Novel Yuusha Isekai! Youjo Suki! [Ch 1-152]

Thanks muchly for providing that review. I agree that Kali and Kaede probably need a bit more fleshing out still at the moment. Kali is relatively new and Kaede is relatively quiet, so they both have issues in that character building department when we're mostly going from Elijah's viewpoint. I was considering creating more sides relating to them soon, and this has cemented that opinion, so thanks.

Rishya has troubles with the idea of being aggressive at the moment; she has only recently been forced to acknowledge some affection for Elijah. But she probably will, as time goes on.

It sounds like I have Kiku, Aria, and Seria right, though, so that's encouraging! And I'm happy you're enjoying yourself!

 

SIDE CHAPTER B2
KILLING TIME

The time wasn't quite right.

The first opportunity was a miss. To much risk.

But I figured if I hung around here, I would find him.

It was tiresome identifying every strange man entering the guild, but here he is.

I have spent some hours working up a ladder of faces. As I expected in a town like this, the first incident was investigated quite rapidly, even though it was in the slums. That did make it easy to ambush a dozy patrolman on the scene, and then a drunk mercenary in a dive of a pub causing a scene, who could be 'escorted' out to jail. I was even thanked for it.

My breath still reeks. My personal hygeine is currently almost intolerable again. Taking faces takes their owners characteristics. One of the problems of this power.

But also, sometimes a boon, as in this case. People are ignoring me, and even expect 'Isaac' to be a waste of space. The fragmented memories indicate him to be stuck at 'D' rank forever due to his cowardice. Not very trusted by the mercenary’s guild. Pretty crap axe user. No real skill I can even take advantage of. Basically, a wandering idiot that got lucky with gambling a few months back and is draining his purse after that.

I dumped his body in the sea along with the face of 'Laz', the robber who was in the foolish group that attempted to attack me. I should have a few more days before he is linked to the others, especially with how furiously the guard is chasing 'Timothy' the watchmans faceless corpse that I left in the noble district last night. A murder in such a place is a great embarrassment to their profession, especially of one their own. And it will draw away resources from shadier areas where I can stay if need arises.

I just need to be cautious when further faces are taken. Eventually some report might incorrectly link Isaac to Timothy's death, if their investigation has even a sliver of competence, which is probably my time limit with this face.

I suppose I could have attacked right then. But the time wasn't right.

I need to be careful to avoid his own identification, which is weaker than a true demon's, but still worrying. I wonder how he learnt it? Probably a slip up from one of the sleeper agents.

If I revealed myself here, the guise of Isaac would slip off. I would have to deal with all of his girls, and likely all the fools here. I am confident in my own ability, but that is quite alot to bite off at once. One mistake and...

Just how did he attract such apparently loyal women? There's also new ones not in the agents report as well. What a bunch of whores.

The skull of a skullbeast was a surprise as well. As is the Void archer girl. A strange rarity among humans to attract those spirits. The hateful Sage of Thunder that presumably slew Kerkyon is also with them.

He doesn't have much metal I can use. Even the damn breastplate is proud of its duty. Honorable knights in its past? Glad to be of service to a new hero? Hogwash. Stabbing him to death with his own metal is not an option here. Frustrating.

Perhaps I should send a supplementary report to my lord immediately. Though I at first figured this to be an easy assignment, I can perhaps understand his moderate concern.

I have a few days at least, as I heard they will be staying.

I should gather information and seek some guidance before I make a strike.

I need to cautiously follow as well. The senses of his party are top notch, especially his Assassin. I can recognise someone in my trade. And a non-fatal strike can likely be dealt with by the blonde light spirit wenches. How troublesome.

I involutarily let out a groan, but everyone ignores me, assuming me to be feeling the effects of my sixth pint of cheap human beer.

Ha! Like that swill would even touch my toxin resistance. I rise and pretend to stagger out the building so I can make my report.

But one cannot deny the usefulness of this disguise.

I plan my next move. Soon he will vulnerable.

It's always a waiting game.

So I shall wait.

------
Surprise Friday chapter!!
Barbatos Si'vesj is now lurking...
I was on leave today from work; so I had a bit of time to pop this one up; its still not going to be common on Fridays at the moment.

 

CHAPTER 79
TERROR CLOSING IN

"I'll be upfront with you... I find this report to be somewhat crazy..." The guildmaster, Simon, shakes his head.

"But... testimony from the Princess, the... Sage... and even I can't not debate that skulls origin." He adds, sighing.

Simon appears to be a traditional magister. He's in his fifties, I'd say, with a shaved head and spectacles. And of course, a navy-blue robe covered in arcane symbols.

He almost choked when he heard Seria was the Thunder Sage as well. He didn't believe that at first either. But activating his magical sight literally made him roll around on the floor in agony for a while. She just cackled, of course.

We caused a bit of an uproar exposing the skull in the main concourse.

I did feel a bit bad for that, but Kurono really seemed to enjoy herself at that point, and was actually puffing out her chest in pride and was talking happily to swooning mercenary maidens afterwards. I guess her own preference is a known element here.

"I suppose with this party; its demise would be plausible. Especially if the daughter of Kane Arnas is also a member." He clicks up the spectacles.

Huh, Kiku's dad's reputation reaches this far? He must be a seriously insane swordsman. No wonder Kako and Kiku have such a hell of goal to bypass.

I'd really respect that; but it gives me a shiver because all I can recall about him is the face of an overprotective father. Who I will likely have to face now when we return. And I'm doing exactly what he warned me against. Shit...

"And... what will you do now?" Seria asks whilst I'm paralysed with fear.

"Set up an investigation to go all the way to the dungeon core, of course. It will require us to rappel down one of the chasms. But this cannot be ignored. If a skull beast was generated, and the Void spirits are as intense as you say, then the restraining barriers have clearly failed."

I take a deep breath to remove Ser Arnas from my mind.

"That would be good." I affirm.

He nods and readjusts the glasses. It makes me want to do the same, but of course my vision is perfect these days.

"It would be appreciated, I'm sure, if you and all these ladies would join this exh..."

Suddenly the door slams open, revealing a tanned young lad with a cap. His whole appearance screams 'message runner'. He closes the door and dashes past us.

"Boss! Bad news... its!" He exclaims.

But he stops.

"Urrrm... should I...?" He then looks at us and squirms, his gaze especially settling on Kali for a moment for some reason before he looks away.

"Carry on, Rossa. There is a princess here, there is nothing you can say that should be kept hidden." Simon beckons.

Rossa looks wide eyed, gulps, looks briefly at Aria who has been indicated, and then at Kali again, looking confused.

He shakes his head.

"Fejica Fortress has fallen!" He exclaims.

