"Arin, there is a letter for you," Raul said and handed me the sealed letter. Even without looking at the sender's name, I knew who had sent it. "Is it Lady Artemis again?" Raul asked.
"Yes," I said, opening the letter, "I had mentioned our dungeon expedition in one of our previous exchanges; she must be asking about that," I explained.
To be honest, I was quite surprised when I first received her letter the day after she departed, and since then, we've been exchanging letters every other day.
But it was also a good thing. This way, I would know if they were approaching any kind of ruins like they did in the movie, even if that movie about her was not canon. After witnessing numerous changes in the world, I didn't want to be negligent. I thought as I unfolded the letter.
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Dear Arin,
I am writing to know about your expedition and also to express my heartfelt gratitude for the items you have sent previously, especially the communication device. It is quite helpful in our endeavors.
The girls have taken quite a liking to the accessories you sent along with it… I also liked it. The hairpin with the moon design was particularly thoughtful.
Now, onto more pressing matters—you mentioned you were embarking on a deep dungeon expedition. Given that several days have passed since your last letter, I trust you have returned safely?
Please tell me you haven't done anything reckless. I know how you adventurers can be, always pushing boundaries and testing limits.
We have continued our journey eastward, hunting monsters and helping villages along the way. The girls often ask about you and your familia. Lante particularly wants to know if you've made any progress with "those girls you're always staring at." Her words, not mine, though I confess I'm curious as well.
It's strange—talking about such things should be something I abhor, but with you, that concern seems absent…
You mentioned it might be because of your star element magic, which does make sense. But I think there's something else I don't yet understand.
Anyway, you told me to let you know if we encounter any kind of ancient ruins since you're interested in this world's history. As of now, we haven't encountered any. But I will let you know if we do.
On a lighter note, Rethusa has been trying to teach me a new cooking technique she learned from a village elder. The results have been... mixed. Lante claims my attempt at stew was more effective as a weapon than a meal. I maintain it was perfectly edible, just unconventional…
Please write back soon and tell me about your expedition. Did you reach the depths you were aiming for? How are Astraea and the others? I exchange letters with her too, but you know how she is—if something troubles her, she wouldn't tell me.
Oh… the girls are calling, it's time for our departure. I have to go now.
Stay safe, Arin.
— Artemis
P.S. - Rethusa here! Arin, how are you?! Good, I hope! And keep up the good work! Lady Artemis has been mellowing out a lot recently and tries to write some more letters, will you?!
Oh Crap! Lady Artemis is coming back, gotta go! Bye!
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The accessories Artemis is talking about are the magic items that have the same properties as the necklace that Syr gave to Bell during the Apollo war game.
Though making them was difficult and costly, it would be worth it if it saved those girls from their demise. I sighed, thinking about the fortune it cost.
Although it's a weird feeling—Artemis, someone who is known to be a man-hater, worrying about an adventurer, huh? I chuckled.
And this girl Rethusa… isn't she worried Artemis will find out about the things she had written here? I shook my head at the scene unfolding in my imagination. Yes, I don't want to be any part of that. I thought and decided to write a reply, pulling out a parchment and starting to write the message.
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"Oh! You look great, Riveria. This should be your official uniform from now on!"
After sending my reply, I headed back to the manor. Loki's excited voice carried down from upstairs. Curious, I headed up to investigate.
When I arrived at her room, the door was already open, so I invited myself in—and froze.
Riveria stood in the center of the room, transformed. Her emerald hair, usually in a low ponytail, now flowed in a half-high ponytail that softened her features. A fitted white tunic trimmed in gold replaced her usual robes, cinched with a teal belt embossed with runic patterns.
"Well?" Loki grinned, clearly proud of her work.
Dark brown and gold armor pieces reinforced Riveria's shoulders and thighs—practical, but elegant. A deep brown cloak lined with gold hung from her shoulders, its interior glowing faintly with residual magic. High boots extended nearly to her thighs.
She looked like a battle-mage from legend: elegant, dangerous, and utterly striking.
"Ouch!" Lefiya's pinch snapped me back to reality.
"Hehe, are you surprised, Arin?—h-hey, what are you doing?!!" Loki let out a cry as I held her shoulders. But I didn't loosen my hold on her.
"Loki! You!" I protested. Riveria, who had been watching us, sighed.
"See, even Arin thinks it doesn't look good—" Before her words could be complete, I spoke again, clearly showing my dissatisfaction.
"Loki! If you were going to dress Riveria up, then why didn't you invite me?! Huh?!" I cried, genuine tears gathering in my eyes.
"That's what you are dissatisfied about?!" Riveria said, not expecting my response.
"Oh-Oh, you are right, Sorry Arin, I should have invited you." Loki apologized, and since she seemed genuine, I decided to forgive her.
"...it's fine, just don't forget next time," I said.
"There is no next time! And I'm not wearing this again, either!" Riveria said, Lefiya and Alicia were clearly sad to hear that, as their long, elven ears dropped low.
"Why not?" I asked, "You look really stunning, Riveria."
"With this uniform and our beautiful high elf commander, we'll finally be able to make Fairy Force a reality!" Alicia said, "It's giving me goosebumps!"
"Yes! It's awesome!" Lefiya said in support, "You could wear that out anywhere!"
"...I don't recall agreeing to anything of the sort, especially to the name 'Fairy Force'," Riveria said.
"Awww—!" Lefiya and Alice let out a dissatisfied voice.
"Now stop this foolishness and get back to work," said Riveria.
She seems pretty firm about it. Guess I'll have to give up.
Like hell I would!
"Then you should at least wear this on the day the magic squad is finalized," I said.
"Arin?" Riveria said in confusion.
"I mean, wouldn't it help in raising the morale of these girls that you will lead?" I said, stepping closer, while Riveria tried to back off, only for Loki to block her escape path.
"Arin, make a good point!" Loki cried, "As your goddess, I command you to wear this during the official formation of the squad!"
"Yes, Lady Riveria, it's not just a uniform, it's proof that we would be led by the strongest mage in all of Orario!" Lefiya moved to Riveria's right, while Alicia flanked her left
"Yes, all of us would be able to work with all our hearts, Lady Riveria!" Alicia said.
Riveria looked at everyone, stopping to glance at me a second time, and sighed. "...I understand," she said.
"We did it!" Loki and the others cheered. I just smiled, victorious.
"But!" She said, "It will only be during the official formation of our magic squad and never again, understood?"
All the girls nodded. It's still a win in my book; hell, seeing her like this was already a victory, this is just a bonus I got. I thought, looking at Riveria, only to find her staring back at me. The moment our eyes met, she looked away quickly. I tilted my head.
What was that about? I thought, looking at her talking with the girls, oh well, whatever, but still, she looked really gorgeous in this dress. I hope I can see it more than just during the magic squad formation.
Maybe I'll convince her to wear it again. Somehow. I glanced back one more time. Riveria had finally escaped Loki's grasp and was retreating toward the door, her new cloak swirling behind her. She caught me staring, her eyes narrowed in warning.
I raised my hands in mock surrender, grinning. Yeah, definitely worth whatever "punishment" she was planning.The image of Riveria in that outfit is burned into my memory now—mission accomplished.
Still, the way she'd looked away when our eyes met... that tender lookwas new... I filed that reaction away for later consideration. For now, I slipped out of the room before Loki could rope me into any of her scheming.