Chapter 159 – Domestic then Tested
Chapter 159
Domestic then Tested
Date : Day 5 of Lunaeve 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.
The next morning arrived quietly.
The gentle silver light of Luna filtered through the curtains—bathing the master bedroom in a soft glow. Outside, the sounds of the city had yet to fully awaken. Only the distant chirping of birds and the occasional breeze brushing against the window could be heard.
Hyoren slowly opened his eyes.
The softness of the bed—combined with a full night's sleep beside his lover—had washed away much of the exhaustion from the dungeon expedition. His sore muscles no longer ached as they had the previous evening.
He lowered his gaze.
Ina was still sleeping peacefully against his right side.
The petite cat-clan beastkin had naturally curled herself against him during the night. One of her cat ears twitched lightly every now and then—occasionally brushing against his cheek and making it tickle.
A faint smile appeared on Hyoren's face. Without saying anything, he wrapped his arm around her a little tighter.
“Munyaa…”
Ina let out a soft, satisfied sound as she instinctively snuggled closer into his embrace. And a few moments later, her eyelashes fluttered. Slowly, she opened her amber eyes. For a second, she simply looked at Hyoren.
A gentle smile bloomed across her face.
“Mmm... Morning…”
She rubbed her cheek lightly against his chest before nestling closer again.
“After sleeping alone for five days... this is bliss.”
Hyoren smiled warmly at her. He leaned down and placed a light kiss on her forehead.
“I feel the same, Ina.”
His voice was still slightly hoarse from just waking up.
“This is bliss.”
Ina's ears perked happily.
She remained there for another brief moment before reluctantly sitting up. Her body rising from its comfortable position against him with the visible reluctance.
The silver morning light streaming through the window softly illuminated her petite figure. The pale radiance seemed to wrap around her small frame—catching her disheveled brown hair and creating subtle highlights that shimmered as she moved. She stretched both arms above her head, her fingers extending toward the ceiling—working out the stiffness that had accumulated during the night.
“Mmm...”
A small yawn escaped her lips.
“How I wish we could just snuggle all day…”
She looked back at Hyoren with an amused smile.
“But let's go, Hyoren.”
She slid off the bed and picked up her nightgown from the floor before slipping it on loosely. The fabric rustled softly as she pulled it over her head, the thin material settling against her small frame with the casual drape of someone who was more concerned with modesty than appearance at this early hour.
Hyoren also sat up. The motion was more deliberate than hers had been. He reached for his trousers beside the bed and put them on.
“Right… We have so many things to do today.”
Ina smiled.
Standing on her tiptoes, she leaned forward and gave Hyoren another quick kiss. The contact was brief but affectionate, her lips pressing against his with final gesture of intimacy before they separated to prepare for the day ahead.
“Okay.”
She stepped back toward the door.
“I'll go back to my room first to get ready. See you in the dining room, Hyoren.”
Hyoren nodded.
“See you downstairs.”
Ina gave a small wave before quietly leaving the master bedroom—the door closed softly behind her.
Hyoren remained seated on the bed for another moment before standing up.
He walked into the bathroom. Five days inside the dungeon had left a thin layer of stubble across his chin. He picked up the shaver and carefully shaved it away before washing his face with cool water—the refreshing sensation chased away the last traces of sleep.
Afterward, he combed his long hair and tied it neatly behind his head.
Once finished, he returned to the bedroom. He opened the wardrobe, took out a clean, sturdy tunic, and changed into it.
After making sure everything was in order, Hyoren left the master bedroom and headed downstairs.
***
When Hyoren entered the dining room, everyone was already there. Everyone in the house was an early riser.
Even Jackey had beaten him downstairs. The cat-clan beastkin was already sitting at the table, eagerly waiting for breakfast. His body leaning slightly forward as though he was trying to accelerate the arrival of food through sheer force of will.
His energy had returned after a full night's sleep.
Hyoren pulled out a chair and sat down. The wooden seat creaked softly beneath his weight.
