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A goddess of immense grace with a face compared to that of a goddess of beauty. This was Idun, the youthful deity that was both elegant and full of vigor.
"Oh? The stranger knows me?"
"…"
'Crap… time to improvise.'
He reached for the back of his head, feigning ignorance, "Lady Idun, you jest…"
She smiled, tilting her head, "What class are you from, child? What's your major?"
"Alchemy, Baldr Class."
"Pfft…" She laughed, "Baldr Class? Alchemy? That would make you the first then."
She raised her finger, shaking it before him, "Baldr oversees the Combat Studies department. You should've known that much given you made it this far."
She looked at him up and down, "Nice outfit. It looks perfect."
Silver sighed, "I didn't know precisely what each deity taught, so I just went with his name… fine, you win."
Her smile deepened, "You're from Orario, right? Child, don't you know it's against the rules to sneak in like this? Why even do this? You don't look like the kind who would commit such acts."
"What else? To study."
Her expression did not change, "Why not apply for the academy, then? I can tell you're eager to be here, you have the spirit of a scholar, yet you resort to such a petty action?"
"I'm already an adventurer, so applying for the academy is out of the picture. Besides, it would take too long."
Silver looked at his book, "Gooing to classes, doing joint activities, homework… that's not for me. I'm more of a person who sits down and gets things done alone."
"How lonely." She said as she pouted faintly, "Children your age should bend together and have fun. Learning together is the healthiest of them all."
She seemed to be about to narrate the many benefits of joint studies, so Silver quickly voiced out his opinion:
"… I do not disagree… entirely at least. But I do not have the time for such."
'Maybe if it had been a few years earlier... but I can't turn back now that I've just begun my journey... I wouldn't mind coming here some other time in the future, though.'
"Oh dear, how come? So young, yet so pressed for time…" She said in a teasing tone as she crossed her arms
Silver smiled awkwardly before he shrugged. He looked at his hands and the books around him before facing her.
"What can I say? Am I a man of action. I absolutely abhor doing nothing unless its for recreational purposes. When the opportunity came, I couldn't help it."
Idur fidgeted with her fingers, thinking about his words... "Does that include breaking into a closed facility to steal knowledge?"
"Knowledge should be shared. Isn't that one of your mottos?"
She closed her eyes with a faint smile, "You seem to have forgotten the rest of it… since that's the case, what's your name?"
Silver's expression grew serious and sharp. He faced her and proudly replied, "… Elfgard Deepwood…"
Idun fell into a fit of laughter, "Pfft… hahahaha! Very well… maybe we can enroll you in the Theater Department. I can get you a special enrollment."
"I'm not one to go on stage often…"
"Yet you speak so well? You seem to have the experience."
"…"
Silver did not reply. His time of walking onto a podium and giving other speeches... was long gone.
Sensing his emotions, Idun's smile faded, "Did I step on a nail? I apologize… regardless, you've proven the rest of our motto. All knowledge is to be shared, but not without caution. One must put the correct amount of effort to attain it."
"Am I not doing such now?"
She smiled awkwardly, "I take it most wouldn't take your efforts well… the children here are quite prideful, they wouldn't accept someone who has taken a shortcut."
"That's their problem. Shortcut or not, I do things at my own pace regardless of the opinion of others. What's the point of being bound down by someone else's opinion?"
She nodded, perhaps agreeing with his words? "You make your actions sound so noble... you're the Robin Hood of books then."
"It's not that romantic... nor noble. I'm fully aware of what I'm doing."
"Yet you still do it?"
"If everyone stopped doing what they wanted because someone else said it wasn't right, the lower world would've collapsed millennia ago. That's not how things work."
"Only in an ideal world would everything work perfectly while everyone followed and created, encompassing and fair, community-voted rules."
She looked at his eyes, as if seeking something within, "I can tell you're a man of conviction, but that's not what I'm talking about. You saw them, didn't you?"
A bead of sweat fell down his forehead, "…"
Idun placed her back against her chair, closing her eyes, "That's what I'm saying; those children are far too eager… they won't leave you alone if they find you like this."
Silver tapped the table, "That's a simple problem to solve, all they have to do is not find me. And that was working for the most part."
Idun shook her head and her index finger at him, "But here's the thing, I can't leave you be now that I've found you."
He crossed his arms and looked at the ceiling.
As if thinking deeply, Silver exaggeratedly hummed his thoughts... "Hummm..."
"That is a problem indeed… how about I run away and you tell me I was here or something?" He asked as he raised his index finger
She smiled again, "And for what? For you to come back here again? Besides, you don't have to hide it. I can tell who you are… you're the boy Hermes has been blabbering about as he runs, right?"
"I know no such deity." Silver claimed seriously
"Liar~… he detailed you so deeply… maybe I should go meet you at Orario. I'm certain that as long as I squeeze that man a little, he'll say everything I want~"
His expression palled, his worst scenario coming to be, "Please don't. I like my peace and quiet, and the last thing I want is to end up in prison."
