novelraw Chapter 171: Apple Of Discord
Chapter 171: Apple Of Discord
Grand doors slammed open with a ceremonial boom.
"Goddess of Calamity enters the hall of the highest Heaven!"
The hall’s marble stretched near endlessly, every column carved with swirling gold patterns.
Long tables overflowed with food, sparkling fruits, steaming hot meats, and deep wines.
Gods, both Higher and Lower, stood surrounding such tables in flowing robes.
Their Saints stood behind them, acting much like butlers. And at the center of all this pomp was the divine wedding of Peleus and Thetis.
Eris stepped into it all with Her usual elegance, Ignotus closely following behind.
Even though Her back was straight and Her steps were steady, he could feel Her tension.
Eris didn’t want to be here, and, judging by the stares She was getting, everyone didn’t want that either.
Whispers had made their way through the banquet the very second She appeared.
"Why would She come?"
"Bad omen, isn’t it...?"
"They should’ve barred the doors."
Ignotus’s eyebrow twitched repeatedly.
He really wanted to grab one of these Gods and slam Their faces into the ground. But... that was when he noticed Her, lingering at the edge of Eris’s vision.
Harmonia.
Even here, She had that same smug smile.
Ignotus’s fingers twitched toward his sword.
’I should kill her now.’
Eris, without looking, reached back and grabbed his hand.
Her grip was a gentle reminder.
"Not today..."
"Tch."
The two seemed lost in it all.
They continued walking deeper into the hall, right toward the most glamorous table.
Waiting there were four Gods who sucked the life out of the room with ’Their’ presence.
First of ’Them’ was the God of Sky and Thunder, Jupiter, or Jove, as ’He’ liked to be called now, the very King of Gods.
’He’ was tall and broad-shouldered, with long white hair pulled into an elegant half-tie, dressed in a white coat trimmed with thunderbolt patterns.
A smirk sat on ’His’ face like he owned the Heavens. ’His’ blinding gold eyes looked both amused and bored at the same time.
Next to ’Him’ was ’His’ wife, the Goddess of Marriage, the Queen of Gods, Juno.
’She’ was a sharp beauty with emerald eyes, ’Her’ hair braided like a crown. ’Her’ dress was a regal red and gold gown that radiated power.
Behind ’Her’ stood the Goddess of Wisdom, Minerva.
’She’ had short silver hair, cool yet sharp silver eyes, and wore an armored skirt.
These were the three Highest Gods, the Capitoline Triad, all of Irregular Elements, and yes, that included Jove. ’He’ was that of the sky more than ’He’ was that of thunder.
But ’They’ weren’t alone, as the Goddess of Love, the bearer of the Holy Element, Venus, was with ’Them.’
’She’ had soft pink hair, ’Her’ eyes a swirling galaxy of purple, ’Her’ gown flowing like water.
Venus smiled sweetly at Eris’s approach... fake sweetness, but convincing enough to fool someone who didn’t know better.
Ignotus would’ve realized that he’d seen these very eyes before, but...
’I must protect ’Her...’’
He was too far gone.
Eris slowed as ’She’ approached the four Gods.
"Well, well..."
Jova smiled at ’Her.’
"Eris. I must say, you’re surprisingly punctual today. Though this hall is for a wedding, we both know that it’s to celebrate something else... I expected you to never arrive at all. Or were you perhaps... forced?"
While those listening in let out subtle laughs, Ignotus’s eyes widened for a reason he was far from expecting.
"No, not even you could force me to attend."
Eris kept ’Her’ smile polite.
"I simply wanted to give my Blessings to such a sacred event."
"A rare consideration..."
Juno hummed.
"Many might consider it unwanted... especially considering its ramifications. Besides, one would think disruption is in your nature."
Eris’s jaw tightened imperceptibly.
"You are as blind as They say, Juno."
Minerva stepped forward, wanting to calm things down before they got out of hand.
"Please, don’t take offense at ’Their’ words. I, too, was certain you would decline the invitation. I heard boring gatherings aren’t usually your preference."
Venus fake-gasped.
"Oh, don’t say it like that, Minerva. Eris tries; ’She’ just has... difficulty fitting in."
’Her’ every damned word dripped with gentle poison. And each one made Eris tremble harder.
’Her’ rage was—
"Would you like some wine?"
Eris and the rest looked to the side, at the source of the voice.
It was, of course, Ignotus, the only one brave enough to stand amongst ’Them.’
He presented a glass of wine only to ’Her,’ making ’Her’ smile.
"Thank you, my Saint."
Taking it, Eris took a sip and bowed ’Her’ head slightly.
"It is an honor to be here."
"Oh? Truly?"
Jova’s lips curved at Ignotus.
"I had already assumed that you came to... contribute. After all, conflict follows you."
"I’m sure it does..."
Venus tilted ’Her’ head cutely.
"But no worries! Today is a joyous day. Surely even Eris can behave."
"I..."
Eris paused for half a second.
"You won’t find any trouble from me."
That tiny pause said everything.
’DAMNED BASTARDS!’
Ignotus had to fight the urge to stab Jova in the eyes.
’If you three talk to ’Her’ like that again, I swear I won’t care what happens.’
But he kept still, knowing better than to interfere and ruin Eris’s trying.
If it was obvious by now, They both were slipping further into the illusion’s grip, but Eris in particular... ’Her’ eyes seemed heavier, ’Her’ shoulders stiffened too much, and ’She’ kept lowering ’Her’ head like ’She’ once did...
The banquet had just begun, and he didn’t doubt that ’She’ was in deep already.
Ignotus didn’t find any way to break the illusion just yet, so he could do nothing but watch.
"Hm... that’s boring."
Jova stepped back, showing a gesture of welcome.
"Well, try to have fun; I sure will."
Juno, Minerva, and Venus all smiled sweetly.
Eris stared at ’Them’ before nodding once more.
’She’ walked past them, Ignotus shadowing ’Her’ silently.
He didn’t comment. If he did, he’d end up flipping Jova off.
They found their seats near the front just as the music swelled.
By then, the hall had shifted, its lights brightening.
A hush fell over everyone.
Peleus and Thetis walked into the center of the hall.
They raised their hands to the crowd, who applauded politely.
After that, the couple smiled and began thanking the attendees for coming, sharing formal nods and pleasantries. Ignotus wasn’t exactly listening to any of that, however, too focused on Eris.
Meanwhile, ’She’ was focused on someone else.
Harmonia, watching ’Her’ intently as ’She—’
Thud...
A soft sound emanated, caused by a small object hitting marble, a fruit.
It was a golden apple, rolling slowly across the polished floor.
Before everyone’s eyes, it stopped right next to the married couple’s feet.
Ignotus’s head snapped sideways instantly.
’This bitch.’
There, standing with a smile too gentle to be real, was of course Harmonia, the one who threw said apple while now pretending to be confused like everyone else.
Peleus bent down, picked it up, and read what appeared to be etched on it aloud.
"For... the fairest?"
That froze the hall.
Gasps sliced through the air.
Hundreds of eyes slowly turned—accusingly—to Eris.
Thus began the Apple of Discord.
—
{Loss of Self: 40%}
—
And the illusion tightened around them both.