Inner Voice: All Heroines Hear My Inner Voice Chapter 943: Hephaestus’ gratitude and Freya’s jealousy

For a moment, Hephaestus found herself doubting what she had just heard.

It was true that she had been informed by Hestia that Eiji possessed the ability to wield divine powers within the lower realm, distinguishing him from the other deities in their world.

However, this was the very first time she had learned of Eiji having a divine affinity for healing!

"Eiji, you're not jesting, are you?"

"I assure you, I am not."

"Did Hestia also apprise you of the imperfection in one of my eyes? Do you have any inkling how many gods in the heavens have attempted to mend it, only to fail? This eye of mine is a permanent flaw, an aesthetic curse that even the might of Arcanum cannot influence. If they are incapable, I highly doubt you... you need not trouble yourself with assisting me on this matter, Eiji. Regardless of this, our business dealings would still proceed."

Hephaestus uttered these words with a tinge of bitterness. She had indeed sought the aid of deities renowned for their prowess in curing ailments and breaking curses, yet none succeeded in restoring her sight.

She wished to avoid the false comfort of hope, having long since resigned herself to her fate.

She hoped Eiji would comprehend her predicament.

Yet, the words echoing within his inner voice caused her heart to flutter.

[Poor Hephaestus. She is undeniably a goddess of considerable beauty and possesses a fine physique. However, due to the defect in her right eye, she has developed insecurities regarding her appearance, and after numerous lesser deities failed to heal her, she lost all hope.]

[She even harbors doubts about the capabilities of a Hegemony God like myself in resolving her minor issue. How can I instill belief in my power within her?]

The inner voice evidently excluded Hestia from its audience. Eiji had likely sensed her arrival and intended to create a pleasant surprise.

Based on Eiji's pronouncements, he seemed exceedingly assured of his abilities. Hephaestus possessed no concrete knowledge of a Hegemony God's true strength, but the fact that Eiji himself acknowledged her beauty resonated deeply within him.

This sentiment evoked both embarrassment and a sense of being moved.

If it were Eiji... might it truly be possible to heal her afflicted eye?

A flicker of hope ignited within Hephaestus's heart. However, before their discussion could progress further, the door to her office swung open, revealing Hestia's entrance.

Hestia stood momentarily stunned, her gaze fixed upon the pair, her mouth agape.

Returning to the present moment.

"What sort of implication are you suggesting? Hestia, my connection with Hephaestus has not yet evolved to such a stage. We have only just become acquainted mere moments ago."

This was Eiji's response, spoken immediately after Hestia inquired about their activities.

Hephaestus refrained from questioning the underlying meaning of Eiji's statement regarding their relationship's current level.

Could it imply that he envisioned their relationship reaching such a point in the future?

Unbeknownst to herself, a faint blush colored her cheeks.

"Really? Yet, the expression on Hephaestus's face appears rather suspect at this moment," Hestia remarked, resting her chin on her hand.

She adopted the posture of a detective scrutinizing two individuals under suspicion.

"Suspicious? Hestia, instead of spouting such baseless remarks...! Tell me, what brings you here? I recall it's your day off; you shouldn't have come to this location."

Hephaestus managed to compose her features, reverting to her usual serious demeanor. Hestia's commanding presence visibly diminished, and she crossed her arms defensively before retorting, "Is it truly so wrong for me to visit my dearest friend on my day off? I merely intended to stop by for a brief social call. But I hadn't anticipated... Eiji being present as well, and the two of you conversing while holding hands over business matters."

A subtle undercurrent of jealousy tinged her words.

Hephaestus noted this shift.

’Hestia, don’t tell me you... What about your familia member, Bell? You were utterly devoted to him previously, but now? Have your affections shifted!’

She mused internally, a hint of exasperation coloring her thoughts.

Eiji found himself relishing the developing discord between the two women, feeling as though he were ensnared in a Shura Field.

What exactly constitutes a Shura Field?

It is a term originating from specific fictional narratives, describing a scenario where a protagonist is caught amidst a conflict between two heroines vying for his attention.

[Uh... Host, they are not precisely fighting over you.]

’They are certainly engaging in some level of contention.’

[Whatever.]

Miss System resigned herself to the futility of curbing her host's self-centered perception.

Eiji paused for a moment before stating, "We were indeed discussing business matters and... I also extended an offer to assist in healing one of Hephaestus's eyes."

"Ehh!? Eiji, you possess the ability to heal Hephaestus's eye? How certain are you of your capability to achieve this!?" Hestia inquired, her expression a picture of adorable surprise.

