Belnargo.
I looked at Hardy while her gaze ran over me and the landscape of my Noble Phantasm.
Frankly, like I mentioned earlier, she is nothing out of the ordinary. There is no point in re-educating or lecturing a god. The worldview and common sense of mortal and deity are too different from each other. But there is something that can be done.
Perhaps if Hardy was a piece of garbage doing basically whatever she wanted, I would use force and lay siege to her. Or maybe even get rid of her. But only if it was personally or those I cared about who were hurt. In this case, that's not happening.
I could clearly see her shining eyes, in which there was first fear and worry, and then interest and enthusiasm. She was like a child who had been exposed to a new side of the world. An interesting and unexplored one that she couldn't wait to feel with her own hands. Her gaze naturally blazed as it traveled toward the huge hole in the sky where the stars shone.
Speaking of her. Quite entertaining to have such a presence here. Ars Paulina is a Mirror of the soul, that manifests itself in the form of a Noble Phantasm. And it's "my" Mirror of the Soul. Not Solomon's, not the original Romani's. And I'm really interested in what this hole symbolizes.
It's also worth mentioning the throne that appeared near mine. The horns and scales speak directly to what it's doing here, and who it belongs to. I guess Tia has really taken up residence in my soul.
Beast II herself curiously poked her tiny head out of my robe and looked around. And when her gaze fell on her own throne, she tilted her head thoughtfully to the side, then slowly flew to it.
Carefully sitting down on it, Tia froze for a few moments and then, smiling happily, made herself comfortable on it. It was as if she could sense that it was meant for her and no one else, and because of that Tia looked very relaxed and satisfied. Even if her current size and the size of the throne together looked a little ridiculous.
Toward the end of my observations, Hardy came out of her curious mode and looked at me.
- 'This place is beautiful, Romani. Interesting and beautiful," she declared, and then, seeing Tia, she genuinely wondered, "Who is she? Why do I get a sense of divinity from this babe?
- Because she's a goddess? - I brushed it off - Not only in this world there are gods, you know.
- О? I see. She is dear to you since her own throne is present here," Hardy nodded to herself, and then a curious expression appeared on her face, "Why has your appearance changed? What kind of magic is this? And what is this place? Before I was transported here, you recited some aria. I'm really curious about all this.
- Magic, - I grinned - It's the answer to all your questions at once.
- Boo-oo-.... But you didn't explain anything," she pouted, "Well, you still don't trust me. I can accept that. Perhaps you'll be more open next time. However, can you answer my other question?
- Which is?
- Why did you bring me here? This place looks mesmerizing. So beautiful, interesting and unknown. Especially the stars. I don't recognize any of the ones that shine in this sky.
- To see your reaction. - I shrugged.
- What?
- In the world I come from, the gods are quite varied in both power and character. Some are good, some not so good. I just wanted to see how you'd react to something like this. I also wondered if I should resort to violence. There was no intense greed or baseless vanity in your eyes. And you didn't order me to obey you immediately. You can take that as a compliment if you like.
- О? You're really sure of yourself for daring to judge and, in fact, threaten me," Hardy grinned, but no more, "But I'm not stupid. Your power is something. In its raw form, I don't think I could stand up to you. However, what you said isn't quite accurate.
- Is it?
- I'm not looking for your submission, but something else..." she smiled sweetly, or even seductively, to which I raised an eyebrow in anticipation, 'How about... becoming my husband?' she said.
At those words I froze and stared at her with the most dubious look I was capable of.
- Excuse me? You realize that makes absolutely no sense, right? - I asked with a stony expression.
- Why not? I don't care what the other gods think, and your strength matches mine," Hardy said cheerfully, "Besides, don't you want to marry a goddess?
- No.
- Boo... We're so adamant. - she said, making a pouty face again, and I grinned at her.
Yeah, it's no big deal.
-0-
A while later.
Walking down one of the streets of Belnargo and supporting Tia on my shoulder, I pondered what had happened.
After chatting some more, I dispelled Ars Paulina, causing us to return to the same bench we had been on earlier. Hardy had returned to the medium's body, which I had deigned to heal a little. Of course, upon arrival, the priestesses and Giselle pointed their staffs and scythes at me, threatening to gut me. They were quickly stopped by Hardy, though.
When I got up and was about to leave, she reminded me that her offer would be valid until I accepted it. Of course, I just grinned condescendingly and walked away.
Honestly, gods are strange creatures. Again, by human standards. But they are still better than humans in certain aspects. And I'm not talking about character or appearance, I'm talking about their permanence.
No matter how many centuries pass since their birth, their actions, behaviors, and motives never change. And, therefore, you always know what to expect from them and how they will act in any given situation.
With mortals, humans included, this doesn't work. An arrogant, oppressive, and evil individual may well become a nice fluffy goody-goody. And, of course, it also works the other way around. A kind pre-brave little man may well become a head-butted homicidal maniac if certain events occur.
Events that test his views and force him to adapt. To remake himself so that he can survive or achieve certain goals. A person can change regardless of anything that says otherwise. It just takes the appropriate trigger.
A good example would be love, as romantic and ironic as it sounds. And not just for the couple you plan to spend the rest of your life with. A new hobby, a pet, or some object to adore. Keeping them and spending time with these things brings a sense of fulfillment and happiness that is hard to give up. And it is ironic because they can be different, and not all of them are accepted by society. And it already has the ability to change over time. And so do morals and principles, for that matter.
I sat down on its parapet and sighed tiredly.
My presence in this world is dragging on. I don't know how time moves here compared to my home world, but hopefully nothing out of line will happen.
Hmmm... When did I start considering DxD my homeworld? I suppose it's a natural outcome, as the memory of life only begins there.
- What's that tired sigh, otherworldly? - A voice suddenly sounded beside me. Turning my head, I saw a tiny bird that, after circling a bit, settled on my free shoulder.
- You again? - I raised an eyebrow - What do you want this time?
- To get an answer," he replied in a calm tone, "You have recognized the divine side of yourself, and even met another deity. Now you see the whole picture, and I want to hear your opinion about it.
Hmm, how diplomatic. He's not using force to get me on his side. After all, he's after me, not the other way around, isn't he? Besides, it's odd that he hasn't been paying attention to Tia.
- Well, this world is beautiful, there's no arguing with that. The gods do tend to influence the fates of both people and the world. And not always in a positive way. And, frankly, what happens here, in this world... - I began measuredly, and the spirit listened to me very carefully - I don't care. I'm a stickler for neutrality, and I won't act unless I or my loved ones are hurt.
- But you helped my brother's village, didn't you? Which means you care. Don't lie to me, otherworlder. - he said in a neutral tone.
- Oh? I didn't do it because it was the right thing to do, I did it because I felt like it. There's a difference. - I said calmly, to which the spirit in the bird's body did not react.
- I understand," he said monotonously after a few seconds, "In that case, we have nothing to talk about.
And as soon as the last words came out of his beak, it was as if darkness had covered my eyes and the ground had gone out from under my feet. Only a few seconds later, when my eyes still saw nothing but darkness and there was nothing under my feet, I created a small ball of light that should have illuminated my surroundings. "Should have," for the place I found myself in definitely resembled what I had been told about.
It was just me and Tia here. In absolute darkness. There were no colors other than black, no sounds other than my breathing and Tia's breathing. Nothing. Very depressing, to make a long story short.
I grinned.
- Uh-huh. Now we're back to the original plan, huh?
-0-
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