The following day, I woke up and got out of bed. Hephaestus was still asleep. I went to the bathroom and washed my face. Shortly after, Hephaestus entered.
"It's been a while since we woke up together, hasn't it?" she said.
"It's only been a few days," I replied with a smile.
"A few days felt like an eternity to me. And I've lived for a very long time." Hephaestus placed her hands on my shoulders and stood on her tiptoes to kiss me. I kissed her back, and then we left the bathroom together.
"I'm free today. How about we go out together?" Hephaestus asked as we walked to the dining room.
"I already have something to do this morning, sorry. I'll probably spend the whole day in the training room."
"Hm? Are you trying to forge another sword with Mithril? Having trouble? I can help you!"
"It's not that. I tried forging a full set of armor yesterday, and it was a disaster."
"A full set of armor? Out of nowhere? I thought you'd focus on forging swords. Does your skill help with armor as well?"
"I'm not sure yet. When I forged a sword, my skill activated and showed me it was flawed. Maybe it'll guide me with armor too."
"I see. That's good. A good smith needs to be skilled at forging armor and other types of weapons too. So, how did you go about it? Maybe I can give you some tips to make it easier. You probably failed because of a mistake."
As we walked to the dining room and even while eating, I explained step-by-step what I did to Hephaestus.
"You forged the breastplate and then piece by piece," she nodded thoughtfully. "It seems you did well. You combined the breastplate and arm guards into a 'shirt' to make it easier to wear, right? Don't do that next time."
"I should just attach the armor directly to the body, without using a shirt or fabric?"
"Exactly. It's unnecessary."
"I see."
I realized I misunderstood the design of Bell's and Ais's armor. Their armor pieces weren't attached to clothing but directly to the body. I should've known better—how foolish of me.
"Maybe I also made the armor pieces too big. I didn't take measurements but still tried to make a set that fit my body."
"You need to pay attention to every detail. They all matter. How about I come and help you today?"
"Mikari said she'd help me with it. If you don't mind sharing the space with her."
"What? Did you arrange this with Mikari without telling me? I'm disappointed!"
"Huh? Why?"
"Mikari is dangerous! You need to tell me when you're doing something with her. I'm definitely going with you!"
"Why is she dangerous? Is she the type to throw herself at handsome men? I thought that was the case from the way you acted last time."
"Let's just say… it's more complicated than that." Hephaestus smiled bitterly. "You, don't say a word about this to him," she said to Nina, who smiled and nodded.
"Don't worry, I won't say anything."
I glanced at Nina, who shrugged.
I wonder what Mikari did in the past to make the Goddess so cautious.
Given how much Hephaestus loves me and gets jealous, I'm surprised Mikari hasn't been kicked out of the Familia yet.
"I won't ask about it anymore…"
"Good boy."
####
Hephaestus and I headed to the training room, and when we entered, Mikari was already there waiting for me.
"You finally arrived… Oh, and you came too, Goddess."
"Why do you sound so disappointed?"
"I'm not disappointed." Mikari laughed. "I'm just surprised."
"Didn't seem like it. Hmph!"
"Fine, believe what you want. So, are you ready? I told you before, didn't I? That I'd help you forge the best armor in the world!"
"You didn't say that."
"Just pretend I did. Ahem…" Mikari cleared her throat and then showed the materials she had brought. "I brought the materials I use. It's just iron, but it's the best iron there is."
"That iron is the same as the rest over there. There's no difference," Hephaestus pointed out where the materials were stored. "Stop saying unnecessary things and let's get to work. I'm here to help too."
"Huh? You're helping?! I thought you were just going to watch!"
"That depends on what Eryk wants." Hephaestus glanced at me from the corner of her eye, expecting me to accept her help.
"Of course, I want your help. I'd rather have you than Mikari. She doesn't seem to know what she's doing."
"WHAAAAT!? How dare you treat me as inferior after I offered to help!"
"Are you saying you're better than me?" Hephaestus asked, giving Mikari a disdainful look.
Mikari clenched her teeth and clicked her tongue. "Fine, let's just get started. First, heat the iron!" she said enthusiastically, quickly putting the earlier argument behind her.
Her focus was now entirely on helping me forge the armor.
####
The forge's heat felt even more intense under the tension in the air. The sound of hammering echoed through the room as I shaped the breastplate. Hephaestus stood beside me, watching my every move.
"You're hitting too hard," Hephaestus said, her tone confident. "Loosen your wrist and keep the angle steady."
I nodded, trying to ignore the weight of her gaze. Working under her critical eye is incredibly challenging, especially since she is the best smith in Orario.
Nearby, Mikari scoffed. "I told him that before. But no, nobody listens to me."
"You didn't say anything," I replied without looking away from the glowing metal.
"I did! You were just too busy trying to impress the Goddess," she retorted, crossing her arms.
Hephaestus chuckled softly. "I know you're talented, Mikari, but he needs guidance, not distractions."
"Distractions?! I was helping him before you took my place," Mikari muttered.
I sighed. I struck the breastplate again. It's finally starting to take the shape I want.
"If you keep this up, the armor will have unnecessary stress points," Hephaestus said, stepping closer and gently pointing. "Look here. Hit lightly."
I followed her advice, and the breastplate adjusted as if it had been waiting for that final touch.
Mikari huffed but stayed silent. Once I finished hammering, I looked at her. "Can you bring the oil basin closer?"
She glared at me, but a grin broke through. "Fine, 'boss.' But only because I'm generous."
As she went to fetch it, Hephaestus leaned close. "It's looking good. Not perfect, but good."
A small smile formed on my lips. Receiving praise from Hephaestus, even a little, was immensely satisfying.
####
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Next chapters: Chapter 32 - Possessive. / 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.