Chapter 73

"So, when do you plan to take my goddess on a date? Or would you prefer to take me instead?" Tsubaki playfully taunted. I wasn't going to let that slide, so I fired back, "When I return from my planned expedition, I'll take both of you on a romantic date. Maybe we can break Bahamut's record and go at it for three days straight." I said it smugly, but soon collapsed in shame. It had sounded way better in my head.

When I looked up both Hephaestus and Tsubaki had covered their face in shame while Bahamut just sat there smiling.

"So when do you plan to take Hephi on a date?" Bahamut asked this time, while I got up from the floor.

Before I could reply, Hephaestus quickly spoke, "Bahamut, what are you saying?" she said, flustered. Tsubaki, who looked embarrassed earlier, turned to my direction as if waiting to hear my answer.

"Uhm, that's why I came here," I replied. "I planned to take you out a long time, but it was hard considering that you were busy and quite popular. So, a public date was a no-go. Plus, I wanted some fame to match so it wouldn't seem weird to others," I paused before continuing.

"But after Clair died and the whole mess caused by the Evilus, I realized that I was too passive and should be a lot more proactive in my relationships. Time waits for no one, as they say. So, Hephi, goddess of the Hephaestus familia, will you go on a date with me?" I finished.

Honestly, it was a bit cringe to me saying all that, but it needed to be said. I looked at Hephaestus straight in her eyes, hoping for a positive reply. But she just sat there with her face blazing red.

"Hephi, say something," Bahamut nudged her.

"Ahem, uh, I... will go on a date with you," she finally squeezed out in a stutter.

"I thank me lady for gracing me with her precious time," I said teasingly. "I will have our date scheduled after my return from the dungeon expedition. If that's okay with you," I added.

"It's fine," Hephaestus replied while covering her face with her hands.

"Sigh, finally, my goddess has a boyfriend and is going on a date. Now, I am the only one here single. I wonder if there is someone nearby who will take me on a date," Tsubaki stated in a monotone voice, teasingly while looking at me.

I was really confused about whether Tsubaki was serious or just a regular tease. "Uhm, if me lady wishes so, it shall be done," I teased back.

"Great, we have a date," Tsubaki clapped her hands in conclusion. 'Wait, she was serious,' I yelled in my head. I soon realized that I had a date planned with three ladies. 'Is this considered three-timing?' I thought.

My thoughts were interrupted by a tug on my shirt. It was Lili. "What about me?" she asked. I was a bit taken aback. When did she return to the room, I wondered.

"Uhm, you just focus on growing up for now. You're too young to be thinking of such things yet," I replied. I mean, she was 8 years old. She had a downcast expression on her face.

"Lili, come here," Bahamut called out to her and whispered something in her ear. Suddenly, Lili perked up. I could have listened in, but I really didn't want to know what they talked about.

"Ahem, so what's this about an expedition?" Hephaestus spoke, drawing our attention towards her. It seemed she had recovered from her emotional overload.

"The one with the Astraea familia, we talked about it earlier," Bahamut said before I could reply.

"Ah, yes," Hephaestus muttered. "Isn't it too early for your familia? I mean, besides Draco and Lili, the rest of them have only been adventurers for around two to three months," Hephaestus replied.

I understood her concern. Hephaestus was looking out for our familia, and I appreciated her care and consideration. "I see your point, Hephaestus. But we've been training hard, and I believe we're ready for this. It's a great opportunity for growth, and we have the support of our friends from the Astraea familia. We will return stronger," I assured her, hoping to alleviate her worries.

Hephaestus smiled softly, her red face starting to fade. "Alright, if you believe in them, then I trust your judgment. Just be careful, okay?"

"Do you need any help with supplies, weapons, and armor?" Hephaestus asked. My initial thought was to immediately accept because having additional resources would be beneficial. However, I quickly realized that my familia and I had already gathered everything we could afford.

None of us had even gone to the dungeon that week to prepare for our upcoming expedition, and the Astraea familia, who usually patrolled the city, were also in the same boat.

"It's okay, we actually have everything we need for now. We're a bit tight on our budget too," I replied, trying to convey our current situation. But Tsubaki chimed in, "Hmm, I do have some failed armour and weapons. You can have those for free. They should be good for adventurers up to level 3."

"Thanks, I graciously accept," I replied appreciatively. I noticed that Hephaestus had a downcast expression, so I quickly reassured her, "Don't worry, Hephi. I'll be rich enough soon to afford your crafts. I'll make sure to commission something from you when I can," I said, trying to lift her spirits.

"Sure," she replied, clearly looking a bit brighter. As our conversation continued, we talked about various topics until evening approached. Lili had fallen asleep on Bahamut's lap, and it was time for us to leave. "Later, Hephi and Tsubaki, don't forget our date when I return," I said with a grin before bidding them farewell.

With Lili in a princess carry on my hands, I decided to make one final stop for the day – the star dust garden, home of the Astraea familia. As we walked the streets at night, Bahamut kept using her tail to tug at mine, creating a strange but amusing experience. My bag was now filled with way more than I planned to carry while Lili's bag was carried by Bahamut.

Seizing the opportunity, I decided to ask Bahamut about Tsubaki's behavior. "So, do you know why Tsubaki was acting that way? I don't recall being so intimate with her," I inquired, suspicious that Bahamut had something to do with it.

"Don't worry too much. I didn't really do anything. She was just worried about Hephi after finding out that you were dating the two of us at the same time. Maybe she got interested after listening to me and Hephi's conversation about you. But isn't this your chance to snag another girl?" Bahamut replied, teasingly.

"Ahem," I fake coughed, opting to change the topic and not dwell on the idea. Soon enough, we reached the Astraea familia's home. I knocked on the door, waiting for someone to answer. Footsteps approached from behind me, and I turned to see Ryuu and Kaguya with bags.

"Draco, Bahamut-sama. What brings you here?" Kaguya asked, her playful tone present.

"Nothing much, just wanted to see you guys," I replied, trying to keep things light. Kaguya decided to tease, "Are you flirting with us?"

Caught off guard, I was momentarily stunned and unsure of how to reply. However, I decided to play along and engage in some banter. "Hoho, is the great Kaguya and Ryuu-sama interested in me?" I retorted. The room fell silent, leaving an awkward atmosphere behind.

"Oh, Draco, what brings you here?" a voice sounded from the now-opened door. "What's going on here?" another voice added. It was Alise and Lyra joining the conversation.

"Ahem, can we come in?" I said, trying to break the ice. Bahamut chimed in, "I think they might like you."

"Of course we like him," Alise replied, tilting her head in confusion. I was certain that she had completely misunderstood Bahamut's innuendo, but I wasn't going to be the one to point it out. We soon made our way inside and sat down, though Alise seemed to be missing.

"Where is Alise?" I asked, curious about her whereabouts. "She finally realized the alternative meaning of her words," Lyra chuckled.

"I see" I replied before we both burst out laughing. Soon our laughter died down as to not wake the sleeping Lili.