Inner Voice: All Heroines Hear My Inner Voice Chapter 940 940: Like a god, like a future father-in-law

Ignoring the System's mocking, Eiji put on a show of being oblivious.

Not long after the duel concluded and the 10 million Valis prize money was secured—though he mused it wasn't substantial given the funds Ouranos had already supplied—Ganesha extended an invitation to the VIP lounge, an offer Eiji readily accepted.

For Shakti's sake, it only made sense to foster a positive connection with the deity of her familia. This would undoubtedly smooth the path to eventually counting Shakti among his companions, wouldn't it?

[Such astute reasoning! Precisely what one would expect from our King.]

Leme, as was her custom, showered her host with praise.

She truly was a benevolent golden finger.

Unlike some who were prone to constant sarcasm.

Miss System: "...."

The arena outside thrummed with lingering excitement, the echoes of cheers for him and his moniker, 'The Executor,' reaching Eiji's ears. News of his involvement in the Ganesha Familia event would undoubtedly ripple through Orario imminently.

Yet, within this private space, only Ganesha, his elephant mask still firmly in place, Shakti standing rigidly beside him, and Eiji, appearing as relaxed as if he'd merely taken a leisurely stroll, were present.

Truthfully, the entire ordeal hadn't even served as a proper warm-up for him. Aside from Shakti, who stood sentinel by her god like a loyal bodyguard, the pair sat opposite each other.

Ganesha poured a generous measure into a formidable glass. "Hahaha! Today marks a truly historic occasion for the Ganesha Family! Eiji, your prowess is astounding! Not only did you conquer the tournament, but you also captured the adoration of the masses... particularly those lovely ladies in the front rows! However..."

He proffered the brimming glass towards Eiji.

Eiji declined with a shake of his head, promptly accepting the drink and taking a sip before inquiring, "However, what?"

In a dramatic flourish, Ganesha swiveled his head, gesturing towards Shakti and Eiji alternately. "Ganesha senses a thrill far surpassing mere victory! Pray tell, Eiji! What precisely is the nature of your bond with my highly disciplined Captain?"

Eiji slowly turned his gaze towards the visibly tense Shakti, a faint smile gracing his lips. "Our relationship? I believe it is quite favorable. Shakti has offered me considerable assistance since our initial encounter. Without her support, I might not have achieved this standing today."

His declaration was slightly embellished.

Shakti flushed with embarrassment upon hearing his words.

Ganesha stroked the chin of his elephant mask, his eyes gleaming with a mischievous light. "Oho? 'Quite Favorable'? Is that all? Ganesha observed the way Shakti regarded you from the sidelines earlier! It was the look of a mother fretting over a child acquiring a scratch, or perhaps... like a maiden fearing her prince might sustain even the slightest injury!"

Shakti's face instantly bloomed crimson, her spear tip striking the floor. "Ganesha-sama! Cease this frivolous talk! I was merely... I was merely fulfilling my duty to ensure the participants' safety."

[Shakti harbors concern for me? Goodness, I feel slightly flustered.]

Eiji, did you not comprehend my words precisely? I did not—!

Shakti inwardly protested, acutely aware that revealing her ability to perceive Eiji's inner thoughts was out of the question.

Ganesha burst into laughter, casting a knowing glance at Shakti. "Safety? Shakti, you were practically poised to leap into the arena when that Level 5 adventurer advanced on Eiji! You never displayed such anxiety even when I tumbled from the podium! Confess, you listed Eiji among the combatants not due to his inherent potential, but because you yearned to gaze upon his handsome visage bathed in the spotlight."

His words were deliberately hyperbolic.

Shakti had not harbored intentions that extreme, yet she covered her face with a hand, her voice diminishing into an embarrassed murmur. "Th-That is not the case! I simply hold him in high regard! Ganesha-sama, I implore you... cease this!"

Eiji let out a soft chuckle, delighted by Shakti's reaction. It appeared his courtship strategy was progressing splendidly! "Do not be overly harsh with her. I truly value the 'high regard' she has shown me."

"Hahaha! Behold! He even defends you, Shakti! What a perfect pairing under Ganesha's auspicious gaze! FOR I AM GANESHA!"

