Highschool DxD: I have a Dimensional Travel System

Chapter 197 - Meeting A New Goddess!

'Me? Really? What's with this tone?'

'Why does it feel like a marriage proposal?'

Hearing Mahiro's words, Eina was momentarily stunned. 

However, the sense of disappointment she had been feeling vanished instantly, replaced by a warm smile.

"Of course, no problem," Eina replied almost immediately, her heart inexplicably filled with joy.

"Then I'll be relying on you," Mahiro said with a smile.

After completing the necessary procedures, Mahiro and Hestia left.

"Hey, Eina, stop look at your boyfriend. He's already gone," a sarcastic voice called out from the other counter.

The speaker was Misha Flott.

"What nonsense. Mahiro is just an adventurer I'm responsible for," Eina gave Misha a helpless look.

"Yeah, sure," Misha teased. "You can deny it all you want, but that look you gave him just now like you couldn't wait to walk out with him."

Eina blushed slightly. She couldn't deny that she had a favorable impression of Mahiro.

"You're so lucky, Eina," Misha sighed dramatically, slumping onto the counter. 

"You get a handsome adventurer like him, while I'm stuck dealing with a bunch of clueless idiots."

"When will a cute boy show up at my counter?" Misha lamented, gazing wistfully toward the guild's entrance.

"Don't worry," Eina said with a wry smile. 

"That's definitely not happening."

Misha: "..."

***

"Hestia, where are we going?" Mahiro asked noticing her purposeful stride.

"We're going to see Hephaestus," Hestia answered without looking back.

"Hephaestus?" Mahiro repeated with a chuckle. "So, this is the friend you're staying with?"

"Hey! How did you know?" Hestia asked, turning around in surprise. "I don't remember mentioning her name."

Although Hestia had briefly mentioned staying at a friend's place during their earlier conversation at Eina's, she hadn't disclosed her friend's identity.

Mahiro replied with a knowing smile. "Really, it was just a good guess."

"You got it right," Hestia looked at Mahiro.

"Now that I've officially formed my Familia, I need to thank her properly and introduce you to her."

As she spoke about Hephaestus, Hestia's expression lit up with excitement. "Hephaestus's Familia is one of the most famous for forging."

"I've heard adventurers from all over, not just Orario, come to buy weapons forged by her Familia."

"You seem to have a good relationship with her," Mahiro noted with a smile.

"Of course! Hephaestus took great care of me in the heavens," Hestia replied warmly. "Even after coming to the lower world, she was the first to help me. I'm very grateful to her."

"Well then," Mahiro said thoughtfully, "when I start making money, I'll have to get a gift for Hephaestus."

"Good idea!" her eyes sparkled with approval.

To be honest, Hestia had always felt a little indebted to Hephaestus. 

Despite receiving so much help, she hadn't been able to repay her friend in any meaningful way. 

But now, with Mahiro by her side, she felt a sense of hope.

Looking at Mahiro, Hestia's heart swelled with gratitude. 

He had appeared during her lowest moments, stood by her against Loki's ridicule, and remained steadfastly considerate of her.

She thought to herself, 'I don't think I'll ever be able to leave him. What should I do?'

"Why did you suddenly go quiet?" Mahiro noticed her unusual silence.

"Nothing," Hestia replied cheerfully. "I just feel really lucky to have met you."

Walking with Hestia, Mahiro soon found himself in front of a large shop.

A sign bearing unfamiliar symbols hung above the entrance.

"This is Hephaestus shop," Hestia took a deep breath before pushing the door open. "Hephaestus, I'm back!" she called out as they entered.

Mahiro followed her inside and was immediately greeted by the sight of a striking woman. 

She had bright red hair and an eyepatch over her right eye. 

Despite appearing to be in her twenties, her commanding presence gave away her divine nature.

"Hestia, how many times have I told you? If you can't form a Familia, you need to leave my house!" 

Hephaestus tone was sharp, but her eyes betrayed a mix of concern.

It was the look of someone who cared deeply but didn't know how else to express it.

---

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