"WHAAAAT!?" Aria practically explodes, her hannya face scaring the wits out of the young lad who wheels back and cowers by Simon.

I put my hand on her shoulder to prevent her advance. This is obviously shocking news for her...?

"I see. You... you are certain this is not just a rumour in bad taste, Rossa?" Simon stays level headed.

"Ngh... no way, boss! A windquill from the palace sent the news to Lord Remus. And he sent me to you with a report straight away. We're not to inform the whole city yet."

He looks shiftily at us again.

Simon grimaces and sighs.

"Yes... it would probably cause some panic. Give the full report, then."

"Aye boss!"

...

...

"Gah... that is not good." Aria sighs, deflating onto a sofa in the office. Rossa has just left.

"So, it’s an important fortress then? What does this news mean?" I question.

"Nii-sama, Fejica is the town closest to the front-line, yes? My own... village... was not far from that point." Kaede clarifies.

Aria looks up with haunted eyes.

"It means, Elijah, that our time limit is diminishing quicker than Dad's estimate. If the attack... if it..." she gulps.

"Mmm... it is roughly five months to the capital if they maintain that pace, boy. They are about six days walk out from the tower. Despite their losses, it is still a major military victory for the demons." Seria explains.

Well shit on a stick, that more than halves my time limit.

"At least the momentum was halted at Havan Bluff. The town itself isn't in danger yet, right?" Yuuzu says, her eyes narrowed.

"Not yet, apparently. Its fortifications will help, indeed. And the heroism of Duke Benedict is to be commended." Simon agrees.

"I've already had quite enough of Skull Beasts!" Kurono exclaims.

Yes, apparently a skull beast appeared amongst the demon army, this time basically a tank, wrecking this fortresses’ walls. Cultivator is clearly pulling no punches with the necromancy. The only good here is that, much like the one we fought, it's rage was irrepressible, and it killed off its own allies indiscriminately after shattering the castle. This Duke then led an elite unit and slew it before abusing the break in the demon’s own force to smash them back.

That's something at least. It probably gives us a small time-extension.

But I cannot deny it's still a serious problem.

------
Elijah's time limit to level up was shortened!

 

SIDE C2
CONTINGENCIES

"I am hungry and exhausted, Raum."

Raum nods, going to prepare me a meal.

I sigh, leaning back and relaxing on my favourite cushions. I had hoped the triplicate creation of Skull Beasts would have had more impact considering the costs.

The one on the front lines had some success at least... as did the one unleashed in Tessalatoria, but the Skull Beasts frenzy in Jeraldine should have caused it burst from the dungeon and seek more humans to kill, and where better than a prosperous nearby city that has grown fat and defenceless?

The report from Tec'tar was frustrating, how that beast was taunted into attacking our own forces, but Si'vesj's one was most distressing.

It is as I feared, that this Etranger is surprisingly capable. A commander and wisdom type is actually far worse for our plans than a powerful fighter.

I should have Furfur hanged for incompetence in the Regillian Square. As he has become an eyesore, I suppose this is an opportunity for that. I should take it for sure.

I wonder how they managed to defeat it? It was one of best works, utilising a lot of quality materials.

I am sure they will now investigate the ley lines more closely. And apparently, the Sage of Thunder has chosen to accompany this Etranger. She will quickly understand what we are doing now. And if that occurs, the Kingdom will take considerable precautions, and our ability to move with the crystals will be compromised.

At least my pre-emptive damage control paid off.

I just have to hope that Si'vesj finds an opportunity to kill him and the Sage and the princess as soon as possible. She must. I will instruct her of that.

In the meantime, I will have come up with further contingencies.

It may be that I have to use an emergency plan to maximise the advantage of the crystals before we lose them in the worst-case scenario.

Hmmm... Perhaps the front-line success is a benefit in more ways than one, as I find it likely that the capital will send reinforcements. Especially since supplies from Tessalatoria will be compromised.

I can still work this to my advantage, though it is not the optimal plan I originally had.

Then again, the times an optimal plan has gone through... I can count on one claw.

I can also place Shax Gi'limah in a good position, if Furfur is removed. That will help, she is loyal and competent.

I suppose I should give a commendation to Tec'tar for destroying the fortress despite everything. The skull beasts rampage was beyond his control. I will have to see the casualty reports though. We do not heal up from mistakes as easily as the humans, and I imagine the next push will have to be delayed.

I also cannot create more undead for a while. The Void spirits will be depleted. A warzone regenerates quickly, but it is still a delay.

Raum returns with a platter of meats. I waste no time in devouring it.

"Cancel the council meetup this afternoon. I need rest. Issue up a writ for Furfurs arrest. I have plenty of grounds for gross incompetence now. Return it to me to sign when you are done."

"Yes, my lord, at once. Is there anything else?"

I ponder.

"Allow no one else to disturb me, except Marcosias S'lein. Summon him."

"As you will, my lord."

Raum bows and leaves.

I still have a lot to do today. So much for being able to relax and recover my power.

But the world will die if I fail.

-------
Ho, hum. What exactly is Cultivator up to!?

 

CHAPTER 80
WELL-DONE

"I think it is now more important than ever to investigate the disturbance in Sandy Shore Temple." Simon states.

"But this a problem now. I cannot spare a large contingent to investigate, in case the king begins a draft of the..."

"So, you are attempting to get us to return, are you not, boy?" Seria interrupts.

Simon sighs.

"I am that easy to read for the Sage, it seems."

"You are, boy." She affirms.

I grimace. I suppose we came here to train me up further. The heightened difficulty should actually be a boon to me; as surely it will provide me more experience, even quicker. Not to mention... I've got this nagging feeling that the Skull Beast attacking the front lines is related to the one we encountered. Aria and Kaede said there was a large expanse leading further down. We should go back.

"Though I'm not especially fond of the place, with some support, I guess it's still not a bad..." I start.

"No way." Yuuzu suddenly says.

"Eh? Yuuzu...!" Rishya exclaims.

"Sorry Rishya. But I do not want to return there. I nearly met my end." Yuuzu has a sad looking expression.

Simon steeples his fingers and sighs.

"That is... unfortunate, but understandable." He says.

"Naturally I go where Yuuzu does." Kurono affirms her allegiances, nodding with her eyes closed.

Rishya looks crestfallen and conflicted.

I put my hand on her shoulder. She looks up at me, teary eyed.

"Rishya, if you want to go with Yuuzu then I..."

Suddenly she looks furious.

"No! You idiot! I will protect you and Aria! You need me! Stop your casual touching as well!"

I give her a wry smile because she hasn't recoiled or moved away from me despite telling me off for touching her.

"You'd even protect me now, huh?"

