I woke up before dawn and jumped from my bed, getting ready to head out and making my way toward the outer wall.
Finally, it's over!!
I practically ran through the street, and when I found that taking turns was a waste of time, I jumped onto the roof of a house and then another. Before long, I reached the outer walls.
And as I climbed up the walls, I saw a girl waiting for me, her silky smooth golden blonde hair fluttering in the wind. It was slightly earlier than the agreed time, so I was not expecting Ais to be here.
Before I could call her out or move towards her. She lifted her face as if sensing my presence, her golden eyes settled on me, as they widened, before long, she sprinted towards me, a small smile gracing her soft pink lips.
"Arin!" she cried, her arms wrapping around me in a tight hug. I leaned back a little to soften the impact and wrapped my arms around her as well.
"I missed you," Ais spoke softly.
"Me too, I missed you a lot," I said, patting her head.
I think out of all four of these girls, Ais is the one I had the most skinship with, followed by Asfi, who gets embarrassed a lot with but I still end up either using her palm as a pillow or borrowing her thighs to take a nap. While Riveria and Ryuu, being elves, are more reserved, I still somehow get some handholding and lap pillows from time to time.
Although Riveria is better at handling some level of skinship, While Ryuu gets extremely embarrassed when we do some hand-holding sessions.
She looks really cute, though.
I thought and brought my attention back to Ais, still snuggling in my arms. I think she is doing it more because she doesn't know the meaning of it.
We hugged for a while and separated with reluctance from both sides.
"Congratulations on your level up, Ais. I didn't get the chance to congratulate you, didn't I?"
"Yes, thank you, Arin." She continued. "Um. Can we train together again?" She asked,
"Haha, you really enjoy training, huh? But sure, we can. I was also looking forward to sparring with you."
"I enjoy it more when I train with you, Arin." Ais tilted her head slightly with a smile on her lips. Her blonde hair fell off her shoulder.
Guah! Critical hit!
"Arin! Are you okay?!" Ais asked, clearly panicking, seeing me clutching my chest.
"Y-yes, I am okay. Let's start our sparring session now."
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Ais was really enthusiastic in our spar, way more than usual, her moves were faster and heavier, stronger.
But I was also stronger than before, my skills far better than they were before.
Before long, the sun started to rise, and we stopped our spar, with Ais sitting down and me lying my head on her lap.
Like we always do.
We both looked at the rising Sun, or so I did for a moment before I shifted my head and stared at her face. To my surprise, she was also looking at me.
Her big golden eyes stared right back into my black ones.
No good… I have to say something…
Something other than what I really want to say…
"So, what have you been up to recently, Ais?" I asked.
"Hm? I was just training with Ryuu and other members of Astraea Familia." She explained.
"Oh? So Ryuu and you have gotten close, huh? That's good."
"Hm." She nodded. "I got to learn a lot from her, she is very strong," she said, staring back towards the rising Sun.
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We talked for a while until it was time to get back home. We parted our separate ways as Ais went into the women's bathing area, and I entered the men's one.
And after I walked straight towards the Library, I just wanted to see all of them, or else I won't calm down.
My steps moved at a fast pace, and before long, I was outside the library. I looked around to see if Alicia or Lefiya were around or not, since they have a habit of interpreting my and Riveria and Ais' time together, not finding either of them, I, without hesitation, entered the library and closed the door behind me.
I could see the back of Riveria as she stared out the window; the rising sun cast a shadow. Making me unable to clearly see her, so I walked closer towards her.
But the moment my eyes fell on Riveria, I felt like I was dreaming. And my shock came from the outfit Riveira was wearing.
She wore a flowing green cloak with golden trim over a black corset and ivory blouse. A white slit skirt, bound with golden cords, revealed dark stockings beneath. Her long, emerald hair, done in a low ponytail, framed pointed elven ears.
Seeing Riveria in her new dress, I got lost in her beauty. My hand unconsciously reached for her cheeks, caressing them. Taking in her beautiful features, her beautiful jade eyes, her long eyelashes fluttering close and open, her soft pink lips, her long, pointed elven ears.
Haa… she really is so…
so beautiful.
"A-Arin?" Her voice brought me out of my reverie, Riveria, cheeks gained a hue of red, while I brought my hand back down.
"Sorry, you just looked so beautiful in your new clothes, that I did unconsciously," I said, not hiding anything.
Her eyes widened slightly, Cheeks turning bright red now, "I-I see, I am glad–I mean, thank you for the compliment." She said, turning her face slightly sideways, one of her hands playing with her hair.
Haa… these girls will be the death of me. I thought, I felt my heart literally stop when I laid my eyes on her.
NO! NO! I need to be calm!
"But why the sudden change in dress?" I asked. "I mean, don't get me wrong, I really like the dress, but I'm just curious."
She answered, still fiddling with her long hair, and spoke. "N-No special reason, I had it for a long time, but never got the chance to wear it, so I thought, why not? It also has some good protection as well." She explained.
