Danmachi: Strongest Familia

Chapter 113: Chapter 112: Flavor Only the Palate Remembers



(Please add it to your Library! Please send Power Stones! Thank you! 

For more chapters, visit my patreon.com/LazySeeker)

---

Not far away, Bell made his way back to his familia's home with the money. After safely stashing more than half of it, he set out again, keeping about 10,000 valis with him. He'd finally earned a decent amount, and he couldn't wait to treat his beloved goddess to a proper meal.

What Bell didn't know, however, was that Hestia wasn't planning on coming home that evening.

As dusk settled over Orario, the residence of the Ganesha Familia was bustling with lights and activity. Gods and goddesses from all around were gathering, making their way to the grand banquet Ganesha was hosting in anticipation of the upcoming Monster Festival. 

The Ganesha Familia had chosen a spacious venue for the event, and by the time Sol arrived, many gods in formal attire were already mingling around the ballroom. In his casual wear, Sol felt a bit underdressed compared to the elegant crowd.

Clusters of gods gathered, sharing lively conversations, many revolving around observations and gossip about the goddesses at the banquet.

"I am Ganesha! I'm truly honored to welcome so many guests to this banquet!" came a booming voice.

Entering the hall, Sol immediately spotted Ganesha standing at the center, delivering his characteristic spirited introduction. Even after that grand opening, Ganesha showed no sign of slowing down, continuing his enthusiastic speech like a leader at a ceremonial inauguration. Fortunately, this wasn't a lecture they were required to stand through—most gods continued mingling, treating his speech as background noise.

The feast provided by the Ganesha Familia was lavish, with a bounty of delicious food laid out for the guests. For many gods who'd had a lean few days, this was a prime opportunity to indulge. Some gods were even discreetly packing extra food to take back to their familias—'Hestia', in particular, came to mind.

Thanks to his friendly nature, Ganesha was well-liked among the gods, and his familia, being large and prosperous, could afford to be generous. However, no sooner had Sol stepped inside than he felt a presence by his side. His friend, who'd recently joined him in a late-night adventure, was making a beeline toward him.

Demeter, excusing herself from Dionysus mid-conversation, lifted her skirt slightly and moved swiftly toward Sol. Though not strictly a goddess of beauty, Demeter was one of the most alluring goddesses present, and her graceful approach caught the attention of many nearby gods.

To many, it seemed to confirm the recent rumors in Orario. Demeter and Sol—were they really reigniting an old spark?

'Another goddess stolen by Sol,' a few gods muttered enviously, watching as she approached him with elegance and warmth.

Despite the envious murmurs, Sol's reputation among the goddesses was high—something he'd earned through years of, well, tireless "networking" in the divine realm. With a combination of skill and charm, he had a certain irresistible allure for many of the goddesses.

"Hey, Demeter, it's been a while~" Sol greeted warmly, his tone light but his gaze lingering on her radiant figure. 

Before he could say more, Demeter closed the distance, slipping her arm around his with practiced ease. Her lush, ample curves pressed softly against him, sending an involuntary jolt through his body. 

"You heartless man. You have your fun and then vanish without a word," she teased, her lips curving into a playful pout. Her eyes, however, glinted with a mischievous reproach that hinted at something far deeper. She ignored the curious gazes of those around them, her focus solely on Sol. 

Demeter leaned closer, the scent of her warm, floral fragrance enveloping him. She stood boldly by his side, as though claiming him, her confidence radiating a satisfaction that left little room for subtlety. The memories of their last night together were etched deeply in her mind—nothing in the lower realm could compare. 

"Didn't I feed you last time, you greedy goddess?" Sol countered, his voice dropping to a husky murmur. With a sudden, fluid motion, he turned her and pressed her gently against the wall, shielding them from view. His face hovered just above hers, his breath warm against her ear. 

"And yet here you are, still unsatisfied," he whispered, his teasing tone laced with something far more dangerous. 

Demeter's playful smile widened as she met his gaze, her eyes alight with desire. "And didn't you have your fun as well? Yet, when I woke up, it was to an empty bed..." Her words were smooth, yet they carried an edge of frustration as her fingers trailed briefly along his chest. 

Sol swallowed hard, trying to maintain his composure. The way she looked at him, the way she moved—it was almost enough to break his resolve. But this was neither the time nor the place. He straightened slightly, his grip on her waist firm but measured. 

"Let's continue this later," he said, his voice steady despite the heat between them. "Maybe after the banquet ends." 

Demeter tilted her head, a knowing smirk tugging at her lips. "How about during the Monster Festival? We could explore the streets during the day and... finish what we started that night in the bathhouse," she suggested, her voice a sultry whisper. 

Sol cleared his throat, searching for an excuse to escape her unrelenting charm. "Ahem... I'm actually taking the kids to the festival this year," he replied, his tone almost apologetic. 

Her eyes narrowed, and though her expression remained playful, there was a flicker of irritation. Leaning back slightly, she rolled her eyes with exaggerated drama. "Always so busy," she murmured, a coy smile returning to her lips. 

Before pulling away, she shifted slightly in his arms, forcing his hand to brush lower along her waist. The fleeting touch made his pulse quicken, but before he could savor the moment, she was already out of reach. 

"Remember to find me," she whispered near his ear, her breath warm against his skin. Her silky orange hair brushed his cheek, leaving behind the faintest trace of her scent. 

As she walked away, Sol remained frozen for a moment, her parting words and lingering warmth etched in his mind. The empty space she left behind felt far too stark, leaving him with a restless frustration he'd struggle to shake.

The surrounding goddesses watched with a mix of envy and resentment as Demeter drifted out of sight. The gods around, equally frustrated, could only grumble inwardly. Sol, meanwhile, was left simmering, unable to properly shake off the lingering feelings.

The undeniable reaction in his body was proof of Demeter's irresistible allure. 

He needed to steady himself—if he didn't, enduring the rest of the banquet without betraying his discomfort would be impossible.

Looking around, Sol quietly moved to a more secluded corner of the room. Settling into a chair, he crossed his legs deliberately, trying to compose himself. His heart raced as he focused on steadying his breath, waiting for the intensity coursing through him to fade into the background of the lively evening.

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.