Pshaw, what wife and mistress? At most, he was physically with Hermes's group but his heart was set elsewhere. And besides Hermes this "schemer" it seemed his other "followers" didn't like him much either.
Speaking of delivering messages, Shaka remembered Asfi was quite familiar with Astraea's only remaining familia member: that troubled elf. Maybe he could ask her for an introduction.
So he said frankly, "I heard Lady Astraea is here, so I've come to try my luck."
"..."
Asfi glanced at him suspiciously. The Astraea Familia had incredibly strict recruitment standards only those with a strong sense of justice were chosen. But given the current situation, she couldn't help but worry: Does this guy really have what it takes to join the newly forming Astraea Familia? Should I stop him?
Before she could react, she heard Shaka stroking his chin and muttering, "Let's try here first. If it doesn't work out, Hermes is always a backup..."
Wow... that's terrible, Asfi thought. Her expression fell instantly. No! We absolutely cannot let this guy end up with Lord Hermes!
The advanced adventurer's sharp hearing had caught every word, making her reverse her decision on the spot. She pushed up her glasses, which glinted with white light. "Lady Astraea doesn't meet just anyone. Come with me I'll introduce you."
She turned and pushed open the shop door again. All to keep an eye on the unruly god, this lovestruck girl had even set aside her friendship!
Shaka gave a thumbs-up from behind. "Plan worked!"
Inside the shop, the first thing they saw was a young girl slumped over the counter, looking completely dejected. She wore a black apron, had short, neat blue hair, and toyed absentmindedly with a hammer on the table clearly a blacksmith.
"Why are you back again?" she pouted, her tone impatient. "Didn't I tell you Lady Astraea went to search for the fairy spirit? I would've delivered the letter, right?"
She sounded annoyed less at Asfi, more at the person behind her.
"Cecil, there are some things I need to say to the goddess in person," Asfi replied.
"Hmph, whatever. Just don't bother me."
The girl lost interest and stared blankly at the hammer again, lost in thought.
Shaka and Asfi sat at an empty table. "Who is that?" Shaka asked.
"Your opponent," Asfi teased.
"Opponent?"
"The child Lady Astraea has taken a liking to. If all goes well, she might become your captain."
"A blacksmith? So she hasn't joined yet?"
Shaka fell into thought. In this sword-forging city, nine out of ten people are blacksmiths, and most familia here recruit them. I know why Astraea's doing this she's still looking out for the last member of her old familia.
That troubled elf consumed by vengeance: Ryu Lion.
Two years ago,five years before the main story began the Astraea Familia was wiped out in a trap set by guild spies colluding with dark factions. Only Ryu survived, and she'd since embarked on a path of revenge, targeting any group linked to the dark forces. Unwilling to let the goddess see her ugly, vengeful side, the proud elf had begged Astraea to leave Orario temporarily.
Astraea had settled in Swordsmith City for two reasons: to find a blacksmith who could forge new weapons for Ryu, and to persuade fairy elves to help create those weapons. She was certain that when Ryu burning with vengeance returned to her, it would be when she'd found her own answer to "justice." And when that happened, the awakened Ryu would need new power and guidance.
It was this kindness and devotion to her familia that made Shaka choose to try his luck here, even if it meant giving up the chance to join a stronger, more established familia in Orario. Strength is temporary, but good character and compassion last a lifetime. Those who understand, understand.
As Shaka analyzed Cecil, the blacksmith girl's gaze occasionally drifted to him. "Hey, who's that man over there?" she asked hesitantly. "I've never seen him before."
"Oh, I forgot to mention Mr. Shaka is here to apply to join the Astraea Familia," Asfi said casually.
Shaka chimed in, "I greatly admire Lady Astraea's sense of justice!" And I'm fascinated by her generosity, he added inwardly.
"Hmm." Cecil frowned, looking conflicted, then snorted and turned away. She pouted, feeling a flutter of mixed emotions. I was here first.
Shaka seemed to guess her thoughts. The girl Astraea had favored hadn't joined the familia yet and it wasn't the goddess's fault. This city was a blacksmith's paradise, and the familia most blacksmiths dreamed of joining were those of Hephaestus or Goibniu, the blacksmith gods. But both were in Orario, and not everyone was qualified to catch their eye. For this 11-year-old girl, choosing between her dreams and reality was still a long way off.
The shop's wind chimes rang, and a goddess stepped inside. She had chestnut hair, wore pure white holy armor, and carried herself with immense grace like a beloved figure returning home. Her gentle, all-encompassing eyes scanned the shop, and her rosy lips curved into a soft smile as she rested her cheek in her hand.
"I'm back. Are these guests?"
Cecil turned and gave a quiet hum. Asfi stood and bowed slightly. "Lady Astraea, it's been too long."
Shaka stood up and nodded in greeting.
"Oh my, it seems something's happened while I was gone." Astraea walked to their table and sat down, her gaze falling on Shaka. Red hair, blue eyes but...
he looked a little shy, his eyes briefly drifting down before he looked away. Unlike that child, she thought. He's a shy one.
Her gaze softened. "And who is this?"
Asfi interjected, "Um,Lord Hermes's... casual acquaintance?"
"No, that's not true!" Shaka exclaimed, glancing at the amused Asfi. "I just ran into Hermes on the road. I'm here because I want to join your familia."
"Oh?" Astraea looked slightly surprised. A god without a familia (though she was quite well-off) usually struggled to attract followers especially one like her, whose familia was known for its chivalry and sense of duty. In Orario it was one thing, but outside the city, it was nearly impossible to get someone to join voluntarily.
" Why choose me instead of Hermes?" she asked. "You should know that unlike that free-spirited traveler god, my familia must bear the burden of 'justice.' Are you truly prepared?"
As she spoke, a faint wave of divine power emanated from her just like when Hermes had questioned Shaka's ambitions. I can't lie. And hesitation is defeat I have to answer now!
Having learned from his past experience, Shaka took a breath and said seriously, "To be honest, I didn't come here in the name of 'justice.'"
"Oh?" Astraea was surprised again.
Before she could ask more, he continued, "I've set my sights on your 'Stars,'and I have a long-cherished wish I need to fulfill!"
Astraea glanced at his clothes she'd initially thought he was from a local school, but she'd been wrong. He doesn't seem like a bad kid. And... he reminds me of Alise. Red hair and blue eyes were rare even in this world.
She was about to nod in agreement when Cecil slammed her hand down between them.
"I disagree"