"The condition to unlock the follow-up quest… is actually to speak directly with the Elf Queen?"
When Kurose Akira saw the requirement, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of surprise.
But rather than discouraging him, this discovery only reinforced his conviction—there had to be a deep and significant connection between the Elf's Tear and the Elf Queen herself.
More than that, he was beginning to sense something else.
The incident involving Beiya Lela was merely the opening act of the elven storyline.
The real story—
—was only just beginning.
"From this moment on, you are the new princesses of the elven race, my dear children."
The Elf Queen smiled gently at Fuli and Flora.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Beiya Fuli and Beiya Flora knelt halfway in unison before the Queen, obediently receiving her blessing.
The Elf Queen lightly touched their foreheads with her fingertips. A soft white radiance flowed from her fingers into the sisters' bodies.
At that exact moment, a notification appeared before Akira's eyes.
[Your adventurers Beiya Fuli and Beiya Flora have received the Elf Queen's Blessing!]Elemental Magic Power +50%All Elemental Resistances +30%
Akira's eyes lit up.
Oh!?
There was actually a benefit like this?!
"Lela."
The Elf Queen spoke softly, shifting her gaze toward Beiya Lela. Majesty and gentleness coexisted in her eyes, as though she could see through everything.
After blessing the sisters, the Queen spoke slowly.
"Although your guilt has been mitigated and you have received leniency, some dissent has yet to subside. Therefore, for the time being, I wish for you to remain in the Elf Kingdom and assist me in handling certain affairs."
"I understand, Your Majesty."
Beiya Lela replied respectfully, a warm, relieved smile blooming across her face. She knew full well—this decision was both protection and judgment. It shielded her while also giving the clan a visible, fair resolution.
"Since all matters have now been settled," the Elf Queen declared, her voice echoing through the air with unquestionable authority, "you may all disperse."
"By your will~"
With that, the Elf Queen departed. Her presence vanished without a trace, marking the official end of the grand assembly.
After paying their respects, the gathered elves gradually dispersed, restoring tranquility to the plaza.
"Mom! This is wonderful!"
"We can finally live a normal life in the Elf Kingdom again!"
"Thank you… my children."
The three—mother and daughters—embraced tightly, tears of joy streaming freely.
"Congratulations, Beiya Lela."
Elena approached them, smiling as she offered her blessings.
"And it's thanks to your help as well."
Beiya Lela returned the smile with heartfelt gratitude.
There was no doubt about it—Elena's and Yuluci's defense had played a decisive role in the Queen's judgment.
Had they sided with the elders and demanded strict punishment, the outcome might have been very different.
"Then you'd better thank that guy properly."
Yuluci shot Akira a cold glare, her eyes laced with faint resentment.
Akira could only shrug helplessly.
He had merely… convinced people with virtue, that was all.
"I still have matters to attend to, so I'll be leaving."
After offering her congratulations, Elena prepared to depart.
Before leaving, she smiled faintly at Akira.
"Man—if you wish to understand me more deeply… you're welcome to come find me anytime."
"…?"
Before Akira could even process what she meant, Elena was already gone, escorted by several high elves.
Akira frowned.
What was that supposed to mean?
"Understand her more deeply"?
This elven princess was far too mysterious—Better to keep some distance.
"Guildmaster~ this time, we truly owe you our thanks~"
Beiya Lela's voice was sweet as silk. Holding one daughter in each hand, she walked gracefully up to Akira, smiling with heartfelt gratitude.
"Please come to our home for dinner tonight. We insist—let us thank you properly."
"Guildmaster! Please come~!"
The two little girls chimed in together, gazing at him with sparkling, expectant eyes.
Akira checked the time.
Nine in the morning.
He nodded.
"Alright. I'll go handle some commissions first. I'll be there by dinnertime."
"Mmm~"
Beiya Lela smiled softly.
"Then I'll wait quietly for your arrival… and look forward to sharing dinner with you."
After resolving matters in the Elf Kingdom, Akira returned to the guild.
Fuli and Flora did not come with him—he had given them the day off, so the three of them could properly celebrate together.
"Alright… let's see what commissions I can finish before dinner with that family."
He opened the quest panel.
Eleven E+–rank commissions completed. Nine remaining.
As he reviewed them, one caught his eye.
The destination was the Moon Goddess Empire.
"Looks like I might be able to trigger the third phase of Alice's character quest through this one…"
He rubbed his chin.
"But this commission looks a bit tough…"
"Let's knock out two easy ones first."
He accepted two simpler quests and headed out with Ivsha and the others.
Time flew by.
In the blink of an eye, evening arrived.
Akira stood alone outside the familiar wooden cottage in the Elf Kingdom.
Ivsha had originally planned to come along, but an urgent matter at the church had forced her to stay behind.
Just as Akira raised his hand to knock—
He heard voices from inside.
