"Don't you think you should have been more..." Amber puffed her cheeks and waved her hands, "...considerate about dropping on everyone the idea of reclaiming the Cursed Land?"

"It's been three days!" I looked at her slowly with unmasked surprise. "Why should I?"

"Because, as the name suggests, those lands are cursed?" Aoi supported Amber.

"But that's nonsense!" I declined and waved my hand dismissively.

"Nonsense or not, Theresa wasn't feeling great about it and the Ebrusians almost had heart attacks." Mia pointed out and stretched her wondrous body on the blanket.

"But there is no curse, only Dungeon's undead!" I shrugged and put away the glass of my cold beer before I could spill it.

"Still, people are used to the name the Cursed Lands so they naturally believe in the curse." Tia lay on her belly beside Mia.

"The more they spoke about a mystical curse the more they feared it." I shrugged and took a sip of my beer. "Their fear was the only thing protecting those lands from being resettled."

"But their fear runs deeper than you want to admit." Mia smiled with closed eyes. "Even we, the inhabitants of the distant Hilgvar, have heard about the fall of Falcia and the evil necromancer living in the Cursed Land."

"Do any of you think that if I entertained their fears they would react with more hysteria? Because, I'm sure it would end up as something along the lines: if even Theon Avalon is afraid of the Cursed Land, how could we face it?!" I used an overdramatic voice.

"Theon is right." Luna smiled at me. "Pretending to be cautious about a non-existent curse would only backfire on us. Making sure there are no unexplored and wild patches of land behind our back helps us secure Arcadia."

"Hmmm..." Tia slowly nodded while she played with her golden hair. "I agree with you now, Theon..."

"And I still believe you could have done it differently." Amber sighed. "But the deed is done so, I suppose, there is no changing it."

"Mhm..." I hummed from over my beer.

•••

Arletta was walking behind Goddess Hera as they casually strolled the capital city of Arcadia. Hera was relaxed, wearing a light gown and high heels with a wide-brimmed hat that cast shade even on her shoulders. She simply suppressed her Divine Presence and disappeared among thousands of people around them. Arletta, not so much. Despite wearing a simple dress like most women around her, her long pink hair guaranteed a few men cast a curious gaze at her. Despite that, no one approached them or bothered them. She wasn't even sure where they were heading since Goddess Hera simply gave her a dress, comfortable flat shoes and sunglasses, and told her to follow her. They walked the wide streets of Avalon seemingly without any purpose and, only after an entire hour, Arletta realised that she wasn't supposed to observe Goddess Hera. Instead, she started paying attention to her surroundings.

The city itself was simply fabulous and it was obvious that Goddess Hera's intention wasn't to simply show it to Arletta. However, she couldn't not notice the wide streets, full of large planters made of polished stone, with various flowers and even trees lined the sides. The streets were clean thanks to evenly spaced trash bins, conveniently placed near comfortable benches. She was even left speechless after they used the underground magi-train and, as they waited for it to arrive, Arletta saw the map of the entire train network that connected various points in the vast city. The pink-haired Goddess could only shake her head in disbelief but, she had to admit, she was impressed with Avalon. The much older Goddess was silent, only speaking to Arletta to inform her about their next destination.

Arletta started paying attention to the people of Avalon. Like every bustling city in the world, its people were running their businesses and attending to their daily duties, while many others simply strolled around. The Adventurers' parties were clearly visible in the crowd, wearing their battle gear, but their presence was almost natural. The people around them were unbothered by the openly armed... Then it struck her, most of the people were unarmed. Even if someone carried a dagger or a sword, it was mostly for fashion. She almost broke the silence and asked Goddess Hera about it but she decided to wait. The people were happy and calm; as the two of them passed near one of the many parks in the city, Arletta observed many children playing with special constructions. Some of their parents were nearby: mothers who gossiped with each other, fathers who used that time for a short nap, or families who prepared picnics in the shades of huge trees. She wasn't sure if she was impressed or terrified by the carelessness of those people until she saw a patrol of two Guardsmen who followed an Inquisitor.

