Show Me Your Stats!-Chapter 92

"Why is this even attached? Could it be hiding my hair somewhere?"

Despite understanding the reasons for other titles, Ayra couldn't fathom why this particular one was attached. There were mages who disappeared into labyrinths, consumed by research for years, but Ayra had never done anything like that, and this title seemed unrelated to labyrinths.

Even after persistent questioning, the pebble only managed to sprinkle small hearts and dew-like tears, not confessing willingly. Ayra felt uneasy but had always known the pebble had its reasons for hiding the truth, so she reluctantly let it go.

'If I wanted to know everyone's hearts, I wouldn't need to create an artificial spirit as a filter.'

Being an artificial spirit bound to her, Ayra instinctively knew it would never betray or harm her. The pebble, perched gently on the back of her hand, twinkled in her gaze.

Putting aside the peculiar title, she covered herself more carefully with her robe before heading to the city. She had masked her face with a veil in the prayer room, fearing someone with sharp eyes might recognize her.

'Luckily, Janus isn’t around.'

As she summoned the map, the red dot indicating Janus blinked in Bolni, reassuring her. Now she could step onto the prayer room’s podium with confidence. It was crucial that Janus not discover her true identity, especially when his favorability toward the lord of Solar was at its lowest.

Ayra’s attention quickly shifted to another dot, which stayed at the promised location. Confident, she walked briskly, stopping at a tavern she had visited recently. After scanning the surroundings, she entered.

"Welcome!"

Hera, who had been eagerly waiting, sprang up from her seat and spread her arms to greet Ayra. The table was laden with expensive liquor and delicacies prepared for her. A radiant smile, brightened by her recent accomplishments, lingered on her face.

Following a successful debut in the prayer room days ago, Ayra had been moved by the earnest requests of wealthy devotees to a reception room along with the senior elder.

Among those devotees were Wolf's parents. They were perplexed why a corrupt mage like Ayra was holding a respected position of priesthood and looked away awkwardly due to a recent indiscretion. While not openly hostile, it was clear they harbored resentment over an inappropriate match they were forced into.

The senior elder sent a meaningful glance, which Ayra acknowledged with a slight nod. Logia, who had been making small talk, suddenly gestured towards someone standing quietly behind him.

'I’d like to introduce my adopted daughter to you all. This is Hera, one of my cherished children.'

Wolf's parents, having heard rumors of Hera mingling with thugs in the slums from Act, were shocked to see her introduced as the senior elder's adopted daughter.

'Thanks to divine grace, my daughter excels at hunting demons. I couldn’t be prouder.'

Logia patted Hera's shoulder proudly, and she responded with an exaggerated humility. She made the sign of the cross, feigning modesty.

'It’s nothing. I just killed a few Akulators. It’s enough to protect my family.'

An Akulator was a notorious demon in Solar known for causing several casualties during hunts. That Hera could handle such beasts spoke to her substantial abilities. Given her introduction by the senior elder, not knowing the Lord’s Prayer seemed trivial.

'Recently, my precious daughter has started living in Solar, helping the lord with the troublesome folk, haha. I hope you’ll welcome her warmly.'

While Logia and Hera exchanged smiles, Wolf's parents’ faces turned pale and then white in succession.

Taking Hera as his adopted daughter was a favor Ayra had asked of Logia. Considering Wolf's parents valued reputation highly, Ayra thought they would accept Hera without much resistance if her status was completely revamped.

This was also a favorable proposition for Logia. Although Hera had been a thug in Solar, her reputation outside was considerably more positive. After arriving in Solar, Logia was so impressed by her ability to fell several trees with a single stroke that he immediately took her as his adopted daughter. The only condition was that she occasionally serve as Logia’s bodyguard in Sobletz, satisfying everyone involved.

Since Logia introduced Hera as his daughter, Wolf’s parents had been restless, not knowing how to act. In their eyes, Ayra had generously helped by introducing Hera, and they felt ashamed for previously insulting her generosity.

