated guess. Surely this banquet wasn’t just for her, though? Apollo was clearly wealthy, but to spend the money and effort to throw a last-minute party just for a single girl was ludicrous. Something else was going on. Schemes were unfolding before her eyes, but she was unable to see behind the curtain just yet.
Tanya handed her clothes off to the woman as she stripped. The woman took them with careful hands, folding them neatly and setting them aside, and Tanya took a moment to study her as she worked at the buttons of her trousers. The woman was mousy, with dirty blonde hair and a sharp nose that was more striking than unattractive, complimenting her eyebrows and the set of her jaw. Her hands were free of callouses, and her skin was soft—clearly not an adventurer. A servant, perhaps?
When Tanya reached for her Luger, she paused. The weapon sat in its holster against her ribs, hidden by her body, half turned away. The servant hadn’t noticed it yet, occupied as she was with organizing the discarded clothing.
“I will need an underlayer,” Tanya said, drawing the servant’s attention. “Something with pockets, if possible.”
The woman turned, her eyes moving over the available dresses. “I’m afraid these gowns don’t typically have pockets, miss. But I can provide a small bag for your personal effects—”
“That won’t be necessary.” Tanya pulled her shirt back on, leaving it unbuttoned. “I’ll keep my undergarments as they are.”
The servant blinked, clearly confused by the request, but didn’t argue. Instead, she selected a dress from the rack, a flowing thing in deep blue with silver embroidery along the hem and bodice. She held it up for Tanya’s inspection.
“This should fit well enough. Lord Apollo had it prepared specifically for you.”
The words sent a chill down Tanya’s spine, but she said nothing, allowing the servant to help her into the gown. The fabric was heavier than she expected, silky against her skin. It fit remarkably well, hugging her frame in a way that suggested it had been tailored to her measurements. The thought was not comforting.
“The belt, miss,” the servant said, producing a matching sash. “And your hair–”
“Will stay as it is,” Tanya interrupted. She fastened the belt around her waist. “I’m ready.”
The servant looked as though she wanted to protest, but one glance at Tanya’s expression seemed to change her mind. She nodded and moved to the door, opening it to reveal the guard still waiting in the corridor.
Tanya stepped out, her coin pouch clutched firmly in her hand. The saber was gone, left behind with the rest of her belongings, but the Luger remained. It was a small comfort, but a comfort nonetheless.
“This way,” the guard said, turning to lead her deeper into the estate.
The sounds of the banquet grew louder as they walked, the murmur of conversation punctuated by bursts of laughter and the gentle strains of string music. Tanya’s eyes scanned the corridors, noting the turns they took, the positions of the windows, the number of guards they passed. Old habits died hard, and she had no intention of entering this situation without knowing her exits.
They were nearly to the banquet hall when a familiar voice called out from behind.
“Tanya!”
Tanya turned to find Licia approaching down a side corridor. The woman was dressed in a gown of her own, a green and golden piece that paired well with her hair. There was something in her expression that Tanya couldn’t quite place. A tension around her eyes, a tightness in her smile that suggested it wasn’t quite as genuine as it seemed.
“Licia,” Tanya acknowledged. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”
“I–Lord Apollo asked me to attend,” Licia said, her voice slightly breathless. Her eyes darted across Tanya’s dress, pausing right where Tanya’s Luger was hidden before moving on. Her instincts, it seemed, hadn’t been dulled by the frivolities.
“It is good to see you’re doing... well, I won’t say well. I know things must be difficult for you,” Tanya said, inclining her head softly. Licia smiled thankfully, though it was a fragile thing compared to her usual grins. “Has there been any word on Dorian or Asterin?”
Strangely, Licia’s entire body seemed to lock up at Tanya’s words. Her eyes, which had been having trouble staying in one place, suddenly locked onto Tanya’s with an intensity that took her back.
“No.” The word was simple, but there was a weight behind it, and emphasis that Tanya simply didn’t have the ability to place. Licia’s face twisted, and her hands resumed their fidgeting. “No. W-we haven’t had the time to send a party down after them, and they haven’t come up on their own. Lord Apollo was hoping to send one down today, after the banquet.”
Tanya stared at her, a small frown etched into her expression. Licia seemed to fidget under the scrutiny, clearly uncomfortable. Her mouth opened, but before she could say another word, the guard hovering beside them cleared his throat.