"Mom, why hasn't Guildmaster arrived yet?"
"Maybe something delayed him."
"Mom… what did you just add to the soup?"
"Nothing~ That bowl is for Guildmaster. Don't sneak a taste later~"
"Aww~ Mom's so stingy! You only think about Guildmaster!"
"..."
Akira swallowed unconsciously.
What exactly were they talking about?
And… what did Lela add to the soup?
Before he could speculate further, the door slowly opened.
Beiya Lela stood there wearing an apron, her graceful figure filling his vision.
"Guildmaster, since you've arrived, why are you standing outside?"
"I just got here," Akira replied calmly with a smile.
"Is that so? Then please, come in~"
She smiled and took his hand, gently pulling him inside.
"Guildmaster! You're finally here!"
Fuli and Flora beamed as soon as they saw him.
The dining table was already laden with a lavish spread.
"Since Guildmaster is here, let's begin~"
Beiya Lela guided Akira to his seat, then leaned close and whispered softly into his ear,
"Today, I prepared a special rich soup just for you. Please—make sure you drink it all~"
Gulp.
Akira swallowed again.
Madam… just what did you put in that soup?
"Guildmaster, this is really tasty~!"
Fuli enthusiastically picked up food with her chopsticks and placed it into Akira's bowl.
Flora, on the other hand, hesitated. Holding her bowl and chopsticks, she shyly glanced at him, struggling internally over whether to imitate her sister.
At that moment, Beiya Lela spoke gently.
"Fuli, Flora… do you remember what Mommy taught you? Sit nicely while eating, okay?"
"…Okay."
The sisters obediently adjusted their posture and ate quietly.
But just as they settled down—
Beiya Lela picked up a slice of bamboo shoot, stood gracefully, bent slightly forward, and brought it directly to Akira's lips.
"This tastes wonderful, Guildmaster. Please have more~"
The sisters stared.
"??"
"Cough—"
Akira coughed lightly, trying to ease the awkwardness, and obediently ate the bamboo shoot.
But his attention was entirely elsewhere.
The sight before him—
Beneath Beiya Lela's apron, glimpses of snowy-white skin appeared and vanished.
He suddenly realized—
Under the apron, she wore only a thin, light green dress.
And beneath that dress—
…was abundant, dazzling whiteness.
After dinner, Akira sat quietly in his chair, sipping milk tea.
The warmth and enthusiasm of Lela and her daughters left him both flattered and slightly overwhelmed.
"Sorry to keep you waiting~"
Beiya Lela emerged from the bedroom. She had just gently carried the now-sleeping Fuli and Flora to bed.
Akira felt puzzled.
Why had the girls fallen asleep so suddenly after dinner?
Youth really was amazing.
As he pondered this, Beiya Lela gracefully sat down beside him, pressing close.
Akira's hand trembled slightly around the cup.
Her soft, watery skin pressed against him.
Then her gentle voice drifted into his ear.
"Guildmaster… this time, everything went smoothly thanks to your help~"
"I—"
He tried to speak—
—but Beiya Lela gently placed a fingertip over his lips.
Her heterochromatic red-and-blue eyes shimmered under the dim candlelight like brilliant stars—so beautiful it made his heart pound.
"I know~ I know~"
She smiled sweetly and leaned close, whispering in a seductive tone.
"I won't forget~ The reward I promised you… I'll give it to you now~"
Akira: "???"
His mind spiraled into chaos.
That wasn't what he meant at all!
Before he could explain—
Beiya Lela gently untied her apron.
Beneath it was a light green dress.
And beneath that—
—an intoxicating, snow-white body.
She let the straps slip from her shoulders.
In an instant, her flawless upper body was revealed.
Her curves were full and enticing. Snow-white skin glowed faintly red beneath the candlelight, breathtakingly beautiful.
This—
Akira remained outwardly calm.
But inside, a tsunami raged.
No wonder Fuli and Flora eat so well…
Wait—
Madam—
Your reward is a little too improper!
At that moment, Beiya Lela cupped her cheeks with both hands. Her red-and-blue eyes gleamed with a strange, mesmerizing light, as though imbued with some mysterious power.
That faintly unhinged smile—
—sent Akira's heartbeat spiraling out of control.
Her voice was soft, sweet, and intoxicating.
"Come~ This is the reward you deserve for your outstanding performance~"
As soon as she finished speaking, Beiya Lela pulled him tightly into her embrace.
Warmth.
A faint milky fragrance.
And—
—she offered him the most exquisite "meal" of all.
"W-Wait! I—!"
"It's alright~ it's alright~"
She soothed him gently.
"Good children deserve rewards. Come… let me see how much you've grown… mm, very good. Looks like you've been eating well~ Let me help you~"
Akira: "???"
(What follows is a very wholesome and beneficial scene.)