The next morning, the pale light of dawn filtered through the window lattice, spilling onto the floor and bringing a touch of warmth and brightness. Yet a shadow crept forward—cold and quiet—gradually enveloping the sleeping Atalanta as it drew near.
The shift in light and the faintest sound made the huntress's ears twitch, her lashes tremble. She snapped her eyes open and leapt up.
With blinding speed, Atalanta caught the claw reaching for her head, twisted it down, and slammed the intruder to the floor. Her knee pressed into his back as her left hand summoned the Sky Bow, looping its string around his neck in a chokehold. Her right hand drew the string tight.
A single release would be enough—the snap of the bowstring could sever a human neck, and the air pressure caught between her fingers could pierce a throat in one blow.
"Boss, I-I-I—!"
Samael smacked a hand to the ground, coughing awkwardly as he turned his head aside.
"What are you doing this early? How many times have I told you not to come near me when I'm asleep? I almost killed you just now…"
Recognizing him, Atalanta slowly eased her grip on the bowstring. She frowned, huffed, then caught sight of the red mark on Samael's neck where the bow had pressed. She looked away and muttered quietly,
"...Again."
After obediently taking his scolding, the Ancient Serpent pointed toward the tray on the table.
"I asked the kitchen to make some food. I didn't want it to get cold, so I came to wake you."
"For that?"
"Yeah…"
He nodded earnestly, mumbling under his breath.
Since I was waking her up anyway, giving her cat ears a little pat shouldn't be a problem, right?
"There's no need for that. I have hands and feet—I can go out and eat myself."
Atalanta glanced at the steaming food on the table. Her expression softened slightly, though she still muttered a few complaints.
"You don't like hanging around those men, do you? I got up early anyway, so I figured I'd bring you some food."
Samael shrugged and offered her the tray.
He noticed?
Atalanta froze for a moment, a strange feeling rising in her chest. As a hunter of the forest, she was used to being alone, relying on no one but herself. Having someone hand-feed her like this felt oddly uncomfortable.
"Try it. It's all made to your taste."
Samael lifted the tray slightly, giving her a small wink, anticipation flickering in his eyes.
The huntress blinked back to her senses and instinctively drew the tray closer. She picked up a piece of bread, dipped it into the meat broth, and began to eat.
He was right—the flavor suited her, and the temperature was perfect.
Once she finished, a cup of hot milk slid across the table. Atalanta caught it and drank it down in one smooth motion.
Samael, crouched beside her, watched closely, his expression serious. His brow furrowed and relaxed in turn as he studied the huntress from every angle.
"Is there a problem?"
Atalanta felt uncomfortable under his gaze and turned back, frowning as she asked.
Samael stroked his chin, looking somewhat serious.
"Hey, big sis, shouldn't cats drink water by lapping it up with their tongues?"
"Right, what's the matter..."
Atalanta answered instinctively, but mid-sentence, her ears twitched. Her pretty face darkened, and she raised her hand to deliver a sharp smack to Samael's head.
"You idiot! These aren't cat ears! They're lion ears! Lion ears! They're a symbol of favor bestowed by the sacred beast of the goddess Artemis!"
But immediately, the huntress spat, her pearly teeth grinding, her face flushing with embarrassment.
"Pfft! Wrong! You little brat, are you mocking me?"
"Can't I just be curious?"
"No!"
"Then can I touch your ears? I promise I won't mistake them next time."
"No!"
"What about your tail?"
"You brat, cut it out already!"
Under Samael's persistent pestering, an exasperated Atalanta slammed her fist into the Ancient Serpent's head.
Just a quick stroke—it wouldn't hurt a bit. If it's no, it's no. Why get so worked up?
Samael crouched on the ground, rubbing his dazed head as he muttered to himself.
After Atalanta polished off the final dessert, the huntress pushed away the tray. The Ancient Serpent promptly cleared the dishes, asking with a light chuckle,
"Are you full?"
"Mhm. But don't do this boring stuff again..."
Atalanta gave a half-hearted nod, stood up, and removed her bow and quiver, preparing to head out to meet the others in the great hall.
The Ancient Serpent's eyes lowered, a tinge of disappointment spreading through his heart.
Yet, just as Atalanta was about to step over the threshold, the huntress paused slightly, turning her back to Samael as she murmured,
"But... I had a good time today. Thanks..."
"Huh?"
This sudden shift left Samael momentarily stunned.
"What 'Huh'! Hurry up and pack! We need to meet at the main hall!"
"Oh, okay! I'll get it done right away!"
With a cold snort, Atalanta glanced sideways. The corner of her eye caught the flustered figure scrambling about, and a faint smile touched her lips. The resentment accumulated last night had been washed away by the arrival of a new day, leaving no trace.
It wasn't that she hated men in the strictest sense; rather, she despised those maggots harboring malicious intent. And sometimes, being accustomed to solitude didn't mean she always relished it.
"Big Sis, come..."
As they neared the exit, Samael raised his fist in a playful gesture, smiling.
"Boring!"
Atalanta turned her head away, rejecting him.
"Come on, we need a little ritual before the hunt begins."
Without waiting for a response, Samael took Atalanta's delicate hand, helping her curl each finger into her palm.
"I can't stand you..."
Under this relentless persistence, the huntress's tone softened, and she reluctantly raised her hand.
"Alright, let's go!"
Samael summoned his golden bow. His expression grew slightly solemn as he murmured to himself. The instant his left foot crossed the threshold, his right hand curled into a fist, lightly touching the outstretched palm from the other side.
Only after indulging his whim did the Ancient Serpent follow Atalanta, striding toward the great hall in high spirits.
...
Inside the hall, the heroes were now nearly all assembled.
Samael glanced around briefly and spotted Circe in the corner, happily munching on a plate of honey-drenched pastries.
Moreover, the great witch of Aeaea didn't forget to share the sweets from her plate with the nearby Caenis.
"Pfft, I never bothered with such sickeningly sweet stuff back in Athens."
The dark-skinned beauty snorted, flaunting her refined taste.
Had her hand not darted toward the plate without pause, shoveling three or four pastries into her mouth in an instant, Circe might have believed her.
"Hey! Slow down, you're eating too fast! I can't keep up!"
The great witch shielded the plate, frowning in complaint.
"Tsk, you're getting worked up over this little snack? Once we slaughter that Demon Boar, come back to Athens with me. I'll treat you to all you can eat!"
As she spoke, Caenis plucked two more pastries from the plate, stuffing them into her mouth. Her eyes narrowed slightly as a satisfied smile spread across her face.
Circe twitched her lips, utterly speechless.
They'd only shared one night together—when had their relationship become this close?
Amid the crowd, Samael stroked his chin, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes.
Soon, the pair noticed Samael and Atalanta approaching and walked toward them.
"You want to team up with us?"
"Exactly. Meleager has already pinpointed the Demon Boar's lair and hunting grounds. To be safe, we're splitting the heroes into five teams to advance from all sides and close in. I don't like the others. You two are the only ones I can stand."
"Little sister, what you think of them you has nothing to do with us, right?"
"And that reluctant look on your face about joining us? It's just asking to be slapped."
Samael raised a hand to his forehead, utterly speechless at this self-important little sister, Caenis.
But considering she'd lent a hand last night, plus her decent rapport with Circe, the Ancient Serpent decided to turn a blind eye and not dwell on it.
Still, five people... Seems like we're short one?
"You guys forming a team? How about adding me?"
Just as Samael pondered, a certain cheerful, blond-haired youth grinned and sidled up.