At that precise juncture, Hephaestus experienced a moment of clarity, realizing her prior assumption had been mistaken. It was not Hestia who had informed Eiji of her ocular ailment, but rather he had acquired this knowledge from an alternative source.

Could this be related to what he frequently referred to as the 'original work'?

"One hundred percent." Eiji confidently declared, raising a single finger. His demeanor exuded unwavering self-assurance.

Hestia immediately turned her attention to her closest companion. "Hephaestus, what are you delaying for? Quickly, accept Eiji's generous offer! I have complete faith in him!"

She was acutely aware of the intricate nature of Hephaestus's eye condition and had always felt a sense of inadequacy due to it.

Should Eiji prove capable of truly curing Hephaestus, Hestia would be overjoyed for her friend.

"Even you are urging me, Hestia? It seems I have little choice but to accept."

Hephaestus let out a sigh and cast a glance back at the sole man in the room, her hand moving to touch the patch over her right eye. "Go ahead, Eiji. But brace yourself for what you're about to see."

The true reason for her earlier, unyielding refusal was her deep reluctance to expose her damaged right eye. She harbored a profound fear of Eiji's reaction, specifically the disgust she anticipated witnessing. With Hestia present, she'd hoped his response might be tempered by a semblance of restraint.

"..." Eiji offered no verbal reply to Hephaestus, his gaze fixed impassively on her uncovered right eye. His expression held neither disgust nor any hint of admiration. He certainly wouldn't utter the words, "Hephaestus, your eyes are so cool," as some protagonists were wont to do in similar predicaments. In his past life, he'd invariably rolled his eyes at such scenes during his reading.

He believed those characters were outright liars, and Hephaestus' subsequent reactions, which he found overly performative, only fueled his annoyance.

How could anyone possibly describe red-tinged eyes, surrounded by prominent veins, marred by black wrinkles and sores, which conjured an image far more horrifying than Ghoul eyes, as cool or beautiful?

Any woman in Hephaestus' predicament would undoubtedly be devastated, and many might even contemplate ending their lives. Instead of offering mere words, Eiji immediately invoked the most potent healing magic at his disposal, stemming from one of Anos' healing incantations. He simply extended his hand, his palm radiating a gentle, warm golden light-energy that felt both unfamiliar and profoundly pure.

As his hand made contact with Hephaestus' face, the Goddess experienced a soothing coolness she hadn't felt in millennia. The wrinkles and scarred tissue surrounding her eye sockets began to recede, and the dead cells were revitalized. Hephaestus' eyes widened in disbelief as her right side, once shrouded in darkness, started to perceive the ambient light.

"This... this is impossible," Hephaestus stammered, her voice trembling.

Hestia, standing nearby, brought a hand to her mouth, her beautiful face alight with admiration. Eiji was truly remarkable!

"It is done. Are you experiencing any discomfort, Hephaestus?" Eiji inquired.

"I... No, my right eye's vision is functioning as well as my left. The slight itching and stinging sensation I've endured for thousands of years has vanished!"

Hephaestus rose and hurried to the silver mirror positioned in the corner of the room. Gazing at her reflection, she beheld her eyes, now whole, beautiful, and luminous. This perfection surprised her, a woman who had always felt lacking in feminine charm.

'Beautiful... Is this truly me?' Her nose began to sting, and despite her efforts to hold back tears, they began to fall. She covered her eyes with both hands, too embarrassed to turn back around immediately.

The sounds of the Goddess of Smithing's sobs echoed clearly within the room. Eiji, momentarily speechless, settled back onto the sofa, leaning casually against its cushions. He briefly considered requesting a cup of tea but wisely refrained, deeming the situation inappropriate.

He found solace in observing Hephaestus' newly elevated positive level, which had surged past 75.

[Hephaestus’ positive level on the Harem King: 41 --> 99 (Gratitude + Love + Slightly infatuated/Nearly crossing the line into being a yandere)]

[Hestia’s positive level on the Harem King: 64 --> 74 (Gratitude + Feeling Much Owed + Almost Falling in Love Because She’s Still Keeping Another Man in Her Heart)]

'Is this a new feature, Leme?'

[Leme adds more descriptions when she feels like it.]

'Hmm... Good, now I have a clearer understanding of Hephaestus' and Hestia's specific feelings towards me.'

In essence, his 'love operation' had proven successful! Picturing Demeter, Hephaestus, and even Hestia embracing him in his sleep, Eiji struggled to suppress a wide grin.