She pointed at his chest, grinning with the taste of victory.
"Then you'll have to pay the price for being a naughty kid."
"… Is it really not possible to leave me here alone? I'll behave."
"Hm… maybe if you promise not to come back. Can you do that?"
"No."
She rolled her eyes, "At least you're honest! You seek what you want with a straight face. I like that… you'd do a fine student… such a shame we missed you."
"Though you'd need some discipline. There's no good in seeking knowledge through such extreme manners. You're way too free-spirited." She added as she shook her head. "It's my duty as a deity to guide you down the right path."
Silver snickered, "You call this extreme? All I'm doing is entering a library to read some books… no one is being harmed either. Everything would've been fine if Hermes hadn't been here."
She pouted as her finger plunged into his cheek, "Some of these books are classified, though? Did you know that half of the documents in that section were taken with special permission from Altena's underground Palace?"
"Humph… what's the point when the students are going to graduate, anyway?" He asked as he remained in place as the goddess poked his face
"The point is that we're keeping a promise, and we can't break it so easily. It's about credibility!"
"It's another reason why I can't let you go… if you leave just like that, I'd be severely disappointed."
She flicked his nose, much to his annoyance, which only made her smile as she watched her squirm, unable to do anything against her.
Perhaps she was testing his patience? Trying to see what kind of person he was? Most wouldn't tolerate a deity like this, much less in his situation.
Which was exactly why Silver did not stop her. He knew where to draw the line. If he did too much, then it would be far too easy to dub him a criminal... he already us, but he wanted to come clean.
"Tsk... I'm not leaving… also, stop touching me!… So? What do you need from me?"
"Hum... how about you join us? That would solve all problems."
"I already said I can't do that. What would be the point of entering this place, anyway? I already know what I want to do; my path is already made. All I have to do is follow it."
"Hmm… is that so? How can you be so certain?"
Silver grew serene as he thought about an answer, "Because regardless of there being one or not, I'll carve the very ground myself if I have to, as I'm doing now."
"It's not about being righteous or not... I wish only to attain my goals. It's that self-centered."
"I'm a hypocritical man. I've hurt far too many people to reach this stage, and I'll keep doing it until I grow satisfied."
"What makes you different from a monster then? Attacking others and doing whatever you want?"
"My morals. I'm a very moral person. I'd even dare say my sense of justice is very strong. Did I already say I'm very charitable?"
"Also, monsters have no will of their own. Trapped forever to follow the will of another... at the very least I follow my own."
She exhaled loudly, "No trace of shame either… it isn't just conviction, huh…" She said as her eyes shone momentarily
Her golden hair falling over her shoulders, she got up from her seat.
"Come to the School District tomorrow morning. We'll set your punishment then."
"Punishment… can I pay it as a fine instead?"
'What a bother. I should've left immediately. This is what I get for being so arrogant.'
'I kept getting away with my antics in the Dungeon, there was bound to be a time when it would backfire...'
She turned to face him, "A fine? That would damage our reputation... this is the kind of thing the Guild does to sort out troublemakers like you."
"Also, don't even think of running. I'll really go after Hermes and have him squished into soup if it means finding you, so you better appear." She claimed as she smiled dangerously
"Maybe that's not so bad…"
'He deserves that much for getting me involved in this.'
She laughed faintly and elegantly… "One last thing then. We at the School District value feedback, and I'd like to hear yours, petty burglar."
"Petty burglar… I think the place's fine… just the setting that's wrong."
"The setting?" She asked with surprise, raising an eyebrow
"What else? I think you guys are trying too much. Think about the setting, sheesh…"
She was momentarily surprised, but not long after, her smile widened, curiosity and interest burning in her divine eyes, "Right, the setting is all wrong… hahaha…"
"You're an interesting one. Remember, tomorrow morning. Don't get late... Elfgard... pfft..."
She walked outside with confidence, not glancing back a second time.
"… What did I get myself into?… It's all that bastard Hermes' fault."
'I'm leaving.'
Without hesitation, Silver put the books back before walking back to the first floor and melting onto the floor.
Not long after… Hermes was captured…
...
"We finally got you!"
"Stand down, dirty deity!"
"Dirty deity... hahaha... let me say something... l-let me say something!!"
""Get him!""
…
/Not long before…/
Hestia went through the dispersing crowd of people and deities, trying to get a better look at the children of the School District.
/Chatter…/
"Ugh… I hate it here, this crowd… I'm not learning anything! Ahh… Silver! Where are you?! Save me!…"
She pushed through the crowd, getting momentary glances of the workers beyond, 'Those kids are… Ganesha's huh… as Silver said, they need to clean up the port for space.'
'They sure are busym but at this rate, I won't even be able to see one of them... That can't do! I need to have at least one of those kids in my sight so I can show him I did my research!' She thought as she clenched her fists tightly
As she was bounced around like a pinball ball, Hestia saw the world around her spin, 'But everyone is so rude! I can't see anything from this angle!'