Not long after, Lena approached carrying a steaming cup of coffee. The older Fox-clan woman moved with the quiet efficiency that characterized her service, her footsteps barely audible against the wooden floor. She gently placed it in front of him. The cup landed with a soft click, the ceramic meeting wood with a sound that seemed almost conversational in its gentleness.
The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee immediately drifted upward, filling his nose with a comforting scent.
Hyoren smiled at her.
"Thank you, Lena."
Lena bowed slightly.
"You're welcome, Hyoren."
She quietly returned to the kitchen.
From where Hyoren sat, he could see the four women moving about naturally inside. Elise, Ina, Lena, and Vina worked together without needing many words—passing plates, arranging utensils, and carrying food to the table with practiced coordination. The silence between them was not awkward but comfortable.
Before long, breakfast began arriving one dish at a time.
Warm slices of toasted bread. Fried eggs from some kind of monster bird Hyoren couldn't identify. Several thick slices of bacon—judging from the familiar smell, definitely Ramtauro bacon.
Soon, every plate was filled and everyone began eating.
The dining room remained peaceful. The only sounds were the clinking of cutlery against ceramic plates, the occasional sip of coffee, and Jackey's obvious enjoyment of breakfast. The Beastkin's enthusiastic consumption was audible throughout the room.
After taking a sip from his cup, Hyoren looked around the table.
"We just finished our dungeon dive. How about we spend the next few days resting? Three to four days."
He smiled.
"What do you all think?"
Elise gently put down her fork before nodding.
"That's a good idea."
She looked at Hyoren. Her emerald eyes met his dark ones.
"A rest period is important. We shouldn't rush ourselves back into the dungeon."
Ina nodded in agreement.
"I think three days is enough."
She rested one hand around her cup while thinking for a moment.
"Five to six days of dungeon diving, then three days of rest—that sounds like a good pace."
Jackey swallowed a large mouthful of bacon before immediately raising his hand.
"Yes, please!"
A grin spread across his face.
"I want to spend my money hiring many beautiful escorts! WOHOO!"
Laughter immediately spread around the table.
Hyoren looked at him with an amused smile. The expression carried the fond exasperation.
"Just don't blow all your savings, okay?"
Jackey scratched his cheek.
"I'll try!"
That answer only made everyone laugh harder. The sound echoed through the dining room with renewed vigor.
Hyoren turned toward Elise.
"So. What's our plan for today?"
Elise swallowed the last bite of her breakfast before taking a moment to think. Her silver hair cascaded over her shoudler as she tilted her head slightly.
"We have quite a few things to do. We need to appraise both the pendant and the crimson axes. You and Jackey also need new armor. And your shield needs maintenance."
She glanced toward Ina.
The two women exchanged a brief look—silent, yet somehow they immediately understood one another. Both smiled at each other.
Elise attention returned to Hyoren.
"Let's split up."
She gestured toward Jackey.
"I'll accompany Jackey to Jena and see if she has the perfect armor for him."
She smiled softly.
"I was planning to visit her anyway. I want to adjust my armor a little... and chat with her."
She tucked a strand of silver hair behind her pointed ear.
"So it's the perfect occasion."
A mischievous glint appeared in her emerald eyes.
"And Jackey is free to visit any brothel he wants afterward. Fufu."
Jackey nodded so enthusiastically that both ears bounced.
"Yes!"
Everyone around the table laughed again. The sound was lighter than before but no less genuine.
Hyoren smiled helplessly.
"Split up, huh… I guess that's necessary."
He thought about it for a moment before nodding.
"Then Ina and I will visit the Gilded Scale and Borin."
He turned toward Ina. His dark eyes met her amber gaze.
"Today's your day off, right, Ina?"
He smiled warmly.
"Care to accompany me?"
Ina's cat ears immediately perked. She tried to maintain a calm expression—but her swishing tail betrayed her excitement completely. She had clearly been waiting for him to ask.
And judging from the smile Elise wore earlier—this had probably been planned between the two women from the start.
Ina rarely had the chance to spend time alone with Hyoren. The demands of her position as Vice Guild Master and the complexities of their work arrangement meant that they never have chance to spend time with Hyoren. She quietly appreciated Elise's thoughtfulness.
"Yes..."
