It was noon the next day, and the clouds that usually block the sunlight were nowhere to be seen. The city was healing its scars with the help of the adventurers and civilians alike who were rebuilding the destroyed city, cleaning out the debris, and I was out in the streets as well, helping them in any way I could.
Though truth to be told, I was in no mood to leave my room because there was no point in going out if I couldn't meet the girls. I just wanted to go and sleep for the next seven days, so that the time passes quickly, but a certain blonde prum has some different ideas. As Finn literally dragged me out of the room, saying they are lacking manpower and need my help as well.
And so here I am lifting this heavy boulder that was no doubt would have needed heavy machinery to lift in my former world. I put that big chunk of concrete in the cart, which was pushed down by the weight of it. Another adventurer pulled it away hurriedly, and the next cart took its place. The adventure trembled in his boots as he looked at me.
But I did not care. At this point, I was just doing it mechanically, lifting the debris, filling the cart, and repeating.
I want to see them, I want to see them, I want to see them, I want to see them, I want to see them, I want to see them, I want to see them, I want to see them, I want to see them!
"Um… Arin, I know I am the one who told you to help out, but can you be a little gentle?" I stopped the work I was doing diligently as I heard Finn's words.
"What do you mean? You told me to help out, and I am doing that."
"Yes, I know, but you are scaring the others with those dead eyes of yours. Look, I understand it's hard for you now that you can't meet those girls, but it's just one week, it will be over before you know it, and– te, Why are you looking at me like that?" he said, trying to put some sense into me. But to me, he just looked pitiful.
"Haaa…" I gave a deep sigh, and with my supposedly dead eyes stared at him. "Finn… someone who ignores two perfectly good women pining for him because he's either too picky or too cowardly to make a move could never understand my agony of being separated from those girls."
The blonde prum's face went through several shades of red as the nearby adventurers tried to stifle their snickers.
"That's... that's completely different!" Finn sputtered indignantly. "I have valid reasons for my decisions!"
"Sure you do," I replied in the same dead voice, picking up another boulder with mechanical precision. "Meanwhile, I actually cherish the relationships I have and I miss them dearly."
"I'm not making excuses! My situation is complicated—"
"Everything's complicated when you overthink it to death," I said, placing the boulder in the cart with such gentle care that it somehow seemed more threatening than if I'd slammed it down. "A man who runs away from love has no business lecturing me about emotional suffering."
The cart-pulling adventurer quickly wheeled away the load, clearly not wanting to be anywhere near this conversation, while Finn stood there looking like he'd been struck by a critical hit to his romantic insecurities.
"But again, you might be right and have 'valid reasons', but you should still not run away from those girls. They at least deserve an explanation." As it was still years before the canon, and Tione and Lyra just recently started showing their affection for him, he has not clearly communicated with them yet.
Seeing him deep in thought, I returned to my work. After some time, Finn again spoke up as I loaded several small pieces of debris onto the cart.
"Haa… You are right, they do deserve at least that much." He said and looked at me. "You know, this is the first time I've heard you openly admit your feelings for those girls."
I paused in my loading, glancing at him. "I never intended to hide them. But this whole conflict... it made me realize that I should be more honest."
Finn nodded slowly. "I can understand your attraction to the others - Ryuu, Ais, Asfi - they're all talented and accomplished. But..." he hesitated, then continued with genuine curiosity, "why Riveria? I mean, she's certainly beautiful, but she's nearly ninety years old, you know."
The moment those words left his mouth, my dead eyes flared back to life with the same terrifying intensity they'd held when I slayed those gods. The air around us seemed to heat up slightly.
"Riveria is a wonderful woman," I said, my voice carrying a dangerous edge that made nearby workers take several steps back. "And those who don't understand that are completely blind to her magnificence, her wisdom, her dedication to protecting and nurturing others, the way she balances being stern when necessary but kind underneath it all."
Finn raised his hands defensively, clearly realizing he'd touched a nerve.
"She accepted Loki's falna despite disliking the goddess, all for someone she cared about. That kind of loyalty and sacrifice is incredible."
I picked up another piece of rubble, my movements becoming less mechanical as I spoke about her. "She trains people not because she enjoys being harsh, but because she genuinely wants them to become better. Plus, she has this adventurous spirit that most people never see. Despite all her responsibilities, she still wants to explore, to discover new things."
"Besides," I added, looking directly at Finn, "I'm a High Human with no concept of aging, and she is a high elf as well. The way they age is different, is it not so? By elven standards, she must be around her early 20s. And even if that was not the case, when we're both ten thousand years old, what will a few decades matter? Age is just a number when you're talking about eternity."
The blonde prum stared at me with wide eyes, probably realizing for the first time just how serious I was about this. "I... I didn't mean to offend. I was just curious about your reasoning."
