Ren can't help but feel a little unsettle from not knowing what's going on as he walks side-by-side with Elza, "em...how are we celebrating?". Elza, "I always have a ball prepared for after the tournament. We will need to get prepared, and I assume you have no formal clothes...well, clothes fine enough to dance with a Queen, right?", you probably didn't take much with you from the Human Country, and I know those clothes weren't sourced from my country. That aside, you've got quite the confidence to not wear any armour for the tournament, especially against me.
Ren, "hm...didn't think I'd need anything of the sort. I only have what can be carried on the horse". Before responding, Elza whispers to a guard from the guard group that formed around Elza as they walked, who then slits off from said group. Elza quickly turns her attention back to Ren as they exit the stadium, "you wouldn't usually need them travelling, and anyone who does would plan accordingly, but this is a special occasion. Sebastian". Elza calls out to the man who is disembarking the carriage that just arrived in front of them and waves him over.
People from the spectators also start leaving the stadium. They can be seen trickling out from the public exits as most of them are trying to make sense of what happened. Elza gestures to the man, "this is my head butler, Sebastian. He will look after you while I tend to those two", as she gestures with her head to where Liza and Lorilay are exiting the stadium from, the same exit Ren and Elza just exited from. They are following after a guard who's escorting them, "I had my guard call them. We're going to get dresses while you get a suit".
Ren returns to feeling unsettled from hearing this, "em...thanks for the consideration. However, I probably don't have the money to pay for anything extravagant". Elza can't help but raise an eyebrow, puzzled by his abnormal reaction, "the Queen just became your woman, and you aren't going to take advantage of that?".
Ren is a bit...no, quite a bit troubled on how to respond to that, "em...why would I take advantage of you? It's not like I suddenly earned a lot of money or something. Your assets are yours to do whatever you want with, while mine are mine...right?". Elza cracks a small smile as she chuckles, "can't say I expected that. I like your outlook, but it's an important event so I can't have you looking anything less than dashing. I'm going to have to insist you rely on me here. I'll force your hand even if you don't want to". That last bit is accompanied by a smile, one that dares him to refuse. It's playful yet enticing. If Ren wasn't already troubled, he would be now, in more ways than one.
Liza and Lorilay arrived partway through the two's conversation, so they let them finish it uninterrupted. Elza turns to the two, not giving Ren a chance to refuse her, "we're all here, so please enter the carriage while I change my heels". They go to get in the carriage, Lorilay asking, "where are we going?", before getting in. Elza takes her replacement heels from the guard who just brought them out from the arena, "dress shopping". Lorilay puts her hands together in front of her chest once she's seated, seemingly excited, "I'm not exactly sure what's going on, but I love shopping".
Liza looks indifferent as she boards the carriage, not even giving Ren a glance as she passes by him. Ren gestures to the carriage steps for Elza to use for changing her heels since there's no other seating around. Elza doesn't protest, but changing them takes a little time because she needs to clean off the dirt that built up during their match. Elza gives him a small smile as he patiently waits for her to finish, "foot fetish?". Ren can't help letting out a, "what?", in complete surprise. Lorilay and Liza chime in, "probably not". Elza accepts their words with no hesitation, "ok. I don't have anything against it, but it's not my thing personally". Ren, how does being polite turn into me having a foot fetish?
Ren stews in his thoughts while waiting for Elza to finish, making sure not to look at her as she does this time, not that he was staring at her feet in particular last time. Once she finishes, the two board the carriage, Ren trying his best to hide his dissatisfaction at being accused of a foot fetish. The girls all sense it, but choose not to press the issue. Thus, the carriage starts moving while Lorilay tries to move the conversation forward, "so, why shopping? Not that I'm complaining or anything...like, really not complaining", window shopping was one of my favourite things to do while waiting for Ren to show up. I wish I could have bought so much stuff.
Elza, "for the ball later...or is there a problem with that?". Lorilay tilts her head at this, but it doesn't take her long to figure out what's happening, "oh, no, there's no problem", I've also jumped ahead on that front. Liza instantly knew what Elza was asking, "it's not a problem", I suppose getting right too it might be best. I don't mind being second, third, or even forth. Heck, it's probably best if I'm not first anyway, since we're both humans. Elza puts her hands together, "great", and then turns to Ren, "now that that's settled, do you mind if I ask how you broke my sword?". Elza leans into him, mere centimetres away from his face with the most excited expression. Her eyes are practically sparkling with curiosity.
