As for what happened after, she left after a reluctant departure, I on the other hand went out, because It was time to make the factory I promised Vanir, this would also allow Kazuma to not bother with having to make everything manually.
The factory was simple, because It all used magic. "Truly a shame." I described it, but I wasn't going to make complex calculations when I had an easier options.
So anyways, sometime later, I was left with nothing to do, so I went to the guild, because my friends would probably be there - they weren't, then I went to the mansion - they weren't there either.
So what do I do now?
It's simple actually, It's time that I upgrade my revolver, because it is, well, uncool. And I don't have a clue on what anything else to do, so yeah, maybe I also add the ability to modify it easily, like an extension for the barrel, or a scope, or a bigger magazine.
So I sat there and worked on the revolver while waiting. Luckily for me, Chomusuke was there, so when I needed a moment to think I had something to pet.
The new design was a bit more pistol like, the revolver mechanism was removed and there was a spring that pushed the metal balls in place. I Also made it so it shoots via steam pressure, which proved quite cool. The ball is blocking any steam from escaping, but when I press the trigger the mechanism that keeps the ball there releases, allowing the steam to push the ball out with insane power. It also always made a satisfying puff sound.
It was quite fun designing this - it gave me the idea of making a steam powered collection of weapon, of course we already had three stuff, the steam engine armor, the sword, and now the revolver. But there could be many more, stuff, like a steam lancer, or wings, or a hammer. The possibilities are endless.
And so now with that I decided to go to the guild to enjoy a meal - something meaty because I haven't had any meat in a while.
I decided to walk to town, because I also need some exercise... Speaking off I could make paths that connect my farms by hand. Like, lay every stone down.
Meh.
On the way into town, I heard the light patter of footsteps behind me. Turning slightly, I found Chris jogging up waving casually.
"Hey," she greeted with that easy grin of hers. "Where you heading?"
"To the guild, figured I'd treat myself. Wanna join?"
Her grin widened. "If you're paying."
"Of course. I'm a gentleman, after all."
"More like a show-off," she teased, attempting to bump her shoulder against mine as we fell into step.
We walked through the bustling streets, trading little jokes here and there. By the time we entered the guild hall, the tension of the day had melted away.
"Two plates of something that screams meat," I told the waitress. Chris laughed, covering her mouth.
"You're lucky I skipped breakfast. Otherwise, I would have ordered dessert."
"Go ahead," I said, smirking. "Nothing's stopping you."
We ate heartily, the guild's noise providing cover for our quieter exchanges.
When the plates were cleared and I tossed a few extra coins on the table, we slipped outside and climbed up to the rooftops, watching the sky bleed blue into orange. The city looked calmer from above, distant laughter mixing with the hum of life.
Chris hugged her knees. "You know... sometimes I think you look too far ahead. Always planning, always building. But right now..." She tilted her head toward the horizon. "...you look at peace."
"I always at peace around you, love." I said quietly, sitting beside her.
That earned me a small blush, but she masked it with a roll of her eyes. "Smooth talker."
We let the silence stretch, the kind of silence that wasn't awkward at all. "You act a lot different than usual."
She looked at me for a second and gave a sigh. "I know... I just feel free in this form."
"I'm wondering though - what brought you here today?"
"Well, this too ties in with my duties. I saw Kazuma pick a divine treasure. I have to collect it and get it out of this world. It's meant for the who got reincarnated with it. And since you were in the way, I decided to hang out a bit." She said.
"About now," she murmured, her gaze fixed far below, "they should be returning."
I turned to see where she was looking at.
"C'mon. Let's go greet them." She called, sliding down the roof.
I followed her to the street, and together we walked casually, like we'd just been chatting for hours about nothing of importance. Ahead, the gang came into view - Kazuma, Aqua, Megumin, and Darkness, all looking cheery, almost dreamy.
"Hey." Chris said, looking at them with a wave. "Wow, seems like you are even more cheerier than usual."
Darkness stepped forward. "We are about to cerebrate Kazuma's return. Do you want to join us?"
Kazuma instantly moved forward, frightening Chris into moving a bit back, hands forward. "Don't you worry, cuz money is no object."
"It sounds nice, but I have still got stuff to do. Maybe next time." Chris excused herself.
"Yea, definitely." Kazuma said cheerfully.
"See you, Svet!" She turned to me, before turning to them, "bye," and walking past Kazuma, hand lingering towards Kazuma. Obviously she cast Steal.
She obviously stole whatever that divine treasure.
"Kazuma, Kazuma, I have had my eyes on this beautiful robe and-" Megumin said, looking dreamy.
"Oh yeah, we can get that too. I will just shake our magic mallet." He said, trying to get the so called mallet from his lower waist. He didn't find it, he began searching frantically, even in his pants. The cheerfulness turned into grief.
"Hey, guys." I finally say, but by now Kazuma is breaking down. I didn't think my words would hit his ears in that terrible state, so I withheld the news.
When we got to the mansion and were in the living room, Kazuma was squirming on the floor like a worm, crying. "I'm never leaving again. A shut-in like me never should have gotten such big ideas."
Megumin was taking it pretty well. "It's too bad we don't have the mallet. But I'm glad to have you here and back to normal."
Aqua looked down at Kazuma, slightly disappointed. "Yeah, well, he is back to being a full-time loser, if that is what you mean. But the weird thing is - it's kind of comforting. Makes me realize that actually trying is sorta overrated anyway."
Darkness yelled. "Don't let that sloth affect you too."
I look at Megumin. "I still don't know what is happening, and where were you guys?"
Suddenly there was a knock, taking away everyone's attention. "Excuse me, Is everybody home? Hello... Hello."
Kazuma and Aqua sit up, and nod at each other, before rushing the door. Poor man.
