"It's finally done! Here you go."
Even the renowned God of Craftsmanship had put considerable effort into creating a weapon that would impress Arthas.
Without her divine power in the lower world, things were difficult.
"Ooh…!"
Seeing the sword case from Hephaestus, Hestia sighed in gratitude. Despite the dark circles under her eyes, her face was radiant.
"Are you satisfied?"
"Yes! Completely satisfied!"
Hestia opened the case.
Hephaestus hadn't made a staff; after witnessing Arthas's power and hearing Hestia's explanation, she'd changed her mind.
Magic was a tool; for true power… a sword was best.
Inside the box was a broad, double-handed knight's longsword. The silver blade seemed simple, but it was Hephaestus's masterpiece—with Hestia's minor contributions.
Hestia's face showed unprecedented satisfaction.
"What should we name it? Hephaestus! Let me name it! Since it's the fruit of my love for Arthas, how about 'Sword of Love'?"
"No, that's terrible. …But, um, it's a divine weapon…"
"Hestia's Blade? Too embarrassing. I'll ask Arthas; it's for him."
Hestia smiled, her twin ponytails swaying.
"Don't forget to pay me back."
"I know, I know!"
Hephaestus untied her hair, warning Hestia again. Hestia just smiled and nodded.
While her friend sighed, Hestia prepared to leave.
"You're leaving?"
"Yes, sorry!"
Hestia, unable to stay still, quickly packed up and headed for the door.
"Hestia, rest a bit—!"
Ignoring her, Hestia waved and left Hephaestus's shop.
"I really want to see his reaction."
Hephaestus muttered, smiling confidently.
"He'll be surprised."
...
Arthas frowned; there were too many people, the atmosphere too lively.
"How am I going to find Syr?"
Looking at the crowded street, Arthas sighed, finding a less crowded spot.
He still struggled with large crowds.
As he considered giving up, he heard a call.
"Arthas! Arthas!"
"Eh?"
Hearing his name, Arthas turned and widened his eyes.
Hestia was running towards him, pushing through the crowd.
"Hestia? What are you doing here?!"
"Don't be silly. I wanted to see you!"
The girl was smug, puffing out her chest.
"I didn't see you when I got back, so I came to the festival and found you! It's our bond!"
Hestia said dreamily, oblivious to Arthas.
Arthas shook his head, looking at the long wooden box on her back.
"Is that… the staff?"
"Nope! You'll be surprised!"
Arthas still thought it was a staff.
"It's not convenient to open it here."
Hestia looked around the crowded street, then at the sky, seemingly thoughtful.
"Let's find a quiet place. Let's go on a date!"
Hestia grabbed his hand, smiling sweetly.
"…A d… date?!"
Hestia's sudden change surprised Arthas.
"Yes. It's so lively; we should have fun!"
"But…"
"Let's go, Arthas!"
Without letting Arthas respond, Hestia smiled, taking his hand and pulling him into the crowd.
Stalls lined the street, selling food and Monsterphilia-related items. Even weapon stalls were present.
Fireworks exploded in the sky.
"Actually, I'm doing a favor."
"Oh?"
"I'm looking for someone…"
"Let's look while we date! Two birds with one stone. Old man—two crêpes, please—"
She hadn't listened…
Seeing Hestia's self-absorbed actions, Arthas felt troubled.
Ignoring Hestia was impossible.
It's the first time I've seen her so happy… I'll play along.
____________________
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