Caught In 4K

The explanation didn't take long, and her reaction was unexpected.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" she asked, her pout giving away her dissatisfaction.

...Adorable.

"I didn't want to burden you with unnecessary worries. I believe I can handle it," I replied confidently.

However, Ais didn't seem satisfied with my response as she suddenly punched my arm.

"Don't take it lightly. Why is it always like this when it comes to you?"

I was at a loss for words.

This wasn't the first time she had brought up this issue. We had previously discussed my self-sacrificing act when dealing with Loki...

Ais was not okay with that.

Why should it matter? All that mattered to me was her, and her alone.

I had always believed that, but it seemed to frustrate her more than anything. Finding a way to resolve this issue had proven to be elusive.

"I'm sorry," I began, but she cut me off with a shake of her head.

With her hands gently cupping my face, she drew me closer, her eyes filled with determination.

"Don't see yourself as insignificant. The person you see that way in your mind is someone... precious to me."

Her words brought a smile to my face.

However, our moment was abruptly interrupted.

The door swung open.

"Ais-san, can you come with me toda—"

As a matter of fact, it wasn't entirely unexpected. We had spent a considerable amount of time in Ais' room, often in compromising positions. It would have been more surprising if no one had discovered us in such situations.

We were still on the bed, our bodies intimately close, with Ais holding my face and me secretly wrapping my arms around her waist.

It was a stroke of luck that Ais hadn't decided to position herself on top of me, as she had developed some rather peculiar habits.

But what truly mattered was the identity of the person who had opened the door.

Lefiya...

Our interactions had always been minimal, merely acknowledging each other as two individuals. I had never paid her much mind, except for the occasional annoyance she caused us.

Yet, as of late, she seemed somewhat acceptable.

Could it be that a crisis of this magnitude had the power to transform people so drastically?

Perhaps, that was the case.

A tense silence filled the room as Ais calmly withdrew her hands from my face and turned her attention to Lefiya.

"...What is it?" Ais asked with a hint of confusion in her voice, waiting for Lefiya to explain.

But Lefiya remained silent, her expression unreadable.

She was surely surprised. I just hope she wouldn't lash out—

"I had planned to go to Babel for a while. Would you like to come with me?"

I had a nagging feeling that something was amiss. This wasn't how things were supposed to unfold.

To make matters even stranger, she didn't just ask Ais, but she included me in her invitation as if it were the most natural thing in the world...

Was this truly the same annoying elf?

Lefiya turned around, her voice lower this time.

"I... I'll give you both some time to think about it. I'll be waiting outside."

With that, she abruptly closed the door, leaving us alone in the room.

Well, it seemed that she had truly changed.

I had been skeptical when I first saw her upon our return, but now I could say it with certainty.

Yes, she had done a complete 180 in her behavior, and while it was a bit odd, I couldn't help but appreciate it.

"...What do you want to do?" I asked Ais, eager to hear her thoughts.

We had avoided going out for far too long. If she wanted to go, I would gladly follow her lead.

Ais looked at me for a few moments, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions.

"...Don't forget what I said," she replied, her voice filled with a hint of warning.

"I won't, don't worry"

With that, we made the decision to venture out together. A strange trio had formed, and our destination was Babel. I wasn't entirely sure what awaited us there, but it was still a better option than remaining cooped up at home or waiting idly for our training sessions to roll around.

---

"It's almost time for the Goddess Festival, and we're planning to attend. I thought it would be a great opportunity to ask Ais-san for some help with choosing dresses. It won't take up too much time, considering we all have our training and the war to focus on, but I thought it would be a nice change of pace..."

Lefiya explained to me as we walked toward Babel, her cheeks flushed crimson.

If she felt that embarrassed, I could have just stayed home. It wasn't as if Ais couldn't enjoy some time alone with her...

Especially now that Lefiya had become more like a decent human being.

I could have pointed that out, but I didn't feel the need to.

Why should I?

Since they would be trying on clothes, I looked forward to seeing Ais in a formal dress.

...If Lefiya wanted my opinion, she would have it as a gesture of gratitude for inviting me to this occasion, which was also the reason behind her current embarrassment.

But don't worry, Lefiya, I won't be gazing at you for more than a fleeting moment.

As I chuckled at her, we arrived at Babel. Along the way, the remnants of the recent events became less noticeable. If it weren't for the enormous mural, one could almost believe that Orario had returned to its normal state.

Adventurers were buzzing with excitement about the upcoming war, while others hesitated to venture into the depths of the Dungeon, consumed by fear.

I was glad things were somewhat normal, as it would've killed a little of this atmosphere if that wasn't the case.

---

Author's Note:

Time to put on some dress, girls.

Anyways, as you may have understood, many events will happen one after another soon. These chapters are all the interlude separating the two Arcs.

Volume 4 will be after the Goddess Festival and with it many things will change.