"Ah, Aston, you really know how to cause trouble for me," Hephaestus complained while holding her forehead, looking at the ice-covered ground before her with a helpless sigh.
"Ahaha, sorry about that," Aston replied cheerfully. "Please overlook this little incident, considering the big business I've brought to the Hephaestus Familia."
Indeed, Wynn Fimbulvetr, with its terrifying power, had quickly caught Hephaestus' attention. Within minutes, Hephaestus arrived at the scene with her team.
"It's truly impressive. The power of this magic sword surpasses all others in Orario," Tsubaki, standing on tiptoes, couldn't help but be astonished by the scene before her. She eagerly approached Aston, "Please, you must teach me how to craft something like this. Name your price, anything will do."
She had crafted ice magic swords before, but their power didn't even come close to a fifth of the destruction caused by the magic in front of her. Her strongest magic swords could reach Level 5 in terms of destructive power, but this scene before her, Tsubaki was certain, was the work of Level 6 magic.
If she could learn to craft magic swords of this caliber from Aston, her forging skills would reach new heights.
"Ah, I don't think you'll be able to learn this," Aston said, arching an eyebrow. Tsubaki belonged to the Hephaestus Familia, and Hephaestus had previously confessed her feelings to him. Aston had no objections to teaching Tsubaki forging techniques if she wanted to learn and he had the time. But enchantment was different. It wasn't to undermine Hephaestus, but enchantment was a skill no one else in this world, apart from Aston, was likely to learn.
In this world, aside from using magic books, gaining magic skills typically depended on one's 'Status' and personal experiences. Learning magic through study, as far as Aston knew, was unheard of. There had never been a systematic approach to magic in this world.
Naturally, learning enchantment through study was nearly impossible. Unless Aston created a whole system of enchantment into a grimoire for others to learn. Maybe then, someone might be able to master enchantment. But unfortunately, Aston didn't know how to create grimoires
"That's too bad," Tsubaki said, slightly disappointed. "Oh, Aston, I'll visit your place tonight. You mentioned before that you would guide me in refining techniques."
Despite Aston's response, Tsubaki didn't seem overly disheartened. She quickly shifted the conversation to her request for guidance in forging techniques.
"Ah, sure, you can come over tonight," Aston responded with a smile. "I've been teaching Naaza potion-making, so I can also guide you in forging techniques."
"Great, I'll visit you tonight then. And can you cook something special? It's been a while since I had your cooking," Tsubaki cheerfully requested.
"Sure," Aston agreed with a smile.
"Cough, cough, then perhaps I'll also drop by Hestia's tonight," Hephaestus chimed in, having heard Aston's promise to cook. It was her subtle way of ensuring her share was included.
Ever since Hephaestus and Tsubaki were invited to the Hestia Familia's underground chapel for a meal, Hephaestus had been longing for Aston's culinary creations. Unfortunately, Aston had been busy exploring the dungeon with Loki Familia's children, so their dining opportunities were infrequent. She had only enjoyed it twice.
She didn't want to miss this opportunity, especially because she wanted to discuss Aston's situation with Hestia. Observing Hestia's recent demeanor, Hephaestus surmised that Hestia and Aston's relationship might have progressed significantly. Now, it was her turn to act. Previously, she didn't want to get ahead of Hestia, considering herself a newcomer. Otherwise, she might have fully claimed Aston for herself during her confession.
But now things were different. If she could properly communicate with Hestia, there shouldn't be any issues. After all, she and Hestia had been best friends for countless years.
While Aston was unaware of Hephaestus's intentions, he casually responded with an OK gesture to her request for dinner, a sign he had communicated to Hephaestus, Hestia, and the others.
Seeing Aston's gesture, Hephaestus nodded in satisfaction. "Alright, Aston, Riveria, I'll head back first," she said, then instructed Tsubaki to take care of the aftermath at the scene.
"Leave it to me," Tsubaki assured.
"Aston, we'll head back first," the two said as they waved and left.
"See you, Hephaestus, Tsubaki," Aston called out.
"Creating potions, forging first-grade equipment, making indestructible magic swords... Aston, is there anything you don't shine at?" Riveria remarked with a hint of admiration as she looked at Aston after bidding farewell to the others.
"I have many things I don't know how to do. However, I do know a thing or two about cooking. How about joining us at our residence tonight for a taste of some delicious food?" Aston suggested cheerfully.
"Delicious food?" Riveria seemed intrigued. "Tiona often mentions how tasty your cooking is, saying she could eat it every day and never get tired of it."
"Okay then, Loki has some business with Hestia tonight, so I'll come along with her," Riveria replied thoughtfully after a moment of consideration.
"Loki? What does she want with Hestia?" Aston asked, puzzled.
"Don't you remember? Finn mentioned it before, the alliance between the Hestia Familia and Loki Familia," Riveria explained, rolling her eyes at Aston.
That made sense. After all, the first-class adventurer from their Familia had been 'abducted' without a fuss, naturally necessitating a strengthening of relations between the two Familias. Otherwise, what if the abduction turned out to be real? And speaking of which, something seemed to have changed with Tione when she returned yesterday. The sisters together were quite a force to be reckoned with.
While pondering, Riveria suddenly considered her own situation. "Speaking of partners, this guy would actually be a very good choice for me," she mused calmly.
Given her status, a union with someone outside the elf race was improbable. The elves held her in such high esteem that they wouldn't dare make any inappropriate moves, let alone pursue her. This had been the case since her birth.
Only Aston was different. From the moment they met, Aston never showed her any deference, treating her as just another elf. This attitude made him an ideal partner for Riveria, who disliked being restricted. The fact that Aston already had Tione and Tiona didn't bother her much. Compared to the existence of the sisters, finding a suitable partner within the elf race was much more challenging.
After over a hundred years of being single, she hadn't met anyone suitable. She couldn't remain alone forever. This was reason enough for Riveria to overlook Tione and Tiona's presence.
Besides, if it came to the sisters, she was confident she could handle them.
"Ah, that's a good point. I almost forgot," Aston said, realizing what Riveria was referring to. Suddenly, Riveria spoke up, her demeanor calm as she looked at Aston. "Aston, I mean, I'd like you to be my partner. What do you think?"
"Huh?"
***
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