"Do you know what you're saying? What right do you have to question a rule established by the Gods?"
Hephaestus spoke slowly, looking at Arthas with a mixture of weariness and exasperation.
She thought she understood Arthas's personality, but he'd surprised her. This wasn't just pride or strong self-esteem; it was blatant disregard for authority.
The Gods' authority had diminished over time, but that didn't mean mortals could dictate to them. Arthas was defying the Gods.
"I'm not questioning; I'm requesting a change to this unreasonable rule."
"I understand your intention, but it's impossible. Following your logic, we wouldn't need Familias. No competition, no need to work hard; all Gods could form a single Familia."
"That's not a bad idea."
Arthas replied, smiling slyly; Hephaestus said seriously,
"Gods descend to bestow blessings, to help mortals hone themselves, fight monsters, and survive. We don't protect the indolent; those seeking unearned rewards won't be saved."
"Oh… so we descended with such a noble goal?"
"I was bored and looking for fun."
"Shh! Maintain your dignity in front of mortals!"
But Hephaestus's words were followed by murmurs from the other Gods, shattering her serious expression.
"Hephaestus, you may think that, but your colleagues don't seem to share your self-awareness."
Arthas shrugged, amused; Hephaestus glared at the gossiping Gods.
She sighed; she knew she couldn't convince him. Only Hestia could stop him.
"I'm leaving."
Hephaestus said coldly and left.
Arthas didn't stop her; Hestia would find out anyway. Let Hephaestus tattle.
He needed to resolve this before Hestia arrived.
As Arthas pondered, Loki spoke again.
"I know what you're thinking, but even if the Gods agree, I won't hand over my child to an outsider. Let's be clear: the weak Hestia Familia is unworthy of my child!"
"Weak and strong… aren't determined by words."
Arthas sighed, displeased. His hand tightened; a chilling coldness spread through the hall.
The Gods shrank back, surprised by the sudden drop in temperature. Arthas spoke again.
"It seems a war game is unavoidable."
His tone was the same as before, making Loki frown.
His confident tone annoyed her.
"Fine, I'll accept. But can you afford to lose? If you win, Riveria is yours. If you lose…?"
Loki said; Arthas frowned.
"I won't use Riveria as a bargaining chip! That's disrespectful! I won't force Riveria to leave the Loki Familia. If I win, I want the Gods to make an exception for Riveria and me. The rule against inter-Familia marriage remains, but with an exception for us."
Loki paused, slightly embarrassed, then recovered.
"You're oversimplifying things. Inter-Familia relationships cause problems. Even making an exception…"
Her tone softened. She paused, then continued.
"You're right; I wouldn't use my child as a bargaining chip, even in a sure win. That's disrespectful to Riveria. So, even if the victory condition is as you say, what's your price for losing? Don't say you'll never see Riveria again; that's meaningless."
"If I lose, I'll accept your punishment."
Arthas said calmly; Loki chuckled.
"My punishment? You overestimate yourself. You're a Level 1 adventurer. What's the point of punishing you?"
Loki said, amused.
"Your life is worthless; you're not qualified to negotiate."
"Even in a war game, there must be stakes. Your 'accept any punishment' isn't equivalent to your request."
Another God spoke; Arthas frowned.
He hadn't expected this obstacle.
Then, a firm voice echoed from outside.
"Additional stake: the entire Hestia Familia, including myself, will serve the Loki Familia. Is that enough?"
"Hestia… what are you saying? Are you crazy?!"
Hephaestus, who'd come to persuade Arthas, stared in disbelief.
Hestia ignored her, stepping forward, beside Arthas, staring at Loki, repeating her words.
"Is this stake… enough?"
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