'Urg… what would Silver do… something like that, right?...' She thought as her thoughts raced...'Yes... he'd say... "We need a better view. Let's get a little closer…", then I'd reply, "A little closer?", finally, "Yes…" then he'd make us invisible or something!'
Unable to breathe, she put her arms before her head and dashed past the crowd in whatever direction she thought was the least dense, wanting to flee from this mess... until she hit a lamppost.
"GAHA! Ouch... my head..."
Rubbing her head, Hestia wiped the faint tears at the edge of her eyes as she looked around in misery, 'Should I look out for someone I know?… But this crowd is too much of a mess…'
She put her arms over her head and dashed out of the crowd, "Ahhh… Silver! Please… I give up! Just bring me back home and feed me some grapes…"
"Ara, Hestia? Still being spoiled by the child, I wager." A voice echoed behind her
"Uogh!… It's you…"
'She is in the top three deities I wouldn't want to see now!'
Hestia raised her head to see Aphrodite sitting on a chair outside a shop on a balcony overlooking the pier and sea. As always, she seemed to be posing as she held her cup of tea with delicacy, her hair waving in the wind as her eyes sparkled.
She frowned as she waved her hair, "How rude. My name is a song in itself, a poem to the world. You should chant it with pride, especially someone as cute as yours. You should say it three times for good luck, even!" Aphrodite said out loud as she crossed her arms
"Aphrodite… what are you doing here of all places?" Hestia exclaimed as her expression fell
"Hm? I'm enjoying the show, what else? Though I will be honest, this isn't my cup of tea… I've seen markets at peak hours more orderly than this."
She looked at the crowd with some disgust, not hiding her thoughts in the slightest.
"These smelly and ugly people all gathered in one place. It hides my beauty, like a pearl shining in the mud..."
"But oh well, a miner gets dirty to uncover a diamond, what I can't do to polish a talent? I am the most dedicated one in the world!"
"Uhum… I thought you were busy with your performances."
Aphrodite looked at the pier, pensive, "I was, but we took a time off for the new year."
"That's surprising. Coming from you I thought you'd do a New Year performance or something."
"What do you take me for! Even I know that rest is needed! It's good for the skin. My followers must perform the bare minimum... no, the most refined beauty routines if they are to stand beside me!"
"I see..."
She turned to the pier again, "I came to see if any of those children were worthy of joining my troupe, but I've been disappointed so far."
"Too crude, too brutish. Some of them pass on looks, but I can tell with a glance they have no talent for the arts… however, I've heard they have specific departments centered around that, so I was willing to waste my skin on this daunting sun to see for myself what's all this hype about."
"Ahhh… I'm truly so dedicated, yet many doubt my actions, including that unruly child of mine, such a tragedy…" She said as she touched her forehead dramatically
"You mean… the Diva of that play?"
"Exactly!" She said as her expression twisted, "I do so much for her, and she's such a hardass!"
"Aha…"
'There she goes with her vocabulary… the more she speaks the more derailed she gets...'
"Ever since that brutish man slew that fetid dragon, she's been like this. Not listening to me at all. Worst of all, every once in a while she gets an urge to become an adventurer, even though I keep telling her time and time again she has absolutely no talent for it."
She seemed really depressed about it. Which was a rare expression for this goddess of beauty to show.
"She's terrible, Hestia, so unsightly… if her talent on a stage is a capped D100, her ability to handle a blade is a wobbly D4 with three sides missing. She can't do anything aside from running well, and even that gets her tired after a while."
"Fetid… dragon?"
She waved her hand in the air dismissively, "Yes, yes… the old boring story. A village girl is attacked by an evil monster, and remains the only survivor. Bla bla... I've seen and performed a thousand plays like that already."
Hestia's eyes trembled, "That's horrible."
She immediately agreed, "Of course it is, but what's worse is seeing someone gnaw at themselves for it. To see a perfect diamond with the greatest of sheens be ground down by its own self-created misery… at least that didn't last long."
She almost spat on the ground, doing a gesture unbefitting a goddess of beauty, "Several years ago, a brutish man appeared."
"The barbarian I met that day… slew the foul beast after a great battle, planting these seeds of discourse inside of her. I've tried to get him to take responsibility for tainting my muse, but not only was he brutish and dumb, the man was also blind."
She looked at the sun, letting the sunlight fall on her wailing face, "My charm did not work on him, Hestia! Such a horrendous thing… to think there was a being in this land unable not to understand beauty… I was so shocked that by the time I recovered my bearings, he was gone."
"That's… unusual…"
'Truly, I've never heard of someone able to resist charm. Maybe high level adventurers can stave off charm with a powerful enough will, but this is Aphrodite we're talking about. She has one of the strongest charms on Olympus.'
"Isn't it? I would even say its unprecedented. None have ever been able to resist charm, as such, I dubbed this occurrence as that… he was a blind person."