She goes wide eyed and NOW she backpedals, with a weird smile and complicated expression, looking at her feet.

"Well, I'd like that." I assure her.

"O-of course you would. Hmmph!" She turns away and stomps off to the window.

I look up and see Yuuzu has covered her face with a hand and is grinning.

"Well, onii-chan, you're going, so of course us lot will, right?" Aria states, also wielding a strange expression.

All the other girls nod.

"Will you be reforming your party, Miss Yuuzurial?" Simon asks.

"Quite so. Kali has been poached by this man from me. I'll be advertising that today."

"I see. We can arrange that. I believe the guild can certainly give you all a raise in rank as well. In fact, I will personally inaugurate each of you as B rank mercenaries, if you wish. The princess and miss Arnas will be promoted to A rank as well. Not to mention the bounty on the Skull Beast is 45 Myriads, to be distributed between the nine of you."

Well... that nicely divides to five a piece. I believe it's quite a sum of money too.

"That's generous of you, ser." Aria says, blinking.

"Not at all. It is the standard bounty for Class 7 threat. You have saved several lives..." Simon nods.

"Oh... Though I will be postulating the investigation as a request by the guild, I clarify I WILL certainly not send you by yourself. I will recruit some S-ranks or A-ranks who are familiar with Sandy Shore to go with you, of course. So, you can relax in the city for a few days." He continues.

Well, we do have at least two days lodging...

...

...

After we sort out the paperwork and get paid our bounty, it's early evening and we return to The Furious Stallion.

The place is absolutely heaving. What the hell?

Guards, mercenaries, nobles and commoners. All in the same room. And stuffing their faces.

Violet is lounging behind the bar, smoking a pipe and stroking the vicious cat from earlier. She looks satisfied as she watches some women run around, filling up drinks and waitressing. I guess they're hired for the busy period.

"Ah... you're back." She grins. The cat bounds off the bar.

"Go and use the staff table at the back unless you want to eat off the floor." She beckons behind her.

We squeeze past her through a curtained off area, and go in.

Kiku is face down on the table, and has a ghost coming out of her. Her green hair is untied and splayed all over the table, and she certainly looks like a corpse.

"It's a murder scene!" I exclaim, joking.

Aria chops me on the head.

"Tough first day, Kiku?" Aria asks, with a wry smile.

The zombie rises. She is wearing a loose red shirt and hot-pants, with an apron. It's nice to see her casual for a change. Pretty.

"Um... y-you have no idea..." she splutters.

"H-how the holy fucking sods does she do that by herself!? The Smoking Horse had busy times... but... but this is pissing nuts! I've never had to sous chef for hundreds! What the hell!"

Violet wanders in and snorts.

"Kekeke... it becomes rote after a while. I told you that you made the wrong turn earlier... fwahaha!"

Kiku jumps up.

"There's more orders!? Fuck!" Kiku curses.

"Sit the fuck down. It's your break. I'll do it. It's actually been a lot easier than usual today."

Kiku doesn't hesitate in falling back down and leaning back in her seat, so we join her at the table.

I can see her small cleavage and pale collarbone when she sits like that. Nice.

Aria is clearly getting psychic because she chops me on the head again as she sits next to me. I go a bit swirly eyed.

"Um... how did it go then?" Kiku asks.

We explain the proceedings.

"I'm an... A-Rank now!?!? Holy crap!" Kiku shouts.

"You and me both." Aria affirms.

"W-wow... I'm really nearly at Kako and Dad's level... that's... that's fucking amazing!" Kiku looks joyous again.

She smiles happily at me, blushing, and grabs my hand.

"Everything is really thanks to Nii... to Elijah. I never thought... hahh... I've moved so far in such a short time."

Her adorability factor soars through the roof and I have restrain a nosebleed again.

The other girls merely laugh.

Though...isn't the treaty already in tatters with this?

I guess there will have to be exceptions made at times.

------
Elijah is promoted and gets loot!

 

Commemorative Images

To celebrate Yuusha Youjo's success [chapter 80!!] I put together some badass images of the girls for you, readers!












If you want direct links [to download as wallpapers etc.], use these below!
Princess Aria
Mercenary Kiku
Ninja Kaede
Sage Seria
Cleric Rishya
Brawler Kali

 

CHAPTER 81
TRADITIONAL DINING

Wow, the smell on this is actually good. A plate of some meat in a sauce with a side of fluffy difris roots and veg is placed in front of each of us. It seems the orders outside have halted for now, so we get some at last.

It's basically a Sunday roast dinner.

I don't know if it's Sunday any more, I lost track of the days, but did you know this is a very traditionally British thing to eat on such a day?

I take the fork and knife and get stuck in, carving off some of the meat and savouring its juiciness and flavour. It's got a funny rough texture, but is soft, and the rich sauce complements its natural savoury flavour.

I chew and swallow without delay. Good stuff.

I realise that Kiku was watching me intensely at that point, so I nod and smile.

"Great! Did you make this?"

She looks relieved and smiles with a blush.

"Ngh... um... I did. Celia-shishou liked Megarum meat dishes, but I prefer using Katfabeast!" She grins, patting her chest.

"You're totally bonkers mad, by the way, girl." Violet notes, bringing her own plate to sit down.

She wastes no time in wolfing down some meat.

"Is this not common?" I query, after eating some crunchy veg I don't know.

"Fucking hell, what insane backwater is your boy from?" Violet exclaims.

"I'm from another world. I'm an Etranger." I answer nonchalantly.

"Ah..." Violet stops. I think it’s the first time I've ever seen her surprised.

I notice Aria is basically inhaling her food at this point, with a vicious glint in her eyes. So is Kali actually. They're both big eaters it seems. Makes sense. They're both bakas and growing girls and... both lacking in table manners as well, haha.

"Mmm... the boy has some gaps in his knowledge as usual. The Kaftabeast is actually quite common here in the south. It herds around beaches and sucks up holewasp nests it finds in cliffs with a large long snout. It has a very tough hide to resist being stung. Hide we are now eating. It's normally used in leather, to be honest."

"I only kept a few joints to boil to make gravy. But serving the actual meat? Never heard of it." Violet shrugs.

"Um... I spent a year figuring it out. Celia was surprised too! Nii then described a 'Sunn-daye Dyn-nah' to me one time and I thought it would work together."

I did? Oh... maybe I did back when we had the gratin at Seria's. Well no wonder it resembles one. But Kiku's ability to craft it just after hearing about it once is pretty crazy.

"I... um... didn't use gravy though. Kaftabeast needs a sauce with a different strong flavour!"

Kiku looks up from explaining.

"Ah! Um... do I pass?" She asks, steepling her fingers.

Violet scowls.