"My reasoning is simple," I said, carefully setting down the debris I'd been holding. "She's perfect in every way that matters. And anyone who can't see that is missing out on knowing one of the most incredible people in this world."
I said and went back to doing my work, but I could see Finn still standing there. Does he want to hear my thoughts on the other girls as well? I thought and quickly stood up.
"If you want to hear about my thoughts on the other girls, then I will be happy to do it! It will help me spend these lonely days as well!"
"May-Maybe another day, I have a meeting with Ryoman in 5 minutes." He said and started walking away at a fast speed.
"But the guild is on the other side, though?" I said, looking at his retreating figure. Maybe they are meeting up somewhere else.
I thought about it and went back to my work. My eyes are going dead again.
Aaahhhh! I want to see them!
____________________________________________________________________________
Riveria, after completing her patrol shift, was sitting in the library, trying hard to concentrate on the words written in the book, but all those words failed to register in her mind as her attention repeatedly turned to look at the door.
Why am I behaving like that? She thought. It is obvious that Arin is not going to come to the library for the next seven days because of his punishment.
She turned her attention back towards the book, but her mind again wandered towards the memories of the young man, who in this short time had become one of the closest people in her life. She remembers how they spent hours upon hours talking about magic, their daily life events.
She remembered his figure from the previous night, blood soaking his cloak and clothes, his expression tired, with bags under his eyes. The sword with which he slew the gods and committed the heaviest sin was held in his hands.
Just remembering how he discarded his own safety and went after the remnant of Evilius, despite her, and the other girl asking him not to do anything reckless again, when he fought Olivas, fills her mind with annoyance and frustration.
Yes, it is his punishment, and for the sins he committed, this punishment is very light.
When they found Arin, she wanted to give him a scolding for a lifetime, but seeing Loki arriving as well, she held back. She did not want to give Loki another reason to tease her.
Though a smile came upon her face, she remembered how an expression of despair came upon Arin's face when his punishment was decided. She was not blind to the affection Arin showered her with. The smile that brightens her day.
But she could not accept his feelings easily. There are several reasons for that, one being that she is not the only one to whom Arin showers his affection in.
But even if she put those things aside and accepted his feelings, then what?
The whole of the elves' race would come after his blood, just like those crazy Evilius fanatics.
He needs to be stronger. She thought, the next moment her eyes widened.
NO! Why am I thinking on the premise that I would accept his feelings?! I do not love him that way!
Yes! My feelings of love are like how a mentor loves their student!
Yes! Just like how I love Lefiya and Alicia!
*Knock knock*
A knock on the door brought Riveria back to herself. She quickly strengthened up and brought that same regal and cold expression to her face.
"You may enter." She called out, and the door opened, revealing an elf with blonde hair.
"Lady Riveria, a letter from Melen has arrived for you." Lefiya walked towards Riveria and handed the latter. A smile came upon Rivera's face as she knew without looking who the sender of the letter would be.
"Thank you, Lefiya. You may leave now." Lefiya bowed towards her once before leaving the library, knowing her teacher would want some privacy/
Riveria quickly opened up the letter, and as she had guessed, it was a letter from her dear friend who had escaped the Alf forest with her.
"Aina…" Riveria said quietly as she unfolded the paper and began reading it.
*Dear Riveria,
I hope you are doing well.
And before you ask me, yes, I am doing well as well, and thank you for sending those medicines and covering my medical care expenses.*
"Stupid, that's the least I can do for you," said Riveira, as she read further.
*Now! That's formality out of the way, let's talk some real talk, you know! You know!
The girls talk!
So, Riveria, have you found a man yet? Hmm! Hmm! You have to tell me if you do, okay! No secrets!*
"And she started again…" Riveria already knew what was coming next; it was something Aina asked her every time.
*No, but seriously, you should open up your heart more. It will be such a waste if you don't find a person to share your love with.*
"Not everyone is like you, Aina." Riveria knew Aina was madly in love with her husband, and Aina's husband loved her just as much.
But for Riveria, who has spent so many years, she has never found any person towards whom she might feel that spark that Aina and the other girls talked so much about. Though thinking along those lines, a certain black haired, black eyed, young man came to her mind, Riveria shook her head to remove that image from her mind, and started reading further.
*hehehe, You must be thinking about how you don't feel that way towards anyone, but that's fine, you can take your time, I would much rather prefer you to find someone who is worthy of you as well.
And finally, I will ask the same question that I have always asked, but never got an answer to.
Riveria.
Who is your Ideal man?*
After that question, all other things written were just mundane things that Riveria already knew of.
Like how Aina's husband brings her flowers and how her daughter is doing in the school district, and how she wanted to thank her aunt, Riveria, for the pocket money she sent her. How Aina misses Eina and wants to meet her and Riveria both.
