16 Oh my Hephaestus!

Hephaestus Familia is a large smith type Familia led by the goddess of forge Hephaestus herself.

They are one of the few Familiae in Orario that don't rely on income from the Dungeon, and they also own several branch stores in several locations, including the Babel.

The Familia might be a group of smiths, but they are also powerful, which is why they are also called warrior smiths. They have at least 20 smiths who are Level 3 or higher.

Hephaestus is waiting for an adventurer to arrive today, he is a child of her fellow god of forge Goibniu.

She knows that Goibniu has a slight misgiving towards her because of how people compare their skills based on the difference in their Familia, but it's not Hephaestus's concern.

A few days ago Goibniu asked her for an appointment about the upcoming expedition.

Loki has already given her approval regarding their request to join them, but she has yet to talk with Goibniu, and it seems he is already ahead of her.

'I wonder what Goibniu would ask in exchange for their cooperation.'

In the end, he accepted her proposition in exchange for teaching his protégé for a month while he is away.

They will also have to protect and take care of him while on the expedition.

Hephaestus was astonished by his request, she thought that it would take a large number of valis or a contract for him to accept.

This negotiation is very important for her because a lot of her members need to level up to acquire the blacksmith development ability.

So she immediately accepted his request for it is just a small matter for her and there would be no commission for the duration of the expedition.

A knock sounded on her door and a voice asked for permission.

"It's fine, come in"

Tsubaki entered along with a fine young man, I assume this is the child Goibniu had spoken of.

Staring at the man I doubt if he ever held a hammer before with how delicate he looks.

He even looks more feminine than Tsubaki side by side.

'I don't think a month is enough to instruct this kid about forging.'

She can only sigh at this situation

'I wonder why Goibniu holds him with high regard to make him his protégé.'

"Good morning goddess Hephaestus, I am David a member of Goibniu Familia, I was tasked by my god to learn to your tutelage while he is away, please take care of me"

He politely greeted me with a bow.

She smiled at his greeting.

'Polite, straight forward and eager', it seems we can get along pretty well

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When I arrived at the Hephaestus Familia I was welcomed by an older woman in an Eyepatch.

She is a well-known master smith of this Familia and its captain.

Tsubaki Collbrande

Tsubaki is a level 5 blacksmith, she has brown skin, long black hair, red eyes, and wears an eye patch over her left eye, similar to her Goddess Hephaestus.

"Hey, kid are you from god Goibniu Familia?"

I can't help but stare, I tried, but I guess we are all programmed to be this way.

"My name is Tsubaki Collbrande, the captain of Hephaestus Familia, what is your name?"

She inquired while slapping her chest when introducing herself.

"Yes Ummm miss Tsubaki my name is David, my god Goibniu tasked me to learn on your care, please pardon my intrusion."

I don't know if they could be used for Genjutsu, but it's pretty effective, anyway as we are walking toward goddess Hephaestus's office I notice how big their Familia is, even the workshops are slightly better than ours.

'I don't know if that old fart is even trying, and he even has the guts to complain!'

Closing our destination I had to avoid walking slower or faster than miss Tsubaki, or I'll be befallen by her illusionary techniques again, either from the front or backside.

Before opening the door after receiving permission to enter she whispers something to me.

"Don't worry they'll grow up one day"

Before winking her one remaining eye.

'Did I ever say I'm a vegetarian? Because I'm not a vegetarian!'

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Welf is a tall adult male who has short, spiky red hair and dark blue eyes. He wears a blue scarf around his neck and his attire consists of a dark blue long-sleeve shirt underneath a black kimono with a brown belt tied around his waist along with tanned white pants and long brown boots.

He just finished his day's work and intended to deliver it to one of their Familia's stores in the babel.

Welf was a member of the Crozzo Family that once can create a magic sword, but one day a skill Crozzo Blood appeared on him which enable him to create a magic sword.

Despite his family's joy he escaped their country of Rakia in despised on a magic sword and joined the Hephaestus Familia in Orario.

Walking unhurriedly Welf saw Tsubaki on his way, he intended to quickly hide to avoid her teasing but gradually stopped on his track when he notices the woman beside her.

She has long silky hair that falls to her waist and is tied on the end that dances along with her every move.

Dressed in a kimono-like dress which he didn't know you can see her figure and body that exclude the word perfectness that lacks any unnecessary parts, and a sandal that audibly clicks with her every mellow step.

The world turns ever oh so slowly that Welf can't help but be amazed at what he is beholding.

A very elegant aura that steals every attention and a graceful smile on her immaculate face while conversing with Tsubaki.

What completes her image is the exquisite umbrella she was holding in her both hands, it has an overall creamy color of white that complements her white kimono and delicate rosy skin.

He can't help but stare with an enamored expression on his face as his whole life flashes on him, all hardship and injustice he experienced were all for the purpose of meeting her here!

"Oh my Hephaestus I'm in love!"