Netori: Stealing The Hero's Party!

Chapter 812: Five Knives On A Table

Burning in front of their eyes was a primordial devil–a creature said to rival the power of gods and that too with an immortal vigor. Even when killed, her soul would return to her realm, and much like the angels, she would be reborn. Much weaker for sure, but reborn none the same, and if her servants were loyal, she would be back to full strength in no time at all.

"I had heard that you’d been getting infernal help, but to see the devil of seduction herself married to your band," with a smile on her face, Fortuna eyed the devil. "Is quite the shock. I assumed it was just about anyone or that Mistress everyone in Athenia is so apparently fond of."

For once, Raven realized that there were secrets within their own group and even members of their larger party that the other gods were unaware of. Perhaps the Twin, Hayley, and even Gallaria fell into the same group. Knowing everyone they didn’t know was bound to be useful in the long run.

"Pfft! Anyone with half a mind could’ve deduced who the devil was," Mesmerazia barked, her eyes fueled with frustration and rage.

"Well, either way," extending her hand again, Fortuna made another offer. "You underestimate my domain, young general. You can go ahead and try, but everything that can go wrong shall go wrong is my promise."

"Then it is Athenia’s promise that new life shall neither be born nor perish in this city," smirking to herself, Asmodia shot right back. "A rotting city of decaying gore, I would love to see how that turns out, would you not?"

"Enough of these threats!" Jumping in the middle of the two, Mesmerazia broke the tension between the two ladies. Turning her gaze to Raven, she gave him an ultimatum. "You think threats and violence will solve anything here? No...only a well-thought-out plan of mutual benefit will. So instead of sabotaging each other, how about I sweeten the deal, hmm?"

Gesturing with his hand for her to continue, Raven allowed her to continue with her offer. Taking a deep breath, the goddess looked around the room and voiced her final offer.

"The people stay, you don’t need to shake our hands, but we’ll remain neutral to each side. But in case the council members attack us, and upon your ultimate victory, we expect to be equal partners. However, apart from that, you won’t get any trouble or help from us–consider us silent partners–neutral to this war."

"Sounds boring..." Fortuna complained, pouting just a little.

"Shut up!"

The child-like quarrel between the goddesses was quite the shocking sight for the elects; however, with so much happening in front of them, their minds were struggling to grasp everything at once.

"Hmm..." Taking a step forward, Raven stared into Mesmerazia’s eyes for a whole minute. His mind was secretly united with the rest of his party, and even in their heads, everyone felt like this was the best deal that they could get. Thus, extending his hand forward, he decided to take the deal. "You have yourselves a deal, but the first sign of trouble from either of you and we will snatch these followers of yours away and into the hells where their faith in you will bring you no power nor aid."

"I thought you were the goddess of commerce, Mesmes~ Such a great deal you got us, babe..." Scoffing at the final deal as Mesmerazia took Raven’s hand, Fortuna rolled her eyes and turned to the elects. Glancing across their faces, her eyes landed on Ditsy, and she too decided to conclude something. "About the chosen, you’ll be mine, Ditsy."

"What?!" Stunned by the sudden announcement, Garcia stepped her way to the mirage of the goddess. Eyes wide and with a look of pure confusion, she clenched her coin. "BUT! BUT SHE’S NOT EVEN BLESSED BY YOU, MOTHER? I-I...I’VE ALWAYS BEEN BLESSED BY YOU–"

"About that," snapping her finger, Fortuna glanced sideways at the elf and stripped her of her blessings. A sudden weight surged over Garcia, and her body flopped to the floor as if something physical had been lodged onto her. "You’ve wasted your potential, sweetheart. I need someone more chaotic and robust."

And while the elf was still in recovery, trying to understand what she’d done wrong and what this tightness in her chest that she was feeling, Fortuna’s mirage drifted away. As for Mesmerazia, signing up for what could be considered a treaty of peace, she turned to one of her followers and said.

"With Justice gone, you shall be my temple’s judge and my chosen as well. That is your reward for keeping your mouth shut about the murderer, now and forever." Scattering into the air like dust, the mistresses of commerce disappeared as well. Leaving behind a room so quiet, even the quiet thoughts in one’s head felt like screams.

With them, they’d taken the true identity of the murderer, not to mention that this deal meant little for anyone at this moment, and since the chosen were elected so casually, the weight of that responsibility hadn’t sunk in. Hollow, defeated, and with a sense of restlessness, the elect looked at each other, unsure of what happens next and what to do with the prime suspect of the murder.

"I suppose it’s time for you to head to the dungeons," Ironheart whispered, uncharacteristically quiet.

"What?" Lifting her head off the ground, Garcia looked at his face. "The goddess practically confirmed that I didn’t kill them, so why would I go there?"

"We need someone to take responsibility," Helm added, his mind the slowest of them all, and it showed in his dazed state.

"What in the world are you talking about?!" Screaming at the top of her lungs, Garcia got up on her feet. Clenching her fist to her heart, she could feel a hollowness within. "You can’t do this! I’m innocent and you know it! Someone’s trying to frame me, someone that’s most likely here in this room!"

Although she was right with Eren’s mouth sealed and nobody else having a clue who that person could be, it was better to watch her being locked away than turn on each other and end up causing more bloodshed.

"Wait!" Just when the giant minotaur was about to forcefully escort Garcia out of the room, Raven stepped beside her with a determined look. "I can find out who’s lying–or at least my companion can."

Looking over at Amedith, Raven beckoned him closer. Nodding back at him, the magus reached into his copied dimensional pocket and took out the sword of judgment. A blade meant to judge liars and lies, crafted by a Caladarius and formed in the flames of a phoenix. Alas, it was time for it to shine and put an end to this mystery.