Chapter 673 The Games Have Already Begun!
One of my birds flew in front of me with glowing blue eyes, and every screen in the city of Felidae came to life with my face on it. "Everyone! I am sure you all know who I am, but for those who don't, my name is Galio, and I am the god of this world! As you all are aware, five days from today will be the beginning of the Goddess games! This event is being held to replace all the current Goddesses, but know that the games have already begun!"
I paused dramatically, and from where we floated about 50 feet off the ground, I could hear the gasps and exclamations of shock. A smile stretched my face, and I would be lying if I didn't thoroughly enjoy that sound. Since I had been reborn into this world, I had been moving nonstop, facing problems at every turn. While some were of my own making, this was a chance to see what the women who were competing were really made of.
"There are 144 contestants, but over the next five days, you all will be tested and observed. Depending on your actions during this time, you will gain and lose points. You will not know what you are getting points for or why they are being taken away. At the end of it all, we will have a certain number you will have to reach. Those that do not reach this number will be removed from the Goddess Games," I explained, and I could hear the startled gasps fading into puzzled murmurs.
"I know that some of you might find this sudden development overwhelming, but remember this - the mark of a true Goddess is not just strength and power, but also wisdom and kindness. It's how you handle crises, comfort the heartbroken, encourage the weak, and stand up against injustice. Success and sociability will earn you points, while mischief and antisocial behaviors will lose you points."
"Lastly, this isn't just a game or a contest - it's a much-needed test of character and resilience. Only the best will make it to the end. During these five days and the days of the Goddess Games, the favor of citizens will be extremely important. So, make allies, help others, show your best self, and most importantly - have fun!
"Good luck, ladies! I'm eager to see what the contestants of the Goddess Games are truly made of," I finished, the screens fading to black.
I glanced down at Eliza, who was comfortably nestled in my arms with a smile on her face. The city was abuzz, the energy palpable even from high above as confusion, excitement, and anticipation fluttered among the crowds.
"Well, you really know how to get everyone pumped up," Eliza giggled, and I grinned.
"This part is really important. I know that you are worried about the city, but I promise to fix anything that breaks, and no one but the contestants will get hurt. We need to know that the people that we pick are going to be worthy of the position," I explained, and Eliza sighed.
"True, it is not like we are electing a leader for the wine club. I suppose it will be okay, and it is not like I have anything to do with that," Eliza said, and then looked out at the city. "This place is really amazing."
"Yes," I said, and then kissed her cheek, starting to rise up in the air. "So, what are your plans if you are leaving this to Senna?"
"Hey! Don't say that! Senna has a lot of good people around her helping. I am the... whatever you called me!"
"Royal Envoy of the Felidae Empire," I chuckled, nuzzling my nose into her soft hair. "You're right, I shouldn't have teased you. Still, I am curious to know what you are going to be doing?"
"Don't worry! I will be visiting, but the rest is a secret! I have a plan and I am going to make it happen!" Eliza declared as I opened a portal for us back to the palace. Eliza looked up at me as we floated through and I set her down on the marble floor. "What are you doing now?"
I winced at that question, making Eliza raise an eyebrow. "Did you make Breya mad?"
"No, No, quite the opposite, but Tallia is there, and she is less than impressed with me right now," I said as I set Eliza down, and she scoffed at me. n--O-(v.(e/)l).b)/I()n
"I would like to say that I am surprised, but I love you too much to lie to you!" Eliza said with a face-splitting smile that made me roll my eyes.
"Thanks for the support, Eliza," I replied dryly with a roll of my eyes, although I couldn't stop the small smile tugging at my lips. She had gotten into the habit of teasing me mercilessly, but I couldn't say I disliked it.
"As your Royal Envoy, it's my job to keep you grounded, Galio," she winked, twirling away to greet her maids energetically. Watching her bubbling energy and radiating happiness, I couldn't help but chuckle. Eliza just had a way of making everyone around her feel joyous.
I sighed, bracing myself for the upcoming interaction. Apparently, Tallia wasn't thrilled about Breya getting the first ring, but I had my reasons. Out of all the women, I knew and spent the least amount of time with Breya. Considering that we just had a child together, it was only reasonable that Breya got the ring first.
Eliza had already disappeared, so I opened a portal back to the tree home that I had built for Breya and me. On the other side of the portal, Tallia, Breya, Xena, Fate, and Nemoria were all on the other side.
"Look what the cat dragged in," Nemoria laughed, and I couldn't help but smile at the beautiful sound.
"Yes, I dragged myself in," I grinned as I walked through and closed the portal, then looked over at Tallia.
"Don't even bother. I get it, even if I don't like it. I had better not have to explain what will be happening sometime in the next week before the goddess games, right?" Tallia growled at me, and I nodded fast.
"Yes, Ma'am!" I saluted and then sighed. "Where is Grace?"
"Diablo is trying to keep her from playing too rough with the monsters in the village, but Morgana really loves her. Diablo doesn't seem to like going to the village because Morgana also fawns over her, and makes her play dress up for Grace and her," Breya laughed and then smiled. "I think that it is more for Morgana than Grace, but the Lich Queen does love playing Aunty."
"I'm glad Grace is making friends," I said, but I was worried about the other monsters. Grace was not a month old yet, but I would be unsure if all the goddesses together could stop her.
It's not that Grace was reckless or mean; she was anything but that. Grace could just get excited and forget her own overwhelming strength, and I didn't want any of Morgana's monsters to get hurt accidentally.
"I'll have to go check on her later," I said, looking at the goddesses in the room. Their moods seemed to have brightened a bit, which I was glad for. All of them were special to me in one way or another, and it pained me to see them upset.
But for now, I was on vacation!