The morning at the villa was anything but peaceful.

Allen sat at the dining table which was prepared by Tiamat first, sipping his drink as he watched the drama unfold. Meanwhile, Of course Allen had previously taken a shower fist with the two women– and had a few rounds on the spot, so now Raviel and Tiamat were walking with weak legs, moved into the dining room to sit beside him. Seeing them go through such hardships, Allen was very satisfied, especially with Tiamat, she could truly be called a devoted housewife. Tiamat sat to his right, calmly—trying to enjoy her meal, while Raviel leaned against him with a flirtatious expression.

Across from him, Aphrodite was idly swirling a goblet of nectar, her Red eyes flickering with mischief.

And then there was Hera. The Queen of Olympus sat in front of Allen.

Her expression composed—but Allen could see the slight tension in her posture. She hadn't expected Aphrodite and Athena to stay with him overnight, much less make herself uncomfortable.

Allen grinned. "Why does it feel like you all have something to say?"

Aphrodite giggled. "Because you're very interesting, dear~"

Hera set down her goblet with a controlled clink. "Aphrodite, Athena. Both of you cannot simply move into his residence."

Aphrodite smirked. "Why not? You were the one who chose this place, Hera."

Athena just silence

"Doesn't that make you responsible for who stays here?"

Hera's golden eyes narrowed slightly. "Do not twist my words."

Allen leaned back in his chair. "I dunno, Hera, it does seem like you're trying to regulate who gets close to me."

For the first time, Hera hesitated—not enough for anyone else to notice, but Allen caught it.

"…That is not the issue here," she said after a beat.

Aphrodite grinned, clearly enjoying the reaction. "Oh my~ Could it be? Hera, are you jealous?"

Well, even though currently Hera is still categorized as a machine god, it seems like she is still a jealous goddess.

The air in the room grew heavy.

Athena sighed, rubbing her temple. "Aphrodite, stop making this more complicated than it needs to be."

Raviel, watching everything with an impish smile, whispered near Allen's ear. "You're really enjoying this, aren't you?"

Allen simply smirked. "What gave it away?"

Tiamat, who had been quietly eating, looked up at him. "Allen…" She paused. "Should I do something?"

Allen chuckled. "No need. This is fun."

Hera exhaled sharply. "Enough. This is not a competition."

Aphrodite leaned on the table, resting her chin on her hand. "Isn't it, though?"

Silence.

Allen watched Hera closely. She didn't deny it.

Hera's grip on her goblet tightened, but her expression remained composed. However, Allen had already seen through her. She wasn't the type to admit something so openly, but the fact that she hadn't denied Aphrodite's accusation spoke volumes.

Aphrodite, ever the instigator, stretched lazily and smiled. "Hera, dear, if you keep acting like this, people might start thinking you actually care about where Allen sleeps."

Hera exhaled, slow and measured. "I care about maintaining order. Unlike some, I don't indulge in meaningless distractions."

Aphrodite raised an eyebrow. "Oh? So you'd rather let someone else enjoy his company instead?"

A slight twitch at the corner of Hera's mouth was all Allen needed to see. That got to her.

Athena sighed, stepping forward. "Enough. There's no point in dragging this out." She looked at Allen. "If anything, you should take responsibility for this mess."

Allen chuckled. "Mess? I think this is more of a… lively discussion."

Athena crossed her arms. "Lively discussions don't usually involve multiple goddesses fighting over where a single man sleeps."

Raviel, still comfortably leaning against him. "Oh, but this man isn't just anyone." She tilted her head up at Allen, her red eyes full of mischief. "Right, Master?"

Allen played along, giving a thoughtful hum. "True. I am quite special."

Hera closed her eyes briefly, as if gathering patience. "This is exactly what I mean. You encourage this."

Allen grinned. "I'd say it encourages itself."

Tiamat, who had been quietly listening, placed down her fork and looked at Hera. "Then… does that mean you don't want to stay with Allen?"