She watched them curiously and, mindful of what Tyklas Ross said, she gauged them. Immediately, the Inquisitor looked straight at her and her eyes went wide from shock. A Mortal capable of detecting her spells? Impossible... and yet, they steered into their path, with the Inquisitor watching her closely. However, before they were close enough to address her, Goddess Hera tipped her hat towards him and he just inclined his head towards Arletta. Goddess Hera smiled widely at which the Inquisitor simply shrugged and moved past them without asking questions. But, as he passed her, she felt his impressive aura and felt an unspoken warning to never do it again. She shook in shock of realisation...

"They feel safe..." She whispered.

Hera simply beamed a smile and resumed her walk. Arletta paid closer attention to the people she passed by: To the Merchant, who was selling ice creams near the park entrance to a group of kids. To the pair of elderly people, who discussed the newest news over a chess board. To the Guardsmen, who helped a man whose cart's wheel cracked and his goods spilt into the street. The adults and kids were helping and the only thing that Arletta felt from them was the wish to help the man. No one wanted to steal anything or take advantage of the opportunity. Finally, Goddess Hera stopped at a pastry shop and went inside while Arletta followed her. It was quiet inside despite the bustling city noise just outside its doors and large windows.

"Good afternoon, Matilda." Hera greeted the middle-aged woman standing behind the green-brown counter who was serving a drink to her customer.

"Good afternoon, Lady Hera!" The woman beamed a wide smile and waved her hand. "I'll be there in a moment."

Arletta cringed upon hearing the woman call Hera by her name openly but the remaining patrons paid no attention to it. Hera, who treated it as normal, for some reason, simply walked toward the stairs and sat at a table near a large window. The tables on the first floor were separated from each other with plants and soft music played in the background. Arletta sat in front of the older Goddess and, nervously, put together her hands. Goddess Hera looked at her calmly, with a soft and patient smile, but she didn't initiate conversation. On the table, waiting for them, were two thin books and, while Hera had not picked one up, she tapped at them, urging Arletta to read its contents. As she opened it, she furrowed her brows and looked through it with confusion. It was a list of dishes and drinks available in the establishment with their prices.

"I'm sorry you had to wait, my Lady!" The cheerful voice of Matilda came right next to Arletta, startling her a bit. "You want the usual?"

"If you could." Hera smiled.

"What about you, my dear?"

"I..." Arletta looked at the unfazed woman and once again to the book. "An apple pie and chocolate... milk?"

"Do you want the apple pie with ice cream?" Matilda asked as she took notes.

"I..." Arletta nervously looked into the book. "Please?"

"Of course! The chocolate milk is served cold but we also serve hot cocoa."

"Cold chocolate milk would be fine..." Arletta felt strange being questioned by a Mortal and she had never heard of any of the dishes served here.

"I'll be right back!" Matilda widely smiled and went downstairs, leaving them in silence.

The young Goddess noticed that Hera was mysteriously smiling while she watched something outside. Arletta followed her gaze and gasped. Avalon was in the flatlands placed, seemingly, in the middle of nowhere but, somehow, this shop was on a small hill. Not as high as the artificial hill where the Palace of Emperor Theon sat, but high enough to offer a wonderful view of the bustling city. The view was captivating, with the tall trees that grew in the city's parks and the pristine rooftops of the capital of Arcadia. Arletta was taken by the sight and hadn't even noticed when Matilda returned.

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"Your coffee and strawberry cake, Lady Hera!" She skillfully placed a small cup with some strangely smelling, black liquid and a slice of a pink-white cake in front of Hera. "And an apple pie with ice cream and chocolate milk for you!"

"Thank you, Matilda," Hera replied with a smile.

"T-thank you!" Arletta followed, surprised by her own nervousness.

