After that small interlude, Allen’s treatment of the Norse Clan risen.

What the clan wanted at this very moment were powerful warriors that could defend the city from the enemies such as Demons and monsters. Who knows, when would the city be completely invaded by demons and monsters…?

Their protection wasn’t absolute. The Barrier was evident to deteriorate as time passed by, especially after constant attacks by demons, the protective barrier would surely be slowly reduced in durability.

During this time, Allen had met the Balder Clan’s current head, Eerika’s mother; Eleanor Balder.

Allen’s impression of her was that she was a gentlewoman but never did he think of her as a harmless sheep. Eerika’s mother, Eleanor, aside from her power that had already transcended Lesser Deity, Allen was sure that Eleanor didn’t trust him like Eerika does, at least, she was still having suspicions of him.

The proof of that was the fact that he felt as if he was being observed by someone or some people secretly.

Thus, no matter what he wanted to do, he couldn’t make anything as of this moment.

As Allen continued his ‘I’m just a poor innocent handsome youth with a memory loss’ identity and quietly read books within his room, at this moment, the door suddenly opened and Eerika entered while wearing a faint smile.

“Sol, come with me to some place,” She said while wearing a cheerful expression.

? Allen titled his head and turned his gaze from the book and into Eerika, doubt colored his face.

Eerika walked until she was next to Allen and said in a low voice, “The Freya Clan is hosting a banquet… I need a good escort.”

Smelling the sweet scent of a young maiden emitting from her body, coupled with suddenly having heard the soft tone of her whispers, Allen couldn’t help feeling like he was high in the clouds. A demi –god’s attraction was really extraordinary…

With difficulty, Allen pulled back his attention and said, “I never went into that kind of event. I’m afraid I might shame you,” he said apologetically.

“Its fine, its fine, with me, who would dare embarrassed you,” Eerika said as she turned around and walked towards the closet within the room. Then, she opened and started rummaging among the clothes hanged there.

Allen tried coming with reasons as to not go but she completely ignores his every excuse and started picking up good clothes. Adorned with gold and silver trinkets –Blue, yellow, red, green, dark blue –all kind of colors with a medieval type kind of clothes that commonly seen used by princes and kings.

Looking at her enthusiastic expression, Allen could only sigh. Besides, Allen always had a good feeling about Eerika. No matter the time, her words were always soft-spoken; listening to it was pleasant. And most of all, although she looked naïve for trusting him too much, which in fact, Allen knows that she was also as cunning as her mother, still, she tried to be at ease with Allen and wanted to believe in him.

This gives him a good impression on her.

Thus, he could only sigh.

In any case, attending something like that isn’t really that bad. At least, he will also be able to see the extent of the powers and ranks of the members of the Norse Clan personally.

“What do you think?” Eerika turned around and asked with an excited smile. On her hand, a pink and a dark blue colored luxurious dress were presented. “Choose,”

“Haa…” Allen smiled bitterly. “I’m not fond of flashy colors. Is there any black…?”

“Black? Seriously, that’s gloomy. I don’t think that suits you though~” Eerika pouted.

“Its fine, it’s all about comfortability~” Allen put down the book and slowly walked towards Eerika. He then tried looking inside the closet and then picked up the one with a black themed gown. It was adorned with golden trinkets and a hooded coat. The back helm was in a style of a swallow's tail giving it a dark butler kind of feeling.

It was simple at the same time elegant.

Seeing this, Eerika can’t help but pout in disagreement. “Not that. That thing can only be worn when going to a funeral~”

“Never thought you also have this concept…” Allen smiled wryly. “However, this suffices. I’m fond of this color,”

Since Allen insisted, Eerika could only sigh in defeat. Well, no matter what dress it was, Eerika was confident that Allen would still look good with it.

*** ***

In stark contrast with the threat brought by demon invasion, the hall in the venue was filled with a peaceful and cheerful air.

Seeing this, Allen can’t help but be amused. Gods love of celebrations were really not any less compared to humans. Even though the danger was already on their front door, they would still find any time to relax and have a good time.

Drinking, dancing, laughing and socializing with other gods…

Although Allen and Eerika came together in the venue but Allen separated himself from Eerika because the latter was extremely busy greeting the other people. Of course, Allen found no reason to do the same thing. He just walked towards the dim balcony, observing every people within the hall.