[Given Ganesha's pronouncement, does this signify his blessing for a romantic pursuit of Shakti?]

[It seems my participation in the preceding tournament was not in vain.]

A romantic relationship?

Eiji harbors such thoughts about her!?

Shakti spun around abruptly, attempting to conceal her now blazing red face. "I-I must attend to the security report! Eiji, please continue your discussion with Ganesha-sama!"

She departed at an astounding speed, nearly colliding with the exit. As a Level 5 adventurer, maintaining composure in such a moment was surely within her capabilities.

Ganesha eyed Eiji, remarking, "Well done. It appears you are the sole individual capable of melting Shakti's resolute heart."

Eiji did not offer a denial. The implication was clear; he indeed harbored such sentiments towards Shakti.

Once more, Ganesha chuckled, then posed a question to Eiji: "By the way, Eiji, are you truly unable to reveal your family's name? And your cultivation level, what is it?"

Curiosity gnawed at him.

This time, Eiji offered no concealment. "I hail from Seiya Familia, a family established just yesterday. You might have heard of it, Ganesha?"

He didn't address Ganesha with the customary respect, not out of disdain, but because he perceived himself as being on an equal footing, given his true nature...

Ganesha bore no offense; his surprise stemmed from Eiji's mention of the familia.

"Seiya Familia? You are part of that group!? I heard that even though it's new, its members are already at level 8 and 9. Therefore, Eiji... your level must be—"

Before Ganesha could finish his inquiry, Eiji affirmed with a nod. "I am that familia's god."

"I am Ganesha?" Ganesha froze, his eyes widening in disbelief.

Eiji observed Ganesha's peculiar reaction with evident amusement.

"Hold on! You are a god!? You are Eiji Seiya!?"

He uttered the full name Eiji had learned through whispers among the divine ranks.

Eiji confirmed with another nod, "Indeed."

"But... how is that even possible? Deities like us should not wield divine power in the mortal realm without facing severe repercussions! Yet, Eiji, you appeared perfectly fine throughout!"

Ganesha’s confusion was palpable, his elephant mask nearly slipping from his face.

Eiji proceeded to explain his identity as the Hegemony God, a divine being from another universe, thus exempt from this world's celestial laws. He had recently struck a deal with Ouranos: he would attempt to conquer the dungeon, and in return, he could remain indefinitely with numerous privileges.

Though the information was strictly confidential, Eiji felt no qualves revealing it to Ganesha, whom he regarded as a potential future father-in-law.

Wasn't that the case?

After all, gods and goddesses considered their familia members as their own offspring. This was because deities in this realm were infertile, incapable of bearing biological children, whether with fellow gods or mortals.

Even the protagonist, Bell, often referred to as Zeus's grandson, was not biologically related; they shared no blood ties.

Upon hearing Eiji's explanation, Ganesha fell silent for a few moments. Then, he exclaimed, "Remarkable... Truly remarkable! So, you are the hope for the inhabitants of the lower world to conquer the dungeon? You are our hero!"

A hero?

Perhaps that wasn't entirely inaccurate.

Not only was he absorbing the members of Bell's harem from the original narrative, but he was also claiming the title of Hero for himself in this era.

"Rest assured, Ganesha shall safeguard every word spoken within this chamber from the other gods. Your trust in me emboldens me to entrust Shakti to you! FOR I AM GANESHA!"

In truth, Ganesha's motivations weren't solely about protecting secrets...

However, Ganesha's final pronouncements were quite advantageous! Much like Hermes, he had effectively sold his familia's captain to Eiji.

Eiji could vividly picture himself in the future, holding both Asfi and Shakti simultaneously in his embrace.

[Host, your smile carries a hint of lewdness.]

A dry cough escaped Eiji as he assumed a serious, heroic demeanor. "Leave it to me. I pledge to care for Shakti diligently."

"Hahahaha!"

Their conversation continued for several more minutes. Subsequently, Eiji departed the VIP lounge, taking one last glance at Shakti.

Shakti inquired if her god had shared any embarrassing details about her.

Eiji promptly denied it.

"He merely approves of our relationship."

"W-what? What relationship?"

