Danmachi: Hephaestus is my Wife

My food was served. Tiona ordered a large steak for me, saying she would pay for everything. I thanked her since I didn't have any money on me.

'I need to ask Hephaestus for money. Or maybe I should start selling my magic stones.'

"Is it good?" Tiona asked.

"Yes, it's great."

"Alright, now that you've started eating, tell me… How did you meet Hephaestus? How did you two start dating?" Everyone at the table looked at me, waiting for my answer.

I felt a bit lost.

The system gave me a background but didn't explain everything in detail. I don't have memories. All I know is that I begged to join the Hephaestus Familia, and the Goddess eventually let me in.

Then, she assigned people to train me.

After that, we gradually got closer and started dating, but the system didn't provide details—like who confessed first or anything like that.

'What should I do? Should I make up a story?'

I kept looking around, thinking about what to say.

"Ahem… Ahem…" I cleared my throat and smiled. "It was a bit difficult at first. I joined the Hephaestus Familia a few years ago, but I only got in after begging the Goddess to let me."

"You've been in the Hephaestus Familia for years?" Ais was surprised by what she heard.

"I've never seen you before… How is that possible?" Tiona seemed incredulous.

"I spent most of my time at home, focusing on training. I have never walked around the city much and have only started exploring the dungeon recently. I haven't had much contact with people outside the Familia."

"I see," Ais said. "It's admirable that you spent so many years training."

"It didn't do much good. Hahaha." I let out a weak laugh. "I only started improving recently, so I began exploring the dungeon."

"And what do you think of it? Have you joined a group yet?" Ais asked. She was more interested in things related to combat and the dungeon.

"It's fun. The first floors are easier than I expected. And no, I'm not in a group yet."

"Be careful. Don't underestimate the dungeon."

"Don't worry."

"Hey, let's stop with this boring conversation. I'm interested in Eryk's story! So, what happened after you joined the Familia?"

"As I said, after I joined, I stayed home every day, focused on my training. At first, Hephaestus didn't pay much attention to me, but over time, we got closer."

"Aaaaah, this is getting exciting!" Tiona exclaimed. "What did she like about you? Your looks? Your skills? Or maybe you've got a silver tongue?"

"I had liked Hephaestus for a long time. She's a beautiful and strong woman—it was impossible not to fall for her. But of course, I thought getting close to her was just a dream… In the end…"

"You managed to get close to her…" Tiona's eyes sparkled.

Tione and Ais also seemed interested, but Bete looked impatient.

"And after you two got close? Did your relationship develop quickly or take a long time?"

"It took a long time. We only started dating a few months ago, but we've known each other for years."

"I see! I thought you had been dating for a long time. Have you two kissed before?" Tiona asked.

"Tiona, don't ask unnecessary questions."

"I just asked if they've kissed before! There's nothing wrong with that!"

"Don't worry, Tione, it's fine. Yes, we've kissed before. Many times."

"And have you two slept together?"

"Tiona! That's enough. You've asked too many questions already."

"Yes, we have."

When I answered honestly, everyone looked at me, surprised. Tiona's eyes sparkled even more, but Tione quickly stood up and covered her mouth.

"Don't mind her. Tiona, no more questions, alright?"

"Hmm! Hmmm!" Tione finally removed her hand from Tiona's mouth.

"Alright, I get it. I won't ask how it was. But I still want to know more about you two. What do you do during the day? What kind of things do you like to do together?"

"Tiona, did you invite him just to talk about this? Why don't you ask about his swords, skills, or something else?" Bete said impatiently.

"That's not interesting."

"…" Bete was speechless.

"I'm also curious about your skills and weapons. Do you mind telling me a bit about them?" Ais asked.

"I don't mind. But I'm nowhere near your level—I'm weak."

"That doesn't matter."

After talking about Hephaestus for long minutes, Tiona finally quieted down, and we started discussing the dungeon, skills, and weapons—especially swords.

I didn't talk much about my skills since I don't have any besides the system's abilities.

I don't have any combat skills.

So, the conversation focused on my swords and armor.

I took the opportunity to advertise my swords and armor. Especially the swords. I talked about them as if they were the best things anyone could forge.

Ais and Bete were interested but not excited. There was no way they would be excited by the words of a novice blacksmith they had never heard of before.

However, they were interested, and I promised to show them some of my weapons.

And they promised to buy from me if the weapons were as good as I claimed.

In other words, I got future customers!

####

When dinner ended and we left the restaurant, everyone said their goodbyes and left—except for Tiona, who stayed with me. She walked beside me in silence until I stopped and looked at her.

"You finally noticed I'm here."

"What do you want?"

"I just want to talk. Don't you?"

"I need to go home now. We can talk another time."

"That's a shame. It's fun talking to you."

"Really?"

"Yeah, it's fun because you get embarrassed. Your expression is hilarious. Hahaha."

"Do I get embarrassed when I talk to you?"

"Hm? Aren't you? Your face is red, and you always avoid looking me in the eyes."

"Must be the alcohol."

"I see. But it was fun. I hope to have dinner together again in the future. Oh, and sorry about all the questions I asked."

"It's fine. I don't mind."

"…" Tiona stared at me for a few seconds in silence, and I didn't say anything either.

"…"

After a few awkward seconds, she turned away.

"Ahem… Ahem… Alright, I'm heading off now. See you later."

"See you." I waved as I watched Tiona walk away.

That girl is fun… and full of energy.

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Next chapters: Chapter 41 - You're incredible. Legendary sword. / Chapter 42 - Training with Tsubaki. / Chapter 43 - Practical lessons. / Chapter 44 - Much faster. / Chapter 45 - Did I kill Tsubaki? / Chapter 46 - You learn very quickly. / Chapter 47 - Do you have a lot of ores?