"Hephaestus... Congratulations! Your eyes are restored to their former glory!" Hestia exclaimed, her own eyes brimming with tears. She was genuinely overjoyed and deeply moved that the congenital defect afflicting her dearest friend had finally been healed.

From this day forward, the gods and goddesses who chanced to see Hephaestus' right eye would undoubtedly be taken aback, not by disgust, but by its captivating allure. Hestia found herself excited at the mere thought of their reactions. More importantly, she turned her gaze to Eiji, making sure to express her gratitude, "It's all thanks to you, Eiji. Thank you so very much! I'm also grateful for the assistance your Familia members provided to Bell and his party in the dungeon yesterday."

She leaned forward, her ample bosom swaying slightly. Eiji could sense, and even 'see,' the genuine sincerity in her words; she was undoubtedly worthy of becoming one of his future wives.

"You are most welcome. However, Hestia, is a simple thank you all I receive?"

[A major villain finally reveals his true colors!]

System, you've misunderstood. And really, since when do villains have 'fangs'? Do you take me for a dog? The System offered no reply.

Upon hearing Eiji's words, Hestia was taken aback, her face lifting in bewilderment. "Ehh... That... I wanted to give you something as a thank you, but Eiji... I’m a poor goddess, I don’t have much money!"

Reflecting on her financial straits and the debt she owed Hephaestus, Hestia felt a pang of dejection.

Eiji responded with a smile, "Just kidding. Hestia, your gratitude is more than enough for me."

[Although, honestly, I’d love a kiss, and a romantic entanglement with goddesses as stunning as yourself and Hephaestus, Hestia.]

"!!!"

The stark contrast between this man’s inner thoughts and his spoken words was astonishing.

Meanwhile, Asfi, Ais, Riveria, Lefiya, Shakti, Demeter, and the other women present remained in silent contemplation.

Both Hestia and even Hephaestus found themselves blushing. The latter, having finished her tears, began to ponder her next move...

She turned to face Eiji, her gaze now holding a gentle luminescence, distinctly different from before—the look of a woman captivated by the man she adored.

After all, Eiji was the one who had mended her flaw, a feat no other deity could accomplish.

Such a man naturally stirred a rapid beat in her heart, making it difficult not to harbor such affections. His exceptionally handsome countenance only compounded the effect, leaving her feeling rather infatuated.

As for Hestia? She was utterly bewildered, at a loss for words!

"Eiji, thank you so very much. The assistance you provided me was of such immense magnitude that I..." Before her closest friend, Hestia, Hephaestus shyly declared, "I can likely only repay your profound kindness with absolutely everything I possess. Whatever your heart desires, I shall grant it, provided it is within my capacity."

She placed a hand over her chest as she spoke, her eyes still slightly red from her earlier tears. Yet, without her congenital defect... her gaze alone held the power to make countless men falter, feeling as though they were being ardently seduced by the Goddess of the Forge herself.

Eiji was no exception.

"Hephaestus, you..." Hestia never anticipated her dearest friend would go to such lengths to reciprocate Eiji's benevolence.

She failed to grasp that this was Hephaestus's way of offering herself as one of his consorts!

Eiji, naturally, understood the implication. He wasn't an oblivious protagonist. However, with Hestia present, he couldn't openly express his desires at least not until she genuinely fell for him.

"Anything? Could it be more than one?"

[That seems rather direct, Host.]

Miss System remained silent.

"Of course, as long as that is your wish... I—Hephaestus—would not object." Hephaestus narrowed her eyes playfully.

Eiji chuckled, rubbing his nose.

Hestia glanced between the two, a question mark hovering above her head. Was it her imagination, or did the atmosphere in the room feel a touch… ambiguous?

"For the moment, let us focus on the business that brought me here."

Eiji harbored no immediate intention of consummating his relationship with Hephaestus.

Hephaestus, understanding his intent, settled back beside him and inquired with genuine enthusiasm, "I recall you mentioning it earlier. What business is it? My familia will undoubtedly offer you our unwavering support and the very best assistance."

"I'll go make some tea for everyone!" Hestia promptly volunteered, resuming her role as Hephaestus's attendant to work off her debt.

This also served as a convenient pretext to remain present and discreetly overhear their conversation.

"I'm pleased to hear that," Eiji replied, proceeding to explain his request for the Hephaestus Familia to sponsor the Seiya Familia. In return, his own familia would yield fifty percent of all dropped items, such as magic stones and the like, obtained from the dungeons.

