I had managed to rescue a beautiful elf from the Monster House.
"Thank you so much for the clothes!" she said, smiling warmly.
"Don't mention it," I replied. "It'd be awkward if you stayed naked."
The elf, now dressed in an outfit crafted by the Black Ooze, looked relieved. I had tried giving her clothes from the dead adventurers I had found, but none of them fit her properly.
The reason?
Well, her chest and hips were far more generous than what the average adventurer's gear could accommodate. So I ended up having Black Ooze consume one of the outfits and reshape itself to fit her form—a makeshift but functional solution.
"I really appreciate everything you've done for me!" she said, her eyes shining with gratitude.
"Forget it." I waved off her thanks. "I've got places to be."
I turned to leave, eager to move on without any further delays.
"Please, wait... my savior!" she called out, rushing to kneel in front of me, blocking my path.
I sighed. This was getting exhausting.
"Please," she continued, her head bowed, "allow me to repay you somehow!"
"I don't need anything from you," I said firmly, hoping she'd understand. "You don't owe me anything."
"But if I don't repay you, I'll never be at peace!" she insisted, her voice full of desperation.
I frowned. "I don't care about your peace of mind. I saved you on a whim. You don't owe me a thing."
She looked up at me, her eyes wide with admiration. "Oh, how noble! How truly selfless of you!"
"What...?" I blinked, caught off guard by her reaction.
"It's clear to me now," she went on, her voice filled with awe. "You're pretending to be indifferent just so I won't feel indebted to you, right? Such kindness..."
I felt my jaw tighten. This woman... she was reading way too much into my actions.
"You don't need to feel grateful," I repeated, more forcefully this time. "I'm not trying to be noble. I just don't want you getting in my way."
But she just smiled even more brightly. "Your selflessness moves me! You're so strong, and your heart is just as kind!"
I felt my patience wearing thin. "Listen," I said, my voice low and stern, "stop trying to paint me as some kind of hero. I helped you because I felt like it, not because I'm a good person."
The elf didn't even flinch. If anything, my words only seemed to make her more emotional. "Even now, you're trying to downplay your actions... how admirable! You truly have a pure heart!"
I groaned inwardly. This was going nowhere.
"Enough of this," I said, stepping to the side, trying to walk around her. "I'm leaving."
She moved quickly, placing herself in my way again, her arms spread wide to block my path. I could feel my frustration boiling over.
"Get out of my way," I ordered, my voice sharp.
She stood her ground, her eyes defiant. "No! Not until I've repaid my debt!"
I felt my hand tighten around the Trigger Happy revolver at my side. In a flash, I had it raised, pointing straight at her. Her eyes widened slightly, but to my surprise, she didn't cower.
"Move," I said coldly.
"No!" she said again, her voice steady. "You saved my life. I can't just let you walk away without repaying you."
I stared at her, baffled. She was serious. This woman was truly willing to die just to repay me?
"...You're really committed to this, aren't you?" I said, my tone softening slightly.
"Yes!" she nodded fervently. "I owe you my life, and I will do whatever it takes to repay that debt."
I sighed heavily. "Alright," I said, lowering the revolver, "then answer this. If repaying me means dying, would you do it?"
She didn't hesitate. "Yes," she said simply. "This life belongs to you now. If you wish it, I will end it without question."
Her sincerity left me momentarily speechless. She was serious. There wasn't a hint of fear in her eyes, only unwavering devotion. It was unsettling.
"You're an idiot," I muttered, shaking my head.
"If that's what you wish to call me, then so be it," she said, smiling.
I turned away, trying to gather my thoughts. She was too stubborn to leave me alone, and nothing I said seemed to dissuade her. She needed to do something for me, or she wouldn't rest. I didn't want a tagalong, but if I couldn't get rid of her...
I heard the dark, amused voice of the Cursed Blade in my head. "Why not take her as a companion? She's clearly a high-level magic user, and she seems devoted enough."
I frowned. "Companion?" I muttered under my breath.
The blade laughed softly. "Or perhaps a servant. You could use the Trigger Happy to put her under your control completely. Make her yours, body and soul."
I hesitated, considering the idea. The revolver had the ability to charm anyone it hit, making them completely loyal to me. I could make her my servant, ensure she wouldn't betray me. It was tempting.
Without a word, I lifted the revolver again, aiming it at her chest. Her eyes widened, but she made no move to avoid the shot.
"Don't dodge," I said.
"I won't," she replied calmly, even smiling.
I pulled the trigger. The shot rang out, and she gasped softly as the magic took hold, her expression shifting. Her eyes grew soft, her posture relaxed, and a dreamy smile spread across her face.
"How do you feel?" I asked.
She blinked up at me, her cheeks flushed. "I feel... I feel like I'm yours," she said, her voice breathless. "I want to serve you. To stay by your side, no matter what."
The Cursed Blade's laughter echoed in my mind. "Well, there you have it. She's all yours now."
I looked down at the elf, who was now staring at me with adoration. It made me uneasy.
"Then follow my order," I said, my voice firm. "Leave me. Go live your life somewhere far from here."
She looked stunned, her smile faltering. "But... but I love you. I want to stay with you."
I clenched my jaw. "That's not what I want. You're free to live your life. I don't need you with me."
Her eyes welled with tears, and she shook her head. "I can't do that! I love you too much to leave!"
Damn it. The charm had worked too well. She was too devoted now, and my command had conflicted with her feelings, rendering her unable to obey. This wasn't working.
I raised the revolver again. "I'm sorry about this," I said, and fired again.
This time, I used a different enchantment—Disregard. It was a memory-wiping spell, one that would erase the last few minutes of her life, removing me from her mind completely. The shot hit, and she slumped to the ground, unconscious.
I holstered the gun and sighed. "There. Now you'll forget we ever met."
The Cursed Blade's voice was still there, chuckling. "You're quite determined to push her away, aren't you? Are you really that afraid of getting close to someone?"
I ignored the blade's taunt. This was for the best. I didn't want any connections. Not after everything that had happened. It was safer this way.
But as I turned to leave, I heard her voice again.
"Wait!"
I froze, slowly looking back. She was standing, unsteady but upright, her eyes clear as they met mine.
"Please," she said softly, "let me stay by your side."
My mouth went dry. "How... you shouldn't remember me."
She smiled, her eyes filled with something deeper than just memory. "I may not remember everything, but I know how I feel. And I know I love you. Please, let me stay."
I felt my shoulders sag. This wasn't supposed to happen. I had erased her memories. I had severed the connection. And yet, here she was, still wanting to stay.
"Fine," I muttered. "Do what you want."
Her face lit up, and before I could react, she was hugging my arm, pressing against me with a joyful laugh.
"Thank you! I promise you won't regret it!"
I sighed deeply. "You're way too easy to please, you know that?" I grumbled.
She nodded happily. "Of course!"
I rolled my eyes. "What's your name?" I asked, resigned.
"Elferis!" she said proudly.
"Elferis, huh?" I said, considering. "That's too long. Mind if I just call you 'Elf'?"
"Call me anything you like!" she replied, beaming.
"...Fine, Elferis it is."
And just like that, I had an unexpected companion, whether I liked it or not.