She smiled brightly.
"I'll accompany you, Hyoren."
Elise watched the exchange with a satisfied smile.
"Oh yeah, Hyoren… I already updated our party's bank account."
She looked at Hyoren.
"Ina now has access to it as well. We decided the two of us would act as treasurers."
She glanced toward Ina.
"I'll handle mostly adventuring expenses, and Ina will handle household expenses."
She tucked another strand of silver hair behind her pointed ear again.
"But both of us can make large purchases with our guild cards regardless of the type of expense. So you don't need to worry about buying things without me."
Ina nodded.
"I also transferred some of my savings into the party account."
She smiled softly.
"Because we're family now."
Hyoren nodded in understanding.
"That certainly makes things easier."
He smiled.
"Okay then. Our plan for today is settled."
He turned toward Lena and Vina. His dark eyes moved to the Fox-clan mother and daughter.
"We'll leave the house to you two again."
The fox beastkin mother and daughter both nodded before giving small bows.
"Leave it to us."
Hyoren looked around the table once more.
The peaceful morning, the familiar faces around him, and the warm breakfast before him—all of it made the house feel truly alive. The sounds of conversation and laughter and cutlery against plates, the smell of coffee and freshly cooked food, the sight of people he cared about gathered together around a shared meal.
"Let's finish breakfast. Then we'll depart."
***
They quickly finished preparing and left the mansion together.
The crisp winter air greeted them as they stepped outside. The four of them walked side by side through Wyvern Street, leaving behind their quiet home.
The entertainment district was as lively as ever.
Despite the morning hour, the street had already awakened. Music drifted from nearby taverns, while laughter and cheerful greetings echoed from the brothels lining both sides of the road. Beautiful escorts—both female and male—stood outside with welcoming smiles, inviting customers as they passed.
After leaving Wyvern Street behind, they reached the intersection where they would part ways.
Elise turned toward Hyoren and Ina.
“Okay, Hyoren… Me and Jackey will head to Jena's shop now.”
She glanced between the two of them before her smile became slightly more playful.
“You and Ina... have fun.”
Jackey immediately waved both hands. His tabby cat tail spiraled excitedly behind him. He could hardly wait to buy new armor.
Or perhaps—he was looking forward even more to what would come afterward.
“Yes!”
He grinned from ear to ear.
“Have fun, Big Sis! Big Bro!”
His eyes wandered toward the entertainment district behind them.
Rows of beautiful escorts still stood along Wyvern Street, greeting every passerby with charming smiles.
Jackey's grin widened even further.
“Because I will have fun too! WOHOO!”
Everyone burst into laughter again.
Hyoren shook his head with an amused smile. He then gave them a small wave.
“Okay Jackey… just remember to not blww all of your savings. And Elise… Take care and enjoy your time with Jena. See you again at dinner.”
Elise nodded.
“You two, see you later.”
She and Jackey waved one last time before turning around.
Soon, the two of them disappeared into the crowd of adventurers moving through the district. The flow of people seemed to swallow them effortlessly.
Even though many adventurers had already relocated to Dungeon Town, the Adventurer's District remained busy enough that they quickly blended into the flow of people. The district had served as the center of adventuring activity in Akela for years, and the establishment of a new frontier town had not yet diminished its importance.
Hyoren quietly watched them disappear before turning toward Ina.
“Let's go, Ina?”
Ina's ears immediately perked.
Without hesitation, she slipped both hands around Hyoren's arm. Her fingers closed around his sleeve with the confident gesture.
“Let's go.”
She looked up at him with a bright smile.
“To our first date.”
A soft giggle escaped her lips.
Her cat tail swayed happily before lightly wrapping around one of Hyoren's legs for just a moment. The contact was brief but deliberate, the appendage creating a gentle pressure against his calf.
Hyoren scratched his cheek awkwardly. A faint blush crept onto his face.
“Date, huh.. Well... I guess that's technically correct.”
He looked at the road ahead.
“Even if we're mostly buying things for the party.”
Ina simply smiled. To her, that didn't matter. The distinction between a date and a practical errand was irrelevant when the essential element—spending time alone with Hyoren—was present regardless of how the activity was characterized.
