The Arbiter’s Anguish part 1

 

The Sanctuary within Fortress Area I908.

The meeting place was the bar where Kou and Hermes had once crossed paths before.

Hermes and Vasa arrived first and were guided in by the Oikos. Hermes wore a balaclava under a hoodie, and Vasa had come without a tie.

「Hermes-sama. Thank you for visiting us. The establishment is reserved exclusively for you today.」

A black-haired beauty dressed as a bartender bowed to them. It was Hestia.

「We’ll be in your care this time, Hestia.」

Hermes had once committed the atrocity of stripping her of every last resident she had, yet he showed no remorse whatsoever. Hestia, for her part, had no intention of dredging up old grievances.

「This is a conference with the fate of the world on the line. I can’t just leave it to you lot—you’re too hard to watch.」

「And your companion?」

「I’ve got them organizing the back room right now. They’ll come out later. Managing the