Ren can't help his breath from being taken away, so he turns his face away from hers to face the other two. However, to them, his face looks like he's contemplating about if he should explain or not instead of flustered. Liza decides to join Elza since her curiosity was also eating away at her, "I...want to know as well". In contrast to Liza's seriousness, Lorilay gives an nonchalant, "me too".
Ren decides to focus on answer them, she he looks out the carriage window and actually ponders for a second this time before answering. He feels a bit awkward under their heated gazes and being put on the spot, "it's nothing special. I applied what I've already been doing, just differently", as he awkwardly scratches his cheek.
Liza hones in on this like an archer tracking its prey, "differently? How so?". Ren, "it's almost the exact same way I formed my lightning katanas earlier". Elza, "I'm not following in the slightest. What's a ka-ta-na?". Ren, "oh, sorry. It's the name of the lightning sword I used. Let's see how best to explain this...when you think of lightning, what do you think it's weak to?".
All three of them look at each other, but they can only shake their heads. Ren doesn't know how to process this unexpected answer, "oh...I see", there hasn't been enough progress with electricity in this world to figure that out, "I'll just tell you that most people think that lightning is weak to earth", well, in most games I've played that feature lightning magic.
Lorilay, "earth? How so?". Ren, of course, it's only natural that someone would ask that., "Lightning...like most natural...forces, such as rain, wants to take the path of the least resistance. When natural lightning hits the ground, there are multiple paths of least resistance, so it's splits off and disperses until it's no more. Does that make sense?".
It's easy to tell by their blank faces that they don't understand anything. However, Liza has an epiphany, "oh, this like how you explained stuff to me at the training grounds before, right?". Ren, "hm...well, the fundamental concept is the same even if the circumstances are different".
Liza starts to explain to the other two what she knows. Ren has a moment of clarity while watching them, so this is what it's like when they try to properly explain something to me. Something that everyone in this world just knows. It's difficult, and I can't give a concrete explanation to them. I appreciate their efforts.
After Liza finishes explaining what she knows, she asks the, "do you understand?". They both reply with a short, "sort of". Ren, "you just need to know that lighting is typically weak to earth". Lorilay raises her hand and asks, "fire is weak to water, right? Why? We use fire to boil water", causing the whole carriage to go silent.
Ren, "sorry, I don't know to answer that question even if I did know the specific answer, and that's not even factoring magic", going through the whole process of fire using oxygen...I'd have to start with how we breath oxygen and why. Lorilay awkwardly lowers her hand, her excitement dissipating. Elza, "I've only an inkling as to why, but we basically just need to know that like how fire is weak to water, lightning is weak to ground, yes?".
Ren, "yes. However, that only applies to regular lightning. I can apply my will to my lightning as long as it's connected to me, shaping it and making it go where I want it to. But for my lightning that isn't connected to me, like my lightning bolts, I start by aiming at something and fire off a bolt at it. That bolt has my will in it, making it go where I want, until it hits something, and at that point, it behaves like normal lightning again".
Elza smooth's out her dress, "...ok, but I still don't get how you broke my sword", I'll pretend like I understood. I'll come to understand his powers the more time we spend together...probably. Ren, yep, I can tell that went over their heads, "basically, I put lightning into the ground. It didn't disperse because I had it constantly attached to me through my feet. I directed that lightning behind you and had it attack your sword from behind once you took up your stance to attack, striking when you least expected it".
All three of them seem like their brains have short-circuited, Lorilay in particular looks like as if steam is coming out of her ears. Elza desperately tries to repair her brain circuit, "so...to sum things up. You can even send lightning through the ground is what you're saying?". Ren, "if we're just looking at the end result, that would be the gist of it". Lorilay and Elza let out sighs of relief at finally understanding something, but Liza's face turns to anguish as she clenches her spear. Ren can't see that from where he's sitting due to her looking down and being blocked by her cap...but Lorilay and Elza notice from their angles.
Elza tries to keep the conversation ball rolling, "amazing, truly amazing. As expected of the man who claimed me", as she leans into Ren, giving him a seductive smile. Ren panics at the suddenness of the statement, and it's boldness, causing his heart skipping a beat, "c-claimed???? That's a bit much, isn't it?!?!".
Elza is a bit taken by surprised by his reaction, "then...what would you call it?", tilting her head, her dangling earrings chiming as she does. Ren tries to come up with an answer despite his heat beating out of his chest, but to no avail. The carriage luckily stops before he can think of an answer. Sebastian opens the carriage door before the silence becomes awkward, "we've arrived, your Majesty. Sir Ren, please follow me. Samantha, the head maid, will see to the Queen and your companions".
