The Ganesha Familia headquarters—the venue for the Banquet of the Gods.
Many Gods arriving at the venue wore strange expressions; some even turned to leave.
The Ganesha Familia headquarters was striking, even in Orario, a city glittering with countless lights. Or perhaps, it was bizarre.
A giant statue of an elephant-headed deity sat cross-legged in a large, white-walled courtyard.
The statue was at least thirty meters tall. Its imposing posture, designed to evoke a strange feeling in viewers, was illuminated by massive magic stone lamps.
This was a real building.
Ganesha, a handsome God with dark skin and a muscular physique, had, for some reason, used the Familia's savings to build this enormous structure.
This was the Ganesha Familia headquarters, "I am Ganesha."
It was unpopular with the Familia members, who reluctantly entered and exited through the center of the cross-legged statue's legs.
"Ganesha's taste is…"
"I think it's cool. Ganesha's got style."
Though strange, turning back would be rude.
The elegantly dressed Gods, looking like nobles, awkwardly entered through the statue's legs. They were all Gods.
Guests at Ganesha's Banquet of the Gods.
"Thank you all for coming! I'm Ganesha! I'm so moved so many of you could make it! I love you all! You probably want to catch up, but as per tradition, the festival is in three days. We need your Familia's assistance…"
Unlike the exterior, the interior was stately.
On a large stage, Ganesha, wearing a giant elephant mask—matching the exterior—gave a booming speech. The Gods were used to it, ignoring him and chatting amongst themselves.
The banquet was a standing reception. Long tables draped in white linen held various dishes, and fresh fruit emitted a cool fragrance. Waiters bustled about; a band prepared to play, perhaps for a dance later.
Looking around the crowded hall, almost all of Orario's Gods were present.
The number of invitations sent depended on the host Familia's manpower; attendance varied with the host's size.
The Ganesha Familia was one of Orario's largest; thus, all the Gods residing in the Dungeon City were invited.
Including the inconspicuous Hestia.
She was battling the food on the table, stuffing it into her own container.
A waiter looked at her in disbelief; it was hard to believe this poorly dressed girl was a Goddess.
This naturally drew attention, but she ignored everyone, focusing on the food. Her appearance quickly made her the center of attention.
Hestia knew she was being ridiculed; she decided to ignore it unless provoked. She continued eating, her cheeks bulging.
"What are you doing…"
"Mgu? Mm!"
A weak voice came from beside Hestia.
She turned to see fiery red hair and a crimson dress.
Sharp features showed inner strength. Her elegant earrings paled in comparison to her beauty.
Most striking was the black cloth covering half her face.
The beautiful woman, wearing an eyepatch over her right eye, looked down in surprise.
"Hephaestus!"
"Well, long time no see, Hestia. I'm glad you're well… I'd be happier if you looked more presentable."
Sighing, Hephaestus looked at the ceiling; her hair shimmered under the magic stone lights. The red threads seemed to sparkle like sugar.
Hestia thought, That hair is always so beautiful, and ran to her.
"Great, you came! I made the right choice."
"Don't get ahead of yourself. I'm not lending you a single Fal anymore."
"That's… rude!"
Hephaestus glared at Hestia, speaking sharply.
Hephaestus was Hestia's friend before she met Arthas.
Despite their close friendship, Hestia, since living in Orario, hadn't formed a Familia or worked, disappointing Hephaestus.
After Hephaestus finally kicked her out, Hestia constantly needed help—money, work, shelter—driving Hephaestus crazy.
Hephaestus, loyal and kind, couldn't abandon Hestia but couldn't let her starve.
Hephaestus provided Hestia's hidden room and found her current job. Hestia only managed to recruit Arthas.
Though Hestia acted like a Goddess in front of Arthas, she was a helpless child.
____________________
for more advance chapters visit my p@treon
p@treon.com/kane45
Casual Reader - 20 Advance Chapters
Intermediate Reader - 40 Advance Chapters
Expert Reader - 60 Advance Chapters