They began yelling nonsense as they held the man back until Darkness intervened.
So now the butler of her family was in the living room. Didn't think that she was a noble... Are all nobles fucked up in the head, because so far I haven't seen many bright examples.
"What brings you way out here in this time of night?" Darkness asked him.
"My lady, I have bad news - I'm afraid your only asset may be in danger."
Kazuma, who was sitting on his knees shot out. "Wait! She's not going to shrink, is she? This naughty body of hers is just going to dry up."
"NO, Not that!" The butler replied. "The family is on the verge of losing it's standing. Which would then lead the young mistress without her only real asset - her privilege."
I saw a golden opportunity. But I would need more information about that.
Then the butler handed her a letter. "Wait this is... It's the seal of the royal family." She murmured, taking the letter. She began to read it, quickly going pale and shaking.
"What does it say?" - Kazuma asked.
"N-no, It's nothing. You don't need to be concerned, I assure you."
"Give me that!"
"No, please! You said it once before, remember? You don't want any trouble, which is the reason-"
"Steal!" Kazuma stole the letter.
Megumin and Aqua had to hold Darkness back. "Please, I beg you, let it go."
He begun reading. "Greetings, sir Svetislav. What about me? - Kazuma cut through the reading, giving a sigh and continuing - who has slain quite an impressive number of the Devil King's army's generals and has built the reputation of a great visionary. It would bring me to hear of you and your party's exploits. Signed, Iris, first princess."
Kazuma looked at me, "Does she know that you ain't even part of the party?"
"It's seems like a no..."
"Welp, at least she mentioned me... Great, getting no credit for being the leader..." Kazuma murmured to himself.
"Well, if that's all then I will be heading out, I need some rest. See you guys whenever."
---
And so I went home, Acat carrying me driving perfectly. In the herb house, I settled on one of the chairs in the kitchen and looked out of the window, my fingers tapping the table.
"Eris, love, come join me for a bit."
The air shimmered faintly, and soon enough, she appeared - not Chris the thief, but Eris, with her soft gaze and divine presence.
I leaned forward, resting my chin on my hand. "Can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"Why do you act so different when you're Chris compared to when you're Eris?" My tone wasn't accusing - more curious, but edged with something deeper.
Her eyes widened slightly, and for a moment she looked away, folding her hands in front of her. "...Different how?"
"When you're Eris, you're gentle, careful... it's like you're holding back, like you're afraid you'll break something precious. But when you're Chris..." I paused searching her face. "You laugh easier. You tease. You're bolder."
Her lips parted, but no words came at first. Then, with a sigh, she admitted softly. "Because when I'm Eris, I have to bee careful. I am a goddess... and goddesses... we're not supposed to have things like this. Love. Desire. Comfort. If I let too much of myself slip through, I'm afraid I'll ruin what little I'm allowed to have."
I reached out, brushing her hand with mine. "And Chris?"
Her cheeks flushed, her voice lowering as she confessed this secret. "Chris... is me without chains. She's still me, but she doesn't carry the weight of heaven. With her, I can... just be a girl."
"So Chris is the mask you wear to be free?"
She nodded after a moment of hesitation. "A mask, yes... but also a truth. Both are me. One is bound by duty, the other is bound by nothing."
"I will still love you either way..."
Her gaze softened, truly moved.
I stood up and guided her to the couch. She follower, a little uncertain at first, until I pulled a blanket over the both of us and eased her down beside me.
Wrapping my arms around her, I let her had rest against my chest, her silver hair brushing my chin. She stiffened for only a heartbeat before relaxing into me, her body almost melting into the embrace.
I held her there, steady and unshaken, whispering, "A little bit of this a day keeps our sadness away."
She gave a quiet laugh - soft, breathless, tinged with that affection she so often tries to hold back. "You make it sound like the simplest cur in the world."
"It will suffice for now..." I murmured, pulling the blanket tighter around us. "Until I succeed."
Her arms slipped around me at last, hugging me back with surprising strength. For a while, neither of us said a word - we just listened to each other breathe, our hearts beating as one.
I deemed it better to fall asleep with her in my arm, then to make it more difficult to let go while being awake, so I closed my eyes and allowed myself to drift off to sleep.
She shifted hesitantly, unsure of what to do - wake me up, or let me drift off. In the end she settled, resting against me.
I managed to fall asleep, but then she pulled away gently trying to not wake me up. My eyes opened ever so slightly, I was barely thinking, thought mixed with reality, making a dream like experience while I was awake. Of a future I thought, her, me, peace... I close my eyes again, feeling her hand gently on my head, then reluctantly pulling away.
---
The next morning I was woken by the rays of light that pierced through the window. She was nowhere to be seen. I give a sigh, rubbing my eyes and standing up but inevitably falling back down my vision went black for a moment. But after this I truly stood up and prepared for the day, cleaning my teeth, washing myself, and putting my clothes on.
After this I went out and to town with Acat, the ride was fine, though my mind was somewhere else. Why do I always feel that longing? Hmm, I woke up with the last thought I had - about her.
In town, I went to Wiz's shop.
"Morning guys!" I said, opening the door.
Vanir swiveled towards me, arms already outstretched. "Ahh! Good morning! What brings you here today, my friend?"
"Hey man." I met his gloved hand with a solid dap. "I've got the lighter factory done and running. Also talked with Kazuma, which means I am taking over the first batch and every batch after."
"Marvelous!" Vanir clapped like a proud stage director. "Though I cannot help but notice..." He leaned forward. "...you carry no crates. Are you perhaps-"
"-about to dump them all over your counter - yes." I nod mischievously.
Wiz flinched. "Please, no!"
"Relax, Wiz, he was just messing with you." Vanir said. "As for you, you can sit while I set things up."