Of course, this was merely a strategic maneuver. His true aim was to increase the visibility of his association with Hephaestus throughout Orario.

He desired to make a statement.

Initially, this plan was also part of his strategy to court Hephaestus. However, healing her eye had proven far more effective than anticipated.

Hephaestus accepted without hesitation, delightedly agreeing and even proposing a uniquely favorable contract that placed her own familia at a slight disadvantage.

Sipping the tea Hestia had prepared, Eiji continued, "Furthermore, I wish to borrow your workshop, Hephaestus."

"Borrow my workshop? I don't mind at all, but for what purpose?" Hephaestus inquired, her curiosity piqued.

Hestia shared the sentiment.

Neither of them anticipated Eiji's response: "To craft equipment for the members of my familia."

"Crafting equipment!?"

"Wait, Eiji... You possess such skills as well? Are you a Blacksmith God!?"

Hestia and Hephaestus exclaimed in unison.

Eiji offered a slight smile, replying, "I am not precisely a Blacksmith God; I am merely 'somewhat' adept at it."

He was, in fact, being incredibly modest.

Miss System rolled her eyes. Her host clearly intended to boast! He yearned to showcase his legendary blacksmithing prowess!

And perhaps, to prompt the citizens of Orario to remark: "Hey, have you heard of God Eiji? He's... blah blah blah, absolutely incredible!"

Anyone familiar with the 'Overgeared' series would likely grasp the sentiment immediately.

...

Meanwhile, on the other side.

Seated upon her throne, clutching a wine glass, the Goddess of Beauty, Freya, beamed with pride as she absorbed the latest intel on Eiji. News of his allegiance to the Ganesha Familia, his recent triumph at their event, and his notorious alias, Executor, all seemed to reflect her own glory.

"He is indeed worthy of the man who captured my attention," she mused aloud. "I do wonder, however, how a god like him wields such casual power in the lower world?"

While many in Orario mistook Eiji for an adventurer of exceptionally high standing, Freya was not deceived. She knew, with certainty, that he was a god. Eiji himself had confirmed this when he encountered Syr at the Hostess of Fertility.

What Freya remained unaware of, however, was that Eiji was a deity from a different universe entirely.

"Ottar, what sort of power does he possess?"

Ottar offered a regretful reply, "Freya-sama, I must apologize. While I've heard the reports, I did not witness Eiji's battle in the Colosseum against the adventurers firsthand." He feared disappointing his goddess and continued, "However, according to those who did witness the fight, Eiji emanated an aura resembling black mist. Merely releasing this aura caused onlookers to feel drained and weak. Every adventurer who faced him as an opponent was struck down, either by wounds or complete exhaustion of their energy."

"Furthermore, he demonstrated the ability to shroud the entire sky above the arena with his powers. Many described the spectacle as deeply terrifying. As a mage, Eiji is also rumored to cast spells without incantation."

Freya let out a seductive chuckle, her amusement evident. "Fufu. Not only his appearance but his power is also utterly intriguing. Is there any further news regarding him?"

Ottar hesitated for a moment before divulging, "There is, Freya-sama."

"Oh? Do tell." Freya’s mood brightened considerably, her desire to claim Eiji growing stronger with each passing moment.

She remained undeterred, even knowing Eiji's unique ability to utilize Arcanum freely in the mortal realm, unlike other gods who were restricted.

Yet, what Ottar revealed next caused her smile to falter and freeze.

"A rumor has surfaced that after Eiji's victory in the Ganesha Familia event, he was seen with Goddess Demeter. Many speculate they are romantically involved. Witnesses even reported seeing the two embracing before they proceeded towards the Wheat Manor."

"Demeter? It seems she and Eiji share a close relationship." Freya’s smile vanished, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. A growing unease settled within her, and she inquired, "How long has Eiji been staying at Wheat Manor?"

"According to our informants guarding the vicinity, they appeared extremely comfortable with each other. Considering how Goddess Demeter was holding Eiji... it's highly probable they did more than just share a meal. It's believed they spent the night together there." Ottar and the other Freya Familia members tasked with observing Eiji were unaware that he had teleported directly to his familia's doorstep shortly after sunset, bypassing the need to depart Wheat Manor.

Following Ottar's statement, an unnerving silence descended upon the room. Freya's formerly gentle demeanor shifted, replaced by an intensely cold aura.

"Demeter... that infernal wheat woman dares to lay claim to something I already covet? I refuse to believe she and Eiji spent hours under the same roof without...