"Fuck my dry pussy." She rubs her nose. "Well, I was gonna turn you down regardless of what you did. Your basics need work. You don't strip a joint properly. You waste oil. You went for a stunt rather than trying to show me something standard. You're too arrogant. All of Celia's fucking mistakes are there."

Kiku quivers and looks sad. Violet sighs, putting her hand on her temple.

"But I have to concede you're the most creative and determined little bitch I ever did see. Hahhh... I'm too fucking old for this. But what the fuck ever... I'll teach you some shit."

Kiku jumps up in joy. She looks like she'll whoop and scream.

"Sit the fuck down before I carve your legs off and boil them."

Kiku sits back down.

"Fucking youths. All bouncy. I'm seventy-nine and teaching a student? I must be fucking senile." Violet grumbles.

The whole table laughs, including Kiku.

....

....

....

"So, there's Megarum, Fark, and Muxon?" I ask.

"Um... that's right, Nii. These three meats are most common."

After the food, Kiku is explaining meats to me like she did with fruits that one time.

It seems Megarum is a poultry white meat, stringy, sounds like Turkey, but the flightless bird hisses rather than gobbles and can climb trees to eat fruit. Fark is a two-headed hog that is basically very fatty pork, but it's a darker meat, making weird grey bacon and ham. Muxon is a somewhat tasteless but hearty staple, coming from a bison type creature that is easy to herd and very docile, so its common and easily available to even the poorest, which makes it a frequent stew filler.

I've eaten Fark already. That stuff that I thought was 'ham' in the cheese toasties. Muxon too.

Funnily enough, none of the poultry yet though. Well... not properly. I had some dried and smoked Megarum the very first time we camped... the stuff with Kiku's Mizris sauce that I felt was somewhat like lemon chicken.

I ruffle Kiku on the head and she chitters.

Again, the treaty is in tatters, but it seems Aria is out cold with an inflated stomach, drooling on the table adorably. She ended up having three plates, and I'm not sure if she slept properly earlier.

I guess it’s her own fault for continually accepting Kiku's offer of more plates.

Hmmm... I wonder if this was actually a cunning plan from Kiku?

She cocks her head quizzically from me squinting at her.

Surely not from these big innocent green eyes?

Right?

 

So I had this bookmarked for months and finally got around to reading it.
Which I regret as I now finished binge reading and am left tired and wanting more like a bad drug.
Not good for work productivity or my health but I'll get over that.
The tale so far is fairly consistent with the genre. Except it has been masterfully executed.
I love all the references and with the humor it makes for a great read.
The pacing might be a little fast but I like it and it's a lot better than the alternative.
With the girls, some of their traits are a bit over played and irritating but not overlay over done, making it livable and accurate to girls that age, or at least in my limited experience. The cultivator chapters are nice and makes the whole war more believable and more engaging than the standard "they attack because EVIL" that most of these stories take.
You kind of through me off with the last girl. I knew there was a high chance she would be a brawler but I thought for sure it would be a demon or something from the enemy's side.
Would love to learn more about the girls and see how Elijah's story develops.

 

Thanks for reading!! Glad you enjoyed it.
One thing you especially learn by my age is that there are rarely clear cut 'villianz and evilz'. Its all just a matter of perspective. So I'm glad you appreciate hearing from the Cultivator side from time to time.

 

CHAPTER 82
LESSONS OF THE PAST

I wonder if Aria will be mad to hear I princess-carried her up to the room.

She's snoring lightly on the huge bed, in her shift now. I was briefly kicked out whilst all the girls changed to some nightwear. Kiku, Kali and Rishya are snoozing next to her. Kaede is sat on the balcony seat, knee up to her face, watching outside.

"Ugh... I realise that noise is not conductive to study, but do not be distracted." Seria complains. She is writing whilst I read the notes she prepared earlier.

The noise is the least of my concerns, Seria. What about six scantily clad girls lying around in a bridal suite!?

Though funnily enough, Seria is actually wearing more than usual, in a nightgown. Her hair is down from the twin-tails for once, and its length is quite extraordinary. Kaede's nearly goes to the small of her back when loose, but Seria's could be the longest hair I've seen on a girl, going past the knees.

I am batted on the head.

"Seriously, boy..." she looks frustrated. I look up at her.

"I'm sorry, Seria." I say.

She glares, and adds an extra page to my stack.

"You should be. Your progress is all wrong. You have skipped fundamental steps, which I must rectify!"

Woah... I'm being tortured.

All because I learnt Spark Cannon via the Multivultus Scientica. Hah...

I look back to the page on the top of the wad she has scribed. It's theory about magery.

To be honest, the content is actually quite interesting so far. She explains that spirits are bound to a soul by a unison. In normal circumstances this occurs via gradual exposure to its element and learning about its properties. Thunder spirits can freely change their magnetic polarity, and through this, generate electrical charge through their interactions with one another.

Magnesis is described by Seria as 'Arresting Force' and she notes it has good compatibility with some metal spirits.

The thunder spirits are described as fickle, quickly falling in and out of love with other, and capable of shouting with extraordinary noise when excited.

It's clear that her electricity knowledge is actually rather good, though the terms are different.

"Is there a means of measuring electricity here?" I query.

Seria looks up quizzically.

"There is... but it requires help from metal spirits for some reason."

"That is generally the case in my world as well. Electricity runs through metals like copper well, so we make long strings of that and use it to power machines."

Seria rubs her chin.

"Fascinating. My predecessor was very interested in the interaction between thunder and metal. She was the one who tamed the danger of the Thundergash."

"Ah, she made the lightning rods, then?"

Seria nods.

"She came to the conclusion you just stated. Copper, of all things, was the best tamer of thunder spirits. But Iron is most affected by the 'Arresting Force'."

I also nod.

"Yeah, we called it magnetism. Its closely related to light as well."

Seria grins maliciously.

"I knew it! My own study indicates Light Spirits are close cousins of Thunder Spirits despite their entirely different personalities... magg-nehh-tee-sum, eh?"

"There is some kind of natural magnetism in our world, actually. I don't know how it works, but somehow, you can measure that to find which direction is north." I state.

I don't remember how a compass works to be honest.

"Mmm... yes... the lodestone gauge. Also invented by Velour. Traps a dead thunder spirit inside the device. For some reason, the corpse twitches a certain way without fail."

Holy Christ. A twitching corpse? That's macabre.

"I- I... see. So, Velour, was your predecessor?" I change the subject.

Seria narrows her eyes, but looks wistful.

"Yes. My... master."

"She took you in as an apprentice? What about your family?" I ask.

"Boy... you do enjoy poking your nose into dangerous holes, don't you?" She sighs.

"Not just my nose, you'll find." I jest.

