For Loki, Hestia's request was insignificant; even if she agreed, it was just a verbal agreement. In the loosely managed Loki Familia, Riveria Ljos Alf's consent was necessary.
Loki was confident that Riveria Ljos Alf wouldn't fall for Arthas. Riveria Ljos Alf understood the prohibition against inter-Familia relationships better than anyone.
Normally, the third floor, Hephaestus's office, was off-limits, but Loki's influence secured access.
As Hephaestus was exasperated by Hestia's persistence, the door opened.
"Who's there? I said no one is allowed in!"
Hephaestus frowned; this situation was problematic.
A Goddess kneeling before her—this would embarrass both of them.
But she was surprised by who entered.
"Loki, what are you doing here… and that boy?"
Loki, initially intending to tease Hestia, had relented and agreed to Hestia's request.
Loki could agree without hesitation, but she couldn't.
Hephaestus sighed, curiously looking at the man with Loki.
"Who is he… why did you bring him?"
Hestia, seeing Arthas, widened her eyes and stood up.
"Wh… why did you bring Arthas, Loki?!"
"Sorry… due to circumstances…"
Loki offered a wry smile, regretting telling Arthas about Hestia.
Why did I tell him? He could have found her himself.
Loki thought, but letting Arthas search alone could have worse consequences.
He might have stormed into Hephaestus's shop.
"Arthas… this boy is your Familia member?"
"Yes, so I hope you'll make him a weapon. Arthas, this is Hephaestus, a famous craftswoman. She'll make you a powerful weapon."
Hestia pulled Arthas close, speaking urgently.
She even planned to have Arthas plead with Hephaestus.
"Why?! Why are you doing this?!"
Arthas, feeling a stronger force, pulled Hestia into his arms and demanded an answer.
"Eh… eh? Why what?"
Sensing Arthas's anger, Hestia asked, confused.
"You are Hephaestus?"
Ignoring Hestia, Arthas turned to the stern Goddess with fiery red hair and an eyepatch.
"Yes, I am Hephaestus."
Hephaestus nodded, curiously observing Arthas, wondering what made Hestia do this.
"Apologize."
"Eh?"
Hephaestus was stunned.
What? Why should I apologize to Hestia?
She'd been pestering me, preventing me from working, and now it's my fault? I should apologize?
It was excessive to make her kneel, but I didn't force her! I clearly said I wouldn't help for free!
She chose to kneel; should I have persuaded her to stand?
"Your Familia member is certainly… spirited, Hestia."
Though annoyed, Hephaestus didn't show it. She looked at Arthas, then at Hestia meaningfully.
"Sorry, Hephaestus, Arthas is…" Hestia tried to speak, but Arthas held her tightly.
"Enough. How far will you go? Do you think I'm happy, Hestia?!"
"Eh… Ar… Arthas?"
Seeing Arthas's expression for the first time, Hestia shrank back, fearful.
Arthas, usually calm, was truly angry.
His expression was one of disappointment and anger, making Hestia feel uncomfortable. She lowered her head.
"I don't want you to feel inferior, Hestia. You're useless, clumsy, and incapable."
Arthas said this, and Hestia blushed, bowing lower.
"But to me, you're unique, the most perfect Goddess. Don't belittle yourself, or sacrifice your dignity for this!"
"I don't need this broken weapon!"
____________________
for more advance chapters visit my p@treon
[email protected]/kane45
Casual Reader - 20 Advance Chapters
Intermediate Reader - 40 Advance Chapters
Expert Reader - 60 Advance Chapters