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Mikoto, who happened to be standing in the living room, immediately stepped forward upon hearing the door close. She smiled in relief when she saw Ouka with his proud stride and the shy Chigusa enter through the main door.
"Welcome, Ouka, Chigusa!" Mikoto bowed deeply, then glanced behind them. "But... where is Lord Takemikazuchi?" she asked softly, a note of worry in her voice.
Chigusa paused for a moment, her fingers clutching the sleeve of her yukata, then answered in a quiet, almost whispering voice. "Ah... he stopped outside earlier. He said he would catch up."
Ouka added with a shrug, "Don't worry, Mikoto. The God was just lost in thought for a moment, probably because something caught his attention."
Before Mikoto could ask further, the door creaked again. Kreeekk... The sound of soft footsteps was heard, and the figure of Takemikazuchi finally entered the Mansion. His face was warm with a calm smile, though his eyes still held a hidden trace of a question.
"Mikoto..." The god immediately approached and, with a gentle, loving motion, his hand stroked Mikoto's hair like a father would his daughter. "Sorry to make you worry. I was just daydreaming for a bit, nothing more."
Mikoto blushed slightly, but she bowed respectfully, holding back the overwhelming feeling of relief in her chest. "It's no problem, Lord Takemikazuchi. As long as you are alright..."
Takemikazuchi smiled even more warmly, looking at her with pride. "You're always so caring, Mikoto. I'm grateful you are part of my small family."
Mikoto raised her head, her eyes shining. "Lord Takemikazuchi... thank you."
The atmosphere felt warm for a moment, as if a strong family bond surrounded them, while the fireplace in the living room crackled softly, crackle... crackle..., adding to the cozy feeling in Hearth Manor.
Takemikazuchi sat relaxed on the long sofa with Ouka and Chigusa. The warm atmosphere of Hearth Mansion felt slightly different from their own residence.
Ouka turned to the low table in front of them, his eyebrows raised. "Hm? Why are there dirty plates here?" he said bluntly, pointing.
Mikoto, who was standing near the fireplace, started. "Ah! Sorry! W-we just finished eating dango together. I was careless; I should have cleaned them up immediately." Flustered, she grabbed the plates, her face reddening with embarrassment.
Takemikazuchi chuckled lightly, crossing his arms on his lap. "Hahaha, I see. Well, how come we didn't get a share?" he said in a joking tone, trying to lighten the mood.
But Mikoto, true to form, immediately responded seriously. She bowed deeply. "Forgive my negligence, Lord Takemikazuchi. I was careless...!"
Takemikazuchi suddenly felt guilty. His hand rose, wanting to stop his beloved Familia member's rigid formality. "Ah, Mikoto, I was just joking, no need—"
But before he could finish his sentence, Mikoto had already moved quickly. With a determined look on her face, she picked up the dirty plates. "In that case, let me correct this mistake. I will make new dango for the Lord Takemikazuchi and everyone!"
"Eh, wait—Mikoto!" Takemikazuchi called out in surprise, but Mikoto had already disappeared towards the kitchen, the sliding door making a grek! sound behind her.
Ouka and Chigusa looked at each other, then laughed softly. Takemikazuchi could only rub his face, both proud and resigned to Mikoto's ever-serious nature.
While waiting, light conversation flowed in the living room. Takemikazuchi, Ouka, and Chigusa chatted about various things concerning the state of the Hestia Familia. The topic eventually shifted to the figure of the red-haired young man they had just seen at the front gate.
Ouka frowned, his arms folded. "That earlier... the red-haired kid, who exactly is he? I've never seen him in Orario."
Chigusa added in a soft tone. "Yes, his aura is somewhat different... not a member of Hestia Familia, but clearly not an ordinary person either."
Takemikazuchi, who had been mostly listening until now, finally spoke. He placed his elbow on the sofa's armrest, his chin resting on his palm. "Yes... I noticed him too. There's something unique about him, as if... limitless. I think it's better if I discuss this directly with Hestia. She must know more about that young man."
Chigusa straightened up. "In that case, allow me to help Mikoto in the kitchen. She must be struggling alone. Let me keep her company." She rose, then stepped towards the kitchen door, her steps light yet full of grace.
Ouka also stood up, but headed in a different direction. "I'm curious about their smith, Welf Crozzo. I heard he has great talent in weapon forging. If possible, I'd like to know if he accepts commissions—or maybe gives me a discount." He smiled faintly, then stepped out towards the forge.