“We should continue to the banquet,” he said, the words escaping with an odd intonation, as if he were speaking to both of them instead of just Tanya. “Lord Apollo does not like to be kept waiting.”
Licia’s jaw snapped shut. Her eyes met Tanya’s, and she swallowed, before nodding slowly. “You’re right. I’ll… see you inside, Tanya.”
Tanya nodded slowly, a concerning knot settling in her gut. “I’ll save you a drink. And maybe, once all of this is over, we can share another at the Hostess?”
Licia smiled thinly. “I’d like that.”
She stared at Tanya, eyes flitting between her and the guard, before she suddenly surged forward, wrapping her arms around Tanya and pulling her into an embrace.
Filing away the woman’s strange behavior for later analysis, Tanya stiffened, her body tensing at the sudden contact. The guard gestured for her to continue, and she followed him down the corridor, leaving Licia behind. They were certainly not close enough for such familiarity, and she found herself wondering what in the world the woman thought she was doing.
The embrace didn’t last long before Licia pulled away. As she did so, her lips slipped past Tanya’s ear for the barest moments, and she uttered a single phrase.
“Be careful.”
Tanya blinked, and in that time, Licia turned and disappeared down the corridor, her green and gold gown disappearing around a corner. She apparently wasn’t joining them on their way to the banquet hall, and Tanya was left with the guard who quickly ushered her down the corridor.
Tanya glanced over her shoulder after her, the woman’s softly spoken words echoing in her ear and only adding to the uncomfortable feeling sitting in her gut.
She was lying, Tanya thought as she was led onward.
The banquet hall was massive, a cathedral of opulence that made the solarium look like a broom closet. Crystal chandeliers hung from vaulted ceilings painted with murals of celestial scenes. Tables laden with food lined the walls, while servants in crisp uniforms wove between guests carrying silver trays of drinks. The air was thick with the mingled scents of roasted meat, fresh bread, and expensive perfume.
Tanya, of course, didn’t recognize a single face.
Nobles and wealthy adventurers mingled in clusters, their laughter and conversation creating a wall of sound that made individual words impossible to pick out. They were dressed in ostentatious clothing that probably cost more than Tanya’s entire debt: elaborate gowns with trailing skirts, tailored coats with gold embroidery, jewelry that caught the chandelier light and scattered it in dazzling patterns.
Tanya stood at the edge of it all, her coin pouch clutched in her hand like a pauper. She felt absurdly out of place. Even the Empire’s official events, of which she was oft forced to attend due to her earned fame on the Rhine Front, paled in comparison to this.
She would have preferred to simply find Apollo, settle this debt, and leave. But the god was nowhere to be seen, and she had no intention of wandering blindly through a crowd of strangers. So she simply wandered.
She circulated the room’s perimeter, keeping to the edges where she could observe without being drawn into conversation. A few guests glanced her way, their eyes lingering on her with curiosity but none approached. She was clearly not one of them, and they seemed content to let her remain in her own space.
She had made her third pass by the refreshment table when a voice made her pause.
“Well, well. Fancy meeting you here.”
Tanya turned to find a familiar face. Finn Deimne stood behind her, a glass of something amber in his hand. The Pallum was wearing a tuxedo that fit his small frame perfectly, and his blue eyes sparkled with surprise.
“Finn,” Tanya greeted with a polite nod. “I wasn’t expecting to see you either.”
“You’re the last person I expected to find rubbing shoulders in a place like this,” he said, swirling his glass with a wry smile. “I’m guessing you’re not here to join in the festivities?”
“You’d guess right,” Tanya lifted the pouch she had been lugging around. Finn’s eyes tracked it, and they widened minutely in surprise as he heard the tell-tale clink of coin within.
“Ah, so you’ve done it,” he smiled. “Congratulations, Tanya. Managing to scrounge together that many Valis without a familia is quite the feat.”
He glanced around at the crowd surrounding them. “Though I question the wisdom of deciding to pay off your debt here. It’s going to be pretty difficult getting anywhere near Lord Apollo with all of these other gods and goddesses fighting for his attention.”
Tanya tensed, her back straightening until one could probably play a pretty chord on her spine. “I’m sorry? Gods? I can’t say I’ve noticed any here.”
Finn gave her a strange look. “Truly? There are a couple dozen here, by my reckoning. Most wouldn’t miss the chance to party if you paid them not to attend.”
“Pfft! You call this a party? This is nothing. Apollo cheaped out this time.”
