Sword Smithing City Solingen.
True to its name, the heat of forges rolled through the streets, carried by the bellows' breath. The sharp, rhythmic clang of hammer on steel echoed nonstop, a testament to the smiths' craft and passion.
"Lefiya-san, we've arrived."
Bell inhaled the city's distinct scent of metal and fire as he gently woke the sleeping yellow-haired elf.
"Mmm…"
Lefiya opened her eyes, saw Bell's face, and instantly shot upright.
"Y-you… you eternal heat-driven rabbit!"
"…Lefiya-san, did you wake up confused?"
Bell sighed with a helpless smile.
Lefiya blinked, glanced outside the carriage, and her entire face turned crimson.
"S-sorry…"
"What kind of dream were you having…" Bell grumbled softly.
"Nothing!"
Lefiya pressed her lips together and quickly turned her gaze away, forcing the topic toward the city instead.
"This city is so different from Orario…"
Blacksmith shops and weapon stores lined both sides of the street. Travelers walked by fully armed, carts piled high with goods sped past, yet the chatting locals didn't even blink. The guards wore heavy armor, looking more like trained knights than adventurers.
"Orario is centered around the Dungeon, but Solingen focuses on weapons. That's the difference," Bell explained.
Without the Dungeon to train in, individuals had far lower limits on their Status, so this city honed its weapons to fend off external threats.
"Eh—"
Lefiya watched the passing scenery in fascination. Wands, longswords—everything in the shop windows gleamed brilliantly.
Eventually, the carriage slowed in front of a mansion.
"Stop!"
A woman's sharp voice rang out.
"This is the Astraea Familia's base! Leave immediately!"
"…Sorry. We're here to see the goddess."
Laurier hadn't expected the atmosphere to turn tense the moment they arrived. At the woman's shout, several armed girls surrounded the carriage.
Laurier slowly set her slender sword on the seat, indicating she meant no harm.
"Let me explain."
Ryuu jumped down from the carriage and drew the wooden sword · Alf's Lumina—proof of her identity.
"I am a member of the Astraea Familia. If you look at this weapon, you should believe what I'm saying."
Bell and Lefiya also stepped down to help prevent the situation from escalating.
"…Senpai?"
The leading girl froze, staring in disbelief.
Just as Bell and the others thought things were calming down, the atmosphere suddenly took a sharp turn for the worse.
"You abandoned Astraea-sama, and now you have the nerve to come back here?!"
With the girl's accusation as the spark, the current members of the Astraea Familia unleashed a barrage of condemnation.
"You had Astraea-sama worrying about you all day, and you show up with a man?!"
"What is this supposed to be? Did you come all the way from the Labyrinth City just to mock us lifelong singles?"
"Unforgivable! Not only were you two out on a date all lovey-dovey, but you even brought such a beautiful Elf attendant with you. Whether it's you, senpai, or this boy already drowning in lust at his age—you're both unforgivable!"
Laurier, dragged into the mess, twitched as she held back her anger. Lefiya, on the other hand, didn't bother hiding anything.
"Y–you… who are you calling an attendant?!"
"So… so they are that kind of relationship?!?"
"Stay away from these lewd Elves! They'll infect you!"
"It… it's already over… Astraea-sama is actually praying for this Elf..."
"Hmph… So it really is that serious! Don't stop me… I'm going to beat that lewd Elf to a pulp!"
"C–Cecil! Stop! No matter what she's done, she's still our senpai! Astraea-sama will be heartbroken!"
"..."
Bell had no idea where to even start complaining. Even Lefiya, who normally protested everything, was so overwhelmed by this so-called righteous trial that she trembled and hid behind him.
Ryuu had expected things to be awkward, but she never imagined it would turn into this. The younger members of the Astraea Familia had already made up their minds: she and the boy must be unusually close. Coming here was basically the same as lovers meeting each other's parents.
Since she had left her goddess on her own initiative, Ryuu no longer had the standing to refute them. Worse yet, the embarrassing misunderstanding had turned her face completely red, leaving her too flustered to ask the boy for help.
Just as this strange tribunal reached its peak, a divine voice echoed from the courtyard.
"Teasing someone too much isn't very nice, you know."
The moment Astraea's voice rang out, the girls—Cecil at the front—fell silent.
"Ryuu, welcome home. I'm glad you've found such a wonderful partner."
"I—it's not what you think!" Ryuu blurted, cheeks burning as she scrambled to explain.
"Oh? I was sure you came to ask me to help with an engagement or wedding ceremony."
Astraea chuckled softly.
"Wh—what?! I said we're not like that! If anything, my friend is the one who's in a relationship with him… I don't have any feelings for him at all…"
Ryuu's face bloomed red like a flower in spring, full of shyness.
"Hmm… I don't want to expose you, Ryuu, but what you just said… is a lie."
Astraea narrowed her eyes.
"H–how could that be?!"
Ryuu's voice shook violently. Everyone listening couldn't help but complain inwardly: The real prankster here is Goddess Astraea…
Bell looked at the goddess, who wore a gentle smile. He finally understood why Hestia had been so hesitant whenever he asked about Astraea's appearance.
The word "goddess" seemed made specifically for Astraea. Her very presence evoked divinity and the starry sky. Her walnut-brown hair flowed like the soft milky way, and her deep blue eyes were more profound and beautiful than the stars themselves. Her graceful figure, every curve embodying feminine beauty, was wrapped in pure, immaculate white robes.
There was nothing improper about her attire, yet the way it emphasized her proud silhouette stirred endless imagination. Compassion, gentleness, integrity, purity, beauty… every word used to praise a goddess fit Astraea perfectly.
"It's been far too long since I last saw Ryuu… I got a little carried away. Please forgive my mischief."
Astraea led everyone deeper into the courtyard.
"No… Astraea-sama, I should be the one apologizing…"
Ryuu explained why they had come, feeling ashamed to be bringing such ominous news.
"Evil drawing near, is it…"
Astraea stepped into the hall, thoughtful.
Just as tension began to rise, Bell spoke, calmly yet firmly, in front of everyone:
"Astraea-sama, may I have a moment alone with you?"