Still, Allen can’t help but smile wryly whenever he saw Eerika attending other people. Her face was slightly cold and stoic that only a faint smile could be seen on her face. It was completely different when she was alone with him. Was this her real face… or the one she wore when together with him was the one…?

If it was, then Allen can’t help but feel flattered.

Allen looked down on the balcony. There was the constant sound of hooves and gasping of horses surging up from the outside and doors banging, laughter and chatter. This was the first time Allen participated this kind of event –of course, in Solomon’s memory, such events are numerous as the stars. However, as a human mortal, this was the first.

Memories and Experience are completely two different things.

There’s no smell of blood and metal but instead, alcohol and fragrant delicious foods wafted the air. There were no sounds of explosions and metal clanging but laughter and cheerful voices filled the hall.

It was relaxing… Allen mused.

He touched the mask on his face. Right now, he was wearing a mask, a heavenly fox mask with the half smiling while the other half was angry. This seems to be a masquerade ball.

Some guests were already wearing masks like him but some were still not, waiting for the official opening of the event.

Aside from the usual mask that changes his appearance and form, he was wearing another mask. It was a precaution. What would happen to him if they suddenly want him to take his mask off…? His real face would surely be revealed in front of many Godkins and High humans!

Grilling him alive and cutting him to pieces would be a bit lenient… I guess…

Unable to transform back was really a problem for him…!

Aside from the heavenly fox mask, he was also wearing the black clothes she had chosen that Eerika dubbed as funeral clothes, and his hands were masked by white gloves.

On his head was a top hat with a white band around it, though his silver hair remained as fashionable messy as ever.

And then, soothing music began to flow.

From what Allen can guess, it was not made by regular instruments, probably orchestra made up only with strings instruments like harps and then there were also those flutes and trumpets.

Still, it was a good piece to calm one’s heart –Though he had never heard about it before.

Gods are idiotic bunch…

“Hm!?” Suddenly an out of line thought appeared within, starting him. It wasn’t him… probably…

As Allen was confused by the sudden thought, at this moment,

"Hi,"

A voice called out to him. When Allen raised his head and look, he saw a girl wearing a plain silver mask adorned with a glistening gem or crystal on its forehead.

Allen frowned as he didn’t know this girl. Thus, he simply nodded.

The girl didn’t mind Allen’s stoic manner and stopped by his side. She raised her hand and grabbed two wine glasses from the passing waiter resembling a butler and passed the other one to Allen.

“Thanks,”

“You’re new, aren’t you?” The woman started as she stared at Allen with piercing golden eyes that caused Allen great discomfort. “So you should be the one that young girl Eerika brought here…”

“... …” Allen frowned by he still nodded. However, what makes his heart almost jumped from his chest were her next words…

“You’re a demon, aren’t you…?” The woman asked with a wry tone.

!!?

Allen stared at the woman with eyes widened in shock. His body froze over.

“As expected…”

Allen immediately calmed himself down and turned around, staring at the woman.

“How did you know?” Allen’s voice turned cold and the bit of power he had managed to regain slowly surged up. Although he can’t defeat most Gods and Demi–Gods here but escaping was not an impossible matter.

The woman extended her hand, “My name is Mair, the God Mimir’s descendant.” Although she was wearing a mask, but Allen seemed to have seen her smiling brilliantly.

“I possess the ability to see everything –no matter how well one hides it.”

“… …” Allen’s eyes narrowed but he couldn’t help but step back. “And so…? What do you want?” for some reason, Allen felt great danger coming from her. It’s as if all his secrets are being exposed.

“Don’t worry… apart from me, I don’t think anyone would know.” Mair suddenly spoke light-heartedly. “From my clan, I am the only one who possesses the eye of secrets. Thus, no one would be able to see it as long as you can hide it well,”

“… …” What the heck is wrong with this woman…?

“What are you planning?”

“Planning? Haha, I don’t have anything of that sort. I’m not that bored to start something… still, although you are indeed a demon but you are not a normal one. I don’t think you pose any threat to us… right, mortal king…?” Mair said in a cheerful tone.

Allen could see the golden gaze behind her mask turning crescent. Just how many did she saw…?

Just how much did she learn…?

“However, don’t worry. I won’t tell anybody about it… who knows what your existence here would cause this world…I’m also interested to know~” She said as she turned around and left.

Allen stared at Mair with a very complicated expression. Just what is that woman’s angle…?

At this moment, "Sol!" A voice called out. "I've been looking all over for you! Where've you been?"

*** ***