Danmachi: Strongest Familia

Sol had fulfilled his main objective for attending the banquet, yet, thanks to Loki's playful chatter, his peaceful corner had drawn unwanted attention from others. Seeking refuge, Sol found another quiet spot away from the growing bustle.

In the center of the hall, a large space had opened up for dancing, with many gods taking the floor alongside their children. The surrounding corners quickly became empty, disregarded by the crowd—a perfect setting for Sol, who had no particular interest in dancing. Still, he occasionally glanced at the dance floor, where several goddesses, dressed in daring outfits, provided an inadvertent visual distraction as they danced.

"Enjoying the view?" Riveria asked, a hint of jealousy lacing her words as she nudged Sol lightly in the waist.

"Not really," Sol replied smoothly, "no one here could hold a candle to my own Riveria."

The subtle flattery brought a smile to Riveria's face, and she let her hand fall away. Just as they settled into a comfortable silence, a familiar voice interrupted from the side.

"So this is where you like to hide," Astraea remarked, approaching with a hint of amusement. Riveria, startled, instinctively stepped away from Sol, creating a respectable distance between them. Sol glanced up, faint irritation flickering in his eyes.

Astraea stood beside him with Alise, the newly promoted LV4 head of her familia. "So this is how you repay me for saving your life?" Sol's tone was dry, his displeasure palpable.

"What? Did I ruin your appreciation of all the lovely ladies out there?" Astraea teased.

"I was appreciating art!" Sol replied, pretending indignation. "Those dancers are working hard; it'd be rude not to enjoy their effort. You, Astraea, are the one with impure thoughts!"

"Of course, Mr. Art Appreciation," Astraea replied, her tone flatly amused, no longer engaging in their usual back-and-forth banter. Sol immediately felt his enthusiasm drain. Losing interest in the dance floor, he turned his gaze to the ceiling, seemingly more interested in the empty space above.

"Alright, truthfully, I came here to thank you," Astraea said, her voice softer now. Without hesitation, she settled down beside him. Riveria, sensing the moment, rose and quietly left, giving them space. Alise, however, looked on in surprise, taken aback by her goddess's uncharacteristic warmth toward Sol.

Before Alise could fully process the scene, Riveria gently pulled her aside. Noticing Alise's bewildered expression, Sol couldn't resist a smirk. "Is she surprised?" he asked Astraea.

"I haven't exactly explained our… connection, so I'd say it's natural," Astraea replied.

"Well, you could always educate her later," Sol quipped, his grin widening.

"If the opportunity arises," she replied smoothly.

"So, about this gratitude—you're not just going to tell me, are you? I won't accept words alone!" he teased.

Astraea rolled her eyes. "Don't worry, I'm not that shameless."

"That's good to hear. Or you could just give me a token of your thanks—say, 200 million Valis?"

"Who asks for a 'thank-you gift' worth 200 million? I don't have that kind of wealth lying around!" she laughed, giving him a light tap on the shoulder. "Are you short on funds?"

"As a matter of fact, yes. I've been expanding our family's residence. We've had a few new members join recently, and the costs are adding up." He leaned back slightly, resting his head on Astraea's thigh without hesitation.

"You really haven't changed a bit," she sighed, though there was a nostalgic fondness in her tone.

"Exactly," Sol replied, closing his eyes briefly. "Constant change is exhausting."

She gazed down at him, memories stirring of Sol's carefree nature back in the heavens, where he would often lounge shamelessly on her lap. Now, in the mortal world, they had so little time together amid their responsibilities. Her own familia was unaware of their connection, a piece of her life that even Alise didn't know.

Astraea and Sol's secluded spot seemed worlds apart from the rest of the bustling banquet. Their closeness did not escape the notice of others, though. Many gods, remembering the once-scandalous rumors of Astraea being "claimed" by Sol, observed with mild amusement. The adventurers, however, were more taken aback—many couldn't reconcile the image of the pure Lady Justice with a romantic connection.

As the banquet gradually wound down, fewer couples remained dancing, and some gods had already departed with their children. Yet Sol and Astraea remained, seemingly untouched by the passing of time, until Riveria and Alise returned to their side.

"I have about 6 million Valis," Astraea murmured to Sol. "You're welcome to use it if you're in need."

Sol sat up, Astraea feeling an odd emptiness where his head had rested. She hid her reaction, leaning close to whisper in his ear.

"Ha, I'll remember that," he replied, a grin tugging at his lips. "I'll come knocking when I'm down to my last coin."

The amount might've been a small drop in the bucket for Sol, but Astraea's willingness to help left him satisfied. With a smooth wave of his hand, he gave a casual goodbye, taking Riveria by the arm and striding out of the banquet hall.