Tanya turned toward the voice and was met with a rather peculiar sight.
The woman who had spoken was barely taller than Finn himself, with vibrant red hair held in a ponytail and a face that could only be described as impish. Her features were sharp and angular and possessed a mischievous quality that suggested she was perpetually amused by the world around her. She wore a blue dress that was cut low to show off... nothing. Even though she was still in the unfortunate throes of puberty, Tanya was almost certain she possessed more of a bust than the woman before her.
Said woman bounded forward, her eyes alight with interest as they landed on Tanya. “Ooh! Who’s this, Finn? A new friend? She’s cute! Kind of a glarer, though, isn’t she? Look at those eyes! Scary!”
Despite the woman’s demeanor, Finn seemed almost happy at her presence. He gestured, a small smile on his face. “Tanya Degurechaff, may I introduce Lady Loki. Goddess of the Loki Familia.”
Tanya, who hadn’t realized she had been actively glaring at the woman as she walked up, hastily fixed her expression. She inclined her head. “A pleasure.”
Loki’s grin widened. “Oh, I like her! Most people freeze up when they meet a god, but not her. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say I’m in danger here.”
“I don’t mean to be rude,” Tanya said. “I simply have other matters on my mind.”
“Business before pleasure, I get it.” Loki waved a hand dismissively. “Still, you’re an interesting kid. I heard all about what you’re doing. Going into the dungeon without a Familia or even a Blessing takes pretty big guts, you know?”
Finn smiled sheepishly as Tanya’s eyes turned to him. “I may have mentioned our encounter at the Hostess of Fertility. Tione said some things and she was curious.”
“Curious isn’t the half of it” Loki said, leaning forward with her hands behind her back. “How often do you find a child running around the Dungeon without a Falna? You don’t! It’s unheard of! And here you are, not only surviving but thriving!”
Tanya felt a headache beginning to form. She knew where this conversation was going. “I’m flattered by your interest,but–”
“Join my familia!” Loki interrupted, her grin stretching impossibly wider. “I’ll give you a blessing tonight! We’ll get you set up with a proper weapon, proper training, the works! You’ll be Level Two in no time! Maybe even Level Three!”
Tanya fought the urge to rub the bridge of her nose as the offer hung in the air. Finn watched her with quiet interest, while Loki eyed her with barely-hidden enthusiasm. Behind them, the banquet continued, oblivious to the conversation taking place in the corner.
“I appreciate the offer,” Tanya said slowly. “But I must decline.”
Loki seemed genuinely shocked. Finn did not. “Eh? Decline? Why?”
“I prefer to maintain my independence,” Tanya replied. “I’ve managed well enough on my own so far, and I see no reason to change that arrangement.”
“Independence is overrated,” Loki said, her tone shifting to something almost wheedling. “Think of what you could accomplish with proper support! The Dungeon is dangerous, and you’re just one person. What happens when you run into something you can’t handle alone?”
“I’m smart enough to know my limits and how far I can safely push them. Barring some... exceptional situations, I’ve done just fine thus far.”
Loki studied her for a long moment, her impish face settling into an expression of thoughtful consideration. Then she shrugged, her grin returning. “Suit yourself.”
Tanya sighed, thankful that the woman had taken her dismissal without trying to push too hard. It would have been just her luck that she come here to pay off a debt to one god obsessed with her, only to catch the interest of another. Thankfully, Loki seemed to be—if not normal—than at least not completely insane.
Before anyone could say anything else, a voice cut through the ambient noise of the banquet, silencing conversations and drawing every eye toward the front of the hall.
“Welcome, my dear friends!”
The voice boomed through the hall, drawing the attention of all. The gathered guests turned in unison toward the raised platform at the front of the room, where Apollo stood with his arms spread wide.
He was resplendent in robes of white and gold, the fabric seeming to shimmer with an inner light. His red hair was styled to perfection, framing a face that radiated beauty and warmth. The god smiled as his golden eyes swept across the crowd.
“Thank you all for attending these festivities on such short notice,” Apollo continued. “I know many of you had to rearrange your schedules, and I am deeply grateful for your presence here.”
Tanya watched from her position near the wall, her grip tightening on her coin pouch as she listened. Apollo certainly knew how to address a crowd, that much was for sure. His clothing, mannerisms, all of it had been tailored to maximum effect. Tanya thought the Empire’s propaganda department would have had a field day with him, assuming he didn’t eventually come to head it.
