"Don't run, let me hug you!"
However, before Luo En's touched feelings could last for a few seconds, the door was pushed open by small hands, and in rushed the Goddess of Victory, Nike, with her arms spread wide, intercepting the darting Gold dog from all directions.
Looking at the few strands of dog hair remaining in Nike's hands and the Gold dog circling around him, Luo En's face turned as dark as the bottom of a pot.
After all this time, have you come to use me as a shield?
Experience tales at mvl
Has even the loyal dog become unreliable these days?
While muttering under his breath, Luo En unceremoniously scooped up the Gold dog that was floundering on the bed and tossed it to Nike standing in front of the bed.
The Goddess of Victory, having gotten her wish, immediately beamed, holding the whimpering dog snugly in her arms, happily stroking its head, and looked at Luo En with eyes full of goodwill and affection.
This is the Goddess of Victory, after all, the most important authority in the sphere of war gods. It's important to establish a good relationship early.
Doggy, you'll have to sacrifice yourself this time.
Luo En ignored his pet dog's pleading eyes, muttered to himself, and managed to squeeze out a friendly smile towards Nike.
"You're awake? What would you like to eat? I'll cook a big feast to celebrate your recovery!"
The familiar question and the Goddess of the Hearth peering out from in front of the door caused Luo En on the bed to stiffen reflexively and shake his head in panic.
"Hes... Hestia, I'm not hungry."
"Ah? Oh..."
Hearing Luo En's clear rejection, Hestia holding the ladle seemed a bit disappointed.
Perhaps due to some aftereffects of the nightmare, Luo En looked around cautiously and then asked carefully.
"What about Athena?"
"She's at Olympus confronting Poseidon. Although the beast tide has ended, there are still troubles on Crete Island and in Atlantis..."
Come on, let's go to the kitchen and put it to the test. I guarantee everything will be to your taste!"
Hestia seemed unimpressed, her face showing skepticism.
"Really? You can study recipes in your dreams? Don't lie to me..."
Despite her words, the Goddess of the Hearth's body involuntarily turned around, quickly following Luo En.
Her previously gloomy face was now filled with eager anticipation.
As expected, easy to read as always.
Luo En glanced back at Hestia, who had willingly followed, and, not at all surprised, looked away with a pleasurable curve to his lips.
Clearly, the Goddess of the Hearth, whose personality he had figured out, was nearly hooked.
Soon, the stove was lit, a wisp of cooking smoke rose.
The sounds of pots and pans, along with the aroma of food being boiled, fried, sautéed, and deep-fried filled the kitchen. One by one, dishes that were either exquisitely shaped, innovatively prepared, or creatively crafted were completed and served on the dining table, becoming the stars of today's meal.
The naturally forthright Nike was quickly lured by the fragrance and became a captive to the culinary delights, taking her seat at the table with the wriggling dog and feasting with gusto.
"Get down, no eating without washing your hands!"
But even the Goddess of Victory, in the realms of the kitchen and dining table, was driven away by a fierce Hestia wielding a ladle and obediently put down the dog to head to the sink.
Seeing Nike scampering away, Luo En, who had been demoted from head chef to sous chef, reflected on the domestic authority of the Goddess of the Hearth and served up the last dish, announcing that the meal was ready.
In a warm and joyful atmosphere, two gods, one person, and one dog finished their meal, faces content.
Just as this family banquet was ending and Luo En was preparing to get up and clean up the messy table, Hestia stood up from the bench and spoke up to stop him, a change from her usual demeanor.
"Let's clean up later; you, come with me first!"
As she spoke, Hestia didn't wait for a response, grabbed Luo En's arm, and, leaving Nike to watch the house, headed straight to the top floor of the home.
The third floor was a balcony with plants and flowers and a few tables and chairs.