This made Ayra’s task easier. She treated them coldly on purpose, keeping them anxious until she finally seemed to forgive them. When she arranged another match for Hera, everything proceeded smoothly. Hera had carefully saved up demon stones from her hunts, which she brought as a substantial dowry, making Wolf’s parents rush out barefoot to greet her. By then, Hera could recite the Lord’s Prayer and several other prayers fluently.

"Here, please have a seat."

Hera pulled out a chair with a beaming smile, and as Ayra sat down, she stood firm, pouring warm alcohol into Ayra's cup.

"Thank you so much. Thanks to you, I can marry Wolf and continue living on this land."

"Was Wolf surprised?"

"Ha, of course. He was so worried about the sudden matchmaking, but imagine his shock when I showed up."

The thought alone brought a joyful look to Hera’s face, clearly enamored and fond of her lover. Ayra listened smilingly to her talk about her wedding plans and future dreams. Then a thought occurred to her, casting a slight shadow over her face.

Watching the hunter happily planning a life with her lover, Ayra looked down at her hand. The pebble briefly loaded before displaying [OK!]. She raised her hand to stop Hera’s chatter.

"Hera, there’s something I need to tell you first."

"Oh? I have something to say too... But go ahead, you first."

"Let’s have a drink first."

Ayra poured more warm alcohol into Hera’s cup, and she downed it in one go. Ayra sipped lightly and then spoke.

"What I'm about to say must not be shared with anyone. Can you promise that?"

Realizing the seriousness of the conversation, Hera nodded with a solemn face.

"Though I called it a trade, the lord is now my benefactor. I promise not to tell anyone."

Ayra looked around to ensure no one was eavesdropping before sharing the threat looming over the estate. As she spoke of a dragon that might destroy their land in a few months, Hera’s expression changed drastically, the {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} happiness fading into silence.

"I’m telling you this because I don’t want you to lose the people important to you."

The future of Solar was uncertain. As its lord, Ayra was doing everything to protect her people, with Jinas and Bloom fulfilling their duties as her vassals. However, Hera was neither a vassal nor fully one of Solar’s people yet. As the precarious land’s lord, Ayra wanted to give Hera a choice.

"When danger comes to this land, if possible, I hope you can help some of the people escape. This is not an order, just a request. You’re not obliged to risk your life."

Follow curr𝒆nt nov𝒆ls on fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com.

Given Hera’s strength, she could be a significant help on the worst day Ayra could imagine. Yet seeing someone who would talk about living happily ever after with a lover and children, she did not want to hide such a crucial fact.

After considering for a while, Hera scratched her cheek and suddenly knelt before Ayra.

"Hera?"

"Didn’t I say I had something to tell you?"

Hera looked slightly embarrassed but soon composed herself.

"I’m really grateful you shared such important information with me honestly. I’m not good with words, but I mean it sincerely."

The hardships of her life had left faint scars across her slightly wrinkled face. A weary look briefly crossed her face, a face that had likely wandered homeless until finding a somewhat permanent place in Solar.

"I’ve come to really appreciate this land after staying in Solar. Even if they’re no good, it’s where my subordinates live..."

Her voice trailed off before she looked up at Ayra. A cold winter wind rattled the window as if signaling her to continue.

"My lord. I want to continue living here."

The gaze that had been worn smooth like a pebble now shone with the desire to settle down and start a family on this land.

"As long as you protect my family and home, I too will offer my loyalty to you."

After saying this, Hera deeply bowed, showing her respect towards Ayra. Despite her casual demeanor, she was deeply sincere. Seeing such a person bow to her and vow loyalty felt oddly pleasant, a different kind of delight from making friends or lovers. Ayra grasped Hera’s shoulder, helping her stand.

"Alright, I promise. I will protect your family and home, so you too, as my vassal, shall remain loyal."

Hera was no longer an outsider but one of the land’s people. A notification sounded, but Ayra knew without checking that she had just gained her third vassal.