The room went silent. Aphrodite immediately perked up, while Athena turned her gaze toward Hera. Even Raviel seemed intrigued.

Hera, to her credit, remained composed. "…That is irrelevant."

Aphrodite laughed. "Hera, Hera. Just say it. You want to, don't you?"

Allen leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "You could just be honest, you know."

Hera met his gaze, unwavering. "And let you win?"

Allen smirked. "Win what, exactly?"

Another pause. This time, even Hera hesitated longer than before.

Aphrodite, sensing weakness, pressed on. "Oh my~ So there is something to win."

Athena sighed again, rubbing her temple. "This is ridiculous."

Hera finally exhaled and stood up, pushing her chair back with a smooth motion. "Enough of this nonsense." She glanced at Allen, her golden eyes sharp. "Do as you wish, but do not expect me to indulge in these games."

She turned and walked toward the exit, her posture as composed as ever—but Allen didn't miss the slight stiffness in her movements.

Aphrodite giggled as she watched her leave. "Oh, she's definitely coming back."

Allen grinned. "Of course she is."

Tiamat tilted her head. "Should I prepare a place for her too?"

Raviel burst out laughing, while Athena sighed in defeat.

Aphrodite smirked. "Oh, Allen, you really are dangerous."

Allen took a slow sip of his drink, thoroughly enjoying the way things were unfolding. With Hera gone, the villa settled into a momentary silence—though it didn't last long.

Aphrodite stretched lazily, a smirk tugging at her lips. "So, how long do you think before she comes back?"

Raviel chuckled, still leaning against Allen. "Not long. She's already halfway convinced."

Athena, arms crossed, frowned. "Hera doesn't let emotions control her decisions."

Aphrodite rolled her eyes. "Oh, please, Athena. You saw her just now. She was one step away from staying."

Allen leaned back, his arm resting comfortably on the back of his chair. "I don't know, Aphrodite. Maybe we shouldn't push her. It's always more fun when they come to me on their own."

Aphrodite tilted her head at him, amusement flickering in her golden eyes. "Oh? Acting considerate now?"

Allen grinned. "More like patient."

Athena sighed. "You are unbelievably arrogant."

Raviel smirked. "And yet, you're still here."

Athena shot her a look, but Allen caught the frustration beneath it. She wasn't exactly denying anything.

Aphrodite tapped her chin, as if considering something. "Hmm~ Maybe I should move in too. It is nice here."

Athena narrowed her eyes at her. "You can't be serious."

Aphrodite smiled. "Why not? We're already spending time here."

Athena hesitated, and Allen could practically see the internal struggle in her expression.

Allen smirked. "You too, Athena? If you want a room, just say so."

She met his gaze, her golden eyes sharp. "Don't push your luck."

Aphrodite giggled. "Oh, Allen, at this rate, you're going to collect all of us."

Allen took another sip of his drink, completely amused. "I don't need to collect anyone. You're all coming to me on your own."

Silence.

Then, Raviel leaned in, whispering playfully, "And you're loving every second of it, aren't you?"

Allen just smiled.

The tension in the air slowly faded, replaced by a more relaxed—if not still competitive—atmosphere. Allen leaned back in his chair, stretching lazily as if the entire discussion had just been a source of entertainment for him. And truthfully? It was.

Aphrodite's smirk widened as she propped her chin on her hand. "So, Allen~ How long are you planning to keep playing hard to get?"

Allen raised an eyebrow. "Me? Hard to get? Aphrodite, you're acting like I'm the one who showed up at your doorstep uninvited."

Aphrodite giggled. "Oh, but if I did invite you over, would you come?"

Allen smirked. "That depends. Would it be a trap?"

Aphrodite winked. "Only a little one~"

Athena sighed loudly. "This conversation is going nowhere."

Raviel, still comfortably nestled against Allen, chuckled. "No, no, Athena. This conversation is going exactly where it needs to."

Hey, I hope you can share your power stones so I can be more motivated to continue this story. 🙂