By the Grace of the Gods

Today, four chapters are posted simultaneously.

This story is the first chapter.

After the sudden competition with Miss Remily ended, I went about defeating the remaining undead. Then, I was compelled to listen to her punishment game—or rather, her request.

As a result... right now, I am inside a tent, sharing the same futon with Miss Remily. Specifically, I’m lying on my left side, and she’s clinging to my back like a body pillow. Due to our height difference, there’s something soft pressing against the back of my head.

“Why on earth are we in this situation?”

“Obviously, it’s because Ryoma-chan lost by foul play. But honestly, if you’re a boy, shouldn’t you be happier?”

“I admit Miss Remily is youthful and beautiful, but my mind isn’t in a place to feel joy right now.”

Sure, this situation might be enviable to the average man. But though I look like an elementary school kid, mentally I’ve lived more than 40 years as an old man. During that time, women were only my mother or work acquaintances. Suddenly ending up in this kind of scene confuses me. Also, just in case, I’m scared of sexual harassment accusations and lawsuits.

“You really don’t move a muscle... if you stay that stiff, you can’t sleep. Well, I just wanted to talk a little, so it’s fine.”

Saying that, Miss Remily began stroking my head.

“Talk? What are you doing...?”

“Hmm? I used to do this a lot with my younger brother. When he couldn’t sleep, this would help him fall asleep fast.”

“Ah, I see. You had a younger brother?”

“One, back in my hometown. But I ran away from the village long ago and haven’t returned, so I can’t really claim to be much of an older sister... Well, it’s not a happy story, but listen to it as a sort of lullaby. Of course, feel free to ask questions.”

Then, Miss Remily began to tell her story.

“Nowadays I live in the city, but I was born in a village inhabited only by Dark Elves... a place where nothing ever changed. Haven’t you ever seen old folks who only tell stories about how things used to be?”

“Yes, I have, and I understand.”

“Humans find it hard to accept new things as they age, but in villages where long-lived races gather, this is especially pronounced. Humans are considered adults after 15-20 years, but Dark Elves only reach adulthood at around 50. Until then, they continue a stagnant life under the rule of adults who have lived even longer... When children grow up, they too become resistant to change and stop questioning it. I hated that, so I left the village before becoming an adult and became an adventurer.”

“Wasn’t that difficult afterward?”

“I won’t lie and say it wasn’t, but I wasn’t tricked as some young girl from the countryside. I was technically a pre-adult Dark Elf, but I left the village after turning 30. Anyone approaching me with evil intentions was easily turned away, because I had enough skill.”

“I see...”

“Actually, leaving the village was harder. I was pursued, hunted in the mountains, hiding in bushes and caves during the day, moving stealthily at night, aiming for the farthest city possible.”

...To adults, it might seem like they’re just desperately searching for a lost child in the forest, but hearing it from the escapee’s side, it sounds like a full-blown sneaking mission.

“My adventuring went smoothly. Visiting new cities, seeing new sights, tasting new food—I enjoyed it a lot... until a certain point.”

Suddenly, the tone of her voice changed.

“My adventuring life was going well, perhaps too well. With my specialty magic, I defeated magical beasts and bandits one after another, my name spread, and before I knew it, I became the target of jealousy.”

“...How did you deal with that?”

“Nothing special. I just kept going, thinking ‘I can do this, so it can’t be helped.’ Like I said, anyone who approached me with ill intent was dealt with. I was pretty sharp back then.”

Miss Remily’s voice sounded like she was laughing, but there was a shadow beneath it.