Pah, pah, pah—”original partner” and “mistress”?
At most, it was a case of “the body is in Cao Cao’s camp, but the heart is in Han.” Moreover, aside from Hermes, who was the “Cao Cao” in this scenario, it seemed the other “ministers” didn’t exactly take a liking to him either.
Speaking of delivering letters, Xia Jia remembered that Asfi seemed quite familiar with the only remaining member of the Astraea Familia—that useless, dead-weight elf.
Perhaps she could provide an introduction.
And so, he spoke frankly and confidently: “I heard that Astraea-sama was here, so I came to try my luck.”
“…”
Asfi stared at Xia Jia suspiciously.
The recruitment standards for the [Astraea Familia] were very strict.
Or rather, someone who didn’t possess a certain obsession with justice wouldn’t be looked upon favorably by that goddess.
Thinking of the current situation, Asfi couldn’t help but feel a bit worried.
Does the guy in front of her really have the qualities to carry the banner of the new Astraea Familia?
Should I stop him?
Before Asfi could react, she saw Xia Jia stroking his chin and muttering to himself: “I’ll try my luck here first.
If it really doesn’t work out, there’s always Hermes as a backup…”
Wow…
how nasty.
Asfi’s expression crumbled instantly.
No!
I absolutely cannot let this guy get close to Hermes-Sama!
The keen senses of a high-level adventurer allowed Xia Jia’s every word to reach Asfi’s ears, and her previous decision was overturned in an instant.
She pushed up her glasses, reflecting a flash of white light: “Astraea-sama doesn’t just see anyone.
Follow me; I’ll help introduce you.”
Saying this, she turned and pushed open the shop door once again.
In order to keep an eye on her restless man (god), this girl in love was even betraying her own friendship!
Xia Jia gave a thumbs-up behind her back.
Plan successful!
Entering the shop, the first thing they saw was a girl sprawled across the counter, looking listless.
She wore a pitch-black apron and had short, capable-looking blue hair, her fingers mindlessly toying with a hammer on the desktop.
She was clearly a blacksmith.
“Why are you back again?
Didn’t I already tell you that Astraea-sama went to look for a Spirit (Fae)?
I said I’d pass the letter along, didn’t I?”
The girl puffed out her cheeks, her tone impatient.
It was clear she was dissatisfied with Asfi—or perhaps with the person standing behind Asfi.
“Cecile, there are still some things I think it’s necessary to discuss with the Goddess-sama in person.”
“Hmph, whatever you want, just don’t disturb me.”
The girl lost interest, her gaze going dull again as she stared at the hammer, seemingly lost in thought.
Xia Jia and Asfi found an empty spot and sat down.
Xia Jia asked: “Who is that?”
“Your rival,” Asfi teased.
“Rival?”
“A child Astraea-sama has taken a liking to.
If things go smoothly, she might be your captain.”
“A blacksmith?
So, she hasn’t officially joined the Familia yet, then.”
Xia Jia was thoughtful.
In the City of Sword Craft, nine out of ten people are blacksmiths.
Most Familias recruited here are likely composed of such people.
Xia Jia also knew why Astraea was doing this; her goal was for the sake of that one remaining member of the Astraea Familia.
The useless, dead-weight elf consumed by a heart of vengeance—Ryu Lion.
Two years ago, which was five years before the start of the main story, the Astraea Familia had been wiped out by a trap designed by a mole within the Guild in collusion with the Evilus (Dark Faction), with only Ryu surviving.
Since then, this elven girl named Ryu had stepped onto a path of vengeance.
Any organization, caravan, or Familia associated with the Evilus could not escape her retaliation.
Unwilling to let the Goddess see her ugly side that defied “Justice,” the clean-freak elf begged the Goddess to temporarily leave Orario.
There were two reasons why the Goddess settled in the City of Sword Craft: one was to find a blacksmith who could forge a new weapon for the “useless” elf, and the other was to persuade a Spirit to help complete the new weapon for the Familia.
