"What kind of strange gossip do you usually read? Rod is just Rod!"
Astrea emphasized, puffing out her cheeks.
"Hehehe, indeed the Lower World is full of attractions, where one can witness all sorts of interesting things like this~"
"Even someone as pure as you, accepting a boy into your Familia, I wonder how many Gods will weep bitterly!"
Hephaestus now had the upper hand, turning the tables to tease Astrea.
Astrea shook her walnut-colored long hair.
"Hmm… what those idiots think has nothing to do with me. Hephaestus, will you accept the commission or not?"
"If it were anyone else, I might refuse, but since it's a request from [Justice], I simply cannot decline~"
Astrea happily narrowed her eyes, and Hephaestus raised a finger in warning.
"However, the cost will be very high. Even if I waive the processing fee out of friendship, to have good weapons, top-tier forging materials are indispensable."
Hephaestus had heard about the other Familia's financial situation, so she gave a heads-up.
"The children have already worked hard to explore the Dungeon, but it's probably still far from enough."
Astrea's face showed determination, and she lightly waved her small fist.
"But it doesn't matter, I'm also prepared to work part-time!"
Hephaestus's eyes widened in surprise. After confirming the other's serious gaze, she asked in disbelief,
"First, you accepted him into a Familia that previously only allowed girls, and then you're so diligently preparing weapons for him. What kind of magic does that child possess to make you treat him so specially?"
"I love all the children in my Familia equally, but Rod… he is indeed a bit different."
"Oh? Can you tell me?"
Astrea slyly winked and made a gesture with her hand.
"If you promise to keep it a secret and then cut the price just a tiny bit, I can tell you~"
"...."
Hephaestus glared helplessly at the Goddess of Justice, who was grinning like a fox, and said irritably.
"So that's what you were waiting for…"
"So, what's your answer?"
"Hmph, don't you know what kind of beings we are? But if your answer doesn't satisfy me, I won't let you off so easily!"
Then Astrea chuckled and recounted how Rod could not engrave Grace.
Since a Divine Blacksmith was to be commissioned to forge a custom weapon for Rod, this matter could not be concealed anyway. It was better to reveal it now to secure more benefits for Rod.
Moreover, Hephaestus was also a trustworthy deity.
Bringing her into the fold would also provide an extra layer of protection for Rod.
The love of gods for their children comes in many types: twisted, indulgent, but most have a certain possessiveness, more or less, over their children.
Astrea was naturally no exception.
Although she could not form a bond with Rod through divine blood, she had long regarded Rod as her family.
However… Rod's uniqueness meant she couldn't secretly hoard this gem.
After a brief period of distress and entanglement, the pure and righteous Goddess, enduring a small reluctance in her heart, decided to share this gem with a divine friend who could help Rod.
Even for Astrea, perhaps only Rod could make a god overcome their selfish desires.
After hearing Astrea's account, Hephaestus's eyes also gleamed with uncontrollable excitement and agitation.
"Hehehe, a person whose potential cannot be activated by Grace… Such a being actually exists! So that's it, so that's it, no wonder you're so serious about this!"
"Hey, Astrea, please let me meet that child!"
"I want to observe him personally, and then tailor a set of equipment specifically for him!"
Hephaestus paced back and forth excitedly in the room, her left eye sparkling with impatient light.
"Without the assistance of an Elf, and without the blessing of a god, yet still able to accomplish deeds comparable to a hero, how does he do it? I'm simply too curious about him!"