Walking together like this was already enough for her.
The two of them continued walking side by side through the lively streets. Their footsteps fell into a natural rhythm as they navigated the crowds that filled the thoroughfare, the sound of their passage creating a gentle percussion that seemed almost musical in its consistency.
Their first destination was already decided. Grit & Gear Arms. Borin's blacksmith shop.
***
They entered Borin's shop.
The bell above the door chimed softly as it swung open. Almost immediately, a wave of sweltering heat washed over Hyoren and Ina. The rhythmic sound of metal striking metal echoed throughout the workshop—accompanied by the crackling of the forge and the faint smell of burning charcoal and hot steel.
At the back of the workshop, Borin was hammering a glowing sword resting atop an anvil. The dwarf blacksmith paused mid-swing as he noticed someone entering.
He looked up. A broad smile spread across his bearded face.
“Well, if it isn't the lad.”
He set the hammer aside before picking up the glowing blade with a pair of tongs.
“Come. Come.”
He lowered the red-hot metal into a barrel of quenching liquid. Steam immediately billowed upward, filling the workshop with a sharp hiss before slowly fading away. Only then did Borin wipe his hands on a cloth and walk toward the counter.
Hyoren greeted him with a smile.
“Hey, Borin. I have a few requests for you. I want to buy armor, repair my shield, and sell some loot we got from the dungeon.”
Borin stroked his thick beard thoughtfully.
“Hoo… So you've already started diving into the dungeon and even got some nice loot?”
He chuckled.
“Nice one, lad.”
He leaned comfortably against the counter.
“So then… What can I help you with first?”
His eyes briefly shifted toward Ina. His gaze taking in the way she was still happily holding onto Hyoren's arm.
By now, the story of the "man-eater" Vice Guild Master settling down with Hyoren had spread throughout Akela. The tale had traveled through the city with the speed and thoroughness that seemed to characterize all gossip, the narrative having been repeated and embellished in countless taverns and street corners until it had achieved the status of common knowledge.
Ina had always been famous because of her aggressive way of chasing handsome men. Her reputation had been established over years of behavior that had made her both admired and feared throughout the city, the combination of her position as Vice Guild Master and her enthusiastic pursuit of romantic conquests having created a persona that was larger than life.
Then suddenly—she settled down after some mysterious duel.
The transformation had been so abrupt and unexpected that many had initially refused to believe it, the notion that the infamous man-eater had abandoned her ways seeming too extraordinary to be true. Naturally, the entire city had been talking about it. The gossip had spread through every district and every social circle, the story of Ina's sudden reformation becoming the subject of countless conversations and speculations about what kind of man could have accomplished what so many before him had failed to achieve.
Borin silently smiled to himself but chose not to comment.
Hyoren opened his storage bag.
“Firstly… Our loot from the First Floor Guardian. These two axes.”
Hyoren put the two massive crimson axes. on top of the counter.
Even Borin's eyes lit up slightly. He carefully picked up one of them.
“This is a good axe.”
He slowly examined every inch of the weapon.
His rough fingers traced along the blade before lightly tapping the metal with a fingernail. The clear metallic sound echoed softly through the workshop.
Next, he poured a small amount of Aethell into the weapon. Several faint runic lines hidden within the axe briefly glowed before fading once more.
After examining both weapons for a while, Borin gently laid them back on the counter.
“These are good axes.”
He nodded approvingly.
“Well... it's understandable. Guardian drops are usually good.”
He crossed his arms.
“These two axes are identical. Same metal. Same inscription. They're called Raging Axes. Made from Mithril-alloy. And they carry a Durability Inscription.”
He smiled proudly, clearly appreciating good craftsmanship.
“Unless you strike something ridiculously hard… These beauties won't chip or break… It's a fine weapon for any axe user.”
Hyoren nodded in agreement.
“It's a good axe indeed. But we don't need it.”
Borin looked amused.
“Oh?”
Before he could ask further, Ina explained. Her cat ears perked as she smiled.
“Freedom Party do have an axe user, my brother, Jackey… But he prefers lighter axes because he uses a dual-axe fighting style.”
