endless path, infinite cosmos

chapter 112

After Hephaestus had finally calmed down, partially due to Vahn's help, she began discussing other matters before finally bringing the conversation to an end. As Vahn needed to head to the guild and tend to the matters regarding his move, Hephaestus gave him a hug before sending him on his way. Vahn, though he gratefully accepted the hug, felt like Hephaestus was a bit sad at sending him off. Before he left, he closed the gap when she had dropped her guard and gave her peck on the lips. It was a very brief kiss, but Vahn saw her brows raise before she pushed him away with a smile.

"Get out of here!" Vahn allowed himself to be pushed out into the street by the bashful Hephaestus. Seeing her expression made him laugh, and it drew the attention of the some of the passersby who had shock and curiosity written all over their face. Hephaestus glared at the crowd before looking at Vahn and saying, "You had better work hard to improve your forging. If you keep me waiting too long, someone else might come along and steal me."

Vahn looked straight into her eyes before pulling out the hammer she had forged for him. "I swear Hephaestus, I won't allow anyone to take you away from me. No matter what, I will fulfill my promise and shatter your loneliness with this hammer!" Though Hephaestus had spoken quietly to him, Vahn gave his response in a loud voice. He didn't care if the crowd heard him, and it made him feel proud to publicly chase after Hephaestus. Though he hadn't intended it at first, Vahn felt a powerful rush of excitement build inside of him after his declaration.

Unlike Vahn, Hephaestus seemed to mind the onlookers a bit, but seeing his confidence and the hammer that represented her hopes, she stepped forward and gave him a light kiss on the cheek in front of all the onlookers. Though she initially wanted to give him a proper kiss, she panicked at the last moment and altered her target slightly. After her public display of affection, she retreated into her workshop so quickly that Vahn had flashbacks to his fights with Tsubaki.

Anubis began giggling at the side which broke Vahn from his reverie. Looking toward, she bowed slightly with all of her children behind her. "What shall we do now, my Master?" Hearing the new form of address, Vahn felt a chill run down his spine and he couldn't help but shake his head to clear the strange sensation that had taken root. In response to her question, he said, "For now, take this Valis and get the kids something to eat. If you've been staying outdoors for the last two days, I have a feeling they haven't been eating properly. I'm going to head to the Guild, and we can meet up at the northwest plaza entrance when I'm finished."

Hearing that they would get to eat food, the kids started looking at Vahn was reverent expressions. Seeing their 'hungry' looks, Vahn laughed and gave Anubis twice the initial amount. "Make sure they get a good meal in them." Anubis accepted the money, and Vahn flinched a bit when he got the notification that her Loyalty had increased to 85. He was slightly curious to know what would happen if he could increase it to the cap.

Anubis gratefully accepted the money before ushering the kids forward. "Children, what do you say to our Master?" Vahn, hearing Anubis implore the kids to call him 'master' tried to speak out, but the representative of the troupe, Rasui, spoke out first, "Yes! Thank you, Master. Once again, I am Rasui, and I will be in your care!"

Vahn stood there in shock and got caught up in the tempo of the children. They took turns repeating similar introductions, and Vahn finally learned each of their names. The other three boys, excluding Rasui, were named Nour, Akil, and Ata, while the girls were, Chione, Maat, and Nanu. The girls Chione and Nanu still seemed to be a bit cautious of Vahn, but they managed to get through the introductions before repositioning behind Anubis.

After all the introduction were done, Anubis spoke out, "From now on, you are their Master and the Alpha of their pack. Hierarchy is very important to the Southern Tribe, so make sure to do your best... Master." Vahn felt like Anubis was using the word to tease him at this point, and he cleared his throat while trying to act more 'manly'. "Very well. Go and eat with Anubis and wait for me in the plaza." Vahn tried to speak in a commanding tone and the entire group saluted toward him with a 'Ha!' sound. Anubis giggled and escorted the kids away from Vahn who felt his stomach cramp slightly.