*Warm Regards and much love.
Aina Tulle.*
After reading the letter, Riveria carefully folded it and put it on the table, but the question still swirled in her mind, and she answered it to herself like she usually does.
"My ideal man doesn't exist–"
Except this time was a little different.
"Maybe I will think about it. It might be a fun activity to do." She said and stood up from her chair.
"Let's see, if I had the freedom to create my ideal man, what characteristics would I give him?" She walked through the library, her finger tracing the books as she walked between the bookshelves, letting her imagination fly.
"He has to be a kind and patient man, since I am still inexperienced in love, I would want him to guide and help me understand it better, what falling in love entails."
She paused in front of a book about heroes.
"He must also be brave; he does not need to be a hero from the myths and legends, but I would still want him to be brave enough to face his enemies and protect those he cares about and never leave his Allies behind."
She walked forward again, "he must possess an unparalleled spirit, will power, and strength, but he must also be aware of his limitations and know when to ask for help."
Little by little, a smile began to form on her lips.
"He must also be the type of person who understands me, even when I'm not capable of understanding myself."
Yes, I liked that.
Undoubtedly, those were traits worthy of admiration in a man, so they clearly couldn't be missing from my ideal.
"If he's a magic swordsman, even better. That way, we could train together and share secrets regarding magic. Spending hours and hours in the library, studying and clarifying each other's doubts."
She walked towards the big window of the library through which you can see the whole city and the long mountain range in the distance.
"Ah! And let's not forget he must have a beautiful smile. His smile must have the ability to brighten my day when he directs it at me. They say that when you're in love with someone, a simple smile is capable of brightening your days. I want to experience that."
"It's indispensable that he be respectful. I wouldn't tolerate him calling me 'old woman' or 'old hag' just because of my age. He must know that age in my race is handled differently."
She said her hand gently touched the window. As she stared far, far away in the distance.
"I wouldn't mind if he scolded others for making fun of my age. Although it's unnecessary because I would freeze those who do, it would be an extra I would greatly appreciate."
"And, just so my father dies of rage, I'd prefer he not be an elf."
She couldn't help but spread her arms, laughing uncontrollably as she imagined the old man finding out his daughter got engaged to someone out of their race. It would surely give him a heart attack!
"It seems I do have an ideal, Aina. There's just one tiny detail, which is that I greatly doubt such an individual exis–"
Her eyes widened, this time in realisation that a man with those qualities in fact does exist.
The face of a man came up in her mind.
A man who spends hours upon hours with her in the library.
A man who stood up against opponents surpassing him in strength several times over and still won.
A man who decided to rescue the warlord from a level 7 adventurer.
A man who brought hope to the whole of Orario when all other First-class adventurers failed to do so.
A man who is a magic swordsman.
No! No! Why is Arin's face coming up in my head!
"Ugh…" She tried hard to think about what could differentiate him from her ideal man, and finally came upon one quality that he was still lacking.
Yes! He does not know how to ask for help! If he did, he would not be so reckless like last night!
Though even she knew that was the only thing that did not match, and that was a quality that he would surely learn after this punishment.
"Ugh… I need to clear my head. Maybe I should go for another patrol; it will bring some relief to people when they see high-level adventurers." She said, and left the library and the mansion behind her.
She walked through the streets, observing how both adventurers and civilians alike were putting in the effort to rebuild the city.
The walk was a peaceful one.
And it was when she took a turn that she saw Arin working, helping out, clearing the debris blocking the street.
Riveria quickly hid herself and observed him.
She saw how his body was moving so mechanically, and his eyes looked hollow.
Seeing him like that made Riveria's heart clench.
Is the punishment too much for him?
And it's just the first day out of seven, will he be okay?
Should I talk to him?
Just when she was debating her choices, she noticed Finn approaching him. She strains her ears to hear their conversation.
I am not eavesdropping! I am merely worried about him!
She convinced herself and started hearing their talk.
"Yes, I know, but you are scaring the others with those dead eyes of yours. Look, I understand it's hard for you now that you can't meet those girls, but it's just one week, it will be over before you know it, and– te, Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Haaa…Finn… someone who ignores two perfectly good women pining for him because he's either too picky or too cowardly to make a move could never understand my agony of being separated from those girls."
The prum's face went through several shades of red as the nearby adventurers tried to stifle their snickers.
Hehe, you deserve it, Finn. Maybe I can use that against him next time Finn tries to tease me. Thank you, Arin, you just gave me some good material. Riveria was happy to get some dirt on her old comrade, but what she failed to realize was that that would be the last of her worries.
"That's... that's completely different!" Finn sputtered indignantly. "I have valid reasons for my decisions!"
"Sure, you do. Meanwhile, I actually cherish the relationships I have, and I miss them dearly."
