153 Chapter 153 – Freya’s problems

Amidst widespread anticipation, Hestia, accompanied by Eina and others, arrived at the Ishtar Familia's territory.

The high walls surrounding the entire Ishtar Familia's base were guarded by two sentinels at the entrance and Amazoness guards atop.

The arrival of Hestia and her party instantly put the guards on alert.

"What is the Hestia Familia doing here!"

Given the movements of many pleasure-seeking deities had already alerted the Ishtar Familia, and considering the formidable entourage behind Hestia, it was clear they were not here with friendly intentions.

Clearly, the Hestia Familia had become renowned throughout Orario.

The guards of the Ishtar Familia might not be Familiar with Hestia, but they recognized many of the Familia members she brought with her at a glance.

"Attack, break through the Ishtar Familia, but do not kill," Hestia commanded with the demeanor of a chief deity, signaling the attack.

Hestia felt no qualms about taking action against the Ishtar Familia because she had already received information from Aston about the Ishtar Familia's collusion with the dark factions.

For those who sought to harm Orario, Hestia would not be lenient.

After all, she had grown fond of Orario and liked it here.

If Orario were destroyed, she would only have two choices: move elsewhere or return to heaven.

Neither option was as appealing as her current situation.

However, Ishtar was the root cause of all this. Hestia didn't intend to create slaughter this time; she just aimed to pressure Ishtar into ascending.

As Hestia spoke, the faces of the Ishtar Familia's guards turned pale with terror.

They knew that the Hestia Familia was now comprised entirely of Level 3 members, while they were only Level 1 and Level 2, no match for the Hestia Familia.

In just ten seconds, the gate where Hestia and her people were attacking fell.

Whether it was the Ishtar Familia members guarding the gate or those on the walls, all were swiftly knocked unconscious by the Hestia Familia members, without the chance to fight back.

Seeing the action finally start, Loki and others burst into cheers.

"They've started! They've started! The little one has finally made a move~." Among the gods' cheering, Loki's voice was particularly loud, even reaching the ears of Hestia at the city gate.

Hestia, with her back to Loki and the other deities, couldn't help but grimace.

Naturally, Hestia was aware of the presence of these pleasure-seeking deities and knew they had come to watch the spectacle.

Eina and others had informed Hestia about this on their way here.

Despite being the subject of spectacle, Hestia had no way to stop them; it's not like she could just chase them away.

To do so would mean expelling everyone, gods included, which would offend these Familias.

Although the Hestia Familia had grown stronger, it wasn't worth making so many enemies over such a matter.

However, hearing Loki's excited voice behind her, Hestia couldn't resist turning around and yelling in the direction Loki's voice was coming from.

"Flat-chested, shut up!"

"Nonsense, I'm well-endowed!" Loki's voice came back instantly, filled with indignation.

"In my eyes, you're flat-chested Loki!"

"Ah, damn it, little one, you wait." 

"Hestia-sama, do you need help?" Finn's calm inquiry came after Loki's frustrated outburst.

Loki and the Hestia Familia are now allies.

"No need, we can handle it!" Although there's a rivalry with Loki, always ending in quarrels upon meeting, Hestia responded normally to Finn, acknowledging him as a hero recognized by the gods, and held some respect for him.

"Understood, if you need help, let us know anytime."

The conversation between Hestia and Finn surprised the surrounding deities, causing them to ponder, their gazes flickering.

Even Freya was no exception, her bewitching eyes shimmering with thought.

"It seems that an alliance has formed between them due to Aston's connection with Loki's children," Ottar, serving as a guardian, spoke.

"Ah, it seems so," Freya murmured softly, her gaze becoming complex.

If the alliance between the Hestia Familia and the Loki Familia were merely superficial, it wouldn't be too concerning. However, if it involved deeper connections, then taking Aston for herself would become troublesome.

A simple alliance would mean that if Freya acted against the Hestia Familia, the Loki Familia wouldn't intervene, even ensuring Tiona, who is associated with Aston, doesn't get involved.

But a deeper alliance implies shared fortunes and misfortunes, where the Loki Familia would not stand idly by.

Even using "Charm" might not be foolproof.

Although her charm could enchant deities, it wouldn't work on Aston and Hestia. Especially since Hestia's divine power could counter her charm, and if her "Charm" were broken by Hestia, then the Freya Familia would not just be facing the Hestia Familia but both the Hestia and Loki Familias.

The Hestia Familia is already quite strong, and Aston, the child she wishes to take, makes Ottar wary. Adding the Loki Familia to the mix could jeopardize the entire Freya Familia, potentially forcing her back to heaven.

"What a hassle, it seems I need to think this through more carefully," Freya said, increasingly frustrated, rubbing her forehead and muttering to herself.

Behind her, Ottar watched his deity in silence, troubled by her vexation.

After a moment, Ottar softly said, "Freya-sama, I believe making Aston a member of the Freya Familia is an impossible task. If Freya-sama truly desires Aston, I suggest taking more direct action. Aston might not reject you, Freya-sama."

"Huh?"