81 Ethan's Social Death!
Chapter 81: Ethan's Social Death!
Under Tsubaki's enthusiastic behavior, Ethan found himself in torment.
Amid such 'beautiful scenery,' he was caught between wanting to look and feeling he shouldn't.
Lust and morality confronted each other in his mind.
Looking seemed improper since she was so unguarded, yet not looking left him curiously itching to 'find out more.'
Although Ethan was a bit obsessed with legs and feet, that didn't exclude his appreciation for other prominent features.
Men, after all, beyond their specific preferences, are naturally drawn to the allure of all parts of beautiful women.
"Hmm?"
At this moment, Tsubaki also noticed his discomfort.
However, when she took a closer look, she couldn't help but chuckle, amused by his dilemma of wanting to see yet not daring to do so.
Tsubaki didn't know whether to laugh or not.
Having grown up in a forging workshop and now at 37 years of age, she had never seriously considered finding a partner, being wholly devoted to her time in smithing.
For Tsubaki, elevating her forging skills had always been her ultimate goal, immersing herself in the joy of crafting new equipment, with little to no concern for anything else.
Now, a man had entered her life who was not only decent-looking but also of good character, and importantly, she didn't dislike him.
It was especially amusing for her to watch his conflicted expressions.
"You can just look openly if you want to, I didn't say you couldn't."
"Ah?"
Tsubaki's sudden statement stunned him.
His immediate thought was that he'd been caught, yet it seemed she didn't mind, even appearing quite 'generous.'
"To be honest, I never understood why men are so fascinated with 'two pounds of flesh' on women's bodies. To be honest, they're quite the hindrance while forging."
"Uhhh, Tsubaki-san, you'd better not say this to other women."
"Why?"
"They might feel offended~"
Ethan rolled his eyes, thinking how easily her words could provoke jealousy, especially considering how well-endowed she was yet seemingly troubled by it.
It's like rich people unknowingly flexing how troublesome it is to count money in front of poor people.
In their conversation, Tsubaki, expressing her 'trouble,' inadvertently highlighted her assets, making Ethan involuntarily add sound effects in his mind.
'Duang~Duang~Duang~'
Previously, he found none of the dwarf women appealing, but now he must admit, even among the dwarf race, beauty can be found, especially those with such stunning figures, and being a half-dwarf.
"You're just at the age of being curious about the female body. It doesn't matter to me, but outside, your somewhat perverted behavior can offend others."
"Tsubaki-san!!!"
Ethan's face turned red with embarrassment, thinking the matter was settled, only for her to bring it up again.
Being caught peeking at the other party was bad enough, but this situation was comparable to social death.
For a moment, he couldn't help but think of Haruhime, who was in a similar situation as him before; now, it seemed, it was his turn.
"Alright, alright, I'll stop. I won't say anything anymore~"
Tsubaki said, realizing she might have gone too far, though she found the situation highly amusing.
Over the years, she had seen many couples and wondered about her own future partner, yet never took the step to find one since she dedicated her life to forging.
Now, she was not young anymore, so she was open to being in a relationship, not focused on the future but simply wanting to 'try' to understand the special feelings between a man and a woman.
"Um~"
An awkward silence followed, neither knowing what to say.
Ethan was unable to stand it, so tried to break the ice but struggled to find appropriate words.
"If you don't know what to say, then don't say. Weren't you confident at the banquet? Why are you so timid now?"
"You're one to talk, what girl speaks like you do, Tsubaki-san?"
"Stop calling me 'Tsubaki-san,' it sounds odd. Just Tsubaki is fine."
"Tsubaki?"
"What?"
"Nothing~"
Ethan thought he understood this tomboyish onee-san, but he realized he knew less about her than he thought.
"Your three rings, I'll help you sell them. But as for cooperating with my Familia, I need to consult Hephaestus-sama. Don't get your hopes too high."
"No worries, success would be great, but it's not a big deal otherwise."
"So, can I reject your proposal right now?"
"No, you haven't asked yet! What if it works out?"
"Do you even care about it?"
"Of course I care, cooperating with Hephaestus Familia is a good opportunity."
"Then don't say such 'cool' words to me."
"I—"
Faced with Tsubaki, Ethan found himself at a loss for words.
Why did he always end up so embarrassingly tongue-tied in front of her? Was this what they called a legendary 'straight woman'?
"Look, it's getting late; I should head back," Ethan finally said, unable to endure the stalemate.
He thought that advancing his relationship with the golden-haired Renard might be more productive than enduring this ordeal.
He always felt a bit weak in front of Tsubaki. Maybe it was because she was his savior.
"Hmm? You're leaving?"
"Yes, any more tasks for me, Tsubaki?"
"Nothing more."
"Then I'll take my leave. If anything happens, you can come to me at any time."
"Sure~"
Watching Ethan turn around to leave, Tsubaki found herself amused by the drastic change from his decisive character at the banquet to his shyness now.
He felt like an intriguing character to her.
Shaking her head, she wondered why Ethan struck her as so interesting, but she didn't mind this feeling.
If their relationship were to evolve, she wouldn't mind; after all, she didn't dislike him.
As Ethan left Tsubaki's workshop and headed back to the Tower of Babel, he suddenly remembered the main purpose of his visit was not only to discuss with Tsubaki but also to collect money from selling 'Goliath's Hide.'
With his money running out soon, he had somehow forgotten such an important matter.
Glancing back at the distant workshop, he ultimately decided not to return immediately.
After all, asking for money now felt awkward; perhaps he'd ask her about it next time.
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