Lyra leaned forward eagerly, elbows on the table, eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"So," she said, "tell me everything. Shape, decorations, don't hold back. These swords are going to be yours."
Akari swallowed.
Her cheeks warmed again, but this time it wasn't embarrassment, it was excitement.
She could almost feel the weapons in her hands already, humming with divine warmth.
"I thought about it," Akari began softly. "A lot."
Lyra nodded for her to continue.
"So… the swords will use red dragon scales as the main material. That part I'm sure of."
She took a breath. "But I want something else added for the design."
Lyra tilted her head. "What did you have in mind?"
Akari clasped her hands.
"Obsidian."
Lyra blinked. "…Obsidian?"
Akari nodded, voice growing more confident.
"Yes. I think… the contrast would look beautiful. Red dragon scales have that fiery glow, but obsidian is dark and glossy. If the blade had obsidian outlining the scale segments, maybe along the edges, or tracing the lines, it would give the swords a striking look. Stylish but dangerous."
Lyra's lips parted in surprise.
Then she grinned like Akari had just handed her the key to a treasure vault.
"Akari… that's brilliant."
Akari blinked. "R-really…?"
"Absolutely." Lyra rose from her seat, walking around the table to stand beside her. "Red dragon scales are vibrant. Obsidian's deep black will sharpen the contrast, and obsidian can stabilize enchantments, so it'll help channel your divine power too."
Akari's eyes widened. "It can…?"
Lyra nodded. "Swords forged with both materials would be incredibly unique and potent."
Akari felt warmth spread through her chest.
"I'm glad… I hoped the design would suit me."
Lyra rested a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"It's perfect, Akari. Just like you'll be."
Akari looked away, heart fluttering dangerously.
"I-I'm not perfect…"
Lyra chuckled. "You will be, in your own way."
A short while later…
Lyra led Akari through the bustling heart of the capital, weaving easily through crowds of merchants and adventurers with Akari hurrying beside her.
"We're heading to the atelier of Mariel Crestwind," Lyra explained. "She's the one who made my battle dress."
Akari's eyes widened. "Oh! So she's really skilled…!"
"'Skilled' is an understatement," Lyra laughed. "She's the best tailor in the kingdom, maybe the continent."
Akari swallowed nervously.
"S-she's not scary, is she…?"
Lyra hesitated.
Akari froze. "W-wait, why did you pause?"
"She's just… very enthusiastic," Lyra said with a wry smile.
Akari's panic intensified.
But she didn't have time to worry, because they soon arrived at a tall, elegant building with glass windows and a sign shaped like a needle through a star.
Lyra opened the door.
The interior was luxurious, with velvet curtains, polished wood floors, mannequins dressed in glittering outfits, and bolts of rare cloth stacked like treasures.
A voice rang out:
"Lyyyra~! I can smell your perfume from three rooms away, darling!"
A woman swept around a corner, long silver hair, arms full of measuring tapes and pins, eyes glowing with unrestrained energy.
Akari froze.
"Ah! And who is THIS adorable creature?!" the woman squealed, rushing over. "Is this your little sister? Your apprentice? Your secret protégé?!"
Lyra laughed.
"This is Akari. And yes, she's someone important to me."
Akari's face went red hot.
Mariel's eyes sparkled like a predator spotting rare silk.
"Oh-ho-ho! Then THIS must be the girl you want the custom battle dress for!"
Akari stammered, "Y-yes… please…!"
"Well then!" Mariel grabbed both of Akari's hands dramatically. "Tell me EVERYTHING."
Akari recited the description of her dream battle dress,
A red dress similar to Lyra's, with black accents.
Light material, easy to move in.
Elegant but strong.
And able to withstand her divine power.
Mariel listened with suspicious silence…
And then,
"OH.
MY.
GODDESS."
She spun toward Lyra. "Lyra. She's perfect. I'm adopting her."
"You can't adopt my student, Mariel."
"Then I'm adopting her wardrobe. Same thing."
Akari had no idea how to respond.
Mariel clapped her hands. "I'll begin the pattern draft immediately! Fabric samples will take one day. Measurements, right now!"
Akari squeaked as Mariel moved with professional speed, flurrying around her with tape and notes.
Lyra watched fondly from the side, arms crossed.
"She's in good hands," Lyra murmured.
Akari thought otherwise, but Mariel's enthusiasm made it hard not to smile at least a little.
After the fitting…
As they left the atelier, Akari exhaled in relief and excitement.
"She's… intense," she whispered.
Lyra laughed. "Told you."
"But she's amazing. And her designs are so beautiful…"
"Then don't worry," Lyra said. "Your dress will be perfect."
Akari nodded. "I'll trust her."
Lyra rested a hand on her shoulder again.
"That leaves one last thing."
Akari blinked. "What thing?"
Lyra turned toward the distant mountains.
"We need to get the red dragon scales for your swords."
Akari paled. "R-right… that."
Lyra smiled mischievously.
"We'll gather supplies today, rest tonight, and leave at dawn."
Akari's heart raced with fear and excitement.
A dragon.
A real dragon.
Not a lesson.
Not a guild tour.
Not a trip through the city.
An adventure.
Akari swallowed hard.
"Okay," she whispered. "I'm ready."
Lyra's smile softened.
"I'll protect you. And you'll grow stronger. This will be our first real quest together."
Akari felt warmth bloom inside her chest, her power humming faintly.
My first quest… with Lyra.
She tightened her fists with determination.
"I'll do my best."
And Lyra nodded with satisfaction.
"I know you will."