CHAPTER 510: TOLERANCE

Chapter 510 – Tolerance

"There you are~" Sira said.

Her voice echoed through the grand hall like a blade wrapped in silk, sharp and elegant, the kind of tone that always made people look up whether they wanted to or not. She was leaning near the lounge archway, arms crossed under her chest, one leg kicked up behind her like she owned every inch of the mansion’s marble and magic.

Lux stepped fully into the foyer, his white suit catching the chandelier light just right. His expression was calm. Polished. Measured. The kind of clean persona he wore when the contracts were inked but the knives hadn’t started flying yet.

"Oh," he said, eyes scanning. "You guys are here already."

Rava, leaning against the wine bar, glanced up from her glass of chilled mana-touched water and shrugged. "You said don’t be late."

Naomi added from the curved velvet couch, "Yeah, we didn’t want to be late." She adjusted the collar of her silk gown, high-slit with subtle runic embroidery that shimmered whenever she moved.

"I want to see what goddesses look like," Mira chimed in, arms folded beneath her long coat, her tone more curious than impressed.

Sira let out a scoff. Classic.

Naomi tilted her head. "You don’t like them?" Her tone was playful but edged, like she already knew the answer and wanted to hear Sira say it anyway. "You’re the one who helped Lyra manage all this. You worked on the seating plan."

"I’m a devil, Naomi," Sira replied, arms still folded, face cool. "I don’t like goddesses."

Mira quirked an eyebrow. "But Lux looks fine with them."

"And Lullaby too," Naomi added, smiling over at the sleepy girl curled on the arm of the sofa, hugging her bunny plush like it was a divine artifact.

Sira’s tone stayed flat. "Lux is a CFO. He stabilized dozens of infernal-celestial treaties without making anyone cry. His tolerance is part of the job. And Lullaby is..." She glanced at Lullaby. "Lullaby," Sira finished her sentence.

The girl nodded, eyes half-lidded, cheeks puffing slightly. "I like sleeping," she mumbled. "And eating snacks... and naps. Especially naps."

Rava chuckled under her breath. Mira let out a soft laugh, even Naomi cracked a small smile.

Sira rolled her eyes again, a little more theatrical this time. "She’s like a domestic animal with divine credentials."

"She’s the daughter of the Sloth Lord," Lux replied dryly. "She could crush a castle in her sleep if she felt like it."

"She never feels like it," Sira pointed out.

Lullaby gave a small, pleased hum. "Mhm."

Lux stepped further into the room, adjusting his cufflinks. "Alright, no fights tonight."

Sira didn’t blink.

"No complaints either," Lux added, eyes flicking toward her meaningfully.

"I didn’t say I’d fight them," Sira muttered. "I just said their existence irritates me."

Lux raised a brow.

Sira flicked her hair over her shoulder. "It’s valid. I’m the daughter of Pride. Their entire thing just... grates on my existence."

"What, the light and grace and virtue?" Naomi asked, tone teasing.

"No, the constant judgmental smiles," Sira replied. "Like they know something but won’t say it because they’re too ’above’ everything. At least Envy demons insult you to your face."

Mira raised a brow. "Are they even that bad?"

Sira looked at her. "You’ve never been in the same room with one of them during a negotiation. They talk like they’re complimenting you, but every word feels like it’s wrapped in a sermon."

"Sounds like the upper city women in my circles," Mira muttered.

Rava sipped her drink and grinned. "You are the upper city, babe."

"I’m better than them," Mira snapped lightly.

Naomi leaned toward Lullaby. "And you? No opinions?"

Lullaby blinked slowly. "They’re shiny."

"That’s all?" Naomi asked.

"Very... glowy. Like if you stare too long, you’ll fall asleep with your eyes open."

"That’s a problem?" Mira asked.

Lullaby shook her head. "No. I like that. It feels peaceful."

Sira sighed. "And that’s exactly the problem. You’re not built for conflict."

"I’m built for naps," Lullaby murmured.

"Again," Lux interjected, "no fighting. No snide remarks. And no infernal drama. Or Celestial drama."

He looked straight at Sira again.

She smirked. "Fine. I’ll be civil. But if they start trying to talk politics—"

"You redirect the conversation or eat a canapé," Lux cut in. "Pick whichever keeps your claws tucked."

Mira walked over and poked his lapel. "You look very mortal right now. In a good way."

"White suits are a power move," Naomi added, circling around him with a small approving nod. "Makes you look holy. But also expensive."

"I am expensive," Lux deadpanned.

"We know," Rava said with a grin. "We pay the price every time we let you kiss us."

"Emotionally, not financially," Naomi clarified quickly.

"Speak for yourself," Mira muttered. "I’m investing in his stock."

Lux chuckled under his breath. "Flattering."

They all settled slightly. The tension didn’t vanish completely, but it simmered down into something more familiar. The pre-party calm. The electricity before the doorbell rings. The scent of polished wood and soft orchestral music from the enchanted speakers helped too.

Outside, the moon had risen fully. Pale blue against a navy sky. The mansion shimmered with luxury. Ward sigils glowed faintly at the gates. Everything was ready.

All that was left were the goddesses themselves.

Lux took one last glance at his girls.

Rava in her dress, her calm hiding storms.

Naomi in clean white satin, eyes sharp behind her kindness.

Mira radiant and bold, standing like she owned the room.

Lullaby half-asleep, legs tucked, holding her bunny. Sira in full dark-gold, dangerous and stunning, arms folded, still annoyed.

His women.

His disasters.

His pride.

He smoothed down his suit again and exhaled. "Okay," he said. "Let’s make a good impression."

"I’m not smiling," Sira muttered.

"You don’t need to," Lux replied. "Just don’t bite."

"Not unless provoked," she whispered with a flash of fangs.

"Why do I feel like that’s not reassuring?" Naomi asked.

Lullaby yawned.

And the doorbell rang.

[System Notification: Celestial Presence Detected – Three signatures confirmed.]

[Entry Ward Clearance: Granted]

[Opening Sequence: Initiated]

Here they come.