As Kaelis walked down the streets of Orario, intending to reach home and begin another round studying, countless thoughts ran through his head.
Mostly about the world he planned to go back to.
He had avoided going back due to how easily he had been kicked out before by those conceptual spells.
There had been way too much rule and law abilities that directly worked against him.
Especially those shitty authorities…
Then again, considering only the top dogs could play with the laws of that world…
He shouldn't be too worried but considering that he'd been mingling with them all the time, he definitely shouldn't go back without the quality increase.
And that witch still owes me nice bed time—isnt that hestia's work place?
His thoughts were interrupted once he spotted the place Hestia worked at—Hephaestus's north west shop.
Without reservations, he pushed the door open and entered.
The interior of the store was exactly what you'd expect from one of Orario's top forges.
Long shelves lined the walls, stacked neatly with weapons and armor—swords of every length, spears, axes, chest plates, gauntlets.
Some were polished to a shine, others deliberately dull and rugged to make the shiny ones stand out.
And every price tag was ridiculous.
The place itself was clean and well-organized, the air thick with the faint scent of heated metal and oil.
A few employees moved about the shop—two ladies, dressed in red and white carrying equipment and checking displays.
There were barely any customers.
At the front counter, leaning forward with her cheek resting against her palm, was Hestia.
She looked bored out of her mind, staring into space like she was counting the cracks in the ceiling.
Kaelis paused for a second, then walked up to her.
"Seems like you're slacking off on the job, eh."
"Huh—hey! What are you doing here?"
She looked up and saw that it was Kaelis who called out to her, shouting loud enough to draw the others' attention.
"I was just on my way back to the church and since I was passing by, might as well drop in." He said as a matter-of-factly.
"Heeh! Where are you coming from?" She asked curiously. "And when did you wake up?"
"This morning, sometime after you guys left, I suppose. I went to the Goibniu familia for some items."
"Goibniu?" She titled her head.
Kaelis nodded. "Mhm. Yea and guess what?"
"What?"
"He said he will send over some of his people to come renovate the church, free of charge."
"Really!?"
She immediately got excited as she completely forgets she was at her work place.
The other employees stared at her as she nodded at them apologetically, as they returned to what they were doing.
Turning back to Kaelis, she repeated, much softly this time, "Really!?"
Kaelis pursed his lips, holding back what he wanted to say.
"Yep. I worked out a deal with the old man." He nodded. "Should expect them to pass by before the week ends—I don't know."
"Oh, ok." She could only say.
If Kaelis had already worked out a deal with the god himself instead of the familia members, then it's safe to say what he says is true.
She was already acquainted with Goibniu in heaven because of her relation with Hephaestus and knew that even if he was stubborn, the old man usually kept his words.
"Well then. It seems I've taken up much of your time already. I'll leave you to your work then."
"No. I don't mind,." Hestia shook her head. "It's a slow day as always and I was bored."
"So why do you still work here anyway?"
He never got around to ask her before but she should've quit if her debt was paid already.
She thought for seconds.
"I guess… I just never wanted to stay at home all day…" she grinned.
"Fair enough."
As the quiet between them became prominent, Hestia spoke up, this time her voice low as she hesitated.
"H-hey."
"Hm?"
"What do you have planned for tomorrow?" She asked, her face taking on a red tint.
Kaelis paused for a second. "Meditate… I guess."
He had no daily life whatsoever.
"Why you ask?"
Hestia fiddled with her fingers for a bit as she tried to formulate her next words.
"H-how about…" Hestia started, then paused as she inhaled,
"H-how about you go out with me tomorrow?"
Kaelis caught off guard.
"…Out?" he asked.
Is she asking me out on a date?
Her body stiffened immediately.
"I-I mean—!" She waved her hands quickly, face turning red. "N-not like anything weird! Just—just going out! Together! As in—"
He watched her struggle for a moment. It seems she won't close her end of her statement for now.
"What's the occasion?"
That seemed to help her latch onto something solid.
"Monster Féria," she said, a little faster now.
"It's a big event. Happens once a year. The Ganesha Familia hosts it—there are monster exhibits, food stalls, performances… it's pretty popular in the city."
"…So a festival then," Kaelis summarized.
"Yes!" she nodded a bit too eagerly. "A really big one. Orario's basically packed during it."
He thought about it for a second. I guess meditating could wait. And honestly—
"I guess I could relax a bit," he said.
Hestia's eyes widened slightly. "R-Really?"
"Yeah." He shrugged. "Sounds harmless enough."
There was a short pause.
"…So?" she asked quietly.
Kaelis met her gaze and gave a small nod. "Sure. I'll go with you."
For half a second, Hestia just stared at him.
Then she lit up.
"R-Really!? You will!?" She leaned forward over the counter before catching herself.
She straightened up again looking proud, though her cheeks were burning.
"I-I mean—good! That's good!"
He chuckled softly. "Relax. It's just a festival."
"Y-Yeah! Just a festival!" she echoed, then immediately looked away, clearly flustered.
This goddess is too adorable.
Kaelis glanced around the shop once more.
"Well," he said, turning back toward the door, "I'll leave you to your work then. See you at home."
Hestia nodded quickly. "Y-Yeah!"
As he stepped back outside and the door shut behind him, Kaelis headed down the street with his hands in his pockets.
A festival, huh… guess I could unwind a bit.
It was still early—around noon—so with nothing urgent to do, he decided to wander Orario and take in the sights.
Chapter 83 end.