Ren feels like his saviour has arrived, "sure, no problem", practically jumping out of the carriage to escape. Sebastian, "he will see you ladies later. Please have a great time", as he closes the carriage door to it can quickly set off again. Ren looks around, noticing now that he's clearly in a shopping district, "so, where are we?". Sebastian, "the store in front if us has the highest quality male clothes in our country. You will get a suit from here". Ren grimaces, "highest quality? I bet it's going to cost way too much".
Sebastian, "you needn't worry about the finances. We have to make you look like a good match for the Queen, so we can spare no expense. Please follow me". Ren can't stop how troubled he feels from showing on his face as he follows Sebastian towards the store, but then he realises something peculiar, "wait! You have suits here?". Sebastian answers cool and collectedly, "yes. A hero appeared wearing one and the design quickly spread throughout the Human Country, as well as ours", does he not see I'm wearing a suit?
Ren, "oh...makes sense", this stuff can really pop out at you from nowhere. I feel like I've even missed noticing stuff because it's so familiar even though it's a different world. Back in the carriage, Elza starts off the new conversation, "now, why don't we properly introduce ourselves? I assume we're all Ren's women, so we should get better acquainted. I'm Elza Florenza, Queen of the Dark Elves".
Lorilay, "you're right on that point. I'm Lorilay Peaks, an Elf from Highpeak. Pleased to meet you". Elza, "I knew you looked familiar. I was right, you're the prodigy that all the Elves were making a fuss about years ago when I visited", isn't Peaks the family name of the Chief over there?
Lorilay scratches her cheek awkwardly, "I'm really not worth all the fuss that was made. I'm just a normal Elf who can use earth magic a little better than most". Elza examines her up and down, "hm...and who is miss downer over there?", nodding her head at Liza. Liza looks up and realises she was acting inappropriately, "oh, I'm sorry, I'm Liza. I'd prefer to keep my family name a secret as long as possible, so I hope that's alright?".
Lorilay can't help but feel regret upon hearing Liza's words, I just said my full name...hopefully neither of them notice who I am. I should have been smarter...bit it'll come out eventually, so who cares. Bit I have to wonder who Liza really is. Elza, "I'm not one to pry, although I do vaguely recognise you", where have I seen her before? It wasn't recently at the very least. Liza, "thanks for your consideration", figures she might recognise me. Let's hope she doesn't figure it out for a while.
Lorilay is unable to hide her concern, "Liza, is something wrong? You seem a little off", not that I've known you long enough to know if this is what you're usually like or not...but I feel like something's off nevertheless.
Elza stops her before going any further, "wait a second. I'm also curious about why she's acting so down, as it's so blatantly obvious she's depressed about something, but tonight is a special occasion. Is it ok if we address this tomorrow?", that face of anguish was a sight to behold. Seeing that put a real damper on my mood. I don't want it to drop any further. Not today.
Lorilay, "well, it's not up to me. We should hash it out if something's bothering her", as she looks to Liza. Liza, "...I guess lamenting on it by myself isn't going to solve the problem. I understand, I'll talk tomorrow", I feel like I'm just stewing in my own thoughts...so I should get some outside perspective.
Elza, "thank you for your consideration. Now, here's what I wanted to discuss with the two of you the most. I'm one of Ren's women now. Of course, we're going to get down and dirty, which I of course want to do right away. However, I'm sure you know what it means to do that today after the ball...".
Liza and Lorilay are both silent in thought until Liza breaks the silence, "when I met Ren, I told him he would have many wives. I made up my mind that to keep things fair, when he meets one of them, they can have sex together uninterrupted that day. I followed that when he met Lorilay, and I don't intend to go back on my word. I'm not going to fuss over who's first. I love Ren, and that's all that matters", even if I'm not good enough, I can still be useful.
Lorilay, "I agree with Liza. I had been waiting for Ren to come for 5 years. Being able to embrace each other on the first night was irreplaceable, and I think that's something that everyone one in his harem should experience". Elza claps her hands together, "it's decided then. I'm so glad, I'm not sure if I would've been able to hold myself back if we couldn't agree. And if you had said no...I don't know what I would have done. Thank you both for being so understanding".