She rolls her eyes and flicks my forehead.

Then she grasps her iron collar chain, almost gently, reverently. She sighs.

"I carry on wearing this as a reminder, boy. My family died so I could escape. But it is so distant now. The early mornings. Hands dyed blue. The daily crack of the whip. The bowls of sludge..." she trails off.

Oh. Oh my gosh.

"Seria... you were originally a slave?"

She gives me a wry smile.

"Plantation slave, yes. The grand wealth of Syjil was borne on the back of thousands just like me."

I hug her without hesitation. Her chain clinks against my chest.

"This... this is not acceptable behaviour for an apprentice, boy."

But this time, she doesn't move from my grasp immediately.

But she sighs and pushes me back. I notice Kaede is staring now, with a quirky grin.

"There is no need to pity me, boy. I can take solace in the fact that my successors will be forced to feel and remember the same things I did." She grins wolfishly.

It's my turn to roll my eyes.

"In any case, a rough start eventually led me to a fortune of knowledge I could not have dreamed of. A waif that would have perished to whips long before knowing a man has instead turned into an old bag of two hundred years."

"And most importantly..."

There is a pause.

"Most importantly?" I ask.

She glares. I feel scared.

"Most. Importantly. You. Have. Stopped. Studying. Get on with it!!"

"Yes ma'am!" I yelp.

The torture continues.

-----

You can't avoid studying with Seria, boy.

 

SIDE CHAPTER RM
RISKY MANOEUVRES

Yes... the plan worked.

This time I positioned myself in such a way that I completely blocked off the sleeping Aria, Kiku, and Kali. I think Kiku is especially dangerous in this situation. Aria just ate too much as usual and fell asleep. This desert girl is pretty odd though, I can't read her.

It was a slight gamble. I was betting on the fact that Elijah-sama would get on the bed first, before Kaede and Seria. So, he would have to sleep near me.

What the hell is wrong with me!

Michael, you are such an asshole, forcing me to pay attention to Elijah. I literally was here to be with Aria. But look at how low I have fallen, positioning myself like this.

//Rishya//Great Desire//Peace//Love//Happiness//

Yes, yes... I know you only want to help me.

Hahh... It's the path to madness, when you start being able to talk to your own spirit and hear it respond. I asked Seria about it just in case, quoting a book about it so she wouldn't be too suspicious.

But apparently, what I thought was normal for mages to do from childhood, none of the Thunder Sages did in centuries.

Michael, we're weird, aren't we?

//Delight//Much//

Of course, you're happy about it. Dammit.

//Rishya//Requirement//Understanding//Construction//Love//Beneficial//Power//Extreme//

You know, I wish you had a better grasp on grammar, Michael. Do you mean... that I... I need love to get stronger?

//Positive//

But... but I already love Aria and Yuuzu! We met because of my love for them, right? Why does it have to be a man? Why now? Why the man that Aria likes?

//Rishya//Understanding//Great//

No! I don't understand! Please enlighten me! For Sendervils sake!

//Rishya//Conclusion//Ownership//Man//Abhorrence//Query//

Of course. Hah... I tried to hate him. But I can't do it. I want to protect him as well. What a dumb young girl I am to fall like this.

//Delight//Much//Rishya//Understanding//Great//

Oh, you're getting on my nerves, now! I should throw you out the window.

//Rishya//Cruelty//Great//

Don't you take that tone with me! Be quiet!

//Understanding//

Hah... why do I get the impression that I just kicked an imaginary puppy?

Well... I just don't get it at all. But I know... I know... love is irrational. It can be born from hate quite often. Light spirits can turn into Void spirits in a moment, and vice versa.

Ah. He is breathing gently now. I'm a physician, so I can tell when someone's really asleep. And I can fake it very well, I'll have you know.

Time for the next stage of the plan.

Now... a random groan in my sleep, a nonchalant roll over. A quick peek.

Perfect.

Wow. Extra perfect. He probably thought he was being careful, sleeping at a position like that, but after a full roll over, my greatest asset in this battle is now very close to his face.

Even if we have a non-aggression pact... when he's asleep, all the bets are off, right?!

Concentrate.

Just a bit more rotation. Slow. Don't want to cause hassle. Rub the sheets a bit, loosen the shift.

Yes. Done! Now we close the eyes and wait.

As long as he doesn't sleep like a corpse, if he moves his left hand almost anywhere, it will touch my chest!

Even if he doesn't move ‘til morning, the plan is still solid. The simple ones are the best.

I can then cry and claim I'm spoilt for marriage now and his guilt will work for me!

//Rishya//Cruelty//Great//

Shut up, Michael. I told you to be quiet. We need to succeed here to have a chance! Do you have any better plans?

//Honesty//Query//Man//Love//Devotion//Affection//Much//

Oh my gods! You make that sound like its easy!

//Alternative//Embrace//Carnal//

Now you're just being a pervert.

Ah... I wonder if he'll hug me like he did with Seria, or ruffle my fringe and face like Kiku.

Ah! I'm swooning so much thinking about what he might do. My heart is thumping furiously!

What will he...

Kyaaaaaaa!

Oh my gods. Oh my gods.

He's grabbed my chest!

With two hands!

Ngggh... it’s being rubbed!

I'm gonna pass out! This! I didn't think he'd be so aggressive! No! Can't cry out! Keep eyes shut!

//Rishya//Understanding//Failure//

Shut up, Michael! Whatever it is, it can...

Wait...

Failure?

Two hands... being rubbed... from... behind...?

My eyes shoot open. Elijah hasn't moved a muscle, but my shift is open and two tanned hands are rubbing me from behind!

Suddenly, I hear whispered in my ear...

"Hmm... little Yuuzu more fearsome than expected!"

"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!" I now scream like a girl caught by a vicious monster. Which isn't far from the truth.

Now, of course, Elijah leaps awake, blinking.

I think I might die from humiliation!

Stop this!! He can’t see!!

//Understood//

-------
I don't know Kali was thinking either... other than maybe this was the most effective means she could think of to sabotage Rishya's attack, lol.

And we get to hear Michael's voice. Turns out Rishya talks to him a fair bit. She really is a funny prodigy.

Also, SURPRISE SUNDAY chapter. I might have a bit more time for extra chapters with Xmas approaching fast. Consider it a holiday gift from me!

 

CHAPTER 83
A DREAM INSIDE ONE’S SELF

I was finally let go from Seria's torture after reading all the material and passing a pop-quiz. By then, it was early morning, so I quickly leapt onto the bed and fell asleep again.

