Local Netizen Elf’s Life In Another World

Case 341: The eight-people date.

In the end, it was decided that we would pay a visit to Everwood—as a form of vacation, perhaps.

Somewhere, it still feels a bit unnerving, knowing that we can even take time off like this despite the threat looming over our heads. It's just too peaceful.

Either way, since even Eva has agreed to join us, there's no reason not to do it.

So, we set out for the elven kingdom the next morning. First things first, I head to the Sylvian Church's location. The architects promised to finish the building by now, and when I arrive... it is actually constructed.

''Did they build this in just a night?'' Sariel muses. ''Quite pleasant-looking, I have to say.''

''Heh, it's my design, after all.''

''Oh, really?''

''...Not really. The architects my dad sent helped a lot.''

Jokes aside, the level of completeness I see here is incredible. Not only is the structure itself neatly carved, but the paint job itself is immaculately done. The roofs are nice and symmetrical, and the stained glass windows are expertly crafted.

I'm really liking this.

When I subtly nudge Eva, asking for her opinion, she reluctantly replies with, ''Not bad for your first one,'' which is to say that it has come out extremely good. 

Predictably, one of the people working on the building notices us and, as if waiting for our arrival in the first place, alerts the others, and they all flock to us at once.

''Your Holiness! Could you take a look at the church?''

Like a child wanting to show off its proudest sand castle, the head architect excitedly welcomes us into the building. Of course, I happily take on that offer.

''Woah... it doesn't look as large outside.''

''It's already church-like without the furniture. I guess it's because of the stained glass.''

''Hey, talk about those glass panels... aren't her boobs too obscene...?''

I can hear it, you know?

What can I say... looking at the most prominent panel directly opposite the entrance, it does seem a bit too much. It depicts an elven woman in a white peplos of sorts, looking directly down at everything in this interior.

The problem, or lack thereof, is that her boobs—my boobs—are big... which is realistic. No, really. Whoever did that one definitely had a good look at my assets because they're the same size.

Brushing that off as Liana just being jealous, I decide to inspect the interior further.

Mirroring its outside looks, the inside is painted a milky white, with some blue-gold accents across the walls and on the four tall pillars supporting the building. Looking closer, there are several auxiliary rooms nicely disguised in the corners as