Local Netizen Elf’s Life In Another World

Case 299: Orange cat strikes.

rustle—!

rustle—!

''H-Hey, Hanako.''

''Mhm?''

''Is this really right...?''

''What are you talking about? Of course, it is!''

After finally convincing the stubbornly shy goddess to sleep on the same bed as me, we get into the bed, and this is the position we have assumed—a tight hug!

Aris is still too embarrassed to lie face-to-face with me, so I position myself a bit higher, allowing her to nuzzle my chest at will. I'm still naked, as a matter of course, and although I felt a bit uncertain if she would like my less-than-perfect figure, she thankfully doesn't seem to hate it.

I mean, I think my body isn't that bad. I do exercise sparsely, and I feel healthy all the time, but for someone as divinely beautiful as her...

Anyway, as Aris finally stops wiggling her body around, I run my arms around her head and pull her even closer, essentially burying her head into my chest. Her sharp nose and eyelashes poke me quite ticklishly, but I can manage.

''Hanako.''

I take that back. Her hot breaths, her lips swiping across my skin, feel so wrong. But regardless of that, I still try to reply to her muffled call,

''Nn... yeah?''

''...Good night.''

You silly woman.

Sometimes, I wonder if Aris is truly not aware of the stuff she does. Can anyone really blame my heart for racing up when she whispers sweet words like these and hugs me back?

Ah, wait, she can hear my heart. This is embarrassing.

But... as embarrassing as it is, I am happy that I can hug someone this closely to sleep, even more so when it is someone I like. Now, whether that 'like' is this kind of like or that kind of like is unknown, but I think I know where this relationship is heading.

Suppose that three girls have proposed to you.

All three of them are very nice, very hot, and very attractive as a partner. One is quiet but caring, one is aggressively affectionate, and the remaining one is mature and reliable.

You are having trouble choosing one.

Amidst all that, you start to develop feelings for your friend, who has been your best buddy for a while. Here's the question—what would you do?

If it were Sylvia, the elven princess, she would unhesitantly choose all of them. After all, she has experience in this field. But for someone like Hanako, who presumably holds traditional values concerning the number of life partners and hasn't been exposed to the 'harem' tropes in modern anime space, it is not easy to go about it.

It's fortunate that all four of those girls are decidedly patient since the world is so peaceful and stress-free, but it's also unfortunate that all of them are somewhat competitive and won't yield easily.

As time passes, it gets progressively clearer that a rivalry is going on between these four women.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Among them, three have the biological advantage, meaning they have the 'thing' that Hanako loves very much, while the remaining one is literally living together with her.

Of course, Aris can make one for herself anytime, but I guess she doesn't want to go on the same old route as the others. At least, I think so. I'm not sure since I only know Hanako's feelings, yet based on months of observing the goddess, I am confident in my judgment.

More than anything, I think Aris is utilizing her feminine charms the best. Pretty people are always pleasant to look at, and when even their personalities are sweet, there is hardly any argument.

Today, too, the two link their arms as they head toward the royal palace.

''I wonder if they would be impressed...''

''Surely. Have some confidence in yourself, Hanako!''

''Thanks.''

This time, there isn't a lesson from Sariel, but the King and the Queen have requested a meeting with Hanako. They said they wanted to see a bit of her magic talents and discuss cultural matters. I guess they finally thought that Hanako had adapted to this world.

Upon entering the throne room, the two highest seats are empty as usual, but both Tina and Anna are already waiting near the door.

Yeah, they can't cheekily sit on the thrones when a whole goddess is here.

''Welcome, Your Holiness.''

''It's an honor to meet you.''

The two bow to Aris to first show their respect, then shake hands with Hanako, who actually holds herself quite nicely. I guess I have always been like this—nervous before something but calm when dealing with it.

''Well then, shall we move to the training ground?'' Anna says enthusiastically, her cat ears twitching back and forth.

I like the fact that her crown is bigger than usual so as not to squash her fluffy ears under its weight. It's so cute seeing them moving inside the crown. I need to make my Anna wear this, too.

Tina is... Tina. She's still unreadable once she pulls out the poker face—and classy, too.

Anyway, the four then arrive at the empty training ground, where various targets have been prepared beforehand. Puffing her chest, Hanak steps forward and begins to wield her mana.

By the way, magic in this civilization is the same as the current one, meaning we still have gemstones as mana batteries. Hanako uses Lapis Lazuli, just like me. Though, I don't need it anymore.

''Then... I'll go.''

Firstly, the girl lifts a big chunk of rock with decent struggle, moving it around with her mind and using hand movements as control inputs. Then, she fires off a bunch of different spells, and just like me, she excels in earth magic.

In the end, after sweating a bit, Hanako receives applause from the other three.

''I'm impressed, Miss Hanako!'' Anna nods approvingly. ''I never thought you would improve so much in such a short time. I suppose Her Holiness chose you because of your talents.''

''Eheheh...''

Feels good being praised by a pretty girl, right?

I know. I'm feeling good, too.

''S-Shall we move on to other matters?''

When both Tina and Aris join in, Hanako becomes flustered and tries to divert the topic. That attempt seems successful, seeing they're heading to the guest room now.

Now, this is one of the more dull parts—I just know it. 'Spreading culture' and whatnot, I don't really care... and I don't want to follow it much either.

You know, especially when I have already learned the ending of this civilization. It's a hollow and sad feeling, and I guess Aris doesn't want me to get even sadder in later episodes.

So, I proudly close my mind and let it drift for a while, practically dodging words as I start to daydream.

It isn't until the sun starts to set that the discussion concludes.

''Ah, wait. Can I speak privately to you for a moment, Miss Hanako?''

Suddenly, Anna calls out to Hanako just as she is about to stand up. She, together with Tina and Aris, are a little confused, but they agree to step out anyway.

Now, the two are alone.

''What might be the matter, Your Majesty?'' 

''Say, Miss Hanako...'' Anna blushes a bit, though mostly camouflaged by the vivid sunset. She scratches her cheek, eyes darting around nervously. ''You are involved with our prime minister, right? In terms of that...''

''Y-Yes?! No, um... I mean... yes. Is there a problem with that...?''

''Of course not. Why should I be concerned about who my employee dates? But, you know? I just want to ask a favor. A-A weird favor, I know, but can you hear me out...?''

This is where Hanako senses that something is wrong, seeing Anna's azure eyes full of immoral lust, which are trembling as she heaves labored breaths.

''Can I... watch you guys make out sometime...?''