Hyoren nodded.
“Yeah. We don't need these. How much would you offer if we sold them?”
Borin rubbed his chin while thinking. His rough fingers worked against his beard.
For several seconds, the only sound inside the workshop came from the forge crackling in the background. The silence between them was comfortable rather than awkward.
Finally, he nodded.
“Each one… I can buy it for two million Kres. The appraisal fee is already included. How about it?”
Hyoren briefly looked toward Ina. The glance was quick but meaningful. She quietly nodded. The motion was small but certain. The price was fair.
He looked back at Borin.
“Deal.”
Borin grinned.
“Good.”
He carefully moved the two axes behind the counter.
“So… What's next? You wanted to buy some equipment?”
Hyoren nodded before reaching into his storage bag once again. One by one, he placed his equipment onto the counter.
First came his Steel Kite Shield.
The sturdy shield landed with a dull metallic sound. It was still in good condition overall, but the battle against the Guardian had left its mark. Several scratches covered its surface, while a noticeable dent could be seen near the center where the Goblin Berserker's axe had repeatedly struck.
Next, he took out his Ramtauro leather armor—unlike the shield—the armor had clearly reached its limit. Several cuts ran across the hardened leather, and one side had partially torn open from taking the Guardian's powerful blows.
Hyoren looked at the equipment with a faint smile.
“The First Floor Guardian was no joke.”
He lightly tapped the dented shield.
“I almost couldn't handle it.”
He slid the shield slightly toward Borin.
“Firstly. Could you repair this shield?”
Borin picked it up with both hands.
He slowly turned it around, carefully inspecting every scratch and dent. His thick fingers pressed against the damaged areas while his experienced eyes judged the overall condition.
After a while, he nodded.
“Yes. This only needs a few fixes.”
He placed the shield back onto the counter and tapped one of the dents.
“I'll hammer these back into shape. And polish the scratches.”
He rubbed his beard thoughtfully.
“Give me four days, though. My orders are piling up.”
The dwarf spread both hands.
“Now everyone wants to dive into the dungeon, so every adventurer suddenly wants stronger weapons and sturdier armor…. Hahaha!”
The booming laughter echoed throughout the workshop.
Hyoren smiled. Four days. That meant their rest period might end up being a little longer than originally planned.
That's fine… I guess…
There was no need to rush back into the dungeon.
Beside him, Ina quietly nodded. She seemed to agree as well.
He looked back at Borin.
“Okay then, Borin. Please repair it.”
Borin nodded and set the shield aside.
Hyoren then rested his hand on the worn Ramtauro armor.
“And lastly… I need new armor.”
He tapped the damaged leather. A small smile appeared on his face.
“This armor served me well when I fought as a speedy warrior. But now that I'm acting as the party's tank…”
He shook his head.
“It can't keep up anymore.”
Borin stroked his beard thoughtfully.
“An armor suited for a tank, huh? Okay. Wait a bit...”
The dwarf disappeared into the back room. His short frame vanished through a doorway that seemed almost too small for him.
Judging by the sounds of boxes being moved around and metal clanking together, it was probably his storage room. The noises that emerged from the back room painted a picture of organized chaos.
After a short while, he returned carrying two complete sets of armor. He placed both sets onto the counter. The equipment landed against the wooden surface with a heavy sound.
The first immediately drew Hyoren's attention.
A complete suit of full plate armor. It came with everything. Helmet. Gauntlets. Greaves. Even heavy metal boots. The completeness of the set spoke of a philosophy that prioritized absolute protection over all other considerations, the design suggesting that the wearer would be encased in metal from head to toe with no vulnerability left exposed.
Borin proudly tapped the breastplate.
“This… Mithril-alloy Full Plate Armor.”
He crossed his arms proudly.
“A tank's wet dream! With this beauty, you could even tank an ogre's strike! Twelve million Kres!”
Hyoren's eyebrows twitched slightly.
Even Ina looked at the armor before smiling wryly.
“Borin…”
Hyoren scratched his cheek.
“I definitely won't be buying this.”
The dwarf blinked.
