Interlude: The Astray Elf (Part 6)

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"Please, Lefiya-san, I need your help!"

"Cranel-san, do you understand the ramifications of your request if Lefiya agrees to it?" Rivera-sama took a deep, measured breath as she spoke with Cranel-san. My future Queen's composure was measured and controlled. Though we sat in a mere tent within the Dungeon, there was no doubt the heiress to the throne was holding audience with Cranel-san. I couldn't help but take pride in her, as any elf ought to do, as most kings and queens of the world cannot demand such respect of those on the Fourth Step of Divinity. "Asking her to aid you against Rakia will cause many gods to disfavor my nation. While Aiz is free to do as she wishes, Lefiya's power is directly linked to my people."

"Rivera—"

"Aiz, I do not deny him Lefiya's aid out of spite or worry for Lefiya's ability. Rakia is an entity that only understands force; elves know this truth more than anyone, and I expect to rebuff them during my rule." I took care to listen well to Rivera-sama's words. My future regent was confident, inspiring, and controlled the entirety of the conversation. My apologies, Aiz-chan, but I must allow Rivera-sama to speak over you. This is my training. I am sure that you understand! "Taking action against them means my whole country taking action against them. That is permissible as I am the rightful ruler of my people. However, should Lefiya take action against them, there is the chance that many other nations will see the Thousand Elf fighting and destroying an army on equal terms as myself."

"Everyone would think that you're too strong. People would band against you." Hikigaya-kun's teachings shone clearly through Cranel-san's words. His efficacy as a teacher was undoubtable. Since I intended to be stronger and ask him for aid in doing so, I was sure that I would be spending my time wisely by learning how to analyze situations so quickly. A frown formed on Cranel's features before he gave a nod and met my mentor's gaze. "What do you want for your aid then, Rivera-sama? I can get you five hundred million Valis between now and the final day of Sensei's assignment."

I couldn't withhold my surprise at that statement. Five hundred million Valis! That was enough to outfit an Adventurer of the Fifth or Sixth step for an Adventure deep into the Dungeon! While it was a trifle in comparison to the funds gained by the whole of a Familia, for one individual to be able to generate so much money within the span of three weeks was ludicrous! I'd been aware of Hikigaya-kun's systemic methods in hunting monsters, in which he even accepts risks such as traveling outside the charted areas of the Dungeon, but hearing the results was still astonishing!

To my surprise, Rivera-sama smiled at that statement.

Ah, I had almost forgotten her exact words due to my astonishment. Yes, indeed, my future monarch indeed had no issue with foiling the plans of the brutish gods who headed Rakia. One would think that after the Spirits repelled their first efforts to invade our lands that they would never try again. Yet, it is apparent to all elves and nations that they are merely gathering strength for another attempt. If such a threat hadn't been looming over the Kingdom, I doubted that Riviera-sama would have been forced to spend so many decades in Orario instead of allowing her mother to retire. Perhaps my Divinity would've been different as well if such a threat wasn't present.

I shook my head before I became too morose.

There is no point in ruminating over what could've been as I am here now.

"Spending five hundred million for an assured victory, despite the fact you'd only receive a hundred upon succeeding?" Rivera-sama's smile was a polite one, but I could tell that she was entertained with the notion. Not many people could make my future regent laugh or exhibit any emotion besides tranquility. Hikigaya-kun's character and teachings were apparent enough in Cranel that she couldn't help but smile. "My, my, Cranel, that almost seems spiteful. What wrongs has Rakia done to you to warrant such dedication in a simple assignment?"

"…Rivera-sama, I honestly don't know anything about Rakia. I'd never heard of them before they tried to take Crozzo-san away a few months ago." Cranel's way of speaking was incredibly… honest. There was something about Hikigaya-kun's student that just seemed so earnest. Whenever the white-haired, red-eyed human spoke he seemed to speak straight from his heart. While Hikigaya-kun relied on his wiles and cunning, Cranel relied on his instinct and desire. They were different, but also the same. "But, this is an assignment that my Sensei gave me because he thinks I'm not a good enough leader for my Familia, so I can't fail even if that means working more than I've ever worked in my life."

By Aiz-chan's smile, Cranel, I don't think you'll be alone while you gather Valis. Eh, why are you suddenly looking away and being embarrassed?

"Ummm… also, I want to prove to Sensei that I appreciate everything he's done for me." Why am I seeing a fair maiden before me instead of a man? I can clearly see the mannish nature of Cranel's wardrobe, but what I am hearing and sensing is female. Is there some sort of magic at play? Are my memories wrong? My eyes? My senses? "If I fail in this, that means I haven't learned from him as I should have because he definitely thinks I can win."

"Bell-kun, Hikigaya-sensei having punishments in store for you losing doesn't mean he thinks you'll definitely win." Aiz-san takes hold of the being known to me as Cranel. I expected the moment of mania to pass. I would see a brave young man once more. That was not the case. Instead the flush upon the white-haired human's face deepened extremely. How queer. Had I completely misremembered Cranel's gender? "It's more likely your Sensei expects less of you so he has lit a fire behind you to keep you in check."

