What, Did They Take Gunpowder?

Tsubaki's tone and attitude were practically like those of a different person, filled with a fervor that made onlookers wary.

"What are you trying to do?"

Almost instinctively, Leo pressed a hand over Starlight at his waist and watched Tsubaki with a guarded expression.

The way Tsubaki was acting right now made him seriously suspect that she intended to steal his beloved sword.

Yet Tsubaki herself seemed utterly unaware of her behavior and continued speaking excitedly.

"I merely want one look! Just one look!" As Tsubaki approached Leo, she spoke in such excitement that her words nearly became incoherent. "I can already smell it! This is the scent of forging craftsmanship that may even surpass my own! This strong scent of iron and scorching aura of flame... only a creation approaching perfection could give off such a presence!"

What kind of bizarre descriptions were those?

Leo did not understand, but he more or less got it. Orario's greatest smith had likely noticed something about Starlight through her keen eye, realized that this sword was extraordinary, and become so excited as a result.

"No... could you calm down first?" Leo took several more steps back, his eyelid twitching. "Looking at how crazed you are, it's hard for me to feel safe letting you examine Starlight."

It was not that Leo was stingy, nor was he reluctant to share. Tsubaki's current appearance was genuinely unsettling, even less trustworthy than the shady merchants in Rivira Town. The desire in her eyes was practically overflowing, making it hard for Leo to believe that she was not planning to seize the personal weapon he had worked so hard to obtain.

"Oh, don't worry. I'm the captain of the Hephaestus Familia. It's not like I'd really snatch your weapon, right?" Tsubaki said anxiously. "Let me have