Lorilay, "no need to thank us. We both completely understand, right?". Liza, "it was hard to not go at it in the street when we first met. I literally dragged him to our inn a few times once we started doing it". Elza, "my, it seems Ren's got quite the harem so far. And I'm only number three...I am the third one to join, right?". Liza, "officially, yes".
Elza, "officially is what's most important. Now, there are also some things I want to ask. Firstly, do you know the secret to Ren's power? I feel like I'm missing something". Liza, "you're probably better off asking him about it yourself, but apart from lightning, he has the gift of Ultra Instincts. That's probably what you're feeling off about".
Elza tilts her head at the never heard before terms, "Ultra Instincts? Gift?". Liza, "Ren wasn't born in this world, he was reincarnated, and a God asked him to defeat the Demon King". Elza, seemingly not so surprised, "oh...a hero, please go on", he's an even more of a turn on than I thought. I used to fantasise about heroes...but that fantasy had slowly been dying since my teenage years. Hearing about "General Thrust" completely killed it.
Liza, "I'm not too sure on the details, but before he was reincarnated, he found out from God that every being has the possibility to be born with a random...power or something. These powers can be useful or completely useless...apparently. Ren has the power of Ultra Instincts". Elza smiles slightly as she rubs her chin in thought, "hm...so it was those 'Ultra Instincts' that allowed him to dodge me? So it wasn't two Uniques after all. I was seriously considering that it was a possibility and may be the only explanation".
Lorilay, "it could have been his instincts, or it could've been his 'e-lectro-mag-netic field', as he calls it". Elza raises an eyebrow at yet another unfamiliar term, "an 'e-lectro-mag-netic field' you say? Never heard of it". Lorilay, "neither had we, and we don't really understand it either. Ren said its like putting out really weak lightning around him constantly, and doing that allows him to detect movement", as she wiggles all her fingers in the air for effect.
Elza, "I don't really understand, but I can tell that he really isn't any ordinary man", no ordinary man could get me feeling this restless after all. Lorilay, "oh, I forgot to say, I also have a gift...probably, it's pretty much impossible to confirm if you have one or not". Elza, "really, what kind?". Lorilay, "I'm able to see visions of when you will meet, or have already met, your soulmate".
Elza, genuinely impressed and not doubting her, "that's an amazing ability. It will be really useful for us going forward, please try it on me", as she holds out her hand. Lorilay timidly asks, "are you sure? There's no turning back if I do". Elza, with no hesitation , "it would confirm that he is indeed my soulmate, would it not? Just call it confirming what I already know", I'd rather know than not know.
Lorilay, "ok, let's see", as she takes Elza's outstretched hand and closes her eyes. After a few seconds, "I see...Ren in the arena". Elza takes her hand away, "as I thought", so we're soulmates. I'm really looking forward to finally having a sex life! Lorilay, "I'm glad it really is Ren. Oh yea, Liza, I never checked yours. Do you want me to?".
Liza holds out her hand, a little unease in her heart. Lorilay repeats what she did for Elza. The carriage stops and a maid opens the door, but nobody pays attention to her as Lorilay continues, "I see...a town. It's on fire. People are running away in the distance. You are on a rooftop...facing a minotaur. You see a small child cowering in fear behind the-".
Liza takes her hand away, "that's plenty. I couldn't defeat the minotaur without risking the girl's life or destroying the town. That's when Ren showed up. He took the girl and ran. That allowed me to defeat the minotaur with ease". Elza, "I wonder what his other wives are going to be like. I feel like I'll get along well with you two well enough, so I can only hope it will be the same for the rest. Oh, let's get off, we have shopping to do", finally realising that the maid has opened the door.
As they are getting off, Elza returns to the conversation, "so, have you checked Ren? How many wives are we expecting for the harem?". Lorilay, "I did check...but it was mainly just a black blur. I couldn't see anything but flashes of colours occasionally". Elza, "damn, I thought this was going to be the easiest harem to assemble in history. Why is it just a black blur?". Lorilay, "I honestly don't know. It could be that the visions overlap so much that it's just black?". Elza, "so it's not a low number at the very least".
Liza, "we'll find out eventually. At first, I thought we were going on a journey to get comrades, but then we met Lorilay, making me wonder if we're actually on a wife/comrade search. Then I remembered about you and your tournament, and, well, here we are, just as I thought where we would end up. If I am right in that this is also a wife search, there's one more woman who I think will be his wife, but let's leave conversation for another time as I have no idea about who the rest could be". The group enters the store, greeted by shop assistants already prepared to serve them.