I am absorbed by a very odd dream. First, I was underwater, in a seascape with fishes. But then, along the ocean floor, Rishya was running, being chased by skeletal Aria-fishes and whimpering. And then Kali appeared and beat them up. But then, for some reason, Kali was groping Rishya. I saw her delightful cleavage being massaged. But then, I felt strange, dropped into a trapdoor, and fell endlessly into a bright light.

Eventually, I stopped. My stomach lurched and I felt sick. I opened my eyes with a squint.

I was now in my bedroom.

Ah... not the one at the Furious Stallion. My bedroom. The one I left back on Earth. It's not that big. Drawers, hung-up business suit, television, fan, alarm clock, bed, Flan-chan Dakimakura. Not much else. It's dark out.

Oh, but I'm there as well.

I'm standing over myself.

Oh shit. Doesn't this kind of thing happen when you die? I died!?

No... no... the other me in bed is still breathing.

I died... in the other world? And I'm going back to Earth!? What!? When did...

"You did not die. This is your unconscious realm."

I turn and see yet another me stood outside the suddenly open bedroom window. Well, a child me. About ten. The child me is also holding the hand of a toddler, who is cowering behind the leg of the other me.

Both of them are shimmering slightly.

"I am you. You can trust me. We must leave this place now."

"How? How do I know I can trust..."

"When you were twelve, you thought it was cool to believe you were the reincarnation of a confederate space pilot called Plaguebringer Eli the Firestorm, and..."

"Shut the fuck up, I'll follow you."

The child me smiles wryly, and holds out its other hand. I take it.

Oh my god. It knows about my Chuuni phase. Hah...

Although, back in the nineties, no-one called it that. Anime exposure was pretty low in Britain as well until DVD's became a thing.

But don't all kids like to imagine they are the sliver of something great? It comes as a knee-jerk reaction. At that point where your innocence starts to die, but before the press of life hammers you into a shape that society needs. Santa is gone. Fairies are gone. But you still want to believe something. Anything. So, you dream.

Maybe my appeal of girls at that age is because they still have that ability to dream?

Suddenly, I am in another place.

It's bright again. A field I had an attachment to as a kid. I had a secret treehouse base I made there with my mates Clive and Paul.

This time, though, the 'base' has ghosts around it, phasing in and out. Repeating actions over and over.

A lean woman in a leotard with a streamer stick. A man with amazing facial hair holding a clock. A man looking frustrated with a baseball in hand. A woman sat with a punk hairdo and a fag in her mouth. A grumpy, glaring old man. Others.

"They are all part of you, now." The child me speaks again.

Oh. I see. No way.

Those... they're the Multivultus Scientica.

"That's right. Their souls were in the Akasha of Earth, and you have taken a snapshot of them. And when you need that snapshot, you call upon them."

Huh… seems my theory about that was right, then. It did always almost feel like I was being possessed.

"Much like how this child is also now yours."

I look again at the toddler. I realise it has blue skin, and where its eyes should be, there are holes, through which electrical wisps sometimes flare.

My thunder spirit!

Suddenly, the toddl... my thunder spirit... lets go of child me, and totters over and grabs my sleeve instead. I feel a jolt.

The child me smiles wistfully again, looking way more mature than I ever was at that age, and looks up to the sky.

"You had best go." Young me says. "We will continue to be here for you."

"We will, onii-chan."

Suddenly there is a naked Aria walking from amidst the flurry of ghosts, who have all stopped to stare. She does have light-beam censoring, though. I thought dreams were uncensored…

Dream-Aria strolls right up to me, blushing and naked, stands on tiptoes and kisses me deeply suddenly, taking me completely off guard.

She... she's summoning me back again... right?

I have to go.

I disappear.

I suddenly land with a crash on a table. It's the staff table I was sat at earlier. It buckles and instantly collapses. I gasp for air as if I've just been holding my breath.

I feel horrid danger as I hear a blade sing in the darkness.

Suddenly, Seria and Aria come rushing down the stairs in their nighties.

"Don't kill him! It's not a thief!" They shout in unison.

Violet, in pyjamas, nearly guts me like a fish. She halts just in time, the blade tip pressed against my chest. Seems that really was a sword-cane. I nearly wet myself.

"The boy... what the fuck are you doing?"

I really don't know. I hope I look as confused as I feel.

She sighs and sheathes the blade.

"Magical Etranger bullshit, right? Buy me a new table in the morning. And go to fucking bed."

------
Continuing on the Xmas-Daily-Surge!! Full Speed AHEAD!

 

CHAPTER 84
EXORCISED, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

We're back in the inn room. It's still the early hours of the morning, and I am, frankly, baffled.

"Um... so... Rishya... you ~banished~ me?" I ask.

Rishya is actually crying blubby tears whilst rubbing her eyes. Her hair is a mess, and her shift is crumpled and having some trouble fully covering her cleavage.

"Hah... that is the only conclusion of logical sense, boy. This one is, if you recall, an idiot savant, loved by light spirits. Banishment is a powerful light spell used to drive an entity into the astral void forever." Seria explains, tapping her forehead.

"Rish... do you really hate Elijah that much? I'm starting to get real mad at..." Aria starts.

"Noooo! It’s all that girls fault!" She claws in Kali's general direction.

Kali needs a sign around her neck again saying 'I'm repenting', as she has been forced to sit on her knees in the corner again.

Although, Kali has a :3 face and is whistling to herself, so her repentance factor doesn't seem high right now.

"She! She just started groping my chest out of nowhere. And! And! I screamed! You woke up! I couldn't let you see it!"

Wait... when I went to sleep... I was a fair distance from Rishya's back so...

"Not all story. Little Yuuzu was being sneakfox. She about to press her big chest next to face of E..."

Kali's head flies backward as Michael is thrown and clocks her round the noggin with a pang. But her head snaps back up again like a zombie, grinning with her forehead bleeding, and in a literal flash step, she is on the bed wrestling with Rishya, who squeals whilst flailing.

Well shit. Is this an actual catfight? Its... uh... pretty ~hot~ though...

"Um... are we back to war again, Aria? Do I need my swords?" Kiku asks.

Aria has an eye twitch and a scary hannya face and starts to stomp over.

However, Rishya's squealing turns into berserk laughter as it becomes apparent that Kali easily established melee superiority and is now tickling Rishya's raised armpits furiously.

Its... uh... still pretty hot...

Seria and Kaede facepalm. Aria is just gawking now, and Kiku appears to have a gently tolerant smile... which is the scariest smile she has ever produced.

"No! No! Ahahaha! I give up! I! Ahahaha! I was! Haha! Trying to! Ahaha! Seduce Elijah!"

Kali stops, looking victorious. But it’s my turn to gawk.

Rishya was being that bold, eh? She's also changed in a short time.

Aria starts shaking like Kiku does in O RLY mode.

