503 CH. 530: A blacksmith’s concerns

Asahi didn't know whether to laugh or cry when Haruhime walked in on him again. She even brought Ais along this time.

He finished his business with Grayfia and glanced at the door.

"She is still outside," Grayfia said, sitting within the warmth of a blanket, covering as much skin as possible in case their guests walked in. "Did she form a habit of eavesdropping on your intimate moments?"

"Haha, it's not like that."

Asahi gave her a bear-like hug before leaving the room. As soon as the door opened, Haruhime rushed to him and kneeled down. In the most unexpected turn of events, she slammed her head on the ground.

"Otou-sama, I'm sorry. Please forgive me. I swear it was a mistake. It won't happen again."

Despite her dizzy view, she continuously apologized to him.

Asahi crouched and patted her head, healing her wound before she lost more blood. He also replenished her lost life force while he was at it.

"It's okay. There is no reason to be sorry."

Haruhime looked up with tears in her eyes and sniffed. "Otou-sama, I'm a worthless daughter, hic."

She was on the verge of crying. Throwing herself in his arms, she hugged him with force.

Asahi smiled and rested his chin on her hair. "If you do anything wrong, I'll scold you and teach you the right way. Good or bad, you're stuck with this family forever. No one will abandon you, alright?"

"Yes… I'll be good…"

***

After comforting his adopted daughter, Asahi returned to meet his first daughter. The little fairy created by his own hands.

Chiaki sensed him before he even knocked on the door and seared a hole. Unlike the last time they met, Chiaki was nearly the size of his hand, with the charming features of a young woman. An odd but cute combination.

"Father!" Chiaki spoke with stars in her eyes as she flew into his chest. "You're… back!"

Her clear voice left him astonished. He rubbed her back even as he dealt with the curve ball thrown at his face.

He heard a groan of frustration, and Hephaestus walked out. "Chiaki, I told you. Don't burn doors." She paused as she saw him. "Oh."

"What is oh? Show more excitement."

Chiaki giggled and darted into the room as though leaving them to spend time with each other.

"Are you misunderstanding something?" Hephaestus asked. "This is my workplace, Adventurer. If you want to order weapons, go to my Familia shop in Babel, Dear Adventurer."

She hadn't seen him for weeks. The irritated feeling of being left out on her own made her wicked.

Asahi raised his brow and pointed his thumb at his face. "This adventurer came to buy a hot blacksmith wife with fiery red hair and a sturdy back."

And he melted her confidence, getting her red-faced.

"As I told you, Dear Adventurer, visit our shop in Babel. You might find a hot blacksmith there."

She didn't give up, however.

Asahi walked up to her and placed his hands on her waist. "Let me be more specific. I am here for the blacksmith goddess named Hephaestus, aka Little Fei. I think I found her."

Hephaestus lightly punched his chest. "Go to your wives. I can take care of Chiaki by myself. We don't need you here."

She gave him the treatment of a neglecting husband, which he had been guilty of recently.

"I'm trying my best here."

Hephaestus saw the guilt on his face and her frown softened. "I'm joking, jeez. You don't have to look so sorry."

She regretted letting her petty feelings take over. Rather than adding more to his problems, she'd get rid of his troubles. He'd be more relaxed by the time he leaves, she swore under her breath.

To achieve that, she pulled him into the shop and made him wait while she went outside. She quickly returned with a kettle filled with tea and three cups.

"I'm aware of your circumstances," she said as she served him tea with a small but loving smile. "You're establishing a new organization, training your women, spending meaningful time with them, then finding time to increase your own strength. You're a tough guy for handling everything."

Asahi smiled, noticing her intentions. "It's not stressful at all. I do those things because I enjoy them. They are my family."

"I am sure you do. That's why you have so many lovers." Hephaestus smirked. "I might be the last woman you'd want it from… But don't burden yourself with guilt for not accompanying everyone. It's…"

"You were always the silent, caring type. Haven't you become more motherly in my absence?"

Hephaestus was truly speechless. She tried to help him but he was focusing on the least important detail.

"I want to embrace you right now. Is there a bed in this place?"

Hephaestus turned red as soon as the topic of sex was brought up. "Why do I even try anything with you? You're just—"

"Relax." Asahi appeared behind her and rubbed her shoulders. "I appreciate your concerns. It honestly makes me happy that you're trying to look after me, but you're the one focusing on the wrong details." He leaned down and wrapped his arms around her neck. "I am a simple man. If you want to make me happy, the right way is…"

His hand crept down her neckline, reaching for her cleavage. Hephaestus slapped his hand before he went anywhere near her breasts.

"Don't suddenly jump to the final level," she muttered. "Come by later. I have a lot of work to do today."

Being deprived of affection for all her life, she wanted to try many things that were always a staple in her imaginations. Although she believed sex would make him cheerful, she hoped their relationship wouldn't just revolve around sex.

"Haha, I was just messing with you." Asahi chuckled and kissed her cheeks. "I know you're a romantic woman like Riveria. Plain, simple sex wouldn't cut it for you."

"Riveria and romantic? Are we talking about the same person here?"

She never saw Riveria laugh or show any smiles, and her simple sense of fashion didn't do justice to her innate beauty. Riveria was the complete opposite of her Executive Tsubaki.

"It's always the quiet ones with sinister minds, including you."

"True — did you just call me sinister?!"

Hephaestus looked back but Asahi wasn't there, only his laughter remained in the air.

"I'll spend lots of time with you after my wedding."

Hephaestus listened to his promise, and a sigh left her lips. She failed to help him, even though he saved her from an eternal life of self loathing.

'What else can I do to get rid of his stress?'

Chiaki peeked her head out of the other room. "Gone?"

"Yeah. You can come out."

Chiaki closed the door, and a red glow erupted inside her room. A red-haired girl opened the door and approached Hephaestus with lively steps.

"Mom, don't be sad!" the girl grinned and reached into the pocket of her coat, whisking out a diary covered with a golden cover. "Take this. This will make Dad happy."

"What's that?"

The girl with golden eyes tilted her head. "I don't know. Godmother gave it to me."

"Klyscha?" Hephaestus frowned and took the diary. "What is she up to now? More importantly, Chiaki, when will you tell him about this?"

Chiaki retracted her gaze from Hephaestus' inquisitive eyes. She hopped on the table, then smoothly jumped in Hephaestus's arms. "Mom, read it to me."

Hephaestus couldn't help but shake her head. Chiaki had learned the skill to shapeshift into a human form. Chiaki's body structure in the form was nearly identical to her own, a goddess, as if Chiaki used her as a reference.

Strangely, Chiaki refused to let Asahi see this form, always avoiding the topic.

Hephaestus put the diary away. "Liars don't get their wishes."

"I'm not lying," muttered the girl with red hair, disgruntled. "I'm just hiding the truth."

"Both are acts of deceit." Hephaestus rubbed her forehead. "You father and daughter are cut from the same stone."

Chiaki looked up with a smug smile. "Hehe."

"Don't be proud of that, idiot."

***

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