"Honestly! How could you go off alone with someone from the Loki Familia!"
The moment Hestia opened the door, she angrily threw herself into Roland's arms, clinging to him.
"Everyone in that Familia is as devious as their goddess, especially that Wallen-something! Roland, you need to be more wary!"
Roland sighed helplessly. Seeing the little goddess looking jealous, he guessed she had probably suffered a crushing defeat at the divine assembly.
"Did something unexpected happen at today's assembly? I know you and Loki don't get along, but I don't think Loki could have made you this anxious."
Sure enough, the moment Roland finished speaking, Hestia's expression froze.
Roland was right. The reason Hestia had forgotten her reserve as a virgin goddess as soon as she returned and overstepped a little by hugging Roland, acting as though she feared he might run away, was simple.
She simply wanted to bring back the sense of [security] she had felt over the past few days. That was all.
But some things she would rather die than admit!
She had intended to defend a minimum standard for Roland's title at the assembly, only to receive Freya's assistance. Hestia simply couldn't bring herself to say it.
After the assembly ended, although Hestia still couldn't say she liked Freya, courtesy demanded she thank her for helping her out. Hestia had found a room and stopped Freya to express her gratitude, only to hear an unexpected reply.
"It's fine, Hestia. I wasn't doing it for you in the first place."
Looking down at Hestia, Freya made a suggestion in a captivating, soul-stealing voice that sent shivers through even another woman.
"But after what happened today, you've gained a little understanding of reality, haven't you? You can't protect him. Why not give him to me?"
Hestia had sensed