Soft amber light from wall-mounted sconces cast a warm glow across the chamber.
Despite the stone walls and high ceilings, the upper church lounge carried an unexpected coziness. A round table stood in the center, adorned with modest plates of smoked meat, soft bread, and a large glass bottle of deep crimson liquid—Soma wine, unmistakable by its rich hue and glimmering aftershade.
Hephaestus poured a small amount into three glasses, her eye catching the flicker of the drink as she moved with casual precision. She didn't look at Luthar or Liliruca as she filled the goblets—she already knew.
"I poured for four," she said simply, sliding the glasses across the table. "But it looks like you haven't even touched it."
Luthar stood apart, adjusting his marks. "I do not like alcohol."
Liliruca, sitting with her arms crossed, gave a small scoff. "And I don't care if it's the best drink in the city. I'd rather drink machine oil than this thing."
Tsubaki, seated comfortably with her legs kicked up on the low bench, gave a hearty laugh and grabbed her glass. "More for me, then!"
Hephaestus took a small sip, his eyes briefly closing. "I still don't know why Soma insists on perfecting his brew like it's divine alchemy."
Luthar did not make any comment, as that might dampen their mood.
Tsubaki raised her glass toward him with a grin. "You're missing the fun."
The room was humming with a casual atmosphere and soft laughter—the occasional clink of metal utensils against ceramic. Liliruca shifted in her seat, glancing toward the window where the city lights flickered faintly through the dusk.
Then came a notification of someone's arrival at the gate.
Hephaestus looked at the notification as she realized who had come.
She left the room and made her way to the entrance, unfastening the outer latch with a metallic clank. The door creaked open to reveal a familiar shock of red hair and an unmistakably smug grin.
"Evening," Loki drawled. "Am I late to the pity party, or is this still the pre-drink awkward phase?"
Hephaestus muttered, already stepping aside, "One more word of nonsense and I won't give you anything to drink."
Loki slipped inside without hesitation, hands behind her head. As she arrived in the room, her eyes swept across the space—landing on Luthar first, then Liliruca, and finally Tsubaki with her second glass already half-drained.
"Oh-ho. I see we're already breaking ranks. Mind if I crash this little bonding session?"
Hephaestus waved irritably, "Sit down and keep the chaos to a minimum."
Loki's grin widened as she flopped into the empty chair.
"Mr. Luthar, you've created quite a commotion outside. I heard you defeated the monster. It's really too bad we couldn't purchase your weapon, and from the stories, I can assume those weapons are going to be more expensive."
Hephaestus entered the room and said, "He's not selling those weapons. They might be able to harm him."
Loki leaned forward, her grin sharpening like a blade behind a veil of mirth.
"Oh? Might harm him?" she echoed with a mock surprise, arching a brow at Hephaestus. "That's an interesting choice of words. Sounds like the weapons he's not selling could actually scratch him—unless, of course, you're just hoping they won't."
Her gaze shifted to Luthar, her grin turning sly. "So, are you planning to abduct this rising star? Keep him tucked away before you might end up going back to being... irrelevant."
Hephaestus narrowed her eyes, her lips pressing into a thin, unamused line. "You don't need to worry about my bankruptcy, Loki."
"Oh?" Loki tilted her head with mock innocence. "So what is it then? Did he join your Familia? Or is there something between you two I should know about?"
Luthar, still standing by the window, didn't turn. His voice cut through the room—flat and iron-bound.
"Whether those weapons can or cannot harm me is irrelevant. I'm not selling them. That's all. And whatever is between me and Hephaestus has nothing to do with you."
Loki leaned back with a shrug, swirling her glass as though unbothered. "Don't be so grumpy. I'm just here to drink... and maybe learn a few things. Like last time."
Hephaestus exhaled, rubbing her temple with restrained irritation. "Then start drinking. You might even find a way to enjoy it instead of interrogating Luthar."
Loki raised her glass in a lazy toast. "Cheers to quiet drinks and the new rising star."
As the drinking continued, Liliruca stood quietly, her eyes resting on the half-full glass in front of her. The scent of Soma wine had lingered too long. She pushed the drink aside with a stiff hand and stood from her chair.
"I'll step out for some air," she muttered, voice tight. "This stuff... it reminds me of things I'd rather forget."
No one stopped her. The soft thud of her boots faded into the hallway.
Tsubaki, already leaning for another drink, let out a satisfied groan and leaned back with a grin. "Lightweights... all of you."
Loki chuckled, cradling glass in one hand and slouching further in her chair. "Don't worry, I'll stay and keep you company. Who knows, I might even get drunk." She gave a theatrical hiccup and a lazy wink—but the sharpness in her eyes never dulled.
Tsubaki rolled her eyes and poured another helping before she, too, began to slump, the heat of the drink and day finally catching up.
Hephaestus remained standing. Her gaze found Luthar, still by the window, as if anchored by thought rather than presence.
"So," she asked quietly, "what are you planning next?"
Luthar glanced sideways, his expression unreadable. "Planning to work on a communication device. We are quite lacking in that area. And maybe get another workshop for manufacturing some basic items."
Hephaestus tilted her head. "You want to build a network?" As she had started reading the books Luthar gave her, she understood the meaning of a communication device.
"Something like that," Luthar replied. "A simpler device. Portable. Durable. A way for people to talk instantly from long distances."
Even Loki's eyes fluttered open slightly, one eyebrow twitching despite her supposed inebriation.
Hephaestus nodded slowly, her tone thoughtful. "That would be... great. We could make lots of money."
A moment of quiet passed between them in the room.