Adam's statement stunned everyone into silence.
Beatrice's face flushed crimson as she sputtered, "W-w-what! What are you saying, Adam!"
She loved him. She had fallen for this contractor who had freed her from her cage and broken her ancient bindings.
Adam felt the same way. His declaration that she was his one and only (Spirit) wasn't mere empty words. She could feel the depth of his love.
They loved each other, but she lacked the courage to admit it before everyone.
True to her nature, she tried to hide her flustered state, but her blushing cheeks betrayed her true feelings.
Her face radiated secret joy.
Adam clutched his chest dramatically, "Could it be... could it be that Betty doesn't actually like me? Am I being presumptuous?"
He looked utterly heartbroken.
It was all an act — a ploy to make her nervous enough to express her feelings openly.
His plan worked perfectly. Seeing his dejected expression, Beatrice cried out frantically:
"That's not true! I don't dislike Adam at all! If... if Adam wants to, I would... I would have children with Adam!" Her voice grew fainter with each word until, overwhelmed with embarrassment, she buried her face against his waist.
The great Spirit was too mortified to face anyone.
Adam embraced her gently, "Yes, Betty worked hard to express her feelings. I'm very happy."
She remained silent, only tightening her arms around his waist as the atmosphere grew tender between them.
Everyone had anticipated this. After all, in both rumors and hero tales, Spirits who contract with Heroes invariably end up together.
Beatrice's feelings for Adam were clear as day — their union seemed to follow an ancient pattern.
The surprise came when, faced with Ais's question, he expressed his feelings so boldly, without a hint of subtlety.
"Oh, you've got potential, kid. I approve." Loki said, who, as a God of Mischief, delighted in such matters.
Plus there was Freya to consider. What expression would that boy-crazy Goddess make when she learned her favored child had been claimed by a little Spirit first?
It was something to look forward to.
But then she realized she was the third wheel. Freya's expression would surely be spectacular.
Loki's pleased expression suddenly turned sour.
She remembered her promise to Adam — if Freya went berserk, wouldn't she be the one who had to restrain her?!
Her mood darkened instantly. The more she dwelled on it, the angrier she became — she had to leave!
After considering her options, Loki decided to depart quickly and prepare her Familia members for Freya Familia's inevitable assault.
Adam and Beatrice's union was now inevitable. That being the case, she needed to focus on how to calm that love-struck goddess.
"I'm going to see Hephaestus now." Loki took three ore stones from her, "About your weapon, I'll arrange it as soon as possible."
"Mm, thank you, Loki." At the mention of official business — especially about her weapon — Ais's eyes lit up brilliantly.
Seeing this new side of Ais made Loki feel a twinge of jealousy, but it only increased her desire to discover more of her idol's expressions.
Loki's face turned lecherous, her fingers twitching eagerly, "Ais, if I succeed, then—"
Ais's immediate refusal crushed Loki's hopes completely.
The next second, her hopes lifted when Ais said, "However, if it's just a simple hug, that wouldn't be impossible."
For a divine weapon, even the usually reserved Ais was willing to compromise!
This left Loki with conflicting emotions.
"Alright, it's a deal!" She smiled again. Before leaving, Loki warned Hestia, "Hey, shorty, don't you dare let anyone have designs on Ais! She's my most important child, you hear!"
She knew Ais was interested in Bell, and Bell admired Ais even more. The thought of something developing between them during her absence worried her deeply.
Yet she couldn't prevent Ais from staying to learn swordsmanship. Her only option was to threaten Hestia to watch over her Familia members.
This only served to annoy Hestia more.
"You're the one who should keep your child from seducing Bell!"
Hestia knew of Bell's strong feelings for Ais. Unable to prevent their interactions, she felt increasingly anxious.
Faced with her rival's sharp words, she had no choice but to retaliate.
Ironically, both competing High Gods now found themselves sharing the same concerns, with no clear solution in sight.
"Tch." Loki clicked her tongue and stormed off angrily.
However, her departure didn't affect the others.
Adam turned to the eager Ais beside him, "Well then, shall we begin the sword technique training?"
"Yes, please teach me."
"Regarding Breathing Techniques, there are many types with different attributes, each with its own focus and development direction. From my observation, the breathing attribute most suitable for Miss Sword Princess is wind."
"Wind?" Ais asked, puzzled.
"That's right. Your talent, magic, and sword techniques are all wind-related." Adam paused, "So Wind Breathing should suit you well."
"Is that so? Then please guide me in learning Wind Breathing." Ais bowed humbly as a student.
"Yes, regarding Breathing Techniques, you need to know..."
Under everyone's supervision, Adam began teaching the Breathing Technique.
Living up to her name as the Sword Princess, Ais's talent in swordsmanship was truly exceptional.
In just three days, she had mastered Wind Breathing with remarkable skill.
Though she couldn't yet maintain the Breathing Technique continuously, Adam estimated she would achieve this in merely seven more days.
Her talent, it seemed, surpassed even that of Giyū Tomioka himself!
During training sessions, Bell watched from the sidelines. Yet his gaze never followed Adam's elegant swordplay — instead, it remained fixed on Ais, causing even the normally stoic Sword Princess to blush faintly.
Day after day passed in this manner.
Until an incident stirred the seemingly peaceful waters once more.
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