"Heimdall."
"Your kids..."
"are something else."
"They even managed to win over my Lefiya, who's painfully shy."
"Naturally."
"Take a look at who chose them."
"Also, stop hanging on me. Your familia is watching."
Heimdall sidestepped to avoid the boozy breath of this goddess who had utterly abandoned her divine image, shooting Loki a helpless sidelong glance.
...
At the tavern entrance.
The night breeze was slightly cool, carrying the distinctive scent of dust from the streets, dispersing some of the alcoholic haze.
The clamor gradually faded away.
"Then it's settled!"
Tsubaki, carrying a huge bundle on her back filled with various swords and weapons—the personal blades of Rin and the others, as well as Kirukiru Amou's equipment.
Although she had drunk quite a bit, her face flushed noticeably, Tsubaki's eyes remained clear.
Even a bit excited.
"I'll take charge of these things for now."
Tsubaki patted the angular bundle on her back, producing a clanging sound.
"Tomorrow."
"Or the day after at the latest."
"I promise I'll have them looking brand new, sharper than before!"
Tsubaki thumped her chest, her tone certain.
"So I won't be joining the fun at that mansion tonight."
"After all, the extent of the chipping on these blades..."
"Tsk tsk."
Tsubaki clicked her tongue.
"If I don't deal with it soon, I'm afraid I won't be able to sleep these next few days."
This was also the occupational hazard of a Blacksmith.
Compared to sleep,
those battle-scarred weapons were clearly more attractive to her.
"Then we'll trouble you, Senior Tsubaki."
Rin and the others also bowed solemnly.
For a warrior,
the sword is life.
Being able to entrust their blades to Orario's number one Blacksmith, they naturally felt completely at ease.
"Alright, alright, no need to be so formal."
"See you later!"
With that, Tsubaki waved her hand, turned, and walked briskly into the night.
...
After seeing off Tsubaki, Loki, and Lefiya,
the group set off on their way back.
By now, the night was deep.
The glow of the magic stone streetlamps spilled onto the bluestone pavement, elongating everyone's shadows.
"Whew..."
Hanazake Warabi stretched with a big yawn, hands clasped behind her head.
Then,
"God."
Inaba Tsukiyo, who had been walking quietly by Heimdall's side,
her crimson pupils, though unfocused,
suddenly, she tilted her head slightly, the ears hidden beneath her silver hair twitching gently.
"What is it?"
Heimdall stopped walking.
"Ahead..."
Inaba Tsukiyo raised a hand, pointing towards the particularly imposing mansion visible even in the darkness.
—their new home.
"At home..."
"There are sounds."
"Sounds?"
"Burglars?"
Rin instantly went on alert.
"That bold? Daring to steal from us?"
A fierce light flashed in Kirukiru Amou's eyes as she cracked her knuckles, producing crisp popping sounds.
"No..."
Inaba Tsukiyo shook her head.
Her delicate little face wore a somewhat odd expression.
"That sound..."
"is strange."
"It's like..."
"very loud."
"But..."
"it keeps going."
"A gurgling sound?"
Inaba Tsukiyo even attempted to mimic the noise.
Everyone exchanged glances.
What kind of monster makes a sound like that?
Filled with puzzlement,
they lightened their footsteps, approaching the black wrought-iron gate.
The black wrought-iron gate was locked.
Heimdall took out a key, and with a creak, opened it.
The courtyard outside the door was quiet.
Only from the three-story stone villa did a faint, weak light vaguely seep through.
"Gurgle—!!!!"
This time.
Even without Inaba Tsukiyo's reminder.
Everyone could hear that sound clearly.
Furthermore.
The sound was shrill, long, and filled with a sense of desperate accusation.
It even carried an echo.
It came from the open window on the first floor of the villa.
It sounded...
A bit like some monster that was starving.
"Over there!"
Amaha Zansan took the lead and walked straight over.
She suddenly poked her head in to look through the window.
Then.
She froze.
"What's wrong? Is there a monster?!"
Rin followed closely behind and asked nervously.
"Uh..."
Amaha Zansan stepped aside, her face full of speechlessness.
There, just inside.
In that spacious and luxurious living room.
On that soft, expensive, and valuable long sofa.
A petite figure.
Was lying there sprawled out.
A pair of black twin-tails hung limply on the floor.
That iconic white dress was also wrinkled.
Most importantly.
The source of that thunderous roar.
Was none other than that petite figure's small belly.
At this moment.
Hestia, who had been forgotten by everyone for the entire day, was lying tearfully on the long sofa, staring at the ceiling.
"Potato snacks..."
"Red bean buns..."
"Heimdall..."
"You bastard, why haven't you come back yet..."
"This goddess is going to starve to death..."
As Hestia complained.
Her stomach.
Also cooperated extremely well.
"Gurgle—"
"..."
At this point.
Outside the window.
There was silence.
-------------------------
If you enjoy this story, you can read 70+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
Webnovel will keep getting 1 new chapter every day but Patreon readers can stay far ahead.
Maybe it's not a big deal now… maybe it will be later.
[email protected]/Rexlent
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"