"Please let me dream, Aiz-chan…" Those aren't the words of an esteemed warrior, correct? I looked towards my future monarch. My future ruler seemed as confused as myself. My unspoken question was answered with a simple glance. Yes, indeed, this was occurring exactly as I witnessed it. Cranel, what exactly are you? A man? A woman? What sort of creature are you, to be capable of such expressions? I do recall you fighting bravely with a battle cry upon your lips against the Asura, but I can see no sign of the remarkable young human male I'd seen that day. Please cease poking your fingers together in embarrassment! I do not know why, but I am rapidly becoming furious with your demeanor! "I just want Sensei's approval, that's all!"

I didn't know why, but the way Cranel was acting made me want to implore my mentor to refuse his request.

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"I can't believe I have Nine Hell herself helping me!" Cranel showed the proper respect to my teacher. The wide smile he sported now that the dealings were completed fit his features better than the meekness he exhibited earlier. My ill feelings regarding Aiz-chan's best friend faded away once he began to act more like his gender. Anyway, though I still needed to spend several days within the Dungeon, I was now helping Hikigaya-kun's student out of the Dungeon along with Aiz so he could properly prepare for his efforts to accrue Valis. He didn't seem to need any help dispatching any of the monsters he came across, making our escort a moot point, but it was a gesture of respect and courtesy that wouldn't go amiss. "This went far better than I thought it would!"

While some would have taken affront to such words, I didn't. If I were in Cranel's place, seeking to gain my help and power, I would've been similarly overjoyed to be granted my teacher's power instead. As far as I'd come as an Adventurer, I was nowhere near my future sovereign's potency and prowess. Indeed, I was sure that my mentor stood amongst the legends themselves in terms of might and ability. I understood the difference between myself and her, so I was not at all harmed by Cranel's excitement.

Still, I appreciated Aiz-chan's sudden ribbing of Cranel's side and glance towards me. I gave my incredible friend a smile as Cranel considered his words

"N-not that I wouldn't have been excited if you were able to help me, Lefiya-san!" Cranel's features and demeanor were rapidly returning to the state which I'd found somewhat undesirable to consider. However, as it was now turned upon me, I found a flush forming on my cheeks as he held together his hands and bowed his head in apology. "G-gomen, I didn't mean to say that you're terrible or anything, you were the person I'd wanted to ask for first, I swear!"

"I-it's not a problem, Cranel-san." I prided myself in keeping my head held high and my voice steady as I spoke. While I couldn't help but stutter and helplessly feel my flush deepen at the realization, I was progressing in lessons of decorum which I'd neglected for years. Learning to speak well once more reminded me of my childhood lessons with my mother. Though such days will remain in the past for the foreseeable future, the memories were far sweeter than when I remembered them last. "I would be ecstatic to have the support of my mentor in your place. R-Rakia will be doubtlessly defeated by Rivera-sama while I may have only tipped the odds in your favor."

I expected a statement of thanks in return from Cranel, but instead a wide smile formed across his features. Suddenly, I felt a shiver go down my spine as he placed one hand on his hip and held his chin between his index and thumb. Such smugness! There was no doubt that Cranel was indeed Hikigaya-kun's student.

"Eh, Lefiya-san, you're sounding a lot more mature now." The flush upon my cheeks redoubled. Beneath Cranel's scarlet gaze and subtle smile, I felt as though my sudden refocus and efforts on appearing more dignified and respectable were all laid bare. I tried to shift away, but Cranel utilized his divine blessings to keep his eyes meeting mine. What an uncouth method of using the gifts the gods have granted you, Cranel! "So stoic and cool, but still demure and sweet!" Cranel's coos were grating, but I couldn't manage to say anything against them. They were technically compliments, but my ire was rising quickly. "Ne, Sensei's in for a surprise the next time you see him isn't he?"

Before my face my could combust, Aiz-chan reined in Cranel with a backwards tug. His teasing face seemingly hung in the air before me before vanishing as he was thrown into the Dungeon's dark depths with a startled wail.

"Aiz-chan wwhyyyy—"

I took a moment to recompose myself and pat away the blood which rushed at my cheeks. Demurity! Confidence! Will! I couldn't remain fretful, worried, and bashful! Hikigaya-kun always captured me in his eddies, taking me to and fro within his currents, while I was left unable to do anything for his sake. I couldn't help him if I remained a bashful maiden incapable of standing up for herself! If Cranel could elicit such shock from me, how was I supposed to face Hikigaya-kun's piercing stare and resolute nature?

My confidence was waning, but a firm hand on my shoulder and a smile renewed them.

"You're getting stronger quickly, Lefiya." Aiz-chan's words gave me hope. She never lied and was the epitome of courage and resolute will. I strove to be like her and Rivera-sama. I knew I couldn't completely change myself, but I could at least try to be like my betters for the sake of the person I wanted to save. "Keep working hard."

Nodding at my dear friend, I gathered myself and continued to walk forward.

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