“What? Not even thinking about it??”
His eyes widened.
“Why not?”
He pointed at the armor.
“You said you wanted armor for a tank! This is what every tank dreams of wearing!”
Hyoren couldn't help chuckling.
“Well… Maybe that's true.”
He looked carefully at the heavy armor before shaking his head.
“But my teacher always told me something.”
He smiled faintly as he remembered the lesson.
“A tank has to be both immovable… And mobile at the same time.”
He placed a hand on the breastplate.
“We need to know when to stand our ground… And when to reposition.”
He gently pushed the armor back toward Borin.
“This armor would protect me well. But it'd also slow me down.”
He looked at Borin.
“If I need to quickly cover Elise or intercept an attack heading toward Jackey… I'd be too late.”
Dungeon battles were chaotic—far more chaotic than simple one-on-one duels. Monsters rarely attacked from only one direction.
A tank had to constantly move, adjust positions, and protect the party's backline whenever danger appeared.
For Hyoren—mobility was just as important as defense.
***
Borin smiled broadly before setting the bulky full plate armor aside.
“I see.”
He stroked his thick beard with satisfaction.
“You've really thought it through, lad. So you're not some wannabe tanker. Hahaha.”
Hyoren smiled wryly. It seemed Borin had been testing him.
If he had immediately chosen the heaviest armor simply because it offered the best protection, the dwarf would probably have thought less of him.
Instead, Borin's grin only grew wider. He reached toward the second set of armor and tapped it with his knuckle.
“Then this one is perfect.”
He lifted the armor piece by piece and laid them out across the counter.
“This is Mithril-alloy Chainmail.”
He pointed at the torso piece.
“The chainmail protects your body.”
Then he tapped the reinforced sections.
“A breastplate. Pauldrons. Greaves.”
He spread his hands proudly.
“It offers a good balance between protection and mobility.”
Hyoren picked up the chainmail first.
It was noticeably lighter than the full plate armor. Then he examined each plated section carefully. The breastplate wasn't overly thick. The pauldrons only covered the vital areas of the shoulders. Even the greaves were designed to protect without restricting movement.
He nodded to himself. This was exactly what he had been looking for.
He would rely on his shield to block attacks and his techniques to redirect powerful blows. Heavy armor wasn't supposed to replace those skills.
Armor was there to protect the vital parts of his body whenever an attack slipped through.
The lighter design also meant he could reposition quickly whenever Elise or Jackey needed protection—a necessity during chaotic battles against monsters.
A satisfied smile appeared on his face.
“This is perfect, Borin.”
He looked up.
“How much?”
Borin grinned from ear to ear.
“Five million Kres!”
He pointed toward the Steel Kite Shield resting behind the counter.
“And I'll repair your shield free of charge as a bonus. You've become one hell of a good customer! Hahaha!”
Hyoren smiled.
“I appreciate it, Borin.”
He glanced toward Ina.
Without needing to be asked, Ina took out her guild card and handed it over to Borin.
“We sold the two axes for four million. So we'll only pay one million more.”
Borin accepted the card before placing it onto the guild's payment tool.
The runes engraved around the device glowed softly as Aethell flowed through them. A few moments later, the light faded.
Borin removed the card and handed it back.
“Okay… Payment confirmed. Thanks for the purchase!”
Borin picked up the armor set from the counter.
“Okay now…”
He gestured toward the open space beside the forge.
“Let's fit it.”
Hyoren nodded and walked around the counter.
The heat from the forge became more intense there. The crackling of burning charcoal mixed with the steady ringing of metal being worked somewhere deeper inside the workshop.
Borin picked up the Mithril-alloy chainmail first.
“Raise your arms a little, lad.”
Hyoren did as he was told.
The dwarf slipped the chainmail over Hyoren's torso before beginning to fasten the leather straps one by one.
“This is different from wearing leather armor, lad.”
Borin tightened one of the straps slightly.
“You need to secure it properly.”
He lightly tugged the chainmail, watching how it shifted.
“Otherwise it'll keep scraping your skin.”
Hyoren nodded.
“I see.”
Borin continued working quietly.
