The girl's bratty tone took Castorice aback, though she didn't dwell on it. Instead, her gaze fell upon the girl's flat chest.
So this was the result of constant emergency braking during flight?
But given the girl's earlier flying speed, having too 'bulky' a figure really wouldn't be conducive to high-speed movement...
Even gods can't escape the laws of physics, huh?
Castorice mused silently.
Of course, she knew exactly who stood before her—Ishtar, one of the gods of this land.
Though she hadn't been well-versed in the Fate/Grand Order lore before arriving, some things were simply common knowledge. Even if she hadn't experienced the original story, a certain site back home had plenty of fanworks featuring this girl.
If an ordinary person faced a god's interrogation, they'd likely be trembling on their knees by now. But as a Chrysos Heir with golden blood flowing through her veins, Castorice's substantial power left no room for fear.
Though she hadn't yet merged with the Coreflame to become a demigod, in terms of pure strength, she was no weaker than the girl before her.
With the threat of death absent, the girl's demeanor could only be described as adorable.
Raven-black hair cascaded casually over her shoulders, two mischievous ponytails bouncing playfully as she shook her head in discontent. The pristine crown atop her head wobbled with the motion.
Unlike the holy and dignified goddess of human imagination, the girl's attire was remarkably revealing.
"Hey! Are you even listening to me!"
Seeing Castorice completely unresponsive to her scolding—even smiling—Ishtar felt her divine dignity was being challenged. She immediately pointed a slender, jade-like finger at Castorice's nose.
"My apologies. It's not that I didn't want to catch you, but I cannot touch living beings. Any life I contact has its vitality stripped away."
Castorice shook her head gently. Faced with the girl's unreasonable behavior, she chose to apologize instead.
She had no desire to provoke unnecessary conflict. Moreover, she knew Ishtar's true nature wasn't malicious. Befriending a god was far preferable to clashing with one.
"Hah? What are you talking about? I'm a goddess! Some petty curse would never work on me..."
Hearing Castorice's words, Ishtar's rebellious side flared up instantly. She reached out to grab Castorice's hands.
But the next moment, a piercing chill surged from the depths of her soul. Staring at Castorice's hands, she halted her movement.
Her divine intuition warned her that touching those hands would bring misfortune. As a goddess, she might not perish like a mortal, but the consequences would still be severe.
More importantly, she sensed the aura of that detestable creature who dwelled in the underworld emanating from Castorice.
Ishtar felt awkward, her hands suspended mid-air, caught between advancing and retreating.
"Hmph! A mere mortal isn't worthy of touching my divine body. I haven't fallen so low as to bicker with a human. But... who are you? Your clothing... you don't look local."
Ishtar turned her face away with a cold snort.
Of course, Castorice recognized this as tsundere bluster.
Sometimes, tactful silence spared both parties embarrassment.
"I am Castorice, a Chrysos Heir from the holy city of Okhema. I entered this place unintentionally while searching for my other half."
"Okhema? Never heard of it. Seems you're an outsider. Whatever, I'm not interested. Anyway, you're lucky this time. Remember—don't speak of what you saw today to anyone! Especially not to a certain arrogant, blonde braggart! Or I'll kill you!"
As she spoke, Ishtar puffed up like an angry kitten, hissing at Castorice.
Her floating, flailing motions made her elegant legs slide through the air, tracing a beautiful arc.
Her smooth, dust-free feet danced like sprites before Castorice's eyes—the bone structure above her arches clearly visible, her shell-pink toes curling slightly. Utterly adorable.
"I understand. Still, as a first meeting gift, please accept this."
Castorice produced a simple pouch.
"Human offerings? I don't need—"
Ishtar began to refuse, but then she saw the gemstone glow emanating from the bag's opening.
Under the sunlight, she saw the pouch was filled with glittering gems.
"Well, you're a thoughtful human. Since you're offering so sincerely, I'll accept your gesture. After all, as a goddess, receiving tributes from followers is part of my duty."
You... you cunning outsider! Trying to win a goddess's favor with offerings? Well... you've chosen the right deity!
Having convinced herself, she swiftly took the bag.
Affection Points Up!
Though this world had no affection system, Castorice could clearly feel Ishtar's attitude softening considerably.
"State your request. As a goddess, I shall endeavor to fulfill it."
Ishtar gazed at Castorice with shining eyes, her improved mood evident.
Hmm, I didn't get a good look earlier, but that elegant posture, those elf-like ears, and that gentle face...
Not bad. Among the humans I've seen in this world, Castorice's beauty easily ranks in the top three. Of course, she still falls short of a goddess like me!
She conveniently ignored Castorice's distinctly non-human ears.
"Though it's somewhat embarrassing to admit, I'm lost. Could you guide me to a human settlement?"
Castorice looked at Ishtar.
Her current priority was finding a human gathering place to understand this world's situation.
"Head south. If you maintain a good pace, you'll reach Uruk in about three days. But the path is full of magical beasts... though with your constitution, that shouldn't be a concern."
With that, Ishtar mounted her heavenly boat, Maanna, and vanished from Castorice's sight in an instant.
Watching her depart, Castorice shook her head wryly. At least she'd made a good impression—that was something.
With that thought, she set off in the direction Ishtar had indicated.
Soon, she entered a forest.
Compared to the open plains, the woods were far more perilous, teeming with dangerous magical beasts lying in ambush.
Yet, this posed no trouble for Castorice.
Until, moments later, she saw it—deep in the thicket, the slashed corpses of magical beasts, and a petite figure with purple hair.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
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If you guys wanna check it out.