As promised, Mime-san took me on a full tour of her village.
And honestly? It was... unexpectedly normal.
Sure, all the villagers were elves, but the place itself reminded me of an old, traditional town from my world. Wooden houses, a marketplace bustling with activity, and kids running around playing—except instead of toys, they had magic.
Everywhere I looked, people casually used skills and spells to make their lives easier. Farmers watering their crops with floating orbs of water, bakers controlling the heat of their ovens with fire magic, even a tailor weaving cloth mid-air with telekinesis.
So this is what happens when fantasy races don't rely on technology. Magic basically turned them into a medieval sci-fi society.
The air was so clean that every breath felt like inhaling a flower garden. The sunset painted the sky with gold and crimson hues, casting a peaceful glow over the village.
It was so... harmonious. If I didn't already know about the looming orc invasion, I would've assumed this place was just a lazy elf paradise.
We ended our **date—**I MEAN, TOUR by sitting on a grassy hill, watching the sun dip below the horizon.
"Now, Shun-chan, do you understand why I want to protect this place?"
She didn't look at me, just kept her eyes on the village below, her expression calm yet firm.
I simply nodded.
"Ara, so you're also kind-hearted~" She giggled softly before her tone turned serious. "The smiles of the people, the laughter of children, the cheers of the adults... they're treasures left to me by my parents. And I will protect them, even if it costs me my life."
She sounded so determined, so unwavering in her resolve, that I couldn't help but admire her.
Welp. Looks like I'm stuck helping her now.
After the tour, we returned to her mini-mansion.
"Dear, I had my maids prepare your dinner. You and Tsukihime can eat without me, okay? Be a good boy and sleep early, so we can start hunting tomorrow immediately!"
She led me to my room, then suddenly smirked.
"By the way, this is the only vacant room left, so you'll have to share with Tsukihime for a while... but no naughty stuff, okay~?"
HOLD UP.
"Damn it! I won't lay a hand on her! She's practically like my daughter!"
(A/N: Bro, just because you summoned her doesn't make her your daughter. Also, she looks more mature than you! Have some shame.)
Ignoring her usual teasing, I asked:
"Where are you going, anyway?"
She flashed a reassuring smile.
"I have some important matters to attend to. I know you want me to spoil you tonight, but this isn't the day~"
"Just take care, alright?"
She gave me a small wave before heading downstairs, accompanied by a maid with a more elegant uniform than the others.
A head maid, maybe?
…Wait. Why does she act like my mom?
Not long after, the maids arrived with our food. As they placed the dishes on the table, a light shone from the magic circle on my palm. Moments later, Tsukihime materialized, yawning as she stretched.
"Ahhh, yes! Food!" She spun around, hugging herself in excitement before flopping onto the bed. "And Shun, this room is so cozy! I don't wanna leave!"
To be fair, she wasn't wrong.
Even though it wasn't as extravagant as the library, my room was impressive. Fancy carpets, elegant paintings on the walls, and a massive white bed that looked like it belonged to royalty. There was even a desk with a stylish lamp, adding a touch of modern comfort.
"AHH, WE'RE REALLY LUCKY, TSUKIHIME-SAN!"
Meanwhile... Mime's POV
"Mime-sama, please rest. I will handle this matter."
I clenched my fists so hard my nails dug into my palms.
"Damn it… He's being a pest again!"
To think he had the audacity to send a spy into my village. He's getting bolder.
Beatrice, ever the level-headed one, stood beside me, arms crossed. "Why didn't you just kill the spy earlier?"
I let out an exaggerated sigh. "Come on, maid-chan, how could I do that in front of Shun-chan? I don't want him to think I'm a violent woman~"
She raised an eyebrow. "But you are, Mime-sama."
"Ara, but he didn't tell me everything about himself either, so it's fair, no? Shadow Elf, Beatrice~"
Beatrice sighed but didn't argue. She was used to my nonsense by now.
Then, she handed me a letter.
"The spy left this in your mailbox."
I opened it, my eyes narrowing at the contents.
Meet me at the riverbank near your village, Mime… or else, you'll find out what happens next.
For a moment, I just stared at the words.
Then, I laughed.
"Pfft. HAHAHA! THIS LITTLE SHIT! I'M GONNA KILL HIM!"
Beatrice pinched the bridge of her nose. "Mime-sama… if you kill him, the Duke of Brizt Kingdom will—"
"So what? That kingdom is full of shit anyway. Besides, I could solo them."
As this stupid noble ordered, we went on the river bank.
The riverbank was bathed in the eerie glow of moonlight, the water reflecting the silver sheen of the stars.
It was quiet. Too quiet.
I could feel them. Hiding. Watching. Surrounding us like vultures.
Using [Area Scan], I counted ten, no… twenty presences lurking in the shadows. Tch. Coward.
Then, the rhythmic clatter of hooves against the dirt echoed through the night. A grand black carriage, embroidered with golden patterns, rolled into view. It came to a slow, deliberate stop.
For a moment, nothing happened.
Then the door opened.
A man stepped out, dressed in an obnoxiously expensive noble coat, his blonde hair slicked back like he spent an hour styling it. Marco Sethrus.
His very presence made my stomach churn. He carried himself with unearned confidence, like the world existed to entertain him. That disgusting smirk plastered on his face screamed entitlement.
I hated everything about him.
"Good evening, my princess."
Shy elf mode: ON.
I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, lowering my gaze slightly. "Uhm… G-Good evening, Marco-sama."
"Ahh, you're just as enchanting as ever." He took a step closer, eyeing me up and down like I was his property.
I resisted the urge to snap his neck right then and there.
"Have you considered my offer?" he asked, voice dripping with false politeness.
I smiled softly. "Uhm… no, I don't really want to get married, Marco-sama. So, I have to decline."
His smile faltered. Just for a second. Then, faster than I could react—
He grabbed my hair.
Hard.
Pain shot through my scalp as he yanked me forward, his hot, disgusting breath fanning against my face.
"You damn bitch. Are you even thinking properly?"
He tightened his grip, forcing me to meet his furious gaze.
"If you marry me, you won't have to worry about orc invasions anymore!" he spat. "Do you think you can protect this village forever? Stop acting cocky and just—"
His lips twisted into something vile.
"—offer your body to me already."
My stomach twisted.
He wasn't even pretending anymore.
This wasn't about marriage. It was about control.
He wanted to own me, break me, like some expensive toy.
As if he can though.
I clenched my fists. My magic surged, screaming for release. I could kill him. Right here. Right now.
But then—
"By the way… one of my spies saw you with a boy in the village."
The air turned razor-sharp.
I didn't move. Didn't breathe.
Marco's smirk widened. "I know what he looks like. If you don't marry me…" He leaned in, his voice a venomous whisper. "I'll kill him. Right in front of you."
Behind me, Beatrice let out a sharp gasp. "No! Please, don't hurt my lady's guest!"
Nice act, Maid-chan.
My fingers twitched. He had just signed his death sentence. Involving Shun-chan here...
Then he lifted a hand, reaching toward my chest. He's drooling, as if he's seeing my body as an addictive alcohol.
I smiled. Now I can justify dirtying my hand.
Right before his fingers could touch me, I caught his wrist.
His expression twisted in shock as my grip tightened, bone-crushingly tight.
Then, with the sweetest, most sickeningly polite voice, I whispered:
"I'm sorry, dear, but that area is already allotted for someone~"