Codex of Predation: Is It Wrong to Steal Goddesses’ Hearts?

"Heavens… a goddess, she must be a goddess…"

"Yes, I have no doubt. Just look at how beautiful she is."

"And the guy beside her, who is he? He's very handsome too."

"I agree, but… why is he wearing a loincloth as clothing? Is that the new trend these days?"

The whispered voices spread like a gentle breeze among the curious onlookers, forming a small crowd of watchful eyes. People exchanged glances, trading hushed comments while Dante and Aphrodite walked calmly toward the village's main gate. Their presence, in stark contrast to the simplicity of the village, seemed almost surreal.

Dante heard every word spoken about his appearance, especially the comments on his improvised attire. A slight embarrassment settled over him, but he forced himself not to show it. Keeping a neutral expression, he pretended it wasn't him they were laughing and talking about. Pretended he wasn't almost naked, aside from a few well-tied leaves.

As they reached the entrance, the pair was intercepted by two armed men who appeared to be the local guards. They wore light armor and carried swords that had clearly seen better days. The rust on the blades and worn handles revealed the lack of resources in the small village.

"Are you really a goddess?" one of them asked, eyes wide. It was clear it was his first time seeing someone like her.

Aphrodite didn't answer right away. She didn't even look directly at him. Her eyes remained fixed beyond the gate, as if searching for something. Perhaps a memory, or simply choosing to ignore him.

After a few uncomfortable seconds — just long enough for the guard's face to turn completely red with embarrassment — she replied.

"Yes."

That was all she said. Her voice was cold, distant, and devoid of interest. As if speaking to him was beneath her.

Dante raised an eyebrow. He was intrigued by her attitude, but not entirely surprised. Even though she now lived as a mortal, her pride and dignity as a goddess hadn't vanished. It made sense, after all. Why should Aphrodite waste her time answering questions from any random mortal?

In truth, she only replied so that Dante wouldn't form a bad impression of her. She knew that, even if he didn't show it, he was paying close attention to every detail.

The guard took a step back, scratching his head awkwardly, while the other stared at Aphrodite with thinly veiled lust in his eyes.

"Please, let us through," Dante said firmly, looking directly at the second guard. His tone made it clear he wasn't in a good mood.

The man swallowed hard, nodded quickly, and averted his eyes from the goddess, clearly embarrassed.

Dante walked through the gate beside Aphrodite. His face was calm, but inside, he burned with irritation. The way that guard had looked at her bothered him deeply, even though he still didn't fully understand what exactly he felt for her.

Aphrodite immediately sensed his discomfort. She felt how his grip on her arm tightened slightly, and how his gaze had turned colder without him even realizing it. A subtle smile bloomed on her lips. It was fascinating to see how he reacted because of her.

As they walked through the village, Dante observed the surrounding buildings: simple houses made of aged wood and stone, some with moss growing along the walls. The village was modest, yet lively. Men, women, and children moved through the dirt streets, each absorbed in their daily tasks, carrying baskets, chatting, or simply passing the time. It was a familiar, welcoming scene, but at the same time strange for someone who had died in another world.

'And now, what do we do…?' Dante thought, frustrated. He was in a new world, next to a goddess, but without a single coin to his name. No money for clothes, food, or shelter. It was the beginning of a new journey… and new troubles.

As he lost himself in these thoughts, a distinct sound caught his attention: quick footsteps approaching.

Turning his head to the right, Dante saw a young girl hurrying toward them, nearly running. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation and were focused — especially — on Aphrodite.

"Huff… huff…" She stopped in front of them, panting, hands on her knees as she caught her breath.

After a few seconds, she looked up and smiled.

"H-hi. Are you already staying somewhere?"

Dante frowned at the sudden approach. "No, why?"

"W-well, if you don't have a place to stay… you could come to my house!" she said eagerly.

Dante hesitated. "The thing is, we don't have any money right now. We can't pay for lodging," he said, feeling embarrassed, the weight of his poverty heavier than his flimsy loincloth.

"N-no, you don't have to pay anything! Just come with me, please! How could I leave a goddess and her adventurer on the streets?" the girl replied, almost jumping with excitement.

Dante was suspicious. The situation was too strange. He was about to politely refuse, when, before he could speak, Aphrodite — who had remained silent the whole time — calmly said:

"Very well. Show us the way."

Dante immediately turned to her, staring with an expression that clearly said *"Why did you accept this?"* But all he received was her calm smile, as if telling him to trust her.

He sighed. He had no better option at the moment.

The girl — still giddy — spun on her heels and began walking, nearly skipping with joy. Dante and Aphrodite followed.

They walked through a few more streets until they reached the girl's home. To their surprise, it was larger and more well-kept than the others they had seen. It looked sturdy, with reinforced walls, wide windows, and a small porch decorated with flowers.

"Please, come in," the girl said, opening the door with a warm smile.

Dante and Aphrodite exchanged a brief glance, as if silently saying *"let's be cautious,"* and entered the house.

As soon as they were inside, the girl closed the door behind them.

"It might be a bit late to say this, but my name is Linda. And yours?" she asked, walking past them and stopping in front.

"I'm Dante."

"Aphrodite. Goddess Aphrodite."

The pair introduced themselves simply and directly.

"Don't take this the wrong way, Linda, but what's the real reason you brought us here? From what I can tell, this isn't an inn," Dante asked firmly, looking straight into her eyes.

The cheerful smile on the young woman's face vanished. Her expression turned serious. Very serious. As if what she was about to say was deeply important.

She took a deep breath.

"I want to be an adventurer. Please, let me be part of your family!"

Her words came out fast, steady. Her tone was filled with determination, and her eyes gleamed with a fiery resolve. It was sincerity in its purest form.

Dante and Aphrodite raised an eyebrow at the same time, surprised. They exchanged brief glances before turning their attention back to her.

There was something special about that girl —

A will that was rare to find in someone so young.