章 238: Chapter 62. He Does Not Belong to You Alone
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In the end, the dazed Soma reluctantly removed his blessing from Lili's back, restoring her freedom.
Judging by his expression, it would probably take him a few days to process what had just happened: "A human had casually finished his divine wine and simply remarked, 'It was good.'"
"As expected of Cyd-sama," Lili looked at Cyd, who was walking ahead of her, with a face full of admiration. "If it were me, I definitely..."
"You could do it too," Cyd chuckled. "In the past, you were tempted by the divine wine because you hadn't found your purpose yet. But now, you have, haven't you?"
Lili instinctively recalled the pure-white figure who had reached out to save her. She then nodded vigorously.
"Yes!"
"But that wine was indeed pretty good," Cyd licked his lips as if savoring the taste. "Being addicted to it is no good, but having it occasionally isn't bad."
"Cyd-sama, isn't that totally being addicted?" Lili stuck out her tongue. "That divine wine is really expensive, you know."
"Then forget it," Cyd stopped in his tracks. "I'll leave Bell in your care."
"Huh? Of course!" Lili, who hadn't expected Cyd to suddenly stop, ended up walking in front of him. Though confused by his sudden words, she still patted her chest and made a promise.
"You truly are reliable," Cyd smiled as he patted Lili's head. "Don't ever leave him alone."
"Cyd-sama?" Lili blinked. Was it just her imagination, or did she have a feeling that Cyd would be leaving soon?
"Go on adventures with Bell," Cyd shook his head and pointed at the conspicuous tall tower. "I can't always be with you two."
"Don't worry! Bell-sama is already a very dependable person," Lili gave a thumbs-up.
"Then I can be at ease," Cyd turned and walked toward the tower. "Farewell~"
Watching Cyd's gradually receding figure, Lili suddenly felt a tightness in her chest and hurriedly shouted, "Cyd-sama, you'll secretly follow us wearing that helmet, right? That's what you're going to do, right?!"
Cyd paused for a moment, then raised his hand and waved. "That guy Bell hasn't reached my level yet~"
Lili let out a sigh of relief. Though she didn't completely understand, it meant that Bell hadn't gained Cyd's full trust yet, so Cyd wouldn't leave.
That was such a relief...
…
Inside Hephaestus's shop.
Cyd skillfully pushed open the door to the workshop, which had a sign reading "No Entry for Unauthorized Persons." A wave of heat hit him, causing him to frown.
"You're here early," Hephaestus, who was swinging a hammer, raised an eyebrow. "Just find somewhere to sit."
"It would be easier if there were a place to sit," Cyd carefully stepped over various oddly shaped pieces of equipment scattered on the floor and approached Hephaestus. "I might as well help you out."
"All you know how to do is wipe off sweat," Hephaestus rolled her eyes. "And that 'I'm finished with everything and ready to leave' look on your face is really irritating me."
Cyd was taken aback. He touched his face and smiled wryly. "Is it that obvious?"
"I'm a goddess. While I can't read minds..." Hephaestus pursed her lips and continued hammering the metal. "It's at times like these that I hate having the ability to easily understand what my children are thinking."
"It can't be helped... Bell... has already become a reliable person. Although he still has his stumbles..." Cyd's mouth curled up slightly. "He now has someone who can accompany him on his journey. He won't be like me."
Bam!
Hephaestus struck the metal hard, sending sparks flying, which grazed Cyd's cheek.
"You are also someone who can accompany him!"
"Unfortunately, that person can't be me," Cyd sighed. "Bell is moving forward, but I've turned back to pursue those I missed."
"Including me?" Hephaestus bit her lip, her hammer swings growing stronger.
"That's my promise," Cyd lowered his eyes. "A promise must be fulfilled."
"Then!"
Clang!
Hephaestus swung the hammer one last time, then reached out her hand, ignoring the scorching heat, and took out the newly forged armlet. She held it out to Cyd.
"I want a promise too!" The pain in her palm distorted Hephaestus's expression, but she stubbornly locked eyes with Cyd.
"Your hand!" Cyd's eyes narrowed as he reached out to grab the armlet, intending to take it from Hephaestus's hand.
"It doesn't matter," Hephaestus held onto the armlet firmly, refusing to let go. "Promise me!"
Cyd's eye twitched. Although Hephaestus was a goddess, with her divine power sealed, she was merely a regular person with slightly enhanced physical strength. Burns had already appeared on her hand, and if this continued, this goddess of forging might not be able to display her superhuman craftsmanship for a long time.
Why do you always recklessly throw away your most precious things?
"Alright, I understand," Cyd said helplessly, taking a step back. "Now let go."
"Then it's a promise," Hephaestus released her burnt right hand. "When you return, you must come back to us. Not as the Pure White Hero, but as a regular person starting anew. This time, we will accompany you."
Cyd's eyes widened slightly, his face showing surprise and unease. The eye-patched Hephaestus reached out to him with her burned right hand.
"You were never alone. When you were searching for the past, there was a group of us searching for you as well."
With some force, Hephaestus grabbed Cyd's hand. "If you break your promise, I'll curse you!"
What...?
"I get it, you stubborn goddess," Cyd chuckled as he slipped the armlet onto his left arm.
As the crisp sound of interlocking parts resonated, the armlet fitted snugly onto Cyd's arm. The omnipotent feeling granted by the gods began to fade.
"Your wristguard was also made by her, wasn't it?" Hephaestus released his hand. "The only one capable of creating a vessel that can contain the gods' blessings is Hephaestus. But she probably regrets it, doesn't she?"
"I should never have crafted this wristguard for you!"
The person in the wheelchair roared in discontent because, in her eyes, she was the true culprit. She believed that everything stemmed from her — blessing and curse alike. She had personally forged the vessel that pushed him into despair.
"That's why she created this 'Pandora,'" Hephaestus said, looking at the 'Reforged Pandora' on Cyd's back. "A hysterical plea, a magic box born of hope and prayer. It seals and transforms all the powers that brought you despair into your own strength. It's wrong; you'll become something other than yourself."
"I..."
"So! The mistake Hephaestus made will be corrected by Hephaestus," Hephaestus raised her voice. "This armlet will set everything right, whether blessing or hope. They are good intentions and will never change you. Just stay true to who you are."
Tiny sacred letters appeared on the armlet.
A phrase that represented all of her feelings. If it was that person, she would surely see it!
[He does not belong to you alone.]
クリエイターの想い 
Kurato6180
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