I finished the breastplate and began forging the other parts of the armor. This time, Hephaestus didn't give me many tips—she just observed as I worked. It took longer than it did yesterday.
Even though hours passed, Hephaestus didn't leave my side for even a second. Unlike Mikari, who left a few times out of boredom, she didn't help.
"It's almost done. Be careful with this part. Hammer here." Hephaestus pointed to a section of the leg guard. I hammered as she instructed, and finally, it was complete.
I took the hot metal to the oil basin and sizzling filled my ears.
After forging everything, I worked on the joints for the arm guards and prepared the armor to try on.
"It looks a lot like the one I made before, but the size fits better now."
"That's because we took your measurements. You should've done that the first time too."
"That's true. I don't need to heat-treat it like I do with a sword, right?"
"No, that's not necessary," Hephaestus replied. "Armor is different from a sword."
"I see. Then I guess I'm done."
But the system message didn't appear.
"Can you help me put the armor on?"
"Of course. Come here."
Hephaestus placed the breastplate on me, followed by the neck guard. Then, she helped me put on the arm guards, leg guards, and knee protection. When she finished, she smiled in satisfaction.
"You look amazing. It suits you well. It needs polishing, but it's a good armor."
As soon as she said that, a system message appeared.
[ You have forged a Level 1 Common Armor ]
"Oh?"
"What is it? Huh? The armor is changing!" Hephaestus sounded excited, her eyes sparkling. The armor began to transform, its shine growing brighter as though it had not been polished.
I also noticed its quality had improved.
"What's happening? What is this!?" Mikari suddenly ran into the room, arriving just as the system altered the arm guards.
"Ah…" Hephaestus, who had forgotten about Mikari, quickly approached her. "It's nothing. Just forget what you saw, okay?"
"But what was that? The armor was glowing! Did you do that, Goddess?"
"Yes, it was me. I gave Eryk a little help," Hephaestus replied.
"That's right. The Goddess made my work much easier while you were away. Look at this." I walked up to Mikari and showed her the armor.
"It's decent. It's not at the same level as the armor I forge, but it's good enough. If you offered this to an adventurer, they'd buy it without hesitation. Umu."
"You're exaggerating."
"I'm telling the truth," Mikari said, circling me to examine the armor. "This armor is ideal for a fighting style that relies on speed. It's light and doesn't hinder movement."
"That was my goal from the beginning. I forged this armor for myself."
"This armor is for you!?" Mikari exclaimed in surprise. "You're exploring the dungeon? I thought you spent all day at home training!"
"I've been to the dungeon twice before."
"You should've told me it was for you! I thought you used your measurements to train, I didn't know you'd be wearing this armor inside the dungeon!" Hephaestus, who also didn't know, pouted. "If I'd known, I would've used better materials and made something exclusively for you."
"I didn't want to trouble you. Besides, I feel good using what I forge myself. Don't worry; this armor is good enough."
"Are you sure? I can forge one for you!"
"It's fine." I smiled at Hephaestus and began removing the armor.
"Ah! Let me help you." Mikari stepped forward, but Hephaestus blocked her path.
"I'll help him."
"Goddess…" Mikari clicked her tongue. "You're so possessive—it's annoying."
"Did you say something?" Hephaestus shot a cold glare at Mikari, making her take a few steps back.
"..." She stayed silent and didn't dare say another word.
I removed the armor with Hephaestus's help and placed it on the table.
'I want to see how I look with the full set, along with my sword. I'll definitely look like a real adventurer now.'
####
We went to the bedroom, and Hephaestus and I decided to bathe together before dinner. After finishing our bath, we went to the dining room, where Nina was waiting with a smile.
"It's been a while since you've had dinner together. That's why I prepared a special dish tonight."
The special dish Nina mentioned was a high-quality steak paired with something resembling mashed potatoes.
"Thank you, Nina. Please convey my gratitude to the chefs for their hard work."
"I will."
"Shall we eat?" Hephaestus said enthusiastically. Nina served our plates and then moved to the corner of the room.
"You don't have to stand—you can sit down too," I said.
"He's right, Nina. There's no need to stand," Hephaestus added, popping a piece of meat into her mouth.
Nina bowed at a 90-degree angle and replied, "I can't do that. It would be disrespectful."
"..." Hephaestus was left speechless.
"What did you do?" I asked.
"I didn't do anything! I've always treated Nina well and told her not to act like this. Nina! You don't have to behave so formally. Please feel comfortable."
"I'm sorry, Goddess, but I can't do that."
"..." Hephaestus was silent, ready to say something, but I stopped her.
"Don't say anything else. If she wants to act this way, let her. I'm sure she'll grow more comfortable over time."
"She always seems more relaxed when she and I are alone, though. Maybe it's because me and you are together."
"And she acts friendly when I'm alone with her," I added.
"Maybe she thinks she's intruding when we're both here," Hephaestus said, glancing at Nina.
"Let's drop the subject," I said.
Nina probably heard everything but pretended not to.
####
After dinner, we went to our room, brushed our teeth, and lay down together. I was so tired that I almost fell asleep instantly.
But Hephaestus didn't let me.
"Hey, are you asleep?" Her sweet voice reached my ears, and I slowly opened my eyes. She was looking at me with a beautiful smile.
"I'm awake," I said, smiling back.
I gently touched her face, running my fingers through her hair. Hephaestus closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation.
"It feels so good when you touch me."
"You sound like a pervert saying that."
"You're the pervert."
"But I don't hate it when you act that way."
"I see."
Hephaestus opened her eyes and gazed at me, her eyes filled with passion. I noticed her excitement growing, so I kissed her lips.
As I stroked her fiery red hair, my lips pressed against hers.
They were soft and warm.
Hephaestus parted her lips, and I slid my tongue into her mouth. As I moved my tongue, she matched my rhythm.
Before I knew it, my exhaustion vanished, and we shared a deep, passionate kiss.
####
Read more chapters on my patr eon: patr eon.com/parodygirl
Next chapters: Chapter 33 - Don't look. +18 / Chapter 34 - The system that ruins a story. / Chapter 35 - Boss. / Chapter 36 - That relationship was shit. / Chapter 37 - I have no memories, but my subconscious loves her. / Chapter 38 - Testing a new sword. / Chapter 39 - Dinner with members of the Loki Familia. / Chapter 40 - Advertising.