"…"
Hestia froze at the absurd conclusion this deity had arrived at. Her face paled at the absurdity of her statement. She stood there, rooted in place.
"Only an adventurer of considerable might would've been able to cross the lands while blind, I'll give him that… but his actions have forever damned my muse!"
"She is a descendant of the Songstress! The only survivor of their tale! Yet now she cannot put her all into that which was born for!… It truly pisses me off that this barbarian came and went without putting a closure to his act."
"In art, this can very well be what I had the most of. A story that hasn't been finished… do you understand how I feel, Hestia? You too can understand how it feels not to finish something."
"Uh huh… I think I can understand it…"
'She said a bunch of crazy things there as if it was nothing though… I can't even ask about it now. Ah, Silver... if you were here, you would've asked something fitting...'
"We've been roaming the world in search of this barbarian, but in truth, it was just a way for me to keep her busy. I was hoping time would heal her wounds, but I was wrong. She has only grown more restless each day."
"Isn't it just the usual infatuation of children? By your story, that's what I've understood at least."
"I could be, but that only makes it worse. My Diva! My greatest gem! Attracted to that… thing?! I know love knows no bounds, but I must correct her as an experienced senior in the field!" She said as she touched her chest proudly
She then looked at her, eyes filled with pity, "Speaking of that, Hestia. You've been in the lower world for a bit now. How is it? Have you felt anything so far?"
"Huh?!"
"Have you understood what it feels like to be in love? I saw you were close to your child. Falling for their first child is quite common for us goddesses. I would even say its romantic, albeit boring."
"I've seen it too many times to find it cute anymore."
"I…"
She smiled, "If you need any tips, I can give you some. Let this senior teach you how to love." She said as she winked at her
"…"
'Nothing I say will get to her…'
"I don't really know much… I can only say I love Silver, that's all."
Aphrodite shrugged, "The love of a goddess for their child… tche! That's not it at all. How different is that from having a hamster?"
Hestia's face and tone flared, "Hey! Don't compare Silver to an animal!… If you do at least make it right!"
"What's the difference, anyway? In this department, you are just like Artemis. She's been around for so much longer, yet she doesn't get it. That girl is so pitiful, forced to watch her children grow, mature, and love while still denying reality."
"She's the ultimate candleholder. All she can do is shine for her children's love… to some degree, I'd say its poetic… a song I would dread to listen to."
"The biggest candle of them all that watches over us... what else but the moon?"
"Artemis? She descended too?"
Aphrodite grimaced, "Hestia… you're as ignorant of things as you were back then."
"HEY!"
"I'm not saying this as an insult, dear. Take it as… constructive feedback…"
"As if I would do that!"
"You should work on your networking, get to know things a little more. I mean, it probably wasn't your idea to go watch the play, was it?"
"HUMPH! It was me indeed! When I saw it at the Guild, I proposed it to Silver!"
She rolled her eyes, "I know you better than anyone, dear. Was it your choice to go to the Guild then? Knowing you, I take it you'd dread going there."
"Eek…"
"I knew it. Hestia, you need to up your game… otherwise someone will take that child of yours again. I can tell he's a player." She added as she bit into her fingers half-seductively
"W-What?! Silver isn't like that!" Hestia claimed defensively, a little appalled at her claim
"Ohh, Hestia… don't tell me you didn't notice it? It was written all over him. A man with that type of expression and confidence, one that was so clear and vibrant... a man that knows his self-worth and acts like it…"
"He must be a lady-killer. If he's as good a speaker as he looks, then I fear… in this city, he might..."
"I said that he isn't like that!… I think… he can't be!"
She shook her head as she watched the little goddess in denial, "Speaking of him, he isn't here… oh no, Hestia, did you let him leave in this situation?"
Hestia looked at her with fearful eyes, "W-What about it?"
"Here in the middle of this crowd full of deities and their children, especially those kids from over there… so many are his age, I'm afraid he'll come back smitten."
"He isn't like that! "
"… At least in that department I agree. He doesn't give the vibe of a guy that falls head over heels for a single woman, he's a Playboy after all."
'Although he gave me the impression of a gentleman… those kinds that speak well and look the part while treating you like a princess, aren't those the worst of them all?'
'How many hearts will that child break? Poor things... but its okay, I can forgive him. Its all part of love after all... Better to live a little dangerously than not at all.'
"Ugh… umumumu… S-Silver would never do that!"
"I hope you're right, Hestia… finding out you're a third well… I heard it wasn't pleasant. But that isn't something I'd know, hohohoho!"
"#!!! Silver is a gentleman! He would never leave me be to hit on a girl!"
"So you're saying he would tell you kindly about it first? Face reality Hestia, you have no game... but whatever makes you happy…"
"Umumumumu... I'm leaving! Enjoy your tea… or whatever! Humph!"
'Next time I'll call Hephaestus on your ass! Let's see you repeat what you said here to her! I don't care about the consequences anymore!'
