The Weapon Crafter's Call

Ring—

As Lia's video call came in, I pushed away Irethiel and lifted the phone to answer.

[Hello, Ares, are you free--] As soon as I picked up the phone Lia started to speak but stopped mid-sentence as she saw my bandaged body.

[Hey, Lia, how are you doing?] I asked, trying to sound upbeat.

[I-I'm fine, but it doesn't look like you're doing well, though!] Lia stammered, looking concerned.

I could see that she was in her father's workshop from the background.

[Yeah, things happened.] I replied. However, I noticed Irethiel began peeking from beside me as she hugged me from the side.

"...."

[Um, w-who is that woman beside you?] Lia asked with an awkward expression as she noticed Irethiel.

Hearing her, I turned to Irethiel and saw her smiling pleasantly. I realized that her behavior was unusual, and I immediately suspected that it might be the side effects of the disguise potion she had used.