Chapter 140: Play  

[Note: For those who don't know, Morgana is not the "evil twin"; she is just an incarnation of the other side of justice, while her sister Kyle represents blind justice, Morgana represents compassionate justice that consists of listening to reasons first for the sinners' actions before deciding whether or not to punish them. Indicating that Morgana is fair and compassionate towards people.]

——

It had been less than a few months since the failure of the last expedition, and yet the Loki Familia had already managed to regain their strength. 

The costs of two expeditions were no small matter, especially considering that the previous one had been a disastrous loss. 

The expenses from dissolving top-tier equipment alone would be enough to make Loki faint. 

If not for the guild's financial support and the Hephaestus Familia accompanying the expedition team—and generously providing Loki with a significant discount on equipment—the venture would have been impossible. 

But so far, the results looked promising. The team had entered the dungeon in full force. 

At the same time, elsewhere in the dungeon, Lili was enjoying herself with her beloved Mr. Bell. 

Just days after the Loki Familia's expedition departed, Morgana and Kyle's Familia residence was officially completed. 

The two wasted no time in sending out invitations, asking all the gods in Orario to attend their housewarming banquet. 

To add an extra layer of excitement—particularly to agitate Apollo—they thoughtfully requested that all attending gods bring along their Familia members. 

By nightfall, Kyle and Morgana's new home was brightly lit. The food, decorations, and arrangements were all done to the highest standards. 

This is also a lot of expenses, but after they swallow the wealth accumulated by Apollo, this small payment is still very worthwhile.

The banquet was vibrant and lively, with many attendees coming just for the fun of it. 

Even Freya made an appearance as a gesture of goodwill—though it was purely out of respect for Sol. 

Freya, as it turned out, was more of a homebody than most people imagined. 

Unless something piqued her interest, she seldom ventured out. 

The men at the event wore tailored suits, and the women adorned themselves in brightly colored dresses. 

Only those confident in their figures dared to wear such attire—except, of course, for humorous exceptions like Loki. 

True to form, Loki was far better suited to men's clothing. 

Meanwhile, Sol quietly observed everything from his favorite corner, evaluating the dresses of goddesses and female adventurers alike. 

After all, as the saying goes, there's no harm in looking. 

He had brought Eina to the banquet this time, as Riveria was occupied with matters at home and unable to attend. 

Sol also preferred it this way. If Riveria had been present, Apollo might have thought twice about causing trouble at the banquet. 

Though Apollo was petty and vengeful—and often gossiped like Sol—he wasn't completely foolish. 

As Morgana and Kyle appeared together, their wings unfurled in unison. The interplay of light and darkness created a mesmerizing spectacle, leaving the gods below in awe. 

The attendees, ever the masters of theatrics, let out a series of dramatic gasps and cheers, elevating the atmosphere to new heights. 

"Yo, Apollo, you're here too," Sol greeted casually. 

"Of course! I'm hoping for a new encounter tonight—" 

Apollo's lewd grin was impossible to miss as he sauntered toward the center of the hall, accompanied by the head of his Familia, Hyakinthos Clio. 

After greeting a wave of familiar faces, Sol turned to see Apollo again—this time with a grass wreath perched awkwardly on his head, flashing a lewd smile. 

The sight left Sol feeling a mix of physical and psychological discomfort. 

I really want to punch that bastard face, Sol thought to himself. 

For someone who bore the title of the Sun God, Apollo was anything but radiant. Instead, his demeanor screamed sleazy and unseemly. 

"Hey, Morgana—is it 'long time no see,' or should I say 'our first meeting'?" Apollo chuckled twice, his ill intentions evident to anyone watching. 

"It's all the same to me. I don't even remember your face." 

"How rude! I came here to see you because I have some business to discuss." 

"Business? Then wait until the banquet's over. I don't have time to entertain you alone right now." 

"No, no! It has to be now! With so many of our kind here, they can all serve as witnesses—" 

"Witnesses?" 

As they exchanged words, Kyle noticed the commotion and slowly approached. She stopped next to Morgana, the two now standing side by side, their expressions unreadable as they watched Apollo's theatrical display. 

"I'm here for an explanation from Morgana; this has nothing to do with you, Kyle!" Apollo announced, shifting his focus deliberately. 

He wasn't confident enough to challenge both Morgana's and Kyle's Familias at once. 

Although their Familias had recently launched a small joint expedition, it had been brief and relatively low-key. Still, the idea of taking on both of them simultaneously seemed too risky. 

Targeting Morgana alone, however, gave Apollo a faint glimmer of hope. 

"Whether it concerns me or not isn't for you to decide," Kyle interjected coldly. 

As expected, things weren't going to be as simple as Apollo had hoped. The bond between Kyle and Morgana was evidently strong. 

This isn't unexpected, Apollo thought to himself, recalibrating his plan. 

"Hmph, let me show you what this woman's Familia has done!" 

Apollo gestured behind him dramatically. Two adventurers from his Familia stepped forward, carrying what appeared to be a boy wrapped tightly like a mummy. 

Trailing behind them were several so-called "witnesses," all conveniently members of the Apollo Familia. 

The mummified boy whimpered loudly, his cries exaggerated to evoke pity. 

However, his overly dramatic performance gave him away—his tone and demeanor were unmistakable signs of deception. Anyone paying attention could sense that something was amiss.

But Apollo wasn't depending solely on his theatrics; his confidence rested in the grandeur of the spectacle. 

The gods present, eager for amusement, watched intently, their anticipation growing at the prospect of a clash between the two Familias. The possibility of conflict only deepened their intrigue. 

Apollo's intentions were as clear as day. All he needed now was for Morgana to take the bait.

"My Familia beat you?" Morgana's voice dripped with mockery, her expression leaving no doubt about her disdain. 

Turning, she called loudly, "Sylas!" 

Moments later, Sylas appeared at her side. Morgana casually pointed toward the mummified figure in the distance. 

"Did you do this?" 

"Me? No, I've never seen this kid before." Sylas raised an eyebrow, genuinely puzzled. 

The figure's tightly wrapped appearance made him unrecognizable. 

"Whether it was you or not doesn't matter. They've come here accusing us, so let's just say it was you," Morgana declared dismissively, her tone laced with sarcasm as she waved the matter away.