Hestia left while fuming, stomping her way out as if clouds of smoke were flowing from her ears... if one looked from a certain angle...
Aphrodite's expression became serious, "Still the same immature girl as ever… sigh… just when will you grow up?"
'The two… no… all of you?' She thought as she looked at Hestia's back, 'this is the lower world, you all should let go of the past and live a little.'
'When you do so... I'd be willing to listen to your complaints... and shoulder your pains and worries.'
…
/Later…/
Hestia ran around the crowd trying to get a better look at her surroundings, but eventually, she saw nothing.
Depressed, an unusual piece of news reached her ears… and her expression brightened.
"Wait… that's it! What Silver told me about… I know how to recruit them!"
'All I have to do is sign up at the Guild! If we put our Familia as available, then the children will come to us themselves!'
"You see that, Silver?! I figured it out!"
/Clap.../
"Congratulations, I'm proud of you."
"Kyaaa!! S-Silver?! Since when?!" Hestia exclaimed as she jumped back in shock
"A few minutes ago."
She lunged at him, "Why didn't you talk with me?! You can't just lurk around like a ghost!"
"You were so focused. I couldn't bear to break your determination… you did well, just as expected of my goddess." He replied with a smile as he pressed onto her head so she wouldn't jump on him
"Y-You are… hahaha! Of course you are! That's right, I worked very hard!" Hestia claimed as she stuffed her chest
"You did. As such, how about we get something tasty today? We can take the time to pass by the Guild and sign up. Of course, you'll be doing all the paperwork."
'Not that'll make a difference anyway. Our chance of being chosen by anyone is nearly zero after all. But its still good experience.'
The more he praised her, the more her nose seemed to grow. But at the mention of paperwork, Hestia fell down like a deflated balloon.
"Ugh… c-can we skip that…?"
"What do you think? Let's go." He said as he held onto her hand, pulling her through the crowd
"W-Wait Silver…"
'I always end up being dragged around by him… but I guess I do the same to him… Still, I'm the goddess! I have the right!… Hum?'
'Wait… did I forget something?'
The two left Melen as the festivities for the School District's return continued.
…
/Step…/
"… Look, you can't keep doing this. You know how everyone gets whenever you sneak here, Hermes."
Inside a room somewhere in the lower layer... Idun met with Hermes as the latter fled from his captivity.
/Beep!/
/Beep!/
While the world outside was pure chaos, he seemed to act as if it weren't any of his business.
"Idun… we both know this is simply something I cannot stop doing. How else will I come across suitable members for my Familia?" He asked as his smile crept across his face
"How about everyone else?... Anyway, let's leave the pep-talk aside. I'm busy. If you've finished your talk with Baldr, then leave. I don't want to hear your excuses again."
"I'm sure you are! And I plan to do so! You see, I only have one question… how was it?" Hermes asked as his eyes flashed with a mysterious intent
"What exactly are you talking about, I wonder?" Idun asked as she faced his gaze directly
"You know it full well! I can see it in your eyes! You have met him, the unusual child. I'm merely asking what I meant, nothing more."
Idun looked aside, replying without much thought, "He'd have been a fine addition to the School District. That's about the degree of impression I had of him."
"That's not exactly what I wanted to know…" He said as he scratched the back of his head awkwardly
"But you aren't getting anything else from me. I'm not playing your little games, Hermes. Get out. This is my last warning."
He raised his hands in defeat, "Alright, alright… sheesh… as stern as ever."
He put his hat down on his chest, bowing elegantly as he held a black helmet with the other hand.
As he reached out for a window overlooking the ocean, he bid her farewell as he stepped onto it, "Well then, Idun, I welcome you back to Orario in the name of everyone else! May your stay be fruitful and bountiful."
/Fuom…/
Hermes put on the helmet, vanishing on the spot.
/Splash.../
The echoes of the waves filled the room soon after.
Idun, however, had a deep frown on her face, "…"
'I'm not about to witness another child go out in your endless pursuit. Too many have already fallen... and for what?'
'Have you achieved what you've been looking for?'
Idun stood there, overlooking the ocean. Her thoughts drifting with the waves.
…
/The next day… four days to the New Year…/
/Brush.../
"What's the plan for today?"
"The same as yesterday. Go to the Dungeon and return early. I don't think there's much to do until the New Year."
In the early morning, Silver and Hestia started their day together as always, with him helping tie her hair.
/Crackle.../
The fireplace crackled faintly as it dimmed, slowly cooling off the room as faint incense burned on the side.
"You're right… with the School District's arrival, most of Orario is centered on that. It will not affect us much, so it's a slow return to how things were before the winter festival." She claimed as she thought deeply
Silver seemed to smile, 'I'm glad you're using your endless wisdom in such a way... keep at it.'
He slowly braided her hair, going for a distinct look this time around, "That's how things will be… for most of the year at least… I did hear something about Ganesha throwing a party."
