Gareth and Finn exchanged a glance; both understood what he meant.
"You've handled things on your end?" Gareth asked.
"Mm. I've locked onto the exact coordinates. I plan to break through to Lv.3 during this Joint Expedition. After it ends, I'll disappear for a while with Loki and Hephaestus," Tsunayoshi said.
"You're taking those two with you?" Finn asked.
"Yeah. Gods can't suppress their curiosity about the unknown, and another world is far too tempting for them."
Reminded by Tsunayoshi, Gareth and Finn recalled just how strong the gods' interest in the "unknown" ran. Otherwise they wouldn't have come down from the Upper World, formed Familia, and chased change and mystery in the Lower World. Now that Tsunayoshi's home existed in another world entirely, the lure for the gods was obvious.
"And interest in the unknown is only part of it. I'm also bringing Loki and Hephaestus to meet my mom," Tsunayoshi added.
Both Finn and Gareth nodded reflexively—then their necks stiffened at the same time. With a complicated look, Finn couldn't help asking what was on his mind.
"We know about you and Loki. Taking Loki home to meet your mother is normal enough. But… Hephaestus-kami too? You're bringing her as well?"
"Ah… you two don't know," Tsunayoshi said, scratching his cheek, suddenly realizing he'd never mentioned it. "I proposed to Hephaestus, too."
That turned both of them to stone on the spot. When they finally recovered, Finn patted Tsunayoshi's shoulder with a twitching smile.
"You've got guts. It wasn't enough to stir up Loki—you had to involve Hephaestus-kami as well. You've already got Tiona and Tione at home… plus two goddesses, and you—"
"Uh… there's also Tsubaki," Tsunayoshi added.
Finn's hand froze mid-pat; disbelief spread across his face. "In the Hephaestus Familia, only Tsubaki's craft even approaches Hephaestus-kami's. So you didn't just 'run off' with Hephaestus—you're planning to 'run off' with Tsubaki too? At this point you're practically sweeping up the core of the Hephaestus Familia."
Everyone knew: roughly sixty percent of that Familia's top-end gear came from Tsubaki's forge; the remaining forty was the combined product of the other smiths. Now Tsunayoshi had proposed to Hephaestus and there was "the Tsubaki matter" on top of that—like poaching the Familia's heart.
"I didn't 'run off' with anyone," Tsunayoshi protested, waving both hands. "Loki played to Hephaestus' curiosity early on—that's how she pulled Hephaestus onto the same side in the first place. And my relationship with Hephaestus doesn't mean her Familia gets hollowed out. Some things will change, sure, but aside from a few matters, most important parts won't shift that much."
Finn and Gareth had no idea what to say to that. This was what "nothing has changed" looked like? The changes sounded enormous. In any case, the matter of Loki and Hephaestus wasn't something to chat about publicly. If it spread, it would become a mess—especially given how closely the two Familia were now aligned. Some relationships were better left off the street.
"Let's set you and the two goddesses aside for now," Finn said. He could hardly imagine how this kid had managed to steady two goddess… ships, but it was their private business either way. If anything, having both Hephaestus-kami and Tsubaki on friendly terms might make future weapon orders easier—and cheaper.
"Your plan to go back is settled?"
"Yeah. No matter what, the rings I've made can't be melted down as materials for forging. We still need to solve the material problem…"
He pointed at Bete, who remained embedded in the wall, still out cold. "Otherwise, not just Bete-san—you two as well—won't have suitable weapons to use."
Finn and Gareth agreed. The more familiar they grew with the Dying Will Flames, the more they understood just how much that power boosted them—and the more urgently they needed weapons that could be ignited by those flames.
"You're sure your world is safe to visit?" Finn asked. "You have an identity there, and I doubt you want to expose yourself this early."
"Relax. I've thought that part through," Tsunayoshi said. "This trip home, I've prepared measures to secure the materials we need while keeping my identity concealed."
He'd already worked out how to handle the visit. Exposing himself casually wasn't in his nature. To keep his involvement hidden, preparations were essential.
"When the time comes, I'll need you to cover for us on this side," he added. Two gods going missing from Orario would cause a stir; someone had to keep the lid on.
"You don't need to worry about that," Finn said. "Loki's only gone out once in the last half year—and that was to see Hephaestus-kami. Even if she holes up for another six months, the gods in Orario won't bat an eye.
"As for Hephaestus-kami, even less of a problem. She's the artisan god—staying home to refine her craft is perfectly normal. We'll have Tsubaki help with the cover, and it'll be fine."
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/euridome]
[Thank You For Your Support!]