Astraea was certain that when Ryu, burned by the flames of vengeance, appeared beside her again, it would be when she had ended her journey and found the answer to her own “Justice.” Having finished her long journey and truly awakened, Ryu would certainly need new power and starlight.
She was working hard for that very reason.
It was precisely because of this character and her love for her Familia that Xia Jia wanted to try his luck here, even if it meant giving up on going to Orario to find a more powerful Familia with a deeper history.
Strength is temporary, but a good divine character and a compassionate heart last a lifetime.
Those who know, know.
Just as Xia Jia was analyzing Cecile, the blacksmith girl’s gaze also swept toward Xia Jia from time to time.
“Hey, what is that man over there here for?
I haven’t seen him before,” Cecile said coyly.
“Ah, I forgot to mention, Xia Jia-san is here to apply to join the Astraea Familia,” Asfi answered casually.
Xia Jia chimed in: “I truly admire Astraea-sama’s justice!”
Her broad-mindedness truly fascinates me, Xia Jia added to himself.
“Hmph.” Cecile frowned, her face conflicted.
She let out a disgruntled snort and turned her head away, refusing to look at Xia Jia.
Cecile pouted, her heart filled with complex emotions.
Clearly, I was here first.
Xia Jia seemed to have guessed Cecile’s thoughts.
Naturally, the girl who had long been favored by Astraea still hadn’t joined the Familia even now—and that, of course, wasn’t because of Astraea, but because of this girl herself.
Naturally, this city was a paradise for blacksmiths; it was the city of the greatest sword crafting.
If you asked what Familia the blacksmiths here most hoped to join, it would naturally be Hephaestus or Goibniu, the gods of craft.
But both were undoubtedly in Orario, and not everyone was qualified to enter the sight of those two.
Whether to cling to dreams or compromise with reality—the 11-year-old girl still needed time to grow.
Just as the atmosphere turned awkward, the shop’s wind chime rang, and a goddess with chestnut hair, wearing pure white robes and possessing a heart—and a chest—as broad as the world itself, stepped into the shop.
She looked like a wife returning home.
Her gentle eyes, which seemed to embrace all things, quickly locked onto everyone in the shop.
Her pink lips curled up slightly, and she rested her hand against her cheek and laughed softly:
“I’m home.
Are these guests?”
Cecile turned her head and gave a light snort.
Asfi stood up and bowed slightly: “Astraea-sama, it has been a long time.”
Xia Jia stood up and nodded along.
“Oh my, it seems something has happened that I am unaware of.” Astraea walked slowly to the table where Asfi sat and sat down, her gaze landing on Xia Jia.
Red hair, green eyes, but…
His eyes were timid; subconsciously, his gaze gathered on her chest, yet he shyly shifted his gaze away.
Different from that child…
A somewhat shy child.
Astraea’s gaze was slightly tender: “And who might this be?”
Asfi interjected: “Hmm, Hermes-Sama’s…
bed-partner?”
“That’s not it!”
God damn it, bed-partner…
Xia Jia cast a side-glance at the disgruntled Asfi and corrected her:
“I only happened to meet the God Hermes on the road.
I came here this time because I hope to join your Familia.”
“Oh?” Astraea was slightly surprised.
Deities who are penniless (meaning they have no Familia—though Astraea was actually quite wealthy) generally find it very difficult to get anyone to join, especially the Astraea Familia, which was famous as a group of chivalrous knights and magistrates.
It was one thing in Orario, but outside the city, it was very difficult for such gods to persuade children to join, let alone have someone join of their own volition.
But…
“Why would you choose me instead of Hermes?
You should know that, unlike the freedom found with that traveling god, my Familia requires one to carry the burden of ‘Justice.’ Are you truly prepared for that?”
As she spoke, divine authority radiated faintly from the Goddess, just as it had when Hermes asked Xia Jia about his ambitions.
I cannot lie.
