The Ultimate Lich King of the Multiverse

3/5

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To Loki, Hestia's request wasn't really a big deal. Even if she agreed to it, it was merely a verbal promise. In the loosely managed Loki Familia, any decision like that still required Riveria, the one directly involved, to agree first.

As for whether something might happen between Riveria and Yoru—Loki had absolute confidence in her own children. There was no way Riveria would be swayed by him.

Romance between members of different Familia was strictly forbidden, and Riveria knew that even better than she did.

Normally, the third floor, which served as Hephaestus's personal office, was off-limits to everyone. But evidently, Loki's reputation carried enough weight to get them past the guards.

At that moment, inside the office, Hephaestus was still at a loss, tormented by Hestia's stubbornness, when the door suddenly opened from the outside.

"Who is it? Didn't I say no one is allowed up here?!"

Hephaestus frowned slightly as she spoke. If someone saw what was happening right now, it would be a bit of a problem.

After all, as a goddess, being seen like this—kneeling without dignity before another—it would be embarrassing not only for her, but also for Hestia.

But when she saw who had entered, Hephaestus was a little surprised.

"Loki… why are you back again? And who is this boy?"

She had come earlier, clearly with the intention of mocking Hestia. Yet after seeing her pitiful persistence, she surprisingly agreed to Hestia's request and left.

Loki could say yes without consequence. Hephaestus, on the other hand, couldn't.

Letting out a quiet sigh, Hephaestus then turned her gaze to the boy who entered with Loki, curious.

"Who is he… and why did you bring him here?"

On the other side, the moment Hestia saw Yoru, her eyes widened in surprise as she sprang to her feet.

"W-Why did you bring Yoru here, Loki?!"

"Sorry… some forces beyond my control made it happen…"

Loki gave a bitter, helpless smile. She was starting to regret telling Yoru about Hestia in the first place.

Why had she gone and said anything? She should've let him wander around until he found her on his own.

Loki grumbled inwardly, though she knew that if she had let Yoru search aimlessly, it might have led to something far worse—like him losing his temper and storming into Hephaestus's shop.

"So, Yoru… this boy is your only follower?"

"Y-Yes, that's right! That's why I hope you'll forge a weapon for him. Yoru, this is Hephaestus—she's one of the most renowned smiths in all of Orario! If we can get her to help, I'm sure she'll make you an incredibly strong and perfect weapon!"

As she spoke, Hestia clung to Yoru's side and grabbed his shoulder, speaking rapidly and desperately.

It seemed she was even planning to kneel and beg together with him if it came to that.

"Why? Why would you do this?"

Hestia suddenly felt Yoru pull her into his arms with force, his tone sharp and demanding.

"W-What do you mean… why?"

Sensing his anger, Hestia looked confused and uncertain.

"You're Hephaestus?"

Yoru ignored her question and turned to face the woman before him—the goddess with flame-red hair and an eye patch, who radiated a sharp, dignified aura.

"Yes, I'm Hephaestus."

She gave a slight nod, studying the boy before her. Just what kind of person was this follower of Hestia's, to make her go to such lengths?

"Apologize."

"…Huh?"

While Hephaestus was still sizing him up, those two cold words left Yoru's mouth, catching her completely off guard.

"What did you say?"

"I said apologize. Didn't you hear me?"

Seeing her frozen in place, Yoru raised his head and met her gaze unflinchingly.

"I'm telling you—apologize to Hestia!"

This time, Hephaestus heard it clearly. But her expression twisted in confusion.

What…? Why should I apologize to Hestia?

She had been the one causing trouble, clinging to her like a leech and disrupting her work—and somehow now she was the one in the wrong?

Sure, letting Hestia kneel there without saying a word was a little harsh… but it wasn't like she forced her to do it. She had made it very clear from the beginning—she wouldn't help. She told her not to waste her time.

If Hestia insisted on kneeling there endlessly, how was that her fault? Was she supposed to beg her to stop and get up?

"Looks like… your follower's got quite a personality, Hestia."

Though she was a little irritated inside, Hephaestus didn't show it on the surface. She simply looked at Yoru, then shifted her gaze to Hestia with a meaningful glance.

"I'm sorry, Hephaestus… Yoru's just—" Hestia began, but Yoru gripped her tightly, cutting her off.

"Enough. How far are you willing to go with this? Do you think this makes me happy, Hestia?!"

"Y-Yoru…?"

It was the first time Hestia had ever seen him with such an expression. She shrank slightly, visibly shaken.

Yoru, who was always so calm and reserved, rarely showing any emotion—was truly angry.

It was the kind of expression filled with grief and disappointment, the kind that silently screamed: Why do you have so little pride?

Hestia lowered her head, unable to face him.

"I don't want you to see yourself as lesser than others. Even if, among gods, you may seem useless—clumsy, incapable of doing anything right—"

Yoru's words hit hard. Hestia's face turned red, and her head lowered even further.

"But to me, you are irreplaceable. The most perfect goddess—no one else could ever compare. So don't belittle yourself. And don't throw away your dignity for something so meaningless!"

"Something like this… a worthless weapon—I don't need it! I don't even want it!"

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