Chapter 65: Freya: Orsted~[PS Bonus]
Chapter 65 - Freya: Orsted~
After completing the grimoires, Orsted gave one to Lili and another to Tifa.
"Is this a grimoire?" Lili asked, her eyes wide with wonder as she examined the simple, hefty book in her hands.
"It's my first time seeing one."
Tifa, who had also received a grimoire, remained silent, her fingers gently tracing its cover with a thoughtful expression.
"Go ahead and use them," Orsted said with a nod.
"When you open a grimoire, it connects you to the source of magic."
"Under its power, you'll awaken a spell that suits you."
"Thank you, Orsted-sama!" Lili replied eagerly, barely containing her excitement.
Without hesitation, she sat on the ground, opened the grimoire, and began reading.
A brilliant light enveloped her.
Tifa moved three meters away.
She settled down, opened her own grimoire, and was soon bathed in the same light.
Their figures flickered faintly within the light.
"Orsted, now that you can craft grimoires, what's your plan?" Hestia asked, breaking her silence with a warm smile.
Though she had only descended to the lower world a few months ago, she understood how coveted grimoires were among familias.
With Orsted's ability to create them, the Hestia Familia could forge powerful alliances if managed well—a tremendous opportunity for their familia.
Still, she left the decision to him.
If he was willing, they'd pursue it. If not, it wasn't worth forcing.
Orsted caught the unspoken meaning in her words.
"I'll prioritize making grimoires for our familia in my spare time," he said with a smile.
"After that, I'll consider Hephaestus."
"As for others, Hestia, I'll leave that to you."
"Which familias do you think we should work with? Let's go with those."
Hestia nodded, her smile widening.
"Alright, I'll scout familias and see who we can partner with to build those connections."
Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, she added, "But don't overdo it, okay? I don't want you pushing yourself too hard."
"I know," Orsted assured her.
He glanced outside.
"It's still early. I'm going to find Ryuu."
"Go ahead," Hestia said without objection.
Knowing Orsted's ability to grow stronger required sparring with stronger opponents, she had no issue with him seeking out Ryuu.
She'd even encouraged him to keep training with Ais.
Orsted nodded, casting a final glance at Lili and Tifa, who were still immersed in their grimoires.
He turned to leave the mansion, but before he'd taken a few steps, Hestia's voice called out.
"Hey, Orsted… would you go on a date with me?"
He froze, then turned to face her, surprise flickering in his eyes.
Hestia's usual playful grin was gone.
Her hands were clasped tightly in front of her, her cheeks flushed, and even her ears were tinged red.
Her shy, expectant gaze met his, brimming with hope.
Orsted didn't know how to respond at first.
A date? He'd never considered it.
In the anime, Hestia had gone on a date with Bell because she loved him.
But now… did Hestia feel that way about him?
Her eyes, so earnest and unguarded, left no room for doubt.
They were the eyes of someone in love—eyes Orsted recognized from countless moments in his past life.
Facing her vulnerable expression, he hesitated, then nodded.
Hestia's face lit up with a radiant smile.
"Great! Let's make it the day after tomorrow. Don't tell Lili or Tifa, okay?"
"Okay," Orsted said softly, nodding again.
Without another word, he turned and left, heading toward the Hostess of Fertility.
After he was gone, Hestia perched on the only chair in Orsted's workshop, her feet swinging idly.
She gazed at Lili and Tifa, now cocooned in glowing light, and grinned with quiet pride.
"Heh, Lili, Tifa, I'm taking the lead," she murmured, her voice smug.
"I'll be waiting for you at the front."
Meanwhile, in the grand halls of Folkvangr, home of the Freya Familia, Freya sat on the edge of her bed in a lavish, ornate room.
In her hands was a piece of paper bearing a portrait of Orsted, his hair tied back in a ponytail.
If Ais were there, she'd have recognized it instantly as the guild's notice of Orsted's rank up, posted just a day ago.
Somehow, it had found its way to Freya.
Freya's breaths came in hushed, trembling whispers as her fingers caressed the portrait.
A soft moan escaped her lips, and her hand drifted to her breast, her touch lingering as her eyes fixed on Orsted's image.
"I didn't expect it," she continued, her tone low and reverent.
"In less than a month, you already ranked up."
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I'm cooking really hard!!