Chapter 21: Elf Swordsman!

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At Riveria's invitation, Liat, who had been too shy to meet her gaze, slowly stood. Riveria's heart warmed at the sight, a smile tugging at her lips—this timid girl must be a fan. It's undeniable, she mused, how useful her royal title was in rallying members of her own kin.

"Riveria-sama, you're the captain of the Sol family, right? Do you think Sol-sama would approve of us joining?" Liat asked, a hint of hesitation in her voice.

"If that's what concerns you, then it would be best to ask Sol-sama yourself," Riveria replied gently.

At the mention of Sol's name, Riveria's expression softened, her features touched by an unmistakable warmth that caught the two elves off guard for a moment.

"What do you need to ask me?" Sol's voice drifted over, and the two young elves turned to see him approaching with a casual smile.

Both girls were strikingly beautiful, even among elves, with delicate features that marked them as truly exceptional. Yet, there was a weariness in their faces that hinted at recent hardship.

After all, Sol thought to himself with a smirk, once taken under his wing, they'd certainly need looking after.

"Sol-sama! I'd like to join your family," Liat said earnestly.

"Oh? Well, joining Sol's family isn't so easy," Sol replied with a playful glint in his eye. "Give me a reason."

"Our village was destroyed by monsters. I can't forget the helplessness of that day. I want the strength to protect my sister and myself!" Veronica, the older of the two, met his gaze, her eyes fierce with resolve.

"Strength isn't easy to come by," Sol replied, his tone turning serious. "You both experienced last night's devastation. Life can be so fragile. Are you ready to face death?"

"Absolutely. I made my decision long before coming here," Veronica replied without wavering.

"Alright, stop testing these two, Sol-sama," Riveria intervened gently, breaking the tension with a knowing smile.

After hearing the sisters' story, a flicker of pity crossed Riveria's face. Moved, she drew them close, her demeanor like that of a protective mother.

"Well, we already have our share of troublemakers, so what's a couple more?" she murmured, smiling to herself.

With that, Riveria led the two sisters away, their departure watched by others with a mixture of envy and admiration. Though many of them had suffered losses as well, few had the privilege of a place in Sol's grand residence. Yet, under Riveria's stern and noble gaze, any jealousy was kept well hidden.

When they returned to the family grounds, the repairs from the previous night's damage were well underway. Members of the household worked diligently, filling in holes across the yard and tending to the damaged areas, though the charred patches of soil stood out starkly against the vibrant flowerbeds nearby. It would be some time before the land returned to its former glory.

"Everyone~ I've brought some newcomers!" As soon as he entered the gate, Sol called cheerfully, nudging the sisters forward as they entered.

The four figures by the gate quickly drew the attention of everyone in the household. 

The sisters froze momentarily, unused to so many eyes on them at once. Fortunately, Sol's family was composed mostly of fellow elves, and with Riveria acting as a mediator, it was easier for these newcomers to blend in among their kin.

After brief introductions with the family members, Riveria guided the sisters to a lounge where Sol was already waiting, and a silver needle set beside him.

Having completed her task, Riveria withdrew, leaving the two sisters alone with Sol.

Though they were familiar with the ritual of receiving favor, the sisters felt a bit shy being in an enclosed space with the male deity they'd only just met.

"Which of you will go first?" Sol asked with a teasing smile, patting the edge of the bed.

The two exchanged a glance, and after a steadying breath, Veronica took the lead.

"Remove your clothes and lie down here," Sol instructed, still smiling.

"I understand!" Veronica replied, though her cheeks flushed under Sol's observant gaze. Feeling her ears heat up, she clapped her hands to her face, embarrassed by his unfiltered attention.

Despite her initial hesitation, Veronica removed her clothing, revealing a well-toned physique that immediately captured Sol's attention. She quickly lay down on the bed, face turned away and head resting on her hands.

He then began the ritual, marking her with his favor.

[Veronica] 

Level: 1 

Strength: I0 

Durability: I0 

Dexterity: I0 

Agility: I0 

Magic: I0 

Magic: 

—Wings of the Wind

- Wind-based magic 

- Increases agility 

- Activation chant: "Oh Swift Wind, Turn into My Wings!" 

Skills: 

—Sword Dance

- Increases dexterity 

- Enhances dodge rate when using Sword Dance 

- Grants temporary Swordsman proficiency when wielding a sword

The inscriptions of favor appeared on her back, along with her stats. To Sol's surprise, Veronica not only received his favor but also immediately awakened both magic and skill attributes. Even more astonishing—she was a natural swordsman!

He hadn't noticed her carrying a weapon when they'd first met, so he hadn't expected a talent for swordsmanship. Glancing at her skills, he noted that her abilities leaned heavily toward close combat—a rarity among elves in his family, and highly valuable. A proficient swordsman among them was practically a miracle!