“There is much in store for tonight,” Apollo said. “Music, food, wine, and good company. But there is one matter in particular that I wish to bring to your attention.”
He paused, allowing the anticipation to build. The crowd leaned forward collectively, their attention riveted.
“After all,” Apollo’s smile widened, “it is not every day that one of my children reaches Level Two!”
A murmur rippled through the crowd. Apollo gestured to the side of the platform, where a curtain had been drawn across a small alcove.
“Please, welcome the most recent member of my Familia to achieve such a milestone! Licia Dore!”
The curtain parted, and Tanya felt her breath catch as Licia stepped onto the platform, taking up vigil beside her god. Her head was high and her shoulders squared, but the pride in her posture was brittle. Her face was carefully blank, her eyes fixed on some distant point above the crowd.
She looked, Tanya thought, like a prisoner being marched to execution.
“Come, my dear,” Apollo said, draping an arm around her shoulders. “No need to be shy; let them see you.”
Licia nodded, allowing the god to guide her to the center of the platform. Apollo’s smile was radiant as he addressed the crowd.
“Only a scant year ago, this lovely flower was but a bud, untested in the crucible of the Dungeon. Now, she has bloomed into a true adventurer! Through trials and tribulations, she has proven herself worthy of the blessing I have bestowed upon her.”
His grip on Licia’s shoulder tightened possessively as he laughed,
“She has faced the depths and emerged stronger. She has confronted loss and found resolve. She is, quite simply, magnificent.”
The crowd applauded. The sound was genuine; Level Two was a significant achievement, and the guests were not stingy with their appreciation. And yet Licia did not smile or bow. She simply stood there, her expression blank and hands curled into fists at her sides.
“Let us celebrate her achievement!” Apollo declared. “Eat, drink, and be merry! Tonight is a night of revelry!”
The applause faded as the guests returned to their conversations and their drinks. The musicians resumed their playing, and the banquet continued as if nothing had happened.
Something was wrong.
Tanya’s mind raced as she processed the scene before her. Licia becoming Level Two was certainly an achievement, worthy of recognition. But the Apollo Familia was large, and already touted several of similar or even higher rank. Tanya very much doubted that each of them was thrown their own personal banquet a mere day after having their status updated.
Adding to that, Dorian and Asterin were still ostensibly unaccounted for. Holding a celebration when two of your children were still missing would be regarded as incredibly poor taste to even the most heartless noble. Yet Apollo did not appear as a god in mourning. He was radiant, joyful, and completely unconcerned with the loss of his children.
And Licia...
Be careful.
The words echoed in Tanya’s mind. Licia was not accepting this revelry of her own accord; Tanya was certain of it. The woman’s body language, the tension in her voice, all of it pointed to one who would rather be anywhere else. And yet, she stood on a platform beside her god, accepting praise with a grave expression, barely responding to the numerous people vying for her attention.
What was Apollo playing at?
Tanya’s eyes moved across the crowd. The coin pouch in her hand suddenly felt very heavy. Settling this debt could wait. She could return tomorrow, or better yet, handle the transaction through the Guild entirely. There was no need to remain in this place a moment longer.
She turned to Finn, who was still watching the platform with a thoughtful expression.
“I’m afraid I must cut our conversation short,” she said, keeping her voice calm. “I need to leave.”
Finn’s eyebrows rose, and he moved to speak, but his eyes met hers and something passed through his expression. He nodded slowly. “If you think that’s best. It was good to see you again, Tanya.”
“Likewise,” Tanya inclined her head politely to Loki, who was watching her curiously, and turned toward the nearest exit.
But she was stopped before she could take her first step.
“Ah! There she is!”
The voice cut through the ambient noise of the banquet, silencing conversations and drawing every eye toward the source. Apollo had descended from the platform and was making his way through the crowd, his golden eyes fixed directly on her. The guests parted before him like water, their conversations dying as they turned to watch.
“Miss Degurechaff!” Apollo called out, his voice warm and welcoming. “How wonderful of you to join us! I was hoping we would have a chance to speak.”
Every eye in the room was on her now. The weight of the attention pressed down on Tanya’s shoulders, and she felt the walls of the trap closing in around her. She had walked right into it, like a mouse following the promise of cheese.
Tanya’s jaw tightened, but she forced her expression into something approaching polite interest. She turned to face the approaching god, her coin pouch clutched tightly in her hand.