Hestia's eyes flashed as she remembered a past interaction, "Ohh… I heard about that too. It's a God-only event. He throws a party like this every once in a while."
"Do you plan to go?"
After some thought, she shook her head,"For what? I'm not exactly one to go to parties… besides… with what dress?"
However, the words of a certain blond haired goddess of beauty stung deep. The more she thought about it, the more upset she became...
"We can buy one just fine. Money's not an issue. I've been making far more than I've been spending anyway."
'I've also already set aside the funds for my experiments and other expenses. I have millions lying around that have yet to be assigned anywhere. Might as well use a little of it to get her some clothes.'
'Speaking of that, I should get some for myself as well. I always use my abilities to get myself dressed when needed, but that won't cut it all the time. One wrong move and I might end up half-naked in the middle of a situation...'
Hestia pouted, pointing at him, "That's because you don't listen to me! I told you so many times for you to go get a decent set of equipment!"
"And I did… I bought that set we saw together, remember? It was three million Valis."
'It's almost a full plate armor. I bought it only because she insisted so damn much... but if it makes her happy, its worth it.'
'I can use that set for a while longer too, so I don't see much of an issue.'
"Ugh… you're right… h-how do you make so much money, anyway?!"
"Is that a complaint I'm hearing?" He asked as he pinched her cheeks
"No… and stop it!"
He smiled, "It's just the natural course of things… adventurers spend a lot on logistics, be it money or time. I can cut down on both with my abilities, which even serves as training for me."
"… I hate that you see even that as training." She added with a pout as she looked away
"What can I say?" He added with a chuckle, "My abilities are just too handy."
Silver waved his hands around, letting sparks cover his sight, "I can get anywhere, whenever I want, and I can store all supplies for my delve with me in a secure space most cannot reach."
"While adventurers would spend hours to reach the Middle Floors, getting tired and worn out from doing so, all I need is a single step and I'm there. At best, that's the cost of a potion for me. I could even take a light rest, and I'd still be hours ahead."
"I can then collect as many items as I want while they have to work around with what they can carry… or until they get tired before returning. And even when they exchange all their items for profits, they have to work around repairing and resupplying themselves."
"For me, most of my costs come from potions… And with a suitable weapon and the technique to accompany it, most monsters on the Middle Floors won't damage it much. Resharpening its edge is the most maintenance I ever needed to do, and I can do that on my own."
"In one day, I can make multiple trips to the Dungeon, coming in and out whenever I feel tired... My growth speed is also partially thanks to this."
"I can reach my training spots on a whim, while most have to spend hours to do so… this effect will only grow greater as I Rank Up and reach deeper floors."
He shrugged, "When you put all of this together, my profit margins, either in wealth or Excelia are off the charts. I told you this before. I even made a spreadsheet with the numbers… I write one every day just so you can understand."
"And I read it!…" She claimed as she raised her hands, "I just can't help it. When I mentioned this subject with Hephaestus, she assumed I'd be struggling… so hearing it again from you only makes me realize how lucky I am to have you."
Seeing her expression, he continued, "Hum… Indeed. From her perspective, you are the goddess of a one-person Familia with a Level 1 adventurer. As a smith and the head of a Familia, she knows exactly how much money we would likely be making now."
"Stop inflating your own ego!!"
As she jumped onto him again, Silver chuckled as he pushed her away gently, "Haha… can you even say anything when I pamper you so much? Alright, looks like I'll have to be the responsible one here..."
"I'll take away your pudding rights."
"Everything but that!!" She cried immediately as she held onto his waist, begging on her knees
"Is that too much? Then I'll take away your Potato-pop rights instead."
"That's just as bad!! How can I live without that?!… A-Actually… it's not that deep… a-alright, I can accept that punishment… wait… why am I being punished here?!"
"Because you're complaining a bit too much for someone living such a lavish lifestyle."
"Huh?! I am your goddess, and you are my servant! I shouldn't have to hear such from you!!"
He rolled his eyes, "Yes, yes… now turn back so I can finish braiding your hair… or would you rather finish this on your own, your divine excellency?"
"… You won't cut my pudding rights?" She asked with a pout as she played with her fingers
"… We'll have to pool your performance stats at the end of the month, I'm afraid." He replied as he pushed back an invisible pair of glasses
"Eeek!"
…
"Well, then… I'm off."
"W-Wait a minute… here, for you."
"What's this?"
A slightly decorated black box with some golden engravings. There was a faint seal he recognized as belonging to a Familia he had never thought much of.
"This is… a pen?"
"It's not just any pen! It's a famous pen!" Hestia said proudly as she raised her head high
He opened the box to reveal a dark wood, glossy pen. It had golden metal attachments that reflected quite brightly in the sun. It was quite beautiful, and it exuded luxury.
"Huh… it's beautiful, but… where did you get this?"
"Hephaestus recommended it to me. She said this pen was famous among the deities for being comfortable to use and for its ink being long-lasting. I bought this model for you when the clerk told me it was their best model!"