Shakti's cheeks flushed. Eiji refrained from elaborating, though it seemed unlikely he could pursue her further at present, with another woman awaiting him.

After a brief exchange, he bid farewell with a promise to meet again.

Shakti let out a sigh of relief, grateful Eiji didn't continue to tease her. While she found it somewhat enjoyable, the rapid beat of her heart fueled her anxiety.

Yet, before she could resume her duties, two familiar amazons approached her.

"Shakti!"

"Yo, my younger sister here wants to ask you about a certain individual."

It was Tiona and Tione. They had met previously due to past collaborations between Loki Familia and Ganesha Familia.

Their relationship wasn't particularly close, but nor could it be called strained.

Tione's statement left Shakti perplexed.

"A man? Tiona-san, Tione-san... Whom are you referring to?"

Tiona exclaimed with excitement, "The champion this time, the Executor, Eiji! Where is that incredibly handsome guy now? I saw him leave with your god earlier!"

"I saw him too," Tione added, feigning indifference while a flicker of curiosity crossed her face, as if she were merely accompanying Tiona.

"...." Shakti remained silent. Observing the infatuated expression on Tiona's face, reminiscent of the other amazons captivated by Eiji during the previous match, she suddenly felt hesitant to reveal Eiji's departure route.

Her expression turned stern; she hadn't realized she was acting like a jealous woman whose beloved was being pursued by others.

"Um... Shakti, your expression is quite frightening. Excuse me, are you occupied?" Tione felt a sense of danger emanating from the woman before her.

If it were possible, she wished to avoid offending Shakti, even though Shakti's cultivation level was higher.

After all, both she and her younger sister, Tiona, were at level 6. Under normal circumstances, they were confident that either of them could handle a level 5 opponent like Shakti.

However, Shakti held the position of captain within the Ganesha Familia. They felt it was best not to cause trouble, especially just to find a man.

"I was busy, and I'm unsure of Eiji's whereabouts after his conversation with Ganesha-sama," Shakti replied. While not entirely untruthful, she withheld some information.

Tiona, being somewhat naive, readily accepted Shakti's statement. But Tione? Before her younger sister pulled her away, Tione's eyes narrowed slightly.

She didn't completely trust Shakti and sensed something suspicious!

Suddenly, she recalled Eiji's previous match. He had been recommended by the captain of the Ganesha Familia to participate. This implied Shakti knew Eiji better than they did, and their connection might be more than mere acquaintance.

'Tiona, you foolish girl. Your crush has already played you!'

Tione felt a pang of pity for her younger sister.

Unbeknownst to them, they were heading in the opposite direction from Eiji. Meanwhile, Eiji strode down a deserted marble corridor near one of the Colosseum's entrances. No one would interrupt his rendezvous with another of his future wives.

Approaching a magnificent exit, he spotted a woman leaning against a pillar. She was adorned in an elegant dress, exuding a mature aura, yet her eyes sparkled with a playfully mischievous glint.

What a stunning woman with an exquisite figure!

Without a word, she had evidently been waiting for him, as if anticipating their meeting.

Eiji recognized her from the original work. She was the Goddess of agriculture and harvest, Demeter.

"Such an intensely alluring aura, making one feel hunger... I've never encountered anything like it in Orario," she remarked, stepping forward. The scent of fresh wheat and spring blossoms trailed her. "Eiji-kun, is that correct? I observed your match from the VIP section. You were truly... 'captivating' then, just as you are now."

[This woman is actively pursuing me! Well, well, I shall indulge her.]

The heroines: "...."

As long as it's a beautiful woman, your defenses crumble, Eiji!

Eiji halted, regarding Demeter with polite attention, though his gaze briefly lingered on her ample bosom. This was a deliberate act to signal his interest.

"Thank you for the compliment. Forgive me, but might I inquire as to your identity, miss? It appears we haven't been formally introduced."

He deliberately played the part of someone unfamiliar with her.

This was all part of his romantic strategy.

"Not met?" Demeter tilted her head coquettishly, her smile remaining as gentle as a spring meadow. "That is true, however, Eiji... We exchanged glances countless times while you fought so valiantly in the arena."