Hera smiled again as she slowly began eating cake and sipping her coffee. Arletta looked at her plate, tasted a spoonful of the apple pie, and moaned quietly with pleasure. Goddess Hera pretended not to hear her as Arletta's face blushed. She tried the ice cream which was another surprising discovery that melted in her mouth. She was a Goddess and Ebrusians were nice cooks so, from time to time, she indulged herself in Mortal cuisine, but this... This was something exceptional.

"It's my favourite pastry shop, Arletta," Hera said when they finished their cakes. "It's far from what the Masters who work in Theon's palace can bake, but... But I like this place."

"Everything is different in Arcadia..." Arletta lowered her head with a nervous grimace. "I can easily see why you like this place... Why do you like Avalon... Because this place is blessed by so many Gods-"

"It is not..." Hera smiled and took a sip of her coffee. "Or at least it's not blessed in the way you might think it is. We do not influence the people living in Arcadia. We don't protect them personally."

"Then how? How does he do it?" Arletta looked outside with defeat painted on her face.

"He created a fair legal system." Hera smiled.

"Fair?" Arletta used all her might to sound polite.

"Indeed..." Hera smiled softly. "The laws of Arcadia are equal for everyone. At least, in the details of enforcement. Almost every case is separate... Theon often says: if I had to imprison someone who stole bread to feed his starving children, how tall must the gallows be for a noble stealing out of greed? That's the basis of every Arcadian law. The sentence must be equally severe for everyone, no matter if they are rich or poor."

"And that works? He is not tempted by anything to make exceptions?"

"He is consistent in his laws and impervious to the temptations that have corrupted many before him. He cares not for the gold or jewels. He is surrounded by women of unprecedented beauty who are his wives but you won't find simple lust in his love. I can guarantee you, he is a man who is too busy with his own wives to look for a random romance. He finds no joy in cruelty and laughs off any attempts of flattery. How is he doing it...?" Hera rested the back of her head on the tall, pillowed backrest. "His immunity to corruption came from his sense of responsibility and a strict moral code. He is a man who knows the weight of his decisions. He is also aware of his imperfections, so he listens to the advice given by his wives and friends he trusts. But... I see in your eyes that I wasn't exactly answering your question."

"Yes and no..." Arletta sighed. "I think I was looking for a far more mundane explanation..."

Hera laughed and pointed at a patrol that slowly strolled down the street.

"The people are not afraid because of them. The Guardsmen and Inquisitors are patrolling the streets of every city of Arcadia. They are not garrisoned somewhere in the city or pointlessly standing on the walls. As Theon once said: I don't think that someone is going to steal my walls so the soldiers can do something better." She chuckled and even Arletta smiled softly. "So he split the garrison forces and scattered them across his cities. But it's hardly innovative enough to guarantee such a peaceful life for his subjects..."

"The Inquisitors?" Arletta guessed and took a sip of the chocolate milk and almost gasped in shock. Hera, however, simply smiled at her.

"Yes. They are also called Truth Seekers. They will always detect a lie without fail. They will always find the guilty, and no lie, no amount of wealth will save you from justice."

"One of them immediately knew when I used identification..." Arletta laid back on the comfortable chair.

"Of course." Hera chuckled and put together her fingertips. "They are constantly trained by Empress Luna, one of the most powerful Kitsunes in history. They also have the blessing of Goddess Hestia. But, more than that, they are some of the most loyal Mortals in service to the Empire. As long as you abide by the law of Arcadia, the Inquisitors will protect you. They are loved by the common people and feared by any wrongdoers."

"This city is..." Arletta sighed and looked outside the large window. "Impressive beyond the imagination."

"But?" Hera asked with a knowing voice.

"But it would be nothing if not for the people..."

"Funny, isn't it?" Hera took another sip of her coffee. "How many times have you heard a monarch saying that his people are free while, in fact, they are just toys in their hands?"

"Too many times..." Arletta smiled but there was no joy in her smile.

"But that's exactly what Theon did. He set reasonable boundaries and told them- 'you are free as long as you follow my rules'."

"But he is strong enough to enforce his rules." Arletta almost whispered with a voice heavy with emotions.