Those words hit Rivera hard, but she controlled herself. And kept her attention on them.
The cart-pulling adventurer quickly wheeled away the load, clearly not wanting to be anywhere near this conversation, while Finn stood there looking like he'd been struck by a critical hit to his romantic insecurities.
"But again, you might be right and have 'valid reasons', but you should still not run away from those girls. They at least deserve an explanation."
Finally, someone called Finn out on his indecisiveness.
"Haa… You are right, they do deserve at least that much. You know, this is the first time I've heard you openly admit your feelings for those girls."
Unconsciously, Riveria leaned closer, not wanting to miss any part of the conversation.
"I never intended to hide them. But this whole conflict... it made me realize that I should be more honest."
Finn nodded slowly. "I can understand your attraction to the others - Ryuu, Ais, Asfi - they're all talented and accomplished. But..." he hesitated, then continued, "why Riveria? I mean, she's certainly beautiful, but she's nearly ninety years old, you know."
Does Finn want to die?
Yes, he has lived enough and must want to rest eternally now.
Don't worry, Finn, if you want to die, then I will gladly stain my hand with your blood.
Before Rivera could start chanting her magic, she noticed Arin going still and small blue flames coming into existence around him like sparkles.
But what amazed Rivera were not those beautiful blue flames but his words.
"Riveria is a wonderful woman," Arin said, his voice carrying a dangerous edge that made nearby workers take several steps back. "And those who don't understand that are completely blind to her magnificence, her wisdom, her dedication to protecting and nurturing others, the way she balances being stern when necessary but kind underneath it all."
The more Riveria heard him, the more heat gathered on her white cheeks, turning them almost completely red.
Finn raised his hands defensively, clearly realizing he'd touched a nerve.
"She accepted Loki's falna despite disliking the goddess, all for someone she cared about. That kind of loyalty and sacrifice is incredible."
"She trains people not because she enjoys being harsh, but because she genuinely wants them to become better. Plus, she has this adventurous spirit that most people never see. Despite all her responsibilities, she still wants to explore, to discover new things."
Riveria tried hard to just remain still and not run away out of embarrassment. But as Arin listed down her qualities, the more difficult it became for her to remain in one place.
"Besides," He added, looking directly at Finn, "I'm a High Human with no concept of aging, and she is a high elf as well. The way they age is different, is it not so? By elven standards, she must be around her early 20s. And even if that was not the case, when we're both ten thousand years old, what will a few decades matter? Age is just a number when you're talking about eternity."
The blonde prum stared at Arin with wide eyes, probably realizing for the first time just how serious He was about this. "I... I didn't mean to offend. I was just curious about your reasoning."
"My reasoning is simple," I said, carefully setting down the debris I'd been holding. "She's perfect in every way that matters. And anyone who can't see that is missing out on knowing one of the most incredible people in this world."
That was the limit of what Riveria's inexperienced heart could handle as she turned around and bolted towards the mansion. Her cheeks were completely red as she hoped no one would see her right now.
Which thankfully no one did, as she reached her room, she fell straight onto her bed, hiding her face in the pillow.
Aaaahhhhhh! What did I just hear!
I should never have eavesdropped on their conversation!
She was in so much panic that she unconsciously admitted to eavesdropping.
After what felt like forever, she finally calmed down and removed her face from the pillow to see that the sun had long since already set. And night has arrived.
When did it get so late!?
"Haaa… whatever, I should just go to sleep. I will think about those troublesome things later." She said and got up from her bed, making way to her wardrobe and opening it to get her nightdress.
It was light green pajamas, but as she picked them out, another dress came into her view. It was a dress that was made for adventurers with some defense enchantment, and she once bought it because Aina forced her to.
And while she liked the dress, she could not bring herself to wear it at the time. Not because it was revealing or anything, in fact, it covers as much of her skin as her usual dress and robe do, if not more.
But the problem was that it highlighted her body curves a lot, and since she was new to the outside world at the time, she found it uncomfortable when people stared at her so much.
And while she was already used to those stares now, but still doesn't wear this dress because she just forgot about it.
She imagined wearing it, and a certain thought came to her head.
Would Arin find it attractive? She thought without meaning to, her face burned red.
No! No! Why should it matter what Arin thinks?!
She slapped her cheeks lightly. And started changing her dress, after which she settled in her bed to sleep. As she closed her eyes.
Arin's words echoed in her head again.
*Riveria is a wonderful woman.*
No!!!
Out! Out!
Get out of my head!
She tussled on her bed, trying to shut his voice out of her head, and again thought about the dress she had just seen.
It would be a waste not to wear it. But I won't wear it now, maybe in a few days.
She thought and tried to sleep again.
*She's perfect in every way that matters.*
That night, Riveria did not sleep, her thoughts going towards Arin and the dress she had just seen.