Cyd stared in awe at the bronze palace before him, struck silent by its magnificence. Even when a servant girl approached him, he remained speechless.
"Hello, who are you?" she asked politely.
"I am... um..." Cyd blinked, lost for words. How should he introduce himself? Should he tell her he's here to ask Hephaestus to make an item to protect against the gods' curse? Or that he's a student of Chiron seeking equipment? Both seemed inadequate.
Leaning closer to the maid, he whispered, "I'm am on of Chrion students looking for Hephaestus help"
The maid's expression remained polite. "Who are you?"
Cyd sighed, lowering his head. "I am Cyd, and I have a request for Hephaestus."
The maid hesitated, causing Cyd to worry. But then she said, "Cyd, I see. Please follow me. Hephaestus has mentioned you."
Cyd followed her cautiously into the palace, his curiosity piqued by the many identical maids he saw along the way. "Are these your sisters?" he asked.
"All were created by Hephaestus," the maid replied, pointing to a giant bronze door. "Hephaestus is inside."
"Thank you," Cyd said, not noticing the maid's sudden disappearance as he focused on the door before him.
Taking a deep breath, he pushed against the bronze door. Despite its size, it felt strangely light. The door swung open with surprising ease, slamming into the wall with a resounding crash. Cyd lost his balance and tumbled forward, colliding with something—or someone.
He froze, feeling a soft touch against his face. He should be lying on Hephaestus's leg, but the sensation was too delicate and smooth. A cold sweat slid down his forehead. Hephaestus is a girl?
"You must get up," a somewhat hoarse voice echoed above him.
"Sorry!" Cyd hastily raised his head, seeing Hephaestus's face inches from his own. Her face was beautiful, like a masterpiece, but her left side bore scars resembling flames.
"It's an ugly face, isn't it?" Hephaestus said, self-mockingly.
"I think it's very attractive," Cyd blurted out.
Hephaestus was taken aback. She could discern truth from lies, and Cyd's words were sincere. Unlike other heroes who flattered her to gain her help, this youth, with snow-white hair, spoke honestly.
Hephaestus didn't know how to respond and could only stare at Cyd, who stared back, his brain momentarily blank.
What did I just say? Cold sweat soaked his back. Worse, his hand was still on Hephaestus's thigh! He quickly retracted his hands and stepped back, but Hephaestus leaned forward slightly, maintaining eye contact.
"I understand," Hephaestus sighed. "You can step back a little."
"Uh, yes!" Cyd nodded vigorously, releasing her and stepping back.
"Too far," Hephaestus said, shaking her head and pointing to a spot about a meter away. "Stand here."
"Got it!" Cyd quickly moved to the designated spot and knelt.
Hephaestus stared in surprise. "Why are you doing this?"
"It's not right to overlook a god while sitting," Cyd said, scratching his head awkwardly.
For the first time, Hephaestus was left speechless by a human. In the past, heroes saw her only as a blacksmith who provided weapons, boasting about their tributes but lacking sincerity. This youth was different.
"Human, you irritate me," Hephaestus muttered, supporting her face with one hand. I am a god, a perfect god. Why does he make my heart waver?
Even though his legs trembled, Cyd managed an awkward smile. "How can I make it up to you, great God of Fire Hephaestus?"
"Answer me this," Hephaestus said, smiling slightly. "You know what kind of god I am. My ugly features make people avert their eyes..."
Sorry, I just want to poke out the eyes of those who spread such rumors.
"In the past, these legs were no different from ornaments," Hephaestus continued, gently stroking her slender legs.
Thump...
Despite telling himself to stay rational, seeing Hephaestus's slender fingers trace her beautiful legs made Cyd swallow hard, feeling awkward. Hephaestus noticed his reaction and was even more confused. Why would anyone feel this way about someone disabled?
Not understanding, Hephaestus sighed, holding Cyd's face in her hands. "I think I'll ask my question again."
"?"
"You'll answer after I've punished you."
"Ehhhhh!"