The Sodden Elf

Mildiesta, Kingdom of Hensberg, Northern Continent.

"This is your order, Miss."

"Thank you, Ma'am."

Afterward, I stepped toward the door and left the shop.

The place I visited earlier was one of the alchemist shops in Mildiesta. Because I had to prepare supplies for our first hunt tomorrow, I bought several Heal Potions and Mana Potions.

Heal Potions are items that help us heal minor to moderate injuries on the body. This item can also restore the user's stamina. Meanwhile, Mana Potions are items used to restore the user's mana. Mana itself is the energy source within the body that serves as fuel for magic. Mana Potions are very important for a Priest like me. Because a Priest is a Mage with a light element that focuses on supportive magic.

Actually, there are several other important items, such as Elixirs and Ethers. Elixirs are items used to heal very serious injuries and even critical conditions. Meanwhile, Ether is an item that can help enhance the user's abilities. It can be said that Ether is capable of increasing speed, strength, or someone's magical attack power within a certain time limit.

But Elixirs and Ethers are expensive items! So, there's no way I could buy them. Yes, for now, I certainly won't buy them.

I also bought several other types of potions, such as Antidotes and Paralysis Remedies. Antidotes are potions used to cure poison in the user's body. Meanwhile, Paralysis Remedies are items used to eliminate paralysis effects inflicted by monsters. Paralysis is an effect that makes someone's body freeze and unable to move for some time. This effect is very fatal if we are in a battle situation.

So, Antidotes and Paralysis Remedies are potions that we must have alongside Heal Potions and Mana Potions.

"Sigh..."

I took a deep breath as I recalled the commotion that happened in the Mildiesta Guild hall yesterday. Yes... the commotion caused by Ryuji-san. The fact that Ryuji-san possesses the Swordmaster class at Rank S truly caused a stir in the Mildiesta Guild hall.

But, am I really worthy of adventuring with Lord Ryuji?

I am just a Rank C Priest. When I recall that incident, I saw several unpleasant gazes directed toward me. They probably thought of me as an adventurer "leeching" off Ryuji-san.

'You guys know, I'm the one who summoned this 'Rank S Swordmaster' to this world!'

Honestly, I almost screamed something like that when I realized those unpleasant stares. But let it be... it's much better if they don't know the truth. Although, at that time, Anna-san seemed a bit suspicious of Ryuji-san and asked me,

"Is Ryuji-san truly from this world?"

She stared at me with a furrowed brow. Her intuition is very sharp! Besides her flirtatious side, Anna-san might be a very experienced guild receptionist.

"I don't know Ryuji-san's origin. Because Ryuji-san suddenly came and saved my village from an attack of a bloodthirsty ogre horde."

I answered Anna-san's question with a random excuse.

At that moment, Ryuji-san glanced at me briefly, as if understanding my intention. Then he started to speak to Miss Anna,

"I don't have to explain my origin to you, do I?"

He spoke firmly to Anna-san.

Miss Anna, hearing Ryuji-san's firm statement, became nervous and apologized to us. She explained that as long as there were no reports or special records from the Kingdom of Hensberg regarding criminal acts, it would be legitimate for Ryuji-san to register as an adventurer.

Just before we left, Anna-san again bowed her head to Ryuji-san. She once again apologized to Ryuji-san if she had made him feel uncomfortable.

Isn't Ryuji-san being too harsh to Anna-san?

Looking back on it, it seems like Ryuji-san is only ever kind to me. Eh... wait a minute... does that mean Ryuji-san treats me in a special way? Isn't that right?

Suddenly my face felt hot.

"What am I thinking!"

I lightly patted my face with both hands to get rid of the strange thoughts in my head. This is not allowed... don't think of something weird, Elena!

Then I continued my journey toward our inn.

Now, I have arrived in front of our inn. This inn is called Noctis Amor. A very embarrassing name. What was the owner thinking, naming his inn Noctis Amor (One Night Love)?

This is ridiculous!