"Is that so? Ah, I do recall now... You were the beautiful woman who repeatedly caught my eye, causing me to falter momentarily during my fights." Eiji decided to reciprocate her playful advances.

"Ara ara." Demeter let out a melodic giggle, her laughter reminiscent of Akeno's, perfectly complementing her voluptuous physique. "I am Demeter. The goddess responsible for the crops and sustenance of the people in this city."

Eiji feigned surprise before offering a slight smile. "So you are Goddess Demeter. Please pardon my ignorance, Demeter-sama. I am still quite new to this city and have yet to recognize all the gods and goddesses."

[Host, you addressed Demeter's name respectfully. It's different from how you mentioned Ganesha's name.]

System, I don't recall that.

For now, cease your commentary within my mind.

Demeter took a step closer, attempting to elicit a stronger reaction by allowing her considerable bust to press against his toned chest. "It is quite alright; it makes you all the more intriguing. I was thoroughly impressed by your display of power earlier. I would greatly appreciate a more extended conversation with such a charming man."

The outcome?

Eiji boldly encircled her waist with his arms. Demeter appeared momentarily taken aback but made no move to withdraw. She continued to gaze upwards at the incredibly handsome man before her.

They could feel each other's breath in the intimate proximity.

"You are too kind with your praise. I merely did what was necessary to secure victory." Eiji spoke with feigned modesty, his hand caressing the waist of the woman in his embrace. Gradually, his hand slid lower, reaching her rounded posterior.

Demeter's breathing quickened; she hadn't anticipated such boldness from a mortal directed towards her! Yet, instead of anger, arousal bloomed within her. A seductive smile graced her lips as she caressed Eiji's chest. "Such rare humility. Why don't you accompany me? My Familia headquarters is currently hosting a small banquet celebrating the finest harvest. Surely a man as potent as you requires ample energy, doesn't he?"

Eiji met Demeter's beautiful gaze with a calm, yet wolf-like intensity. "An invitation from a Goddess such as Demeter-sama is indeed a profound honor. If my presence is not an imposition, I would be delighted to accept."

Miss System: "You are quite compliant, host."

Leme: "Hehehe. This woman practically threw herself at you; you must devour her, our Harem King, our king!"

Demeter appeared pleased with Eiji's acceptance and immediately took his hand. "Of course, I don't mind! Come, allow me to indulge our champion tonight in the most exceptional manner."

"A moment, please."

Eiji gently withdrew his hand and embraced her firmly. Onlookers on the street who happened to witness the scene were taken aback.

They recognized both Demeter and the 'Executor,' Eiji. However, the intimacy they displayed with the Goddess of Harvest was utterly unexpected.

Soon, whispers about their encounter would undoubtedly ripple throughout Orario.

Despite the potential gossip, neither Eiji nor Demeter seemed to concern themselves with it.

"What troubles you?" Demeter inquired, her brow furrowed, her anticipation for their tryst already palpable.

Eiji cupped her chin, his gaze deepening as he looked at her. "It is nothing. I merely wish to state that I am a man of profound possessiveness. From this moment forth, you shall belong solely to me, Demeter-sama."

"Oh my... You truly are... possessive. I accept, but it will depend on your prowess, Eiji-kun~"

Demeter spoke, exhaling breath that smelled like blossoms onto his face.

She genuinely held no objection to belonging to a man like Eiji. Initially, she had considered the limited lifespan of mortals, typically exceeding a century at best.

However, upon discovering that Eiji was, in fact, a god with an eternal existence, her conviction that she had made no mistake solidified.

[Compared to a Goddess of Beauty like Freya, why do I find a Goddess of Harvest like Demeter more alluring?]

"Demeter?"

"The woman attempting to seduce you is Demeter, Eiji!?"

Many heroines within Danmachi found it astonishing that the Goddess of Harvest would be so forward with a man.

Hestia and Hephaestus, who were coincidentally in the vicinity, exchanged glances.

Shock was evident on their faces.

"I am confident in my abilities. My only concern is whether your stamina will suffice."

"Arrogant!"

Demeter thought this, especially noting Eiji's provocative stare. Yet, she would soon discover his words were not mere bravado.

She had indeed provoked a formidable wolf! Not literally, but in a far more intimate sense.