“Lord Apollo,” she greeted, inclining her head. “I wasn’t expecting our next meeting to be held in such a public location. I had hoped to settle my business with you privately.”
“Nonsense!” Apollo waved a hand dismissively, his smile radiant. “This is a celebration! There will be time for business later. For now, please, enjoy yourself!”
He reached out to take her hand, his fingers wrapping around hers with a grip that was firm beneath its gentleness. Tanya allowed the contact, though every fiber of her being screamed at her to pull away.
“I see you’ve already met some of our fellow guests,” Apollo continued, gesturing toward Finn and Loki. “Loki, I trust you’re finding the festivities to your liking?”
For once, Loki was not smiling. Her eyes glanced between Apollo and Tanya with open interest. There was a certain shrewdness there, an insight far beyond anything any mortal could claim to possess.
“It’s a decent enough party, Apollo,” she said, feigning casualness. “Though I have to wonder why you’ve gone to all this trouble for a single level-up.”
“Achievements should be celebrated,” Apollo replied smoothly. “And my dear Licia has accomplished something remarkable.”
“Has she?” Loki raised a brow. “If she were a Level Five or even Four, I could understand. But blowing this much on a Level Two? It seems kind of irresponsible, no?”
Apollo’s smile didn’t waver. “Most familias don’t have the resources to celebrate such an achievement. I consider myself fortunate.”
The exchange was polite on the surface, but Tanya could sense the undercurrents beneath. It seemed that Loki had smelled the stink as well. Did Tanya have an ally in her?
“If I may, Lord Apollo,” Tanya spoke up, “I would like to settle my debt now. I have the full amount ready.”
She held up the coin pouch, letting it clink audibly. Several nearby guests turned their heads, their eyes widening in interest at the sound like vultures that had spied a fresh carcass.
Apollo glanced at the pouch and smiles. “Ah, yes. The debt. I had hoped we might discuss that privately, but since you’ve brought it up...”
He released her hand and stepped back, his golden eyes sweeping across the gathered crowd. A quick snap of his fingers and a few muttered words, and a servant cleared a space on the nearby table. Apollo nodded towards it.
“Please, count it out. I’m certain the amount is correct.”
Tanya eyed the table, then the god, then the crowd that had gathered around them, blocking any hope of escape.
She moved to the table and began counting out the coins. The process was tedious, but she refused to rush it. Every coin was counted twice, every stack verified. The crowd watched in silence as the pile grew.
“Ninety thousand,” Tanya spoke, her voice steady despite the tension coiling in her chest. “One hundred thousand.”
She stepped back from the table, her hands empty. The full sum of her debt sat in neat stacks before her, a small fortune in coin that represented weeks of grinding labor and near-death experiences.
“There,” she said. “The debt is paid in full. I trust you’ll provide a receipt acknowledging the transaction.”
Apollo studied the coins for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he smiled, and it was not the warm, welcoming smile he had worn before. There was something sharp beneath it now.
“Impressive,” he said. “You’ve managed to accumulate quite a sum in such a short time. Most adventurers would have taken much longer.”
“I’m not most adventurers,” Tanya replied evenly.
“Clearly.” Apollo circled the table slowly, his robes whispering against the floor. “But I’m afraid there’s a complication.”
Tanya’s jaw clicked. “A complication?”
“Yes.” Apollo stopped on the other side of the table, his gaze fixed on her face. “You see, one of my children has returned from the Dungeon with a rather troubling account of your recent expedition together.”
Ah, so that was his plan.
Tanya kept her expression neutral, refusing to show the alarm that blossomed in her chest.
“I’m afraid I don’t understand,” she said carefully. “What exactly did Licia say?”
Apollo’s smile widened, and he let out a soft laugh that echoed through the silent hall.
“Licia? Oh, no, my dear. Licia didn’t say anything at all.” His golden eyes glittered with amusement. “She’s been understandably reserved about the entire incident.”
Tanya’s brow furrowed, and Apollo turned, prompting others to do the same, just as the grand doors to the hall burst open, admitting a familiar figure.
Asterin Hanthor stepped into the hall, gold hair gleaming under the bright lights, an easy smile on his face. He swept into the room under a smattering of murmurs and surprised whispers, his polished shoes clicking against the freshly waxed floor as he approached. He wore a suit of white and gold and his rapier clicked against his side.
“Good morning, Miss Degurechaff,” he greeted as he stopped just in front of her. His smile tilted into a smirk as he gazed down at her, green eyes bright. “How does the day greet you?”
