Archon of Danmachi

Freya made no moves nor gave away any of her thoughts while waiting if everyone else wanted to say their piece after Allen and Hedin shared their opposing viewpoints.

As for the only one who was still considering to share his opinion, it was the dark elf Hogni. He was not one to give his take in such meetings in more usual circumstances but this time around, it was to be different . . .

"I think we should honor our end of the deal." Hogni simply declared in a low tone, not even trying to justify his views like the previous two and merely stating his position in the matter.

It was not like he did not do some thinking of his own as well however. In terms of personal preference, Hogni was the kind to repay all debts fairly, whether they were debts of money or debts of blood.

As such, since a deal had been struck, he would prefer to honor it like the other party, in this case Nox, did. There was another reason for his choice other than personal preference however, a much more practical one.

Hogni shared a fierce rivalry with Hedin. Although it seemed they got along at first glance since they acted together often, it was not really the case.

They did have a grudging respect for one another but if not for Freya, they would immediately start a duel to the death not out of hate but simply due to their overwhelming desire to overcome the other in the field of battle.

Due to this complicated relationship, they always paid close attention to each other, probing for the strengths and weaknesses of their fated adversary. As a result, they came to know each oth3er quite well all things considered.

That being the case, Hogni instantly realized Hedin did not fully share his reasons for wishing to hold their end of the bargain struck with Nox.

In terms of scheming, specially those of a morte social kind, Hogni knew his rival was farr better than him and thus, he deduced, quite correctly at that, that Hedin saw something fishy with the whole matter and decided not crossing Nox Lyros was the best move.

As such, Hogni took the opportunity to declare his stance while making use of his rival's smarts to position himself on the winning side of the matter which, in his mind, was also a victory against Hedin since Hogni had successfully used him.

Whatever the case, everyone who wished to make their opinion known had now done so. All that was left, was to await their most beloved goddess' words.

"I have hear those who wished to speak and while I would normally then announce the course which the entire familia will take, I plan on doing things slightly differently this time around, seeing that the circumstances are not normal, it is only fitting." Freya gave her much awaited address.

Everyone present seemed to be curious as to what would be the change but Horn was suspicious instead. She was almost certain her lady would try and maneuver things along the paths Nox wished, though Horn herself had no idea what those were and how her lady would pull it off.

The slight difference from the usual way of doing things however, was no doubt connected to this intention.

'Still . . . Considering Freya-sama's way of doing things, a way out of the predicament will always exist . . .' Horn pondered.

'Maybe Freya-sama will let each member choose what they wish to do and when Nox-sama comes knocking after some of them inevitable fail to hold up their end, the forsakers will be punished will those that kept the deal will be rewarded. Perhaps that is my lady's plan." She theorized.

Amidst her thoughts however, Horn failed to notice how her rapidly changing opinion of Nox led to a drastic change in how she internally addressed him.

"Let us let time and the world itself determine who is wrong and who is right by virtue of results." Freya announced.

"Every single one of you has complete freedom in how you wish to handle this matter. I shall not interfere in any way and only time will tell if your choice will be rewarded or punished by reality itself for these is o greater teacher than experience." She concluded.

And as she finished her address, the executives of her familia could only express in their hearts and even out loud, how wise their goddess was. And as they were each given free reign on what to do, they were all quite happy to follow their heart's desire or what they thought best for themselves.

Her words seemed very wise and impartial indeed but Horn could not help but to bear a striking suspicion. Her theory was clearly off the mark as her lady would not lie about her non interference but the girl still believed there was something off with the whole situation.

Freya left to rest, truthfully claiming she needed some rest as her recovery was still a recent matter and bade Horn, her attendant, to follow her to her chambers while Ottar followed them to the door and remained guarding outside afterwards.

"Do you wish to ask something?" Freya inquired once the two of them were alone. Clearly, the goddess of beauty had caught on to her attendant's doubts and suspicions.

Taking a deep breath, Horn bit the proverbial bullet and decided to confess her roused suspicions regarding the whole matter only to get a seductive mature giggle from her beloved mistress.

"Well, you are at least partially correct . . ."

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