"I see. That's good, you should try different clothes from time to time, it gives you a fresh look." I suggested, though there was some ulterior motive mixed in my suggestion, such as wanting to see her in different dresses.
"I…I will think about it." She continued, "But anyway, how was your punishment?" she asked.
"It was hell," I answered straight.
"Fufufu~, surely you are exaggerating," she said, laughing at my misery.
"I am not." I again answered. And she seems to remember something, as her playful laughter stops.
"You are right, your eyes… looking… dead… " she said, though the latter half was hard to hear for me.
"Sorry, what did you say, Riviera?" Riviera jumped slightly, turning her face away from me.
"It was nothing," she said, "Now, let's start our magic training again and try to awaken another element," Riviera explained today's agenda as she walked away from me.
"No, first tell me what you said? Something about my eyes." I asked, chasing after her.
"I told you it was nothing! Now let's start!" Her voice was loud, and I could see she was starting to feel restless as well, so I decided to back off.
For today, at least.
After that, we, or rather I, just practiced and tried to use another element, while Riveria gave her insight from time to time, and before long, it was late afternoon, meaning it was time for me to make my way to Stardust garden, for my bow practice with Ryuu.
"Then I will see you later, Riveria," I said, waving my hand at her.
"Yes, see you soon, Arin. Be careful out there, since you have a bounty on you now, while I don't believe there will be someone stupid enough to attack a member of Loki familia, but still, it's best you be careful."
"Of course, Riveria, though I agree as well that there are always stupid people out there. Since the two assassins I encountered yesterday are proof of that." I didn't hide the fact about me being attacked, since Riveria will be pissed if she finds out about it from someone else.
"Yes–wait, assassins?!" Although her surprised expressions are cute, I can't afford to be late on my visit to Stardust Garden, my heart is still only 50% satisfied after all.
"Yes, I will tell you later about it," I said and walked away at a fast pace.
Wait, Arin! Explain further!" Riviera's voice boomed behind me. I felt sorry for ignoring her, but my heart was just guiding me at this point; it was satisfied to see Ais and Riveria, but wanted more.
I am so greedy.
Though I am more than sure enough, Riveria will just ask around and get the information anyway.
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I walked through the street. The construction work was at its peak, a lot of things were being rebuilt, the streets, shops, houses, and pretty much everything.
Before long, I reached the Stardust garden and made my way towards the back area, where Ryuu and I usually practice. I took a turn and saw Ryuu standing there, her expression somber, and her shining, clear, beautiful, blue eyes looking at the cloudless sky.
I stood there, taking in her form. Before long, sensing a presence, Ryuu turned her eyes in my direction. Her somber expression was replaced with a shining one.
So cute….!
Seeing her bright expression, I just wanted to hug her like Ais, but I controlled myself at the last moment. Since Ryuu and Riveria are pretty old-school and conservative, I mean, I consider myself an old-school and conservative person as well, but they seem to take the cup on that.
"Arin-san!" she exclaimed. "Good afternoon. It's been a while since we last met."
"Good afternoon, Ryuu, and yeah, it has been a while. I really missed our time together," I said. Hoping she would get the meaning. This seems to be the case, with her cheeks turning red.
"Yo-you mean, our practice together ri-right?" she asked, and I walked closer towards her. Taking one of her hands in mine, it felt so small and so soft in my hands, despite Ryuu always training and using her sword, her hands were surprisingly healthy and beautiful looking.
"Yes, I miss our hand-holding practice a lot, Ryuu," I said, a playful smile on my lips.
"Awawa! Ar-Arin-san!" she cried, her whole face and even her long, pointed ears started turning red like a tomato.
"Hush…" I put a finger on my lips, "Ryuu, we are practicing, remember you are the one who told me that you wanted to get used to human touch, right? Overcoming your instinct to slap their hands away."
"I-I did, but ugh… hand holding is supposed to be for adults only," she murmured under her breath, thankfully unlike what happened with Riveira, I was able to hear Ryuu's words.
"But we are adults, though?" I was right, since the age of adulthood is 16 in this world.
"That may be the case, but it's still embarrassing. Besides," she continued, "Weren't we supposed to practice that after our archery session?"
"Oh…" I said, "You are right, I guess not meeting for a while made me forget that, but well, let's postpone that for later, and focus on what we are doing now, shall we?" I made an excuse, but in reality, I just wanted to feel her warmth.
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"Umm… Ar-Arin-san, I think this is enough for today." Ten minutes had passed since, and I was still holding her hands.
"Hmm…" I reluctantly released her hand, "You are right, now let's practice our archery then."
The moment I released her hands, the embarrassed Ryuu was gone, and the cool Ryuu was back again, "Yes, let's," she said, and picked up the bow and gave it to me. And both of us started making our way towards the shooting range.
And for a while I practiced with the bow, before we moved on to some sword practice, we did that until evening, and it was time for me to go and meet Asfi.