"… Thank you. I was in need of a pen… an elegant one to sign things with will do me well. I appreciate it."
'She probably recommended the non-expensive model though...'
"Ufufufu…"
"… Do you need more allowance?" He asked as he held the box at his waist
"UGH!… Yes…"
"You spent it all on this, didn't you?"
"Y-Yes…"
He face palmed, "… I really pamper you a lot." He said with a faint smile as he pointed at the Church, "Beneath my bed there's a small box with some emergency funds, you can use them for now."
She clenched her hands, "E-Emergency funds? But then…"
"You misunderstood, those are just for you in case you need it. I was planning on telling you about it sooner, but I didn't expect you to run out of your weekly allowance this quickly."
"I'm sorry…"
"There's nothing to be worried about. Actions like this are exactly why I make money in the first place." He added as he patted her head
"But remember, those are emergency funds. In the situation I'm not available and you burn through your allowance, that's when they are to be used… when I come back I'll give you a little more."
"Okay!"
His smile softened, "… Are you going back to Demeter?"
She nodded, "She still has lots to teach me! Although… f-forget it."
"Hum? Is something the matter?"
"I uh… y-you should be on your way!"
"?"
She pushed against his back, "G-Go! I'll be waiting for you here as always!"
"Alright, no need to push me like this, sheesh… alright. Until later." He said as he waved at her
"Until… take care Silver! No doing dangerous things in the Dungeon!"
"I won't, I promised you I'd tone it down a little until the new year, didn't I?"
"You toning it down is still extreme to the ordinary adventurer!… And he's gone…"
Waving his hand behind his head, Silver walked down the street into the distance.
Hestia looked at him as he vanished, and once he escaped her vision, she ran back inside.
"A-Alright! I can't lose focus now… phew… I can do this!"
'Wait for me, Demeter! I'll get it right this time, I promise!'
…
"Sigh..."
Silver looked back as he walked on the street, shaking his head as he thought about Hestia.
Whatever trouble she was cooking… he would leave it to her for a surprise.
Right now, he had to hurry… his promised time was right around the corner.
With a single jump, Silver vanished from the ruins.
…
/Later…/
/Chatter…/
With his arms crossed, Silver watched the super-sized harbor made specifically to dock the School District from afar, "What am I supposed to do now? Should I sneak inside again?"
'I don't see Idun anywhere, nor anyone waiting for me. Could it be that she meant for me to arrive even earlier?'
He scratched the back of his head… "Arg… I can't just wait like this either."
'Fucking hell. When was the last time I've been this lost? Was it when gramps left me in the middle of the woods when I was eight? At least then, whatever I did felt right.'
/Fwoop!/
Silver vanished from his vantage point.
…
/Creak…/
Pushing open the door of a small house, Silver stepped onto the roads of the School District, his eyes narrowed as they finished transforming.
Silver was back in his Elfgard Deepwood persona.
'I'm here… now what?'
He looked around, finding the streets a little livelier than before… maybe because of Hermes' infiltration the day before.
A little worried about being recognized, Silver made his way to the library.
…
"…"
'She isn't here… now what?'
/Step…/
While Silver was distracted looking around, someone approached him from behind, "You're finally here. I was tiring of waiting."
The beautiful golden goddess stood behind him, her arms crossed as she remained on the streets.
"Ha… my apologies…"
She raised her palm at him, "Yes, yes. I have no time to listen to your excuses. Follow me; it's time for your punishment." She said as she turned to the side and started walking
'How did he get in again? Security was extra tight this time... there sure is something odd about him. Whatever Hermes saw on him... I'll figure it out.'
"… Is this really necessary?" Silver asked as he ran up to her
"Did you keep those thoughts with you all night long? That's not healthy. But as I said before, rule breakers must be disciplined. You're coming with me to do a bit of community work."
"Haaaa… very well. I'll treat this as a learning experience."
"Excellent. It seems we'll work together fine after all." She said with a sweet smile as she led him through the street
As they crossed another corner, with the students greeting Idun and looking at him weird, Silver asked, "Any hints on what I'll be doing? I can give you a list of my skills if you're interested."
"My, that wouldn't be so bad. For someone so confident, you should know a thing or two, but don't you worry, we aren't doing anything overly specific. Anyone with enough focus can do it."
"… Don't tell me its paperwork…"
"Pfft… not that boring… just don't repeat it to Baldr, he enjoys it quite a bit despite not saying it. He'll get quite upset if you say that to him… even if he doesn't show it."
"Great… can we stop it elsewhere first, then? I haven't had breakfast yet."
"A thief now asks for such privileges? Lucky you, I also haven't had anything to eat."
Realizing the implications of her words, "… Were you waiting for me?"
"So you've finally put it together. I was almost giving up when you appeared. A little longer and Ragnarok would've occurred."
Silver rolled his eyes, "Don't be dramatic. It hasn't even been twenty minutes since the sun rose. If you woke up that early, then you should've been clearer yesterday."
