The streets of Axel were winding down for the evening, the golden glow of lanterns flickering against the wooden storefronts. The usual chaos of adventurers bragging about their latest quests had faded into a gentle hum inside the guild, while the distant chatter of merchants packing up their stalls drifted through the cool night air.

Inside my modest—well, technically, not mine, but close enough—slightly worn-down mansion, peace was nowhere to be found.

“Haaaah?! You want me to do what?!”

I stood in the middle of the room, arms crossed and eyes blazing with indignation. The mop at my feet and the bucket of water beside it were clear insults—reminders that I, Aqua, the self-proclaimed goddess of water, was being forced into a role that suited neither my divine status nor my exquisite nature.

“This is unbelievable! A goddess shouldn’t be stuck doing peasant chores! I should be gracing a luxurious temple, being worshiped and adored, not scrubbing floors in some dingy old mansion!” I flung my hands dramatically, my long, sky-blue hair swirling with every gesture, expecting awe and sympathy to follow.

But all I got was that unimpressed look. I glanced around at the mess—the dirty plates piled high on the counter, my scattered clothes in the corner, and a few empty bottles rolling around on the floor. Yes, the mess was partly mine, but who said divinity came without its little imperfections?

Determined to change the subject—and my fate—I forced a hopeful smile and clasped my hands together. “B-But hey! Instead of making me suffer through more of this, how about we go out? The guild’s still open! We can grab some drinks, take an easy quest, or even hit up a festival—or, oh! Maybe there’s a casino nearby!”

I couldn’t help but steal a glance at the nearly empty coin purse on the table, and despite my feigned cheer, a flicker of worry passed through me. Still, I pressed on, “A-Anyway! We work hard enough as it is! Don’t you think we deserve a little fun?”