"Let's stop here, Ryuu."
"Yes, it's getting late, and I also need to help Ardee out." Ryuu agreed, and we both parted ways there.
As I made my way to the front door, I encountered Alise and Kaguya.
"Oh my, look what we have here, Alise. A ruffian who gets punished like a little child," said Kaguya, clearly trying to stare me down.
"Well, well, Kaguya, no need to shame him like that, Arin really was having a hard time when I met him, you know." Alise tried to defend me, only for Kaguya to scoff.
"Humph! That's a good thing, it will teach him a lesson not to go rogue next time." Typical tsundere Kaguya.
"Look, Kaguya, I am in too good of a mood to argue with you, and I don't have time for it either. So kindly, excuse me, you tsundere." I continued looking at Alise this time.
"Who is a tsundere?!" I ignored Kaguya and spoke.
"Also, thank you, Alise, for trying to cheer me up these past few days. You are the best."
"He-hem, of course, I am the best, but think nothing of it, you also helped me cheer up when I was down." Spoke Alsie, pushing her modest chest out.
"I see, and sorry, but I am in kind of a hurry today. I will see you later, Alise, and you too, Tsundere."
"Stop calling me that or I will cut you!" I hurried out of the main hall.
But as I was leaving the Astraea familia home, I found Astrea herself in the garden, tending to the flowers like usual. Astraea also noticed my presence,
"Oh? Arin, it's been a while since you came here," she said, with a warm smile, or at least that's how it must have appeared to others, but I knew better; she was making fun of me.
I walked closer towards her. "And, whose fault do you think it is?"
"Oh my, I wonder, who's?" Astraea put on a confused expression, a fake one.
I leaned closer towards her, putting my face near her ears, "You have been a naughty girl, Astraea. Next time you do something like that and I will be the one to punish you."
Astarea shuddered slightly before putting her hands on my chest, pushing me back; her cheeks were red.
"Wh-What are you doing, Arin?" I just gave her a teasing smile.
"Just a small revenge. Nothing more." I said and walked out of the Stardust Garden.
Hehe, Astraea, you are a million years too early to make fun of me.
I showered myself in praise for my achievement of getting revenge on a god, without using force.
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By the time I reached Traveller's Inn, the sky was starting to turn red. I entered Hermes's familia home and made my way to Asfi's workshop. I have walked through this path a hundred times, so it did not take long for me to reach there.
I opened the door to her workshop and found Asfi standing near the table. The moment I entered, she looked up, her cyan colored eyes hidden behind the glasses. Without hesitation, I walked towards her.
" Arin? You are late, do you have any idea—Wha?! What are you doing?" she complained as, without stopping and faltering, I hugged her like Ais; the difference was that she was trying to resist, not with her action but with her words.
"What do you mean? I am just filing my lack of Asfinium." I explained, with proper science, but she didn't seem to believe me.
"What do you mean by Asfinium?!" she said, "Let go of me, someone might see us!"
"Oh? So if no one sees us, then it's fine?" I asked.
"You know, that's not what I mean!" She cried.
"Yes, yes, I know. I just…missed you, is all." I patted her head to calm her down and explained again, this time honestly. Asfi seems to understand that, as she stops resisting. And just remain still, not hugging me back, but not trying to move away either.
"You are such a handful…." she said, quietly, pushing her head into my chest.
We remained like that until, finally, after having my fill of Asfinium, I released her soft body from my arms.
"It's good to see you again," she said, a smile gracing her lips, and her eyes widened as if she had just remembered something. "Oh! And I have something to show you as well."
Asfi hurried towards one of the shelves and retrieved what looked like a communication device.
"A communication device?" I asked about my doubts.
Asfi smirked as if expecting my reaction. "This is not just any communication device, you know?" She explained further. "It's an improved version of the old one with a much wider range of 10km and much more durable."
"Oh! Really!" I asked, surprise clear in my voice.
"Yes, though it is hard to make, so like the older ones, it can't be mass produced," she said, her voice getting slightly down.
"Even if that's the case, what you did is already amazing enough." That was not an exaggeration by any means.
If a situation like the great conflict arises again, which I hope it never does, we will be able to communicate and collaborate way better than what we did during the great conflict.
"I am happy for you, Asfi, you did really great."
"Of-of course, I am Perseus after all," she said with a smug look
Smug Asfi! So cute!
"Wh-why are you petting my head again…"
"Hm? Oh, that's because I wanted to do it." I explained simply.
She swatted my hand away. "Anyways, let's get started on the project we talked about." When she mentioned that, I remember us discussing creating a pen, not the explosive one I accidentally created, but a more normal one.
"I think I got an idea of how we can create that, let's start with the body and…"
Hmm… seeing her so excited put my heart at ease; my heart was satisfied now, after meeting all of these girls.
Seeing every one of their smiles makes me happy as well…
We discussed for hours until it was time for me to go back home.