And…
hesitation is defeat.
I must answer her immediately!
Having had the experience once, Xia Jia pondered for a moment and said earnestly: “To be honest, I am not applying to join in the name of ‘Justice’.”
“Oh?”
Astraea was surprised once again.
Before the Goddess could ask, Xia Jia continued: “I am drawn to your ‘Starlight.’ I have a long-cherished wish that I need this to accomplish!”
Having received his answer, Astraea glanced at Xia Jia’s clothing…
She had originally thought he was a child from the “School District,” but she hadn’t expected…
He didn’t seem like a bad child, and…
He looks so much like Alise.
Red hair, green eyes—even in a Lower World filled with the unknown, that hair color, which burned like fire, was quite rare.
After confirming, Astraea had no reason to refuse and was about to nod.
Cecile’s palm slammed down between the two of them…
“I object!”
Join here to read ahead.
In Star Rail, Ultra-Beast Armored — Have I Caught “Equilibrium”?
l (Chapter 80)
Uma Musume, But I Only Have Five Years Left to Live (Chapter 178)
Zenless Zone Zero: I’m a Doctor, Not a Bangboo (Chapter 165)
Ben Tennyson Wants to Join the Justice League ( 126 )
TYPE-MOON: Redemption Beginning with the Holy Grail War (Chapter110)
Yu-Gi-Oh!
— Transmigrated into the White Dragon Girl (Chapter220)
“Is this chat group even serious?” (Chapter125)
I, Lord Ravager, Utterly Loyal!
(Chapter250)
Can Playing Games Save the World?
65
Crossover Anime Multiverse: The Demon Hunter of an Unnatural World 77
From Junkman to Wasteland 66
Weekly Refresh of Overpowered 31
I’m Grinding Proficiency Like 46
From Kiana, Lord Ravager, Onwa 220
Honkai: Is This Still the Prev 42
Elf: My Starter Pokémon Is Inc 65
Warhammer: My Primarch Is Remi 185
From Demon Slayer to Grand Ass Volume2/20
The Way the Umamusume Look at 68
Uma Musume, but My Cheat Power 248
Naruto: Weaving the Future, Be 65
Zenless Zone Zero, but Kamen R 76
Multiverse Crossover: The Perf 66
My Cyberpsycho Girlfriend 65
Uma Musume: The Dark Trainer 230
Uma Musume: A Calamity Born fr 154
I, a Reincarnation-Loop Player Volume4/40
The Violent Girl Group Is Beat 125
Uma Musume: The Horse Girl Who 67
Uma Musume: From Beginner 145
Becoming a Horse Girl, I Will 85
Uma Musume: I Want All 120
I Can Copy Unique Skills 115
Summoning an Evil God, but the 75
Supernatural Multiverse 110
My Harem Is Indescribable 100
Jujutsu Kaisen: Heroic Spirit 105
“I’m just a Valkyrie passing through.” 67
Uma Musume: Today Is Another Romantic Battlefield 105
Still playing traditional Honk 80
The Most Filial Son Under Heav 85
What Should I Do After Switchi – Volume2/3
Reincarnated as a Demon, Skill 78
Hell-Difficulty Dungeon?
55
Transmigrated as Sukuna 80
Checking In in Demon Slayer 85
The Reincarnating Trainer of Tracen Academy 100
I Refuse to Become a Heroic 85
My Best Friend Into a Slime?
80
A Saiyan Stands Above Marvel 90
What Do You Mean by Using a Lab Mod to Be the Hero?
75
Tanya Starts from Re:Zero 80
Why did they assign me to Uma 75
MYGO Beauties 70
DanMachi: Emiya the Giant Hero 70
The Gacha Merchant Who Started 80
Honkai’s Otherworld?
Wait—Who Are You People?!
