After dealing with the pendant, Dante and Brask began refining again. Dante was learning how to refine armor, something he had made a priority.
As a frontline combatant focused on close-quarters combat, armor was the type of artifact that could best draw out his power while also providing greater defense. After all, his specialty was hand-to-hand fighting. Because of that, aside from the Lava Coats, Dante only learned how to refine armor.
However, he had a different view when it came to armor.
Dante disliked internal armor models. In his opinion, armor that fully covered the body was far more useful, as it concealed one's identity and provided superior protection.
He spent the remaining hours assembling and customizing different armor styles, searching for those he believed would be most effective in combat. As a result, time passed quickly.
Walking through the village streets, Dante watched the snow fall calmly—a strangely comforting sight. In the silence, observing the snow drifting down was pleasant.
Snow also marked the time when children enjoyed themselves the most. After all, their training time was reduced, since this was the only season of the year when it snowed. People allowed their children to play more freely; no one wanted their children's only memories to be made of training and constant pressure.
Walking slowly, Dante took in the scenery. Ever since the snow had begun to fall, he felt at peace. It was a season marked by resource scarcity, yet it was also the happiest time of the year.
Carried by that tranquility, he soon arrived home. The moment he opened the door, he sensed a wonderful smell in the air—a slightly sweet scent that left a faint sugary taste in his mouth.
Closing the door, he walked into the kitchen. There, Viviane was cooking while softly whistling.
During winter, weapon refining, pill crafting, and array creation were almost completely halted. As a result, Viviane was at home, enjoying what was essentially a vacation.
Dante approached and gently wrapped his arms around her.
"I'm back!"
"I noticed," she said with a soft laugh, warmly returning his embrace.
Since Viviane had begun spending more time at home, Dante had become noticeably happier. Before, he only saw her at night. Now, as soon as he finished his duties and returned home, she was already there—something that genuinely made him happy, as it allowed him to spend more time with her.
Still holding Viviane, Dante wondered whether he should tell her about what Tyler had said—about going out hunting to train.
However, when he looked into Viviane's cheerful eyes, he decided to let it go for now. He still had time to grow stronger, and it felt better to enjoy this peaceful moment with her.
"Alright, let go of me and go take a bath," Viviane said, cutely trying to escape Dante's bear hug.
He let her go, but not before giving her a quick kiss and running off.
"So childish," she said teasingly.
Time passed quickly in that small, happy home, and before they realized it, night had fallen over the village.
Inside the house, Dante and Viviane lay together, with Viviane resting atop Dante's chest. They had just finished dinner and were passing the time chatting.
"How was your day today?" she asked curiously.
"As always. Training and more training," Dante replied simply.
"But I want to know about your day. Are you enjoying staying at home, or are you sad about not working?" he asked, gently pinching her cheek.
Viviane, nestled in Dante's arms, thought for a moment before answering.
"I like being on vacation. I like staying home and spending more time with you," she said, swaying her body slightly.
"But I also like doing alchemy. I have many friends there, and besides having fun, I feel like I'm helping the village a little."
"Ohhh, such a big heart… Maybe I should talk to Tyler about restarting your work, asking him to increase your workload and even promote you," Dante joked.
"Sure. If you want to sleep alone on the chairs, eat cold food, and get no affection at all, go right ahead," she said, pretending to be difficult as she tried to escape Dante's warm embrace.
"I'm joking. No need to get upset," Dante said, tightening his arms around her even more.
Viviane let out a light huff.
"You'd better know that," she said, puffing her cheeks slightly in a cute manner.
"Don't be mad, Vivy…"
The moment Dante's voice fell, Viviane slowly turned her body to face him—her expression somewhat frightening.
"I didn't quite catch that… what did you just call me?" she asked, staring straight at him.
Viviane hated it when Dante called her by that nickname.
Dante couldn't help but swallow dryly. He had just poked a lioness with a short stick. Even so, he couldn't stop a smile from forming.
"I'm calling you by an affectionate nickname, and you're getting mad at me? You're a very demanding wife, Viviane," he said, shaking his head as if wounded.
She didn't seem to care.
"Hm… I hope your 'affectionate nicknames' are very comforting when you're sleeping on the chairs," she said, giving him a slight wink.