A Certain Multiverse's Holy Right

Since Roy had reached an agreement with Goddess Athena, the atmosphere in the room became more relaxed. However, Roy did not immediately hand over the Gorgoneion to Athena. It wasn't because he intended to break his promise but because Athena, as a goddess, bore the title of "wisdom."

While Roy trusted Athena's word, "wisdom" often bordered on cunning. If Athena regained her strength and suddenly attacked within the confines of this room, Roy was confident in protecting himself. However, he knew he wouldn't be able to safeguard Erica and Liliana.

Perhaps sensing Roy's thoughts, Athena, seated on the chair, casually swung her two slender legs clad in blue stockings. She remarked nonchalantly, "…It is correct to remain cautious of me. I was even considering whether I should emulate the strategy of Troy and deceive you through trickery."

Hearing Athena's candid words, Roy felt a strange sense of reassurance that this goddess wouldn't take such drastic actions.

Although the atmosphere seemed relaxed between Roy and Athena, for Erica and Liliana, the pressure in the room had only grown. Sharing the same space with a Heretic God was an experience far beyond what most magicians could imagine without dropping their jaws in shock.

"Lili, it's time for dinner. You've failed to prepare my meal in advance today—this is a dereliction of duty. And Erica, your work for today isn't complete yet. You should finish it."

Roy's words snapped Erica and Liliana back to reality. The blond and silver-haired knights quickly bowed and departed for their respective tasks—Erica heading to the study and Liliana to the kitchen—both remaining wary of Athena the entire time.

"Roy Crowley, you seem to care deeply for your attendants," Athena commented, glancing briefly at Erica and Liliana. As a goddess, she paid no mind to the hostility emanating from two mere mortals.

Her curiosity, however, was directed entirely toward Roy: "…It is extraordinary that a Heretic God and a Campione can coexist so peacefully under the same roof. Even with all my knowledge and wisdom, I cannot find a precedent for such a thing. You are indeed a remarkable man. To suppress the innate hostility between Campione and Heretic Gods—it takes a bold spirit. Surely, you must be destined to be a great ruler."

"Thank you for your kind words, Goddess Athena. I simply refuse to let fate dictate my actions. I despise the concept of fated purpose, as they signify a life controlled by external forces. The inevitability of slaughter between a Campione and a Heretic God is exactly the kind of fate I loathe the most.

"…I want my intent to kill to stem from my own decisions, not from the inherent role of a Campione. Whether to slay a Heretic God or to befriend one—that should be my choice."

Roy shrugged lightly, a faint smile playing on his lips.

To him, destiny and purpose were shackles, restraining his freedom. He wanted nothing more than to live uninhibited, doing as he pleased. While his role as a Campione demanded he eliminate the calamities that were the Heretic Gods, Roy preferred that such decisions arise from his own will rather than the compulsions of his identity.

The thought of losing rationality and succumbing to blind rage whenever encountering a Heretic God was an idea he outright rejected.

"If anyone else spoke such words to me, I would admire their sentiment while mocking their naivety. But coming from you, it feels entirely natural," Athena admitted.

"…The threads of fate spun by Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos are no less detestable to me. In this, we are aligned.

"Before coming here, I made sure to learn about your past. I heard that you once conversed with the 'Wise Solomon' and convinced him to willingly accept his death at your hands. His legendary name echoes across the ages. To have earned his acknowledgment speaks volumes about your 'wisdom,' and even I cannot help but view you with new respect."

Goddess Athena looked at Roy with interest, her long eyelashes trembling slightly, her amber eyes filled with curiosity—and a clear, undeniable desire to kill him.

Acknowledging his strength made her see him as a rival, and to Athena, this meant she had to eliminate him.

"Lord Roy, here is your dinner."

As Roy and Athena were engaged in their conversation, Liliana brought the meal to the table.

Tonight, Liliana had prepared Chinese cuisine instead of Italian. Roy deftly picked up his chopsticks, tasting the flavorful dishes. He offered his praise: "...Lili, your cooking has improved immensely. I've heard that Luo Hao, the Eastern leader, is a master chef. It seems your culinary skills are no less impressive than hers."

"How could I possibly compare myself to the leader of the East?"

Liliana replied with modesty, though her expression was bright with joy and tinged with pride at Roy's praise.

"It's a pity that no one has had the honor of tasting a meal prepared by the leader in the last two hundred years. I wonder when I'll be able to convince that unparalleled leader to cook for me personally."

Roy sighed, savoring a sip of wine from his glass.

Athena, seated across from him, remained silent this time, sitting quietly like a porcelain doll.

…

The night deepened, and the blizzard outside eased somewhat, though the sky remained starless. Within the villa nestled in the Alps, the rooms were brightly illuminated. In Roy's bedroom, he lounged against the headboard, casually fiddling with a smartphone. Thanks to the base station once prepared for the former Marquis, the remote location offered an excellent internet connection.

Even as a Campione, Roy didn't immerse himself in books all the time—he indulged in the conveniences of modern technology just like anyone else.

Meanwhile, Athena sat on a nearby sofa, engrossed in a book. She curled her slender legs beneath her, resting the book on her knees. The cute cotton hat she had been wearing earlier had been discarded somewhere, revealing her silken silver hair that shimmered faintly under the light.

"What's the matter?"

Athena noticed Roy watching her and momentarily set her book aside to ask.

"It's time to sleep," Roy replied, glancing at the clock on the wall.

"Then go ahead and sleep. You don't need to worry about me. Rest assured, I won't attack you in the night."

Athena either failed to catch the subtext in Roy's words or understood it and simply chose to ignore him.

Roy took a deep breath, then boldly climbed out of bed. Approaching the sofa, he grabbed Athena by the arm and effortlessly lifted her.

"What do you think you're doing?"

Athena's sharp eyebrows furrowed deeply as she scolded him in a low, angry voice.

"Of course, I'm taking you to bed. Don't get worked up; remember, we promised not to harm each other tonight."

Sensing the faint surge of divine power emanating from Athena, Roy quickly added, "...Relax. I'm not going to do anything to you. I know you're a virgin goddess. Besides, even in your weakened state, you'd still be capable of resisting, wouldn't you?"

"You audacious fool. You dare to covet a goddess," Athena said coldly, glaring at Roy. She allowed him to place her on the edge of the bed. She watched as he knelt on one knee and, with the reverence of someone handling a priceless artifact, began to slide her blue stockings off inch by inch, revealing her delicate, porcelain-like legs beneath.

In her petite form, Athena's feet were small—smaller even than Roy's palm. Holding one of her feet gently, he could feel the smooth, tender skin of the goddess. A surge of emotion welled up within him, but he held himself back.

He did nothing further, understanding that this was the absolute limit of what Athena would tolerate. To push beyond that would be to break their fragile truce.

Athena's gaze lingered on Roy, and suddenly she gave a dazzling smile, her expression both captivating and chilling: "...Men, mortal or divine, are always the same. You remind me of my father, the thunder-wielding Zeus. Roy Crowley, I've made my decision. I will kill you, grant you death, and watch as you walk alone through the desolate wilderness of the cold underworld."

Her amber eyes radiated with murderous intent, her words laced with ancient authority. Roy's expression turned equally icy, though his lips curled into a faint smile. "…I'll be looking forward to that day, Goddess Athena."

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(T/N: Here's the extra chapter for 100 PS goal)