Every so often, he stepped back to examine the fit before moving in again to loosen or tighten another strap.
“Hmm...”
He frowned slightly.
“…It's a bit too big.”
He muttered to himself while adjusting another buckle.
After a few more moments, he gestured with one hand.
“Turn around, lad.”
Hyoren turned as instructed.
Borin immediately continued examining the back of the chainmail, gently pulling and repositioning several sections while quietly mumbling to himself.
Only after checking the chainmail from every angle did he reach for the plated pieces resting on the counter.
He picked up the breastplate first and held it against Hyoren's chest—judging how well it lined up with the chainmail beneath.
Next came the pauldrons, followed by the greaves. Finally, Borin picked up several smaller armor pieces.
One by one, he held them against Hyoren's body before loosely fastening them into place. His rough hands worked methodically—adjusting the leather straps here and there while carefully judging how each piece sat against the chainmail.
He stepped back. Then frowned. He stroked his thick beard thoughtfully.
“Hmm...”
His eyes slowly swept over Hyoren from head to toe.
“This is too big for you, lad… I think I need to adjust it.”
He sighed before lightly tapping the breastplate.
“Damn... you're so tall that I brought an armor made for someone your height.”
He shook his head.
“But you're not as muscular as the usual warriors built like you. So many places need adjusting.”
Hyoren nodded in understanding.
“I see… I used to fight as a speedy warrior, so my build stayed on the lean side.”
He scratched his cheek.
“And honestly… I don't think I'll ever purposely bulk up.”
Ina—who had been quietly watching from the other side of the counter—suddenly joined the conversation.
She smiled mischievously.
“Yep.”
Her amber eyes slowly wandered over Hyoren.
“Hyoren is lean.”
She licked her lips slightly—and for just a brief moment—her expression almost returned to the predatory one she used to wear before they became lovers.
“I always thought he was more muscular…”
She giggled.
“But those armor and tunics were hiding all the nice things.”
A playful smile spread across her face.
“My favorite. So keep it up, okay?”
She giggled again. Her cat ears perked happily while her tail swished energetically behind her.
Hyoren immediately flushed.
“Ina…”
He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, unable to meet her eyes.
Ina only laughed again—not the slightest bit remorseful.
Borin deliberately looked away before letting out an exaggerated cough.
“Ahem.”
He pretended not to have heard anything.
“Considering my current orders...”
He pointed toward Hyoren's shield resting nearby.
“Your shield still needs repairing.”
Then he lightly tapped the armor pieces still attached to Hyoren.
“And this armor needs quite a bit of adjustment.”
He crossed his arms. After thinking for a few moments, he finally nodded.
“Five days… At minimum, if I work as hard as I can.”
Hyoren quietly considered it. One more day than before. Still—that wasn't a problem.
“I see. One more day, huh… Well... that's fine.”
He glanced briefly toward Ina—the predatory look from earlier had already disappeared. She simply smiled and nodded.
“You guys deserve the rest.”
Her voice was gentle.
“And the dungeon isn't going anywhere.”
Hyoren chuckled softly before looking back at Borin.
“Okay, Borin. Five days it is.”
Borin grinned.
“Good!”
He nodded confidently.
“I'll prioritize yours once I finish the orders already waiting.”
He then began removing the armor piece by piece. First the smaller plates. Then the breastplate. The pauldrons. The greaves.
Finally, he carefully lifted the chainmail from Hyoren's shoulders.
Once Hyoren had changed back into his clothes, he walked around the counter again.
He looked at Borin and smiled.
“Thank you, Borin. I'll come back in five days to pick up both my shield and armor.”
He gave the dwarf a respectful nod.
“See you later.”
Borin casually waved one hand.
“Thanks for the purchase!”
A broad smile spread beneath his beard.
“See you, lad!”
Hyoren and Ina turned toward the exit.
The bell above the door chimed softly as they stepped outside.
The sweltering heat of the forge immediately disappeared behind them—replaced by the crisp, chilly winter air of the Adventurer's District.
Hyoren instinctively took a slow breath.
The cool air felt refreshing after spending so much time inside the blazing blacksmith shop.