Jealous Hestia

Chapter 333 - Jealous Hestia

Syr is Freya's alias, a closely guarded secret known only to a select few within the Freya Familia.

Its disclosure would be catastrophic for them.

Her disguise was flawless.

Even Hestia, a goddess, failed to pierce Syr's true identity.

"Oh?" Hestia said, her voice thick with suspicion.

"If you're a tavern worker, focus on your job and stop bothering my Mahiro."

"Mahiro and I are close friends," Syr said, her smile gentle.

"It's not busy now, so chatting with a friend is fine. Mia allows it."

Mahiro suppressed an eye-roll.

Dinner hour was peak time, with the tavern bustling. Not busy? Syr's knack for brazen lies was impressive.

"Such an unprofessional tavern… they should fire staff like this," Hestia muttered, pouting.

"Syr, what're you doing out here?" a voice called from the tavern.

"Nyaa!" Anya, the spirited catgirl, cheered upon spotting Mahiro. "It's Mahiro, nyaa!"

Hestia eyed Anya warily.

"Been days since you visited, Mahiro. We missed you!" Anya said, grinning. "Syr especially—she's been off her food, nyaa!"

"Long time no see, Anya," Mahiro greeted, smiling.

"You're famous today, Mahiro. Guests in the tavern keep mentioning you," Anya said, winking.

"Had some trouble today," Mahiro admitted, shrugging.

"You haven't eaten yet, Mahiro," Syr said, her shy smile returning. She tugged him toward the tavern.

"Hey, hands off! Let Mahiro go!" Hestia fumed.

Half-resisting, half-yielding, Hestia was dragged inside alongside Mahiro.

The Hostess of Fertility was as lively as ever, its raucous atmosphere unchanged.

"Mahiro, you're here!" Mia bellowed from the bar, her hearty greeting cutting through the din.

"Mahiro," Ryuu said, her calm demeanor flickering with a brief spark as she nodded, then resumed serving customers.

The other two waitresses, Lunoa and Chloe, flashed Mahiro warm smiles, which he returned.

"Everyone's a beauty except Mia…" Hestia grumbled, looking faint.

Save for Mia's robust, aunt-like presence, the tavern's staff were stunning, each with distinct charms—two catgirls and an elf, all easy on the eyes. 

This allure likely fueled the tavern's thriving business.

"Mahiro, over here," Syr said, guiding them to a table. She darted to the bar, exchanging words with Mia.

"Did you pick this place because of all the pretty girls?" Hestia asked, her resentful gaze piercing Mahiro.

"Jealous much?" Mahiro teased, smiling.

"You're too popular, Mahiro! Attracting rivals everywhere!" Hestia whined, her face scrunched in mock distress.

Mahiro shrugged, unfazed.

Syr returned with Ryuu, sitting beside Mahiro while Ryuu stood by the table, menu in hand.

"Hey, aren't you a waitress? Shouldn't you be serving customers? Why're you sitting next to Mahiro?" Hestia snapped, leaping up and slamming her hands on the table. 

She'd chosen the seat across from Mahiro, not expecting Syr to claim her spot.

"Mia gave me time off to spend with Mahiro," Syr said, her smile unshaken. "And this was the only seat left."

"Switch with me!" Hestia demanded.

"No way," Syr said, her rare stubborn streak showing.

"Lady Hestia, Syr, can you pause?" Ryuu said, placing the menu down with a firm tap, her expression neutral. "Please order first."

Syr and Hestia fell silent, cowed by Ryuu's quiet authority, though their glares lingered.

Mahiro chuckled. "Didn't realize Ryuu had such presence before."

"Please don't tease me, Mahiro," Ryuu said, flustered briefly before regaining her composure.

"No teasing. You've got a new edge, Ryuu," Mahiro said, scanning the menu. 

"Hestia, what do you want?"

"Pick for me, Mahiro. I love whatever you choose~" Hestia said, shooting Syr a smug look, flaunting Mahiro's attention.

Syr remained unfazed, her gentle smile intact, ignoring Hestia's jab.

Hestia's triumph faltered.

Mahiro ordered and handed the menu back to Ryuu.

"Your food will be ready soon," Ryuu said, bowing slightly before departing.

Hestia resumed glaring at Syr, who leaned closer to Mahiro, though Ryuu's earlier intervention kept their bickering at bay.

As they awaited their meal, a grating voice cut through the tavern's hum, aimed at Mahiro's table.

"Isn't that the kid who stirred up the Guild today?"

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