"Both of you... all of you... my turn... ahhh..."

"Eeeeee!" Rishya cries, scrabbling back on the bed, away from Kali. Kali's eyes also go wide. But both of them are eaten by the monster, which bounds forwards like a hunting cat.

Tickling recommences. This is going to get out of hand, isn't it? But it is very entertaining. I sit on the sofa to watch.

But then, a slam comes from the floor. It's pretty clear its Violet's cane.

"Errr... perhaps we should stop this." I say.

Everyone glares at me and I sense danger spiking again. Well... Rishya has passed out and Kali is whooping. Apparently, Aria has a fearsome tickle power.

"I... I need to ratify a new clause to the agreement about sleep, right?" I stutter.

...

...

...

I wake up. The sun is risen. The only possible arrangement was this... back on the sofa. Five girls are on the bed.

But now, I am spooning Kali, whom is snoozing lightly.

She is very warm and her lovely red hair smells of delicate spices.

To be honest, I didn't know where to put my hands, and in the end, they were wrapped around her midriff, which is really firm, though her belly itself is soft on the surface.

Apparently, I was tired enough that I stopped worrying, though, and I went out cold again.

No strange dreams this time. And... no banishment.

Aria wasn't too happy about this arrangement, but Rishya and Kali were. Basically, the sleep arrangement starts at the end of the meeting order and works backwards at the same pace. It does mean that two of the girls get shorter gaps, but in recompense, those also get more frequent breaks.

Seria lauded it as a logical solution, though, and there were no further complaints.

Suddenly Kali squirms around in my loose grasp to face me.

The grinding motion makes little Elijah get more excited. He was already at attention from the terrors of morning wood.

Good job I resolved myself to not be embarrassed. Right?

Kali's big bright purple eyes look at me. She was awake, then. She has a very content expression.

"Destined one..." she mumbles, snuggling me. Her leg brushes little Elijah, and she grins.

"Kali knows happiness that Elijah likes." She whispers.

"How could I not, you're also a lovely girl." I say, quietly. "I don't know why you want to be with me, though."

She closes her eyes.

"Truth, not expect. But Kali not interrogate love. Fool’s errand. Elijah save Kali. Men save Kali in past. Not same. Heart race now."

She opens her eyes again.

"Ah! But what am I doing? Elijah can understand Saskar, can't he?"

Her speech suddenly goes glib, rather than broken.

"Hehe... you can. I'm glad. Kali is able to explain better then. Honestly, I was probably lonely. It was my own fault... but I always wanted to travel like my dad. I liked hearing about other places from him. But... still, really lonesome." She pauses for a moment.

"Yuuzu and Kurono were great, but still, I am very different to a Jeraldine girl. Honestly... Kali a strange one. Men’s ideal in Verania is big muscles and strong brows. Sign of a good hunter, they say. But strangely, I never found them appealing. I am weird, like mother. Crab does not wander far from the rocks. Hehe..."

She nuzzles me again. Her scent is seriously good.

"So... you feel comfortable to me. You are also due to travel the world which I'd like! And... I'm an eldest daughter, but at last... I have an Aniki!"

Gah! An aniki!

"Kali strong be for Elijah. Fight demon. Kali ok sharing. But love Kali please do try, aniki." She talks broken again, and smiles.

How adorable. I kiss her forehead and she grins.
--------
Here's a secret Kali chapter for her fans.
There should be one more in the daily surge tommorow; but no guarantees for the rest of the week yet, due to xmas. I'm not sure how good the internet will be around the folks.

 

Favorite line ever, "Hah... why do I get the impression that I just kicked an imaginary puppy?"

 

Also Question: is it possible to make a group photo of them?

 

Oh right, I forgot to add this one here:

 

CHAPTER 85
HIGHLY VISIBLE NINJA

The group is now eating breakfast out in the inn's main concourse with the other guests. For some reason, it seems the regulars have switched to nonchalant detachment of us. I wonder why.

"Nii-sama, may I postulate a query to you?" Kaede suddenly asks.

Well this is new.

"Sure, fire away." I smile.

"I recently corrected my wayward thoughts. This led me to mastering a jutsu, the Suzaku Blazecall, which had previously eluded me, yes?" She explains.

So, it's called Suzaku Blazecall. Kinda chuuni sounding.

"I did notice. The column of flames you did to pin down the Skull Beast, right?" I say.

She nods.

"That one, yes. Then, Seria-sama noted something to us about the old Syjilian Etranger. That he used curved blades."

"Ah right, the samurai." I say.

Kaede gives me a cunning grin.

"I thought this must be so. You looked as though you knew something about that man."

"What is that, boy? A sah-moo-raye? Why didn't you say anything about this?" Seria suddenly looks at me.

Oh. I didn't actually say anything at the time. Now this cunning ninja caught me in a trap.

"Ah... well, I didn't mean to conceal anything." I scratch my cheek.

"Hmm, how to explain this... a samurai is a type of swordsman from history in my world. I'd say they existed up to around two or three hundred years ago. They used fine cutting curved blades. They also dressed in a certain way, not far from you are wearing, Kaede. Incidentally, this is how I knew what a Ninja was." I say.

Kaede seems to grimace as she takes in this information. Seria has also stopped eating toast to listen whilst the others carry on.

"Boy, you imply they stopped existing?" Seria asks.

I nod.

"Yes, like most melee fighters in my world, they gradually became obsolete because of new weapons, especially firearms."

Seria nods, having seen my vials in action, I suppose, though they're barely the tip of iceberg.

"I suppose Nii's world doesn't need or want big armies, considering the scary exploding things." Kiku suddenly adds.

"They're bigger than you might think, actually. But fighting rarely involves two big armies squaring off any longer. There is a combo of small elite ground forces, ships, and planes, that is, flyers, working in tandem with weapons way more powerful than the ones I make."

"But anyway, that’s going way off topic. Weren't you interested in Samurai?" I halt myself and turn back to Kaede.

She looks shifty for a moment, but takes a deep breath.

"Nn... it appears one of the scrolls of the village talked about that man. He was some kind of lord in the other world, yes?"

"Mmm... My own fuzzy memory from master collaborates this. I believe she found his strong character appealing. Huh... how embarrassing..." Seria squirms and blinks, evidently unlocking her old memories.

"He apparently was in a great battle and nearly died in your world before his summoning, and spoke of a distinct distaste of the 'sticks that breathed fire'." Kaede continues.

Oh shit, was he was like Mitsurugi or something? But silly references aside, its seeming more likely this guy actually was from Earth... possibly one of daimyo that Nobunaga defeated?

"Hmmm... this is interesting, Kaede. My master never knew some of this, it seems." Seria states.