Tanya stared at the man, her mind grinding through the implications of his appearance. Asterin was alive. He had survived the horde and made his way out of the Dungeon, apparently without issue.
And yet, no retrieval party had been sent. No search had been organized. Licia had claimed there hadn’t been time, but clearly that was a lie. Apollo had known his child survived.
Be careful.
The warning made infinitely more sense now.
“I must admit,” Tanya said, her voice carefully neutral, “I’m surprised to see you. I had assumed the worst when you and Dorian failed to return.”
Asterin’s smile didn’t waver. “Did you? How thoughtful of you to assume my demise. Though I suppose it shouldn’t surprise me. After all, it was you who left us down there to face that horde of monsters.”
The murmurs grew louder, spreading through the crowd. Heads turned, eyes fixed on Tanya with expressions ranging from shock to disgust. She could feel the weight of their judgment settling over her like a shroud.
“Abandoned?” Tanya repeated, keeping her voice steady. “That’s a rather serious accusation.”
“You won’t find me disagreeing. But it is unfortunately accurate,” Asterin’s smile did not waver. “We were overwhelmed by a horde of monsters. You fled with Licia while Dorian and I held the line. Dorian fell because you didn’t stay to help.”
Tanya’s eyes narrowed, realization settling over her, pieces suddenly clicking into place. The man had orchestrated this entire event—the sudden banquet, the celebration, it was all set up to gather the crowd of gods and goddesses to bear witness to her grave sin. Already, she could hear them muttering in response to the perceived crime.
“She left them to die?”
“—just a child, though.”
“—heard she doesn’t even have a Falna!”
“—absolutely shameful behavior—”
They were eating this up. But why wouldn’t they? Abandoning one’s party in the Dungeon was tantamount to killing them yourself, whether or not they survived. To abandon your fellow humans to that den of evil was betraying the very humanity that separated man from monster, and once discovered, you would be treated as such. It rarely happened. Or at least if it did, the ones responsible made sure there were none alive to share the tale.
“I see,” Tanya said slowly, her voice carrying through the hall. “And you survived, Asterin. How fortunate for you.”
The man’s smile flickered almost imperceptibly. “Fortunate, yes. Though I barely managed to escape with my life. The grief of what happened to Dorian weighs heavily upon me.”
“Does it?” Tanya tilted her head, studying him with narrowed eyes. “Strange. You don’t appear particularly weighed down.”
Asterin’s expression remained pleasant, but the atmosphere around him seemed to shift. He ignored her words with a polite smile, turning to address the crowd instead.
“My friends, I understand this news comes as a shock. But I feel it is important that you understand the character of the individual standing before you.” He gestured toward Tanya. “This girl abandoned her companions in the depths of the Dungeon, leaving them to die so that she could save herself. Dorian was a good man, a skilled adventurer, and a loyal member of our Familia. His fate rests squarely on her shoulders.”
The murmuring intensified. Tanya could feel the crowd turning against her, their opinions solidifying with each word Asterin spoke. She was being painted as a coward, a traitor, someone who fled when the situation became dire.
“Is this true?” someone called out from the crowd.
“Shameful!” another voice added.
“How could someone so young be so callous?”
Apollo raised a hand, silencing the crowd with a single gesture. His golden eyes fixed on Tanya, and his smile had taken on a predatory edge.
“Miss Degurechaff,” he said, his voice smooth as silk. “These are serious accusations. Asterin is a trusted member of my Familia who has been with us for years. His word carries weight.”
“I’m sure it does,” Tanya replied snidely.
“If what he says is true, then you have committed a grave offense against my Familia. A debt of one hundred thousand Valis is a trifle compared to the cost of a life.” Apollo’s smile widened. “Restitution must be made.”
“Restitution,” Tanya fought a sneer, the word tasting sour on her tongue.
“Yes.” Apollo spread his hands in a gesture of false magnanimity. “I am not an unreasonable god. I understand that mistakes can be made, especially by one so young and untested. A life was lost due to your actions. Or rather, your inaction. The scales must be balanced.”
He stepped closer, his eyes boring into hers as he spoke in a tone that carried to the furthest corners of the hall.
“Join my Familia,” he said. “Serve me as Dorian would have served me. Dedicate your life to me, and I will consider the debt paid in full.”
And the trap snaps shut, Tanya thought grimly.