Now, only Takemikazuchi remained alone in the living room. He stood up, straightened his back, and began walking through the Mansion's hallways with calm steps. His eyes scanned around, searching for Hestia's presence. "Alright, let's see... Hestia, where are you hiding? I want answers about that red-haired young man..." he murmured softly.
Takemikazuchi walked slowly down the mansion hallway, his gaze searching for the person he sought. At the end of the hallway, he saw Haruhime diligently sweeping the floor with gentle movements, her fox tail swaying slowly to the rhythm of her sweeping.
Upon realizing the god's presence, Haruhime immediately straightened her body and bowed respectfully. "Good afternoon, Lord Takemikazuchi," she said politely.
Takemikazuchi smiled faintly, returning a small nod. "Good afternoon to you, too, Haruhime. Sorry to disturb your work, but... do you know where Hestia is right now?"
Haruhime paused for a moment, then turned towards the window facing the inner garden. "If I'm not mistaken, Goddess Hestia is resting in the inner courtyard, Lord Takemikazuchi. She went there earlier carrying a small pillow."
"Is that so..." Takemikazuchi nodded, then, before leaving, he added in a flat yet attentive tone, "Oh yes, one more thing. Your guest earlier... a red-haired young man. Do you know him?"
Haruhime's green eyes widened slightly, then she smiled softly. "Master Shirou? I just met him today, same as Lord Takemikazuchi. He introduced himself politely. According to Goddess Hestia, he is an old friend of hers."
"Hm... I see." Takemikazuchi narrowed his eyes, as if storing something in his mind. "In that case, I really must ask Hestia directly." He bowed his head in thanks. "Thank you, Haruhime. Continue with your work."
Takemikazuchi then continued on his way. The sound of his wooden sandals clacked softly against the wooden hallway floor as he walked towards the courtyard.
Upon arriving in the inner courtyard, the sight made him let out a small sigh. Under the shade of the lush, sheltering trees, a hammock hung between two wooden poles. On it, Hestia lay relaxing, her arms folded behind her head, her legs swinging lightly. Her black twin tails swayed gently with the movement of the hammock.
"As usual... You look like you're truly enjoying life, Hestia," Takemikazuchi murmured softly while watching her with a faint smile, then walked closer.
Hestia, who was lulled by the hammock's swing, suddenly frowned when her ears caught the krek... krek... sound of footsteps on the wooden floor of the inner courtyard. Lazily, she opened one eye while yawning widely.
"Uuuuuh... who's disturbing this cute goddess's relaxation time again..." she grumbled, half-annoyed.
But when she turned and saw who had appeared, her face immediately brightened. That long hair tied in a traditional Japanese style, that distinctive aura of calm—Hestia instantly recognized her old friend. Nimbly, she jumped from the hammock, her twin-tails swinging along.
"Takemikazuchi!" she called out cheerfully.
The god responded with a warm smile. "Hi, Hestia."
Hestia's expression suddenly turned into a pout, though her cheeks held a hint of anger. "You are showing up suddenly. I wasn't prepared to welcome you, you know!"
Takemikazuchi chuckled softly, shrugging as if understanding. "Yeah, yeah, my fault. So, how is this new mansion of yours? Do you like it?"
Hestia's eyes sparkled. She pointed towards the spacious building around her with great enthusiasm. "It's great! Look, it's spacious, magnificent, and... there's a Forge too! Not to mention the new super-large bathhouse. All thanks to the help of the Goibniu Familia, I'm really satisfied!"
She paused for a moment, her face lowering slightly. "...but..."
Takemikazuchi raised an eyebrow. "But what?"
Hestia let out a long sigh, then rubbed her own arm. "This mansion... It's too big. When Bell and the others go to the Dungeon, I'm left alone. It feels... lonely. So quiet..."
Takemikazuchi grinned slightly. "Hahaha, so there's finally a downside, huh. A magnificent home, but it makes you lonely."
Hestia immediately looked at him with sparkling eyes, half-running closer and grabbing the sleeve of the god's yukata. "In that case... keep me company! If I'm alone, come visit here. It's fine to bring Miach, too, right? Your Familia members often go to the Dungeon too. So we can make this house livelier!"
Takemikazuchi fell silent for a moment, seeing how innocent the request was. Finally, he nodded with a sincere smile. "Alright, if that makes you feel more at ease, I agree."
"Yaaay!" Hestia cheered softly while jumping for joy, her twin-tails swinging vigorously.
Hestia walked ahead with enthusiastic small steps, occasionally waving her hand to point out room after room in the mansion. "Come on, come on, Takemikazuchi, look around! My new mansion is so cool, don't miss out on my exclusive tour!" she said happily, her hands clenched at her chest.
Takemikazuchi just smiled while following from behind, his hands tucked inside the sleeves of his yukata.
As they walked, Hestia suddenly pouted, her cheeks puffing out. "But y'know... if only you had come sooner, I could have shown off this Mansion to you and Shirou at the same time. So I wouldn't have to bother explaining from the start twice, hmph."
"Shirou?" murmured Takemikazuchi, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I did pass by him at the gate earlier. So... he's an old acquaintance of yours, huh?"
Hestia glanced back with a grin. "Right! He's my friend—a friend who helped me a lot back when I was alone. Shirou often kept me company, even before I had a Familia. So don't you try anything funny!"
Takemikazuchi nodded slowly, then asked in a serious tone, "All this time... has there been anything strange about him? His aura, habits, or anything you find unusual?"
Hestia stopped walking for a moment, putting a finger on her chin while thinking. "Strange, huh? Hmm..." Her eyes glanced upward, as if searching her memory. Then suddenly she exclaimed, "Ah! His cooking! It's too delicious, it made my loyal customer switch sides! You know, my Jagamaru-kun. But ever since Shirou started cooking at his Familia, that Wallenwhatsit, my most frequent customer, hardly stops by anymore. That really pissed me off!"
Hestia crossed her arms over her chest, snorting hmph! with a sulky face.
Takemikazuchi fell silent for a moment, his lips forming a flat line. "...That's not the answer I was hoping for," he said quietly, letting out a long sigh.
Hestia stopped walking, turning with an annoyed face while raising her eyebrows. "So what exactly is your problem, Takemikazuchi? You've been asking roundabout questions about Shirou."
Takemikazuchi slowly rubbed his chin, his eyes narrowed as if weighing something. "I just want to know... how strong exactly is that young man? Or... do you know if he has any special, unusual abilities?"
Hestia answered in a casual tone. "Hah? Shirou? As far as I know, he's just a supporter. His special ability is... his cooking is really delicious. That's all."
Takemikazuchi leaned his body slightly forward, staring intently. "That's all?" he asked, as if unsatisfied with that simple answer.
Hestia scratched her cheek awkwardly, then suddenly remembered something. "Oh yeah... earlier, when I showed him Vesta, he said it felt like he was truly seeing his own hometown. I'm not sure if that counts as a special ability, though... maybe he was just really homesick. Missing home, you know."
Takemikazuchi froze for a moment, his gaze growing more serious. Inside, he murmured, "Reacting directly to a god's power? That's no trivial matter... an ordinary human shouldn't be able to do that."
Takemikazuchi finally stopped touring, looking at Hestia with a face more serious than before. "Hestia, could you arrange a meeting for me with him? With that young man named Shirou."
Hestia immediately narrowed her eyes, suspicious of her friend's unusually serious tone. She put her hands on her hips while leaning forward slightly. "Hmm? Why are you suddenly so interested in Shirou, huh? Don't tell me you're curious about his cooking? Or... are you up to something?"
Takemikazuchi just smiled faintly, his voice lowering as if hiding something. "It's not that. It's just... I see something in him. A potential I rarely encounter. It would be a shame if he were only considered a supporter."
Hestia snorted while waving her hand, her face sulking in annoyance. "Hmph! In that case, handle it yourself. I can't be bothered dealing with Shirou's goddess. Dealing with him is troublesome enough."
Takemikazuchi raised an eyebrow, curious. "Oh? Who exactly is Shirou's goddess?"
In a tone full of irritation, Hestia answered while folding her arms across her chest. "That Loki! The flat-chested one who likes to meddle in other people's business. Haaah, I really can't be bothered talking to her."
Takemikazuchi let out a long sigh, then nodded with an understanding face. "If it's her... then yes, that would be very troublesome. I can understand why you're reluctant." His gaze momentarily became distant, imagining how difficult it would be to deal with that cunning goddess.
He then looked back at Hestia with a faint smile. "In that case, just let me know if Shirou comes to visit your mansion again. That way, I can talk to him directly without having to deal with Loki."
Hestia stared at him for a moment, then clicked her tongue in annoyance. "You, really, unusually full of schemes. Fine, if he happens to drop by again, I'll let you know. But don't blame me if Loki finds out and causes a huge fuss!"
Takemikazuchi just chuckled softly, as if accustomed to dealing with godly intrigues. In his heart, he repeated his impression of Shirou—that young man's aura was like an endless sword. Something so strange and so intriguing to be ignored.