"I was... I was beaten within an inch of my life for finding and reading this scroll..."

I gawk.

"I am fairly certain master kept me alive only because, in finding it, I had proven my ability to subvert several subtle traps, yes." She states, deadpan.

"That forbidden history, however, did give me a greater understanding of many things, yes? It seems that man also managed to attune to a Void Spirit, and from this, created the Murasaki Kagami technique, 'so that no fire sticks could ambush him ever again'."

An invisible samurai? I think he was losing his concept of honour quite severely by that point.

Ah. So... that's pretty ironic. A samurai that created an order of ninja. Perhaps he realised taking this path meant he had already strayed?

"It is sad that your scrolls are lost. I would have enjoyed reading them." Seria muses.

"They are not lost, Seria-sama. I have them." Kaede suddenly says. "From where else would I revise these techniques after master's demise, yes?"

True indeed.

"Oh... I'm sure you said before... never mind..." Seria raises an eyebrow.

"I may well have lied about this before. I apologise. As perhaps befits my nature, I apparently did not truly trust this group. I am only now understanding this as I am changing..."

Oh? She is acknowledging that much?

"I'm glad." I say. I ruffle her head briefly.

She blushes slightly.

"Nii-sama... you are..."

She hesitates and looks shifty.

"You should tell me what you feel, Kaede." I say.

She starts to quiver. Her brows crease. Then she punches me. Straight in the jaw.

"You... you are an asshole, Nii-sama. A complete asshole. How dare you do this to me!" She exclaims, and then bursts out in tears.

I reel with a gape and so do the other girls. Rishya actually drops her rye toast.

Sorry mom. I broke it.

-------
The ninja broke again!

 

CHAPTER 86
CONSEQUENCES OF HUBRIS

Kaede is still blubbing tears despite desperately rubbing her eyes in a vain attempt to stop them.

"I'm sorry, Nii-sama. I... did not want to hit you... I do not know what... I..."

I get up, give brief 'I'm sorry' eyes to Aria, and grab Kaede in a hug, rubbing her back as she hics.

"No... stop... I... this will not!"

But despite her protest, her tears seem to stop wetting my shoulder further.

I squeeze her gently.

"Fucking hell. Can you lot not go five minutes without any drama?" Violet exclaims as she stomps up to us.

"I think... it's under control now..." I say to her.

She glares, but sighs and stomps back behind the bar. We are getting stinkeye from some of the regulars, though.

As Kaede appears to be calming down, I start to release her, but suddenly she grasps on tightly and starts rubbing herself against me. Her blossoming chest starts grinding against me, waking up little Elijah again.

"This... Nii-sama... why do I?" She mumbles.

She then pulls herself away slightly and looks me in the eyes. Her lip is still quivering and she is breathing heavily. Her heart-rate, which I can feel from her closeness, is skyrocketing.

"Ah... I see... I was simply I need of warmth... I have never had such a thing before... so... when you kept feeding me this new drug; I was bound to become addicted, yes?"

That's kinda sad. But what am I, Heroin?

Haha... I certainly have alot of heroines, so...

"I have... merely had the fumes so far, so I was clearly becoming jealous of the others who were sampling a purer product." She continues.

She has a wistful look, and then, with a sigh, pushes herself off.

She bows to the table.

"I apologise, I have broken the agreement we had." She says, her head down.

Aria has a strange face, but doesn't look angry... more resigned. Rishya appears to be angry for her, though, having an eye twitch.

"D-don't worry. I think... I think this is partly my fau..." Aria groans.

Suddenly Rishya leaps up, and attacks me.

With a glomp. What.

She apparently mimics what Kaede was doing, and rubs herself up against me furiously. Of course, in her case, the distraction is greater still, from her shapely breasts.

"Hmmph... it is indeed quite interesting." She says.

However, unlike Kaede, apparently Rishya can't get away with it, and Aria, with glowing eyes, grabs her from behind.

"Kyaaa!" Rishya cries as she is yanked off me onto the floor.

"And... what do you think you're doing, Rish?" Demon Aria states.

Rishya pulls herself up and brushes herself down.

"I am seducing Elijah, Aria."

Aria gawks.

"Kaede... I am sorry that I stole your thunder. But... well... I had to make a point." She apologises, bowing to Kaede.

"Aria... did you believe my advance last night an isolated incident? How naive. We must take what opportunities we can, right? This will not stop. These others all plan just as I do." She looks over the other girls, smugly.

Kiku and Seria look away. Kali has a cold expression. Aria looks like she is about to cry as well.

Okay. This is getting nuts now. I clearly suck at harem management.

Rishya turns back to me.

"And yes, Elijah. It appears we are not going to be satisfied with your paltry non-aggression pact. Four days is too long. And even you must admit that... it is already in tatters. I will not allow you hurt Aria, me... any of us... in this way anymore."

I gulp and sigh. She is right, though. I've seen myself that it is already messed up in just a single day. Am I just going to hurt them all like this?

"Then... what should I do?" I want tear my hair out.

Rishya looks briefly at Kaede and Aria.

"We are not rations to be portioned out, Elijah-sama. To have us as a daily dish is wrong on many levels, no?" She continues, shrugging.

I hang my head. True enough, it does sound terrible when you look at it that way.

"We are girls... whom you have corrupted quite fiercely, hmm? But we are still just girls. Well... I can't speak for Kali..."

"Hey!" Kali objects.

"In any case" Rishya continues "It is actually simple. We are still just girls, and hence, ultimately simple creatures. Your job, ser, is to simply be ever conscious of our advances and respond to them in kind."

I look up again.

"But... isn't that what I've been doing all along?"

Seria snorts.

"Hardly, boy. Your density around your own appeal means we have to tread around you like we're barefoot in thorns."

What?

"Elijah... you have said you acknowledge the fact we all love you... but have you, really?" Aria adds, sighing.

Have I? I thought I had resolve... but?

"Nii... um... did you ever ask... what we want, here?" Kiku meekly asks.

Did I? Or was I just rattled by the apparent war, leading me to force the issue of the non-aggression pact? I thought it was what everyone wanted, but actually, it was just me being selfish, wasn't it?

"I... I am sorry. I didn't think..."

Aria suddenly punches me round the jaw. Ow!

"Phew... that felt good. Everyone should have a go!"

All the girls simultaneously stand up.

Wait! Oh shit!

-------
Punching bag go! Rishya is also being very bold now, isn't she?!

 

Will they allow you to keep posting this in RR? they have some rules about young love stories...

I am reading it here anyway, but first saw it in RR, that is why i ask

 

I'm basically keeping it PG-13, so I'd hope so. I suppose the crux point will come very shortly, but I don't anticipate any problems unless I get loads of complaints.