Chapter 45: Chapter 43: A Glance Behind the Smile
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The Hostess of Fertility was still lively, the clinking of mugs and laughter echoing through the walls. Ethan leaned back in his seat, savoring the last sips of his drink while Hestia downed another cup, her cheeks flushed with heat and wine.
Lili, still a bit shy in the busy tavern, nibbled on a sweet pastry and watched the crowd curiously. "You should drink more, Ethan-sama," she teased, eyes gleaming.
"I’m good." Ethan smiled faintly, brushing a hand through his hair. "One of us needs to stay sober."
Hestia threw her hands up. "Boooring! Come on, live a little!"
He chuckled softly but rose from his seat. "I’ll be back. Need to find the washroom."
As he stepped away, navigating through the tables and crowd, he bumped into someone just around the corner of the hallway. His shoulder brushed against a soft figure, and instinctively, he turned.
"Sorry—"
His voice caught in his throat.
She stood there, holding a tray with practiced grace, silver eyes catching the dim light like moons beneath a veil. Syr. Her lips curved into that soft, gentle smile that looked innocent... yet carried a weight behind it.
A weight Ethan had begun to recognize.
"It’s alright," Syr said warmly, her voice soft. "No harm done."
Ethan’s jaw clenched, just slightly. He didn’t want this conversation. Not now. Not with her—not with Freya.
He gave a curt nod, stepping to the side. "Excuse me."
But Syr turned, tilting her head.
"You’ve grown stronger," she said casually. "Congratulations."
He stopped mid-step but didn’t look back. "Thanks."
Her smile didn’t fade, but her gaze sharpened ever so slightly. "You’re quite cautious... That’s rare around me."
Ethan finally turned his head, just enough to see her from the corner of his eye. "Some things are better left alone."
Syr blinked slowly. "And if I told you I didn’t want to be left alone?"
A tension hung in the air between them.
But Ethan only gave her a small, calm smile. "Then I’d say I’m still going to the bathroom."
And with that, he walked off without another word.
Syr’s smile lingered, but the shadows in her eyes deepened.
From behind a pillar, someone else had been watching—an emerald gaze sharp with concern.
Hestia narrowed her eyes, her drunken haze quickly fading. Freya... she thought. What game are you playing now?
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