What's more ridiculous, I foolishly suggested to Ryuji-san to stay here. I didn't think too far at the time. It was all because of the rental price of the rooms in this inn. For a city-class like Mildiesta, the rental price is considered very cheap. Of course, it helps us who are currently almost broke.

But today, I realized one thing. After staying here for one night, I realized that this inn is only filled with couples. The views inside this inn are nothing but couples shamelessly being affectionate in every corner here. They show their affection everywhere!

How could they do all that without the slightest shame? You fools!

But it can be said this is entirely my fault. Because even on its nameplate, it is clearly written, Noctis Amor Inn. Yes... this is one hundred percent my recklessness.

Then I began to step inside the inn and started looking for Ryuji-san's whereabouts. He said he would be waiting for me at the bar inside this inn.

And there he was, with his trademark nonchalant face.

At this moment, inside the bar, he was surrounded by young couples busy being affectionate. And Ryuji-san himself... yes, as expected! He maintained an incredibly nonchalant demeanor. It's hard to believe... how could he display such indifference so firmly?!

And... wait a minute... who is she? Who's the woman sitting beside Ryuji-san? Eh... isn't that woman drunk? What does she want from Ryuji-san?

I quickened my steps toward them. Then the voice of the woman began to be heard little by little.

"Why are you so stiff, Swordmaster-san... Can't you see this beautiful onee-san is feeling lonely? Say something..."

She's an Elf... Eh! How can an Elf woman get drunk in a public place like this? Is she really an Elf?

Basically, the Elf race is divided into two types: Elf and Dark Elf. The Elf race is almost immortal (due to their long lifespan). Most of them live in forests. The Elf race is known for being ethical, dignified, and highly upholding morals and purity. On the contrary, the Dark Elf race predominantly lives in darkness, such as caves or abandoned mines. Their lifestyle is almost similar to the Dwarf race: glamorous, fond of parties, and lovers of sake.

But the Elf woman in front of me is heavily drunk. What's worse, she's flirting with Ryuji-san. Is she really an Elf? Or... maybe she colored her skin to look like the Elf race when she's actually a Dark Elf race? That's possible, right?!

"Oh my, it seems like your lover has arrived."

The Elf woman turned her face toward me. She smiled at me with her red face. Of course, her red face was due to her heavily drunk condition.

"You've returned, Elena-san."

Ryuji-san said to me.

"Am I interrupting your time together?"

I asked irritably. I'm not jealous, not at all! I'm just a bit annoyed, that's all.

"What do you mean?"

Ryuji-san seemed a bit confused by my question.

"Em... are you jealous, Little Miss?"

The Elf woman said while giving me a teasing smile.

"Of course not!"

I replied firmly, raising my voice slightly.

However, the Elf woman seemed doubtful of my answer.

Why does she need to doubt it? Do I look like a girl in love to her? Excuse me, Miss Elf, but I'm a pure girl who's not interested in romance. Besides, I'm a Priest from the Sun Temple.

"Aella-sama! Please visit the kitchen for a moment. The head chef is looking for you."

Suddenly, a woman who appeared to be a staff member of this inn approached us and spoke to the Elf woman.

"Alright, I'll head there now."

Afterward, the Elf woman, whose name apparently is Aella, left with the inn staff accompanying her. Aella walked away, staggering due to her heavy drunkenness.

I let out a long sigh and was left speechless seeing Aella. How can a woman from the Elf race act like that?

Afterward, I sat across from Ryuji-san and stared sharply at him while furrowing my brows. What is this man doing? While I was out busy preparing supplies for tomorrow's hunt, he was here cozying up with an Elf woman.

"Why are you looking at me with such a terrifying gaze, Elena-san?"

"Forget it..."

I muttered softly.

"What do you mean, Elena-san? Can you please explain to me why you seem so upset with me? Miss... Miss Elena... please answer my question! Miss Elena... please don't stay silent!"

Ah... could it be that Ryuji-san is actually a 'womanizer'?

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This is the opening chapter of the first arc of my story titled "Aella Mead, Heart of Mother."

Please sit back and enjoy my story.