"Yes. But are Theresa and Victor Iceleon as strong? Or even the Emperor of Metaka?" Hera asked and, once Arletta shook her head, the older Goddess smiled and continued. "That's right. They are not and, yet, they are following Theon's example."

"Why?!"

"Because it's working." Hera sighed and put down her empty cup. "Three countries in the alliance have already formed connections that will transfer many ideas. The merchants spread stories, the adventurers who travel with merchants offer their services to the locals, and the students form international friendships. For now, the people enjoy this change."

"But in the future..."

"The people of Arcadia are going to remain loyal to their Emperor..." Hera said with certainty. "It's his influence, you see. His kindness is supported by the resolve to destroy all his enemies. That lesson is constantly repeated because there is always someone who doesn't understand... So, the people of Arcadia can live in prosperity as long as they follow the rules."

"Do you think that it will last?"

"I'm sure of it." Hera shrugged.

"How can you be so sure?"

Hera started laughing and took a small mirror from her ring of holding and aimed it at Arletta. The young Goddess looked at her own reflection without understanding anything.

"We are Gods of those people, Arletta," Hera said with a serious voice. "We can help safeguard the right course of action by blessing the wise rulers and helping to weed out the troublemakers. If needed, Theon is fully capable of helping us provide the desired outcome."

Arletta looked at Hera in shock but slowly nodded. She understood the necessity... "What about the World's Words? Wouldn't it be considered excessive interference?"

"He is a walking and breathing loophole." Hera chuckled. "Tell me, Arletta... Have you appointed an Oracle?"

"Of course!"

"And you use her to guide your people?" Hera asked, amused.

"Naturally!" She replied, confused.

"It's the same..." Hera chuckled seeing Arletta's lack of understanding. "What's the difference between telling your people 'you shouldn't listen to that guy' and 'it would be better for you if you exiled him' and telling that to Theon?"

"I... Hmmm... He would actually listen?" Arletta's cynicism kicked in.

"There you go. That's why we have all appointed him to be some kind of our oracle. He is not a God. He is not a Mortal. He is a Dungeon. A living loophole for us to actually have a significant impact. That's why his Empire will last forever: he is going to guard it and we will aid him..."

Arletta sat in silence, observing the magnificent sunset. Before she noticed, Matilda had cleaned the table and left the bill. Arletta smiled and took out a gold coin with a very happy expression.

"Oh?" Hera smiled with pride. "No bickering about how the Gods shouldn't pay?"

"No." Arletta shook her head with pride. "The people work and need payment to live. What kind of Goddess would I be if I deprived them of it?"

Hera chuckled and patted her pink hair. "I'm glad you remembered that much. Although..."

Hera picked up her gold coin and looked at it with a smirk.

"Something wrong? That should be enough..." Arletta looked nervously at Hera.

"Should is a very good word to describe it." Hera chuckled and gave a paper bill to Matilda who approached them and disappeared again. "Gold is rarely used as currency, especially if the gold coins are minted outside Arcadia..."

"Arcadia doesn't use gold as currency?!" Arletta was shocked.

"Yes and no..." Hera smiled. "They have their own currency which is independent from gold price fluctuations but, more importantly, it's proofed. Your gold coin is worth exactly its worth in gold, which should be more than enough to pay… But you have to exchange it first. Anyway, that's something for later..."

Hera stood up and moved towards the stairs, followed by a stunned Arletta.

"Goodbye, Matilda." Hera waved at the woman as she opened the door to leave.

"I'm looking forward to seeing you again, my Goddess!" The woman waved back and other patrons just nodded with respect and happy smiles.

The evening was warm but the night quickly covered the world. However, Avalon was not going to sleep. Street lamps pushed away the darkness, allowing people to continue their business. Arletta noticed that the people were wearing different clothes. Some were more elegant while others wore more relaxed attires. Hera disappeared, leaving Arletta to her thoughts. She slowly walked back to the mansion and, while no one bothered her, she knew they knew she was a Goddess... There were a lot of things she had to think about...

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