Idun gave him a side eye, "How rude. I thought you are gentleman, but maybe all you are is a…"
"Let's leave the details for another time…"
She seemed to smile a little. Was she having fun at his expense?
…
After a short meal at a small cafe, Idun dragged him to a building near the center shaft. Once he got inside, he understood what it was.
A massive school building with multiple facilities and classrooms. Honestly, he didn't even know why he even wondered what it was, given where they were…
After a few turns, they reached a large classroom with a little over sixty students. Like a university, the classroom was built like a section of a circle with a small stage at the center.
Rows of seats and tables rose before him, each seat covered by a curious set of eyes as they all fell on him.
She checked the time, "Right on time." She whispered as they arrived.
As soon as she stepped inside the classroom, her atmosphere changed as the ceiling light's dimmed, casting a strong light on her "Good morning, everyone. I hope you all had a splendid day yesterday!"
"It was a little vacation, shorter than usual, and while we already finished with the semester's contents, there's still much to discuss!"
With a cute expression, she continued, "On that note, we're quite late with lots to catch up with before the New Year, so now's the time to cast aside the sleepiness and get back to work!"
"You know what time it is, right? Say it with me!" She exclaimed as she jumped eagerly
""Aoharu time!!!""
/Flash!/
The ceiling lights brightened, casting a golden rays on his stoic face...
"…"
Silver's expression darkened... 'What the hell are they saying? Is this some weird slang of words? I think I can almost understand it… some mass up of Japanese?'
'It's been years since I last heard anything like it...'
Idun looked at him. Reading his facial expression despite it being stoic, "Looks like our newcomer didn't hear it. Tell me, everyone, what is Aoharu?"
""To be youthful in body and spirit, to never slack in lessons!"" They exclaimed together with perfect coordination
"Yes!~ Let's…"
""Aoharu!!"" They all said together
Silver looked away, spitting faintly, "Aoharu…"
"I didn't hear you. Say it with me~" She said as she pouted cutely
"…"
'So you intend to humiliate me… I, the one who...'
"S-A-Y I-T W-I-T-H M-E!~" She said deeply as her head tilted a tad too much...
"Ugh… A-Aoharu time!!"
""Let's study!!""
"…"
'I feel as if I'm in a kindergarten…' He thought as his lips twitched
It took quite a bit of restraining for him to keep his poker face, but in the end, he managed to preserve his persona.
As the class mood settled, Idun turned to everyone and introduced her, "Everyone, today we're continuing from where we left off last time, but this time we have a newcomer! He'll be participating in our class as my assistant!"
"Everyone, say hi to… pfft… w-what as your name again, my assistant?" She asked as she held in her laugh
""…""
Everyone looked at this scene with surprise. It was rare to see Lady Idun acting like this… who was this newcomer to make her act like this?
They looked at the golden-haired elf with crimson eyes, an unusual combination. His stoic gaze and firm stance exuded his confidence and pedigree.
One thing was certain: for him to stand before her, he had to be a professional of some sort!
The expectation was tangible in the air, but Silver barely cared about that.
"…"
Silver clenched his teeth… 'If you weren't constantly laughing, I wouldn't have bothered!… I should've thought about the name further… even I thought it was funny at first…'
'But I didn't think I'd have to introduce myself then!'
"Come on, don't be shy. No one here will laugh at… pfft…"
"##!!…" His forehead tensing, Silver turned to the students, putting his arms behind his back. He shouted loudly, "Listen! I'll only say this… agh?!"
"Don't scream in the classroom." Idun said as she pinched his waist. With a mischievously smile, she added, "Now, then, properly introduce yourself."
"Ugh… I'm… Elfgard Deepwood…"
/Crack.../
Their expectations for the noble elf shattered like glass...
""…""
"Pfft…"
"Someone just laughed!"
"Everyone, that's not pfft, funny!" She said as she turned to Silver, "Don't mind them, let's start class."
"… Say, what even is this class about?" He whispered as he turned to her
"I teach many things, this class in particular is Ancient History. Although this time we'll be doing something else… after all, we finished our curriculum for this semester."
"Just try to keep up, I'll be using your knowledge as an adventurer this time, kay?"
"… Sigh… I don't think I'm a good role model for these children."
"Hum… maybe you're right… I wouldn't want them to act like you."
"#!…"
"It'll be fine, I'm sure of it." She added with a genuine smile before she turned to face her table, picking a few things as she got ready to lecture
He rolled his eyes, walking to the side and giving way for Idun to begin the lesson.
'How long has it been since I last taught anyone anything?... I can't even remember what it was about...'
He closed his eyes, thinking about the past... until she called.
"Let's begin."
…
.
.
.
Notes
Thank you for reading! Next chapter should be New Year's eve!
I still have at least one major interaction planned before the New Year, something Silver said would do... so if everything fits with that, we will reach the New Year just fine!
After that...
See you later! Thank you for reading!