"So then, Shirou, I'll leave this to you!"
"Don't worry, Captain!"
Shirou let out a soft sigh as he watched Finn, Ais, and the others leave the mansion.
"Today's destined to be a busy one."
At that moment, Twilight Manor felt rather empty. To exchange the magic stones and materials obtained from the expedition, all the members of the Loki Familia were out competing for prices at Orario's shops.
As for him, he had stayed behind to repair and maintain equipment.
He would also forge new gear for the next expedition, but that could come later.
The other tasks weren't as numerous as one might imagine.
After all, the equipment Shirou had to repair and maintain wasn't for the entire Familia.
In Orario, most high-ranking adventurers had already contracted blacksmiths who crafted equipment exclusively for them.
Bell, for example, had signed an exclusive contract with Welf.
The strongest among them, Ais, had her personal blacksmith in the god Goibniu.
Unfortunately, when forging Ais's weapon, Goibniu hadn't used divine techniques.
Otherwise, Shirou wouldn't have to wait so long for Bell's Hestia Knife.
That was precisely why Shirou valued the Hestia Knife so highly.
After all, it was crucial to his strength.
As everyone knew, in order to project a weapon, Shirou had to first analyze its structure before reproducing it.
After receiving the Grace of the gods, Shirou's Unlimited Blade Works improved further with each level he reached.
If he continued to evolve, Shirou felt that eventually, he might even be able to analyze Gilgamesh's Sword of Rupture.
However, analyzing it was one thing; actually projecting it was still uncertain.
Something was missing, and Shirou suspected it might be the divine skill of forging.
That was exactly what he lacked.
And that "something" could indeed be found in this world.
It was the Hestia Knife, forged by Hephaestus at Hestia's request.
That blade embodied a divine skill.
And although it had been forged using divine techniques, it lacked divine power. It was a creation of the gods within the mortal world. Such a weapon was something Shirou could analyze.
Once he acquired the divine artistry inherent in that blade, not only would Shirou's shortcomings be compensated for, but his forging craft would also improve dramatically.
And with that, so would his strength. After all, as his forging skill advanced, the performance of his projected weapons would grow stronger as well.
Thinking about how Bell would eventually attract the goddess Freya's attention, Shirou couldn't help but murmur in his heart:
"Bell, you really are my lucky star."
In a secluded corner of Loki Familia, the sound of hammering echoed continuously.
This was Shirou's forge.
As the only blacksmith of the Loki Familia — and a highly skilled one with limitless potential — Loki had generously allocated him a dedicated room inside the manor specifically for forging.
It made the Familia's commissions to him far more convenient.
As time passed, the sky gradually darkened. While working at the forge, Shirou suddenly heard a voice from outside.
"Hey, blacksmith, watch the time, the celebration's about to start!"
"Thanks for the reminder, Bete!"
"Hmph! Who said I was reminding you? I was just passing by!"
"Yes, yes, of course~"
Then Shirou heard Bete grumbling as he left. Shirou could only shake his head helplessly.
As for Bete, Shirou knew he wasn't truly arrogant.
Although he often spoke harshly to the weak, it was only because he hoped to push them into striving for progress.
In the original tale, Bell's transformation into a true hero was also due in no small part to Bete's provocation.
One could say Bell's growth perfectly matched Bete's inner wishes.
That was exactly what Bete wanted — even when drunk and unconscious.
He had even inspired Lefiya in the original story.
A true creator of heroes!
After Bete left, Shirou didn't head out right away, but continued working on the item before him.
It was a beautiful necklace — a commemorative gift for Lefiya.
Since Lefiya had just reached Level 4, this banquet was also meant to celebrate her achievement.
"Finally done! I won't miss the dinner!"
Looking at the beautiful necklace in his hand, Shirou carefully stored it away and returned to his room to wash up. After a long day at the forge, he couldn't just show up at the celebration in such a state.
After a simple cleaning, Shirou put on casual clothes and left Twilight Manor.
Walking through the lively streets under the evening breeze, Shirou couldn't help but sigh:
"I guess I haven't seen much of Orario's nightlife."
"Indeed, my life is pretty normal. Every day it's the dungeon, the forge, and the library. Such a fulfilling life…"
Shirou truly enjoyed his current way of living. Thanks to his efforts, his strength was steadily increasing.
And that was exactly what he had hoped for.
Arriving at the Hostess of Fertility and seeing his Familia nearly all gathered, Shirou apologized:
"Sorry, I'm late!"
"It's fine, the banquet hasn't started yet!"
Hearing Riveria's words, Shirou smiled and took the empty seat beside her. Then, taking out the gift he had prepared, he handed it to Lefiya.
"Lefiya, congratulations on reaching Level 4."
"Thank you, brother!"
Lefiya accepted Shirou's gift, opened it carefully, and gazed at the necklace inside. Her eyes sparkled.
"I love it. Thank you, brother!"
"I made it myself. You must cherish it, alright?"
"Yes!"
The other girls of the Familia couldn't help but stare, their eyes fixed on the beautiful necklace in Lefiya's hands.
Envy filled their gazes.
Feeling their stares, Shirou could only sigh helplessly and say:
"I'll make one for each of you when you level up."
With Shirou's promise, the girls of the Familia cheered.
Only Loki's eyes were full of resentment. That guy really had to do this right in front of her?
But unfortunately for her, no one paid her any attention.
With Shirou's arrival, the celebratory banquet finally began, and the hall filled with laughter and cheer.
And in that lively atmosphere, Shirou's eyes casually caught sight of a certain white-haired boy.
---
(End of Chapter)
"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."