80
Emiya Shirou, Determined to Slay Every Curse and Evil Spirit 57
The Uma Musume Who Became 55
I’m Definitely Not the King of 60
After Maxing Out Every Class 45
Naruto: I’m Konoha’s Local Men 35
Honkai: World Modulation Mode 34
I, the Elden Sword Saint 27
Dio Brando Is Challenging FGO 24
No One Knows Pokémon Better 18
I, Sakazuki, Won’t Go Down Tha 20
From Trilobites to Titans 10
Chainsaw Man: Contracted with 17
Arknights: Starting Out as a S 27
DanMachi:
Join here to read ahead.
In Star Rail, Ultra-Beast Armored — Have I Caught “Equilibrium”?
l (Chapter 80) Uma Musume, But I Only Have Five Years Left to Live (Chapter 178) Zenless Zone Zero: I’m a Doctor, Not a Bangboo (Chapter 165)
Ben Tennyson Wants to Join the Justice League ( 126 ) TYPE-MOON: Redemption Beginning with the Holy Grail War (Chapter110) Yu-Gi-Oh!
— Transmigrated into the White Dragon Girl (Chapter220) “Is this chat group even serious?” (Chapter125) I, Lord Ravager, Utterly Loyal!
(Chapter250) Can Playing Games Save the World?
65 Crossover Anime Multiverse: The Demon Hunter of an Unnatural World 77 From Junkman to Wasteland 66 Weekly Refresh of Overpowered 31 I’m Grinding Proficiency Like 46 From Kiana, Lord Ravager, Onwa 220 Honkai: Is This Still the Prev 42 Elf: My Starter Pokémon Is Inc 65 Warhammer: My Primarch Is Remi 185 From Demon Slayer to Grand Ass Volume2/20 The Way the Umamusume Look at 68 Uma Musume, but My Cheat Power 248 Naruto: Weaving the Future, Be 65 Zenless Zone Zero, but Kamen R 76 Multiverse Crossover: The Perf 66 My Cyberpsycho Girlfriend 65 Uma Musume: The Dark Trainer 230 Uma Musume: A Calamity Born fr 154 I, a Reincarnation-Loop Player Volume4/40 The Violent Girl Group Is Beat 125 Uma Musume: The Horse Girl Who 67 Uma Musume: From Beginner 145 Becoming a Horse Girl, I Will 85 Uma Musume: I Want All 120 I Can Copy Unique Skills 115 Summoning an Evil God, but the 75 Supernatural Multiverse 110 My Harem Is Indescribable 100 Jujutsu Kaisen: Heroic Spirit 105 “I’m just a Valkyrie passing through.” 67 Uma Musume: Today Is Another Romantic Battlefield 105 Still playing traditional Honk 80 The Most Filial Son Under Heav 85 What Should I Do After Switchi – Volume2/3 Reincarnated as a Demon, Skill 78 Hell-Difficulty Dungeon?
55 Transmigrated as Sukuna 80 Checking In in Demon Slayer 85 The Reincarnating Trainer of Tracen Academy 100 I Refuse to Become a Heroic 85 My Best Friend Into a Slime?
80 A Saiyan Stands Above Marvel 90 What Do You Mean by Using a Lab Mod to Be the Hero?
75 Tanya Starts from Re:Zero 80 Why did they assign me to Uma 75 MYGO Beauties 70 DanMachi: Emiya the Giant Hero 70 The Gacha Merchant Who Started 80 Honkai’s Otherworld?
Wait—Who Are You People?!
80 Emiya Shirou, Determined to Slay Every Curse and Evil Spirit 57 The Uma Musume Who Became 55 I’m Definitely Not the King of 60 After Maxing Out Every Class 45 Naruto: I’m Konoha’s Local Men 35 Honkai: World Modulation Mode 34 I, the Elden Sword Saint 27 Dio Brando Is Challenging FGO 24 No One Knows Pokémon Better 18 I, Sakazuki, Won’t Go Down Tha 20 From Trilobites to Titans 10 Chainsaw Man: Contracted with 17 Arknights: Starting Out as a S 27 DanMachi: