Marvel Magic Case Files

Chapter 173 A Partner Who Understands Each Other (First Update!)

Athena led Salomon around among the well-dressed men and women, introducing him to everyone she knew. Each time, the sorcerer maintained a perfect expression to deal with these boring socialites. Artists are always the easiest group to attract wealthy businessmen and politicians; it was a mystery whether these rich people didn't need to work, spending an entire day in this place.

Salomon greatly envied their ability to make small talk. It was nearing dusk, the buffet was far from filling their stomachs, and his legs were too tired to walk much. Athena, however, remained radiant, as if a whole day of socializing meant nothing to her—Athena was said to have been the queen of the Olympian gods' social gatherings hosted by Hera, her only rival being Aphrodite. Whenever Athena spoke of this past, she would mention this goddess of love and beauty, but each time she would do so with disdain, calling her a brainless, voluptuous whore, whose only advantage was her looks; otherwise, she was insignificant. Many times, Athena used Aphrodite's example to educate Salomon, warning him not to be swayed by beauty and to stay away from women who were all looks and no brains.

At the same time, Ares, the god of war, was also a bad example. Athena used him to teach Salomon to think more carefully, because a guy with only muscles in his head can't get anything done, especially when he's paired with an equally brainless woman—the outcome of the Trojan War is proof of that.

It's fair to say that ordinary social situations are nothing to Athena; she navigates every conversation with ease, using her wisdom and charm. This is something Salomon can learn, and something Athena wants him to learn. These skills (negotiation) are closely related to the fundamental attributes of a sorcerer, and Athena believes that if Salomon can do it in magic, he can do it just as well in ordinary social situations. In Athena's view, to become a hero, one must first make Salomon's name known to many.

"In fact, you behaved quite appropriately, but that's all," Athena said with some dissatisfaction to Salomon, who was sitting in the passenger seat. "This dress looks like armor on you. Don't you feel uncomfortable? If you could take your eyes off those ladies' collarbones, your performance tonight would be considered perfect for a newcomer to the social scene."

"I was just trying to make those boring conversations a little more interesting." The sorcerer shrugged. "You're the most beautiful one in this exhibition, but I can't keep staring at your face, can I? That would make me look like a mother-crazy child! Even if I don't look at your collarbone, I can't look at their legs, can I? They're nowhere near as beautiful as you—and nowhere near as beautiful as my girlfriend."

"Sweet words won't save you." Athena wasn't fooled by Salomon's flattery. "The training plan is unchangeable; no matter how much you say, you can't escape it. Besides... a girlfriend? When did I agree to that? She's a woman over five hundred years older than you!"

"My dear Athena, you're behaving just like a mother, the kind who talks incessantly."

"You brat!" Athena's eyes widened. She lifted her long skirt, straddling the handbrake with her long legs, and slammed her heel down hard on Salomon's thigh. "I said I don't agree! If you don't believe me, go ask Theseus. I know what kind of woman is right for you!"

"In a sense, you are my mother... We're not arguing about that, Athena." Salomon grabbed Athena's shoe with a helpless expression. "But the controlling nature you exhibit is truly terrifying. This isn't just teenage stubbornness; it's the result of careful consideration. Bayonetta is indeed a good fit for me."

After hearing Salomon's explanation, Athena's anger didn't immediately subside. She paused to think, and instead of retracting her leg, she placed her other leg on Salomon's thigh, feigning a relaxed posture as if preparing for a casual conversation. "You will do many unacceptable things for the Earth in the future, because you are the successor of the Sorcerer Supreme, and these burdens are yours to bear," she said. "Do you think that witch will understand you then? She's too kind. What you need is a ruthless woman who can understand you, like Jason's wife Medea."

"I'm prepared for this, Athena," the sorcerer said. "I know you're doing this for my sake, but please allow me this one indulgence. I don't like women who are too dependent on men. Bayonetta is an independent woman; she has her own thoughts, just like you. You influenced my aesthetic sense, and that's why I like her—if we disregard physical appearance, then that's all. I've considered your concerns as well. I think Medea and Bayonetta have some similarities, and I believe Bayonetta will understand me." (Both voice actresses are Atsuko Tanaka)

"I allow you a little rebellion during your adolescence." Athena pulled her leg back and stepped on the clutch of the sports car. She glanced at the sorcerer, raised her eyebrows, and looked confident. "But only once. When you suffer the consequences, you'll understand why I'm the goddess of wisdom."

"Then I might even surpass Athena once, which would be a boastful achievement. In the past, a poet would probably write a poem for me."

"I bet I'll win, Salomon, don't underestimate me." Athena started the sports car, and after leaving the parking lot, she stepped on the gas and began to accelerate. "And the problem isn't completely solved yet!" she said, "There's still the female spy!"

"Please spare me!"

----------------

"So, that's your excuse!" Lorna frowned, standing angrily in front of the orphanage gate. As the oldest child in the orphanage, she was now representing all the children in questioning Salomon and Athena. "You and Minerva abandoned us all day, and we only had bread to eat! And you said you went to see your girlfriend?!"

"And there were two," Athena added fuel to the fire with a calm expression. "Perhaps there was only one, but when Salomon asked out his girlfriend, two women showed up. How strange."

Salomon sighed. He had arranged to meet Bayonetta to introduce her to Athena, but he hadn't expected Joan of Arc to show up as well. "Only one." He instinctively covered his face and closed his eyes, his expression pained, as he recalled that terrible dinner—the atmosphere at the table was incredibly awkward. Athena and Bayonetta inexplicably disliked each other, Joan of Arc was happily devouring the food, and Salomon was left trying to mediate between Athena and Bayonetta.

The result was obvious: Salomon failed. Athena's sarcastic remarks at the dinner table, using Aphrodite as a metaphor, and the witch's uncompromising banter about control freaks and older women, only exacerbated the already tense atmosphere. Salomon felt that this dinner had exhausted him far more than any art exhibition.

Proposing this dinner was the stupidest decision he had ever made.

"I promise, there's only one." Salomon felt utterly exhausted, his eyelids practically glued shut. "I can't take any more than that."

"You've never mentioned your girlfriend." Little Lorna didn't seem satisfied with this explanation. Her hair changed from black to dark green, then back to black. This was due to the instability of her power. Although the power wasn't strong, it still affected her life. She could only use her power freely in the orphanage.

"Tell me quickly, what does she look like?"

Athena left quietly without looking back; she had no desire to join in the fun. Lorna was a girl she was grooming for the best; she excelled in both painting and spear fighting, and her personality was just like Athena's.

"Very tall, long legs, great figure, the kind of ultimate figure you can never achieve in your entire life."

Lorna lowered her head, glanced at her toes, took a deep breath, took a half step back, shifted her shoulder back, and raised her elbow...

Then he punched Salomon in the stomach.

Please vote for me~~~

(End of this chapter)