326

Enchanted

"Long time no see? That's because we haven't crossed paths in five hundred years." Amora's disapproving tone made it clear she and her sister were not on good terms.

Lorelei maintained her smile. "Was that your latest lover leaving just now?"

"Yes, what about it?" Amora replied sharply.

Lorelei frowned slightly. "Oh, so the rumors are true after all. Any man can enter your room... Honestly, sister, you might as well make a brothel instead of chasing after men like that."

Amora's face darkened. "Lorelei, I thought you had matured."

"I have matured." Lorelei's voice shifted subtly, becoming ethereal, like a melody drifting through mist and rain.

Amora's expression changed upon hearing her sister's voice. "Have you awakened your divine power?"

"Yes, and it's as potent as yours," Lorelei said calmly. "That's why I find your choices even more perplexing."

After a pause, Lorelei added, "With your abilities, you could have had the best men in asgard. Instead, you act like..."

Seeing Amora's darkening expression, Lorelei didn't finish her sentence, but the implication was clear.

She smiled. "You should consider my advice seriously, starting with my initial suggestion."

With that, Lorelei turned and left, leaving Amora seething in the doorway.

Watching Lorelei depart, Amora eventually stomped her foot and muttered through clenched teeth, "Little witch!"

Lorelei felt refreshed, imagining Amora's reaction without needing to see it—her satisfaction evident.

Just as she basked in her good mood, a blond man approached her.

Tall and handsome, with a sunny smile, the man caught Lorelei's eye. After a moment's hesitation, she approached him.

The man noticed her and stopped. "Hello, ma'am. Can I help you?"

Lorelei smiled, brushing back her golden hair. "Could you tell me your name?"

The man hesitated briefly. "Uh, my name is Haldo."

"Haldo," Lorelei nodded. "Come with me, Haldo."

"What?" Haldo looked puzzled.

Lorelei placed a hand on his shoulder, leaned closer, and whispered, "Follow me, Haldo."

At her words, confusion flickered in Haldo's eyes momentarily before he agreed without hesitation. "Of course, ma'am."

---

In the sky above, Valkyrie rode a snow-white Pegasus, landing gracefully in a courtyard.

"Sif!" The girl with long, beautiful hair looked up in surprise.

Valkyrie dismounted with a smile. "Just returned from Nidavellir. Thought I'd drop by. How have you been, Sif?"

"What?" Sif blinked, clearly caught off guard.

"My suggestion... added to your thoughts?" Valkyrie prodded. "You haven't forgotten, have you?"

Sif apologized. "I... let me reconsider, Valkyrie."

"Why hesitate? Women should ride into battle, revel in victory, and celebrate over the fallen enemy," Valkyrie stated emphatically.

Sif sighed inwardly.

Quickly changing the subject, she asked, "What took you to Nidavellir?"

"This." Valkyrie drew a silver-white longsword from her waist, its bright glow emanating a faint aura of power.

"Dragon Tooth Sword, forged by Eitri from the fang of Gohe."

Sif examined it closely.

"Isn't it magnificent?" Valkyrie inquired.

"Yes," Sif smiled.

The two chatted for a while before Valkyrie said, "Sif, consider joining the Valkyries. You have great potential as a warrior."

"I will," Sif agreed.

"I'll take my leave then." Valkyrie bid her farewell and rode off on her Pegasus.

Watching Valkyrie depart, Sif pondered deeply, seated there until a knock at her door interrupted her thoughts.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

Opening the door, Sif found a young woman looking anxious.

"What's wrong?" Sif asked.

The young woman hurriedly said, "Sif, you need to see this. Haldo is at the tavern, drinking with another woman!"

Sif was stunned. "What did you say?"

"Haldo is drinking with a woman at the tavern, and they seem... very close. You must come and see for yourself," the young woman insisted.

Sif worriedly asked, "Where are they?"

"Follow me."

They left together, and soon, Sif was led to the tavern.

Just as she was about to enter, Sif hesitated, fearful of what she might find. She turned to the young woman. "Could you be mistaken? Haldo wouldn't..."

"I'm certain. I saw Haldo with my own eyes," the young woman affirmed.

Sif bit her lip, steeling herself to enter the tavern. Just then, a familiar, gentle chuckle sent a chill down her spine.

"Of course, Lorelei, you're more beautiful than anyone."

The voice belonged to Haldo, who emerged from the tavern arm-in-arm with a charming woman.

"Haldo..." Sif's voice trembled.

Haldo noticed her but showed no sign of remorse. He continued embracing Lorelei. "It's you, Sif."

Hearing his nonchalant reply shattered Sif's illusions. She was devastated and furious, tears welling up in her eyes. "You... you liar!"

"A liar? Did I lie to you?" Haldo retorted.

Lorelei interjected, "Are you Sif, Haldo's former lover?"

Sif stared at her. "Who are you?"

"I'm his current lover, Lorelei," Lorelei smiled at Haldo. "Isn't that right, Haldo?"

"Yes, my dear. We'll be together forever," Haldo gazed affectionately at Lorelei.

Sif felt her world crumble, wishing she were a Valkyrie—sadly, she was not.

---