10. Day off

Orario – Morning

The sun shone brightly over Orario, its golden rays casting a warm glow over the bustling streets. The smell of freshly baked bread, sizzling skewers, and fragrant spices filled the air as merchants called out to passing customers.

Yet, despite the lively atmosphere, Orcbolg remained unchanged.

Fully armored. Helmet on. Silent.

Hestia sighed as she walked beside him.

"Orcbolg… we're on vacation. Why are you still dressed like you're going to war?" she complained, puffing out her cheeks.

"Necessary," he replied simply.

Hestia groaned, throwing her hands up. "No, it's not! No monsters are going to jump out at you in the middle of Orario!"

He didn't answer.

Hestia glanced at him, her frustration evident. "You're really not going to take it off, huh?"

"...No."

She pouted but didn't push further. She had already learned that arguing with him was pointless.

Exploring Orario

Despite her complaints, the day went on.

Hestia dragged Orcbolg through the marketplace, stopping at various stalls, her eyes lighting up at every trinket, snack, and oddity.

Orcbolg followed silently, occasionally scanning the crowd out of habit. Even in a place free of monsters, he remained watchful.

They visited restaurants, where Hestia gleefully ordered enough food for three people while Orcbolg ate his meal in complete silence.

At a clothing shop, Hestia tried convincing him to buy casual clothes.

"Come on, just one outfit! Something besides that armor!"

"No."

"Why not?!"

"Unnecessary."

Hestia groaned in defeat.

Finally, they wandered through Adventurer's Way, where weapons and gear were displayed. Orcbolg, for the first time, stopped to examine the wares.

Hestia rolled her eyes. "Oh, sure, now you're interested."

He ignored her, checking the weight of a short sword.

She sighed, then smiled. Even if he was difficult, at least he was spending the day with her.

That was enough.

Evening – Home

Back at their small home, Hestia stretched and let out a happy sigh. "Today was fun!"

Orcbolg nodded.

She turned to him, hands on her hips. "Even if you refused to act normal."

"...This is normal," he replied.

Hestia groaned. "You—!"

She paused, then laughed. "You really don't change, do you?"

When they're in the church, he always take off his armor. But whenever they come out, he always wear his armor.

Orcbolg didn't answer.

Instead, he sat at the table, pulling out his notebook.

Hestia watched him for a moment before smiling. Maybe he didn't need to change.

As long as he was here, that was enough.