The Unbreakable Pact

[Althea's POV]

Finally, the lecture was over, and I let out a sigh of relief. It was always a challenge for me to maintain a serious demeanor in front of Riveria. Her stern gaze had a way of piercing through my soul.

But hey, I survived another one unscathed. Go, me!

Reflecting on the progress I've made over the past six months, one thing still weighs on my mind. I haven't quite managed to teach Ais the importance of taking care of herself. She's always so focused on pushing her limits, throwing caution to the wind.

Sure, she trusts me and all, but I can't help but worry about her reckless nature.

I pondered for a way to get through to her, and I think I found just the ticket. Glancing at Ais, who obediently followed me, a mischievous smile formed on my face.

It was time to put my plan into action.

"Hey, Ais, follow my lead," I said, my voice filled with excitement.

Ais looked at me curiously but complied without hesitation. The two of us exited the Twilight Manor, stepping out into the bustling streets.

Our destination was Northwest Main Street, also known as Adventurers Way. It was a hub of activity, lined with specialty shops catering to adventurers, including weapon stores.

Ais and I had gained a bit of fame here. We were often called the Twin Dolls due to our small stature and contrasting personalities.

It was our go-to spot to unwind whenever Riveria finished her harsh sermons. Not only that, it was also the place where we used to fight hooded individuals and save adventurers, but it had stopped a few months ago.

As we walked, Ais couldn't help but ask, "Althea, where are we going? We're moving away from the shops."

I grinned, keeping the mystery alive. "We're meeting someone, Ais," I replied playfully.

Her eyebrow raised, curiosity evident in her eyes. "Who is it?"

"It's a secret," I whispered, relishing in the anticipation.

Then, I noticed the dark clouds overhead, signaling an approaching rainstorm.

"We better hurry, Ais. It's about to rain," I prompted her, quickening our pace to beat the impending downpour.

Thankfully, we managed to make it inside a building just in time, seeking refuge from the impending downpour of rain.

The building we entered was a quaint and cozy workshop, filled with the aroma of metal and the sight of blacksmith tools and anvils.

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As we stepped inside the building, I motioned for Ais to come along. She turned to me and nodded, her curiosity shining in her eyes. We patiently waited inside, anticipation growing with each passing moment.

Finally, the door swung open, and a woman walked in, her voice filled with exhaustion. "---Waah. Man, I'm beat! I could see it was gonna rain, but who knew it'd be this bad?!" she exclaimed.

With her dark complexion and short black hair, she exuded strength and confidence. Her figure was curvaceous in a way that Ais and I, being on the petite side, could never match. And those... um, ample chests of hers were just peeking out from her top as she began to undress.

Ais's eyes widened in surprise. She couldn't contain her curiosity and asked me, "Who is this woman, Althea? Is she a goddess?"

I chuckled and responded, "No, Ais. She's the person we're here to meet." I couldn't help but play along, enjoying Ais's innocent wonder.

But what was most distinctive about her was the jet-black eye patch over her left eye. It added an air of mystery and intrigue to her already captivating presence.

I coughed lightly to get her attention, and finally, she noticed us.

"Oh, if it isn't my favorite troublemaker, Althea Wallenstein," she said, recognizing me immediately.

I sassily retorted, using a playful nickname for her. "Ah, Tsubaki, the indecent blacksmith of Hephaistos Familia. Nice to see you in all your half-dressed glory."

Ais looked at me, confusion evident on her face. "Althea, do you know this woman?" she asked.

I turned to Ais with a grin. "Ah yes, let me introduce you to Tsubaki. She's the renowned blacksmith I met a few months ago," I explained, excitement lacing my words.

Tsubaki blushed, feeling flattered by my introduction. "Stop it, Althea. You're embarrassing me," she said, her tone annoyed.

I sassily retorted, "Oh, please, Tsubaki. If you're embarrassed now, you'll be even more embarrassed later. Cover yourself up, there's someone else in the room."

Tsubaki's eyes widened as she finally noticed Ais. She looked at her with curiosity and asked me, "Is this your sister?"

I nodded and introduced Ais, saying, "Yes, this is my sister. And I have a special favor to ask, Tsubaki."

"Oh? And what is it supposed to be?" Tsubaki asked.

"I want you to make a custom-made sword for my sister," I replied.

Tsubaki's curiosity piqued, and she asked, "Tell me more about what you have in mind."

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As we sat down and discussed the details of the sword, Tsubaki seemed a bit troubled. She couldn't help but let out a sigh, indicating that my request was not an easy one to fulfill.

She looked at me, her expression serious, and asked, "Are you serious about wanting a sword that won't break?"

I nodded, my face displaying my trademark nonchalant attitude. "Yup, that sounds about right. I need something durable for my sister."

Tsubaki's gaze then shifted to Ais, carefully observing her petite figure. There was a hint of concern in her eyes as she took in Ais's appearance.

After a moment, she turned her attention back to me and asked a question, "And why does she need this sword? What is it for?"

Ais, always straightforward, answered Tsubaki's question without hesitation. "I want to be strong. I need this sword to become stronger."

Tsubaki scratched her head in frustration, clearly wrestling with her own thoughts. She understood the weight of Ais's aspirations and the importance of having the right weapon.

After a moment of contemplation, she made her decision and told me, "I'm sorry, Althea, but I have to decline your request."

Ah, I expected this response. But fear not, dear readers, for I had a clever contingency plan up my sleeve.

With a mischievous glint in my eyes, I responded to her refusal, "That's a shame, Tsubaki. But I have a proposition for you. How about we make a deal?"

Tsubaki raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued yet cautious. "What kind of deal are we talking about?"

I leaned in closer, a smirk forming on my lips. "I'll help you with your current project—a little something that will revolutionize your blacksmithing skills. In return, you make the unbreakable sword for Ais. Deal?"

There was a hint of hesitation in Tsubaki's eyes as she contemplated my proposal. But I pushed the deal further, adding another enticing offer. "And to sweeten the deal, I'll provide you with rare materials that will elevate your craftsmanship to new heights."

Tsubaki scratched her head in frustration, completely torn. Eventually, she gave in, unable to resist the lure of my proposition. "Fine, Althea! We have a deal. But remember, this better be worth it."

I grinned, knowing I had won this round. "Trust me, Tsubaki. You won't be disappointed."

Tsubaki let out a weary sigh, agreeing, "Alright, we'll start working on the sword tomorrow morning."

I nodded in agreement, gratitude evident in my expression. "Sounds good, Tsubaki. You're a good friend."

With that settled, Tsubaki rose from her seat and began to make her way towards the exit. However, she paused, her gaze fixated on Ais.

Then she muttered, almost as an afterthought, "Oh, and one last thing. If your sister desire a sword that remains unbroken, there's already one right here." She points directly at Ais, her words sinking deep.

Ais stood there, stunned, processing what Tsubaki had just said. As for me, my mind raced, analyzing Tsubaki's cryptic statement. And then it hit me. I realized the profound meaning behind her words.

Without another word, Tsubaki continued on her way out, leaving the building.

Raindrops no longer pattered against the windows as silence filled the room. Ais and I exchanged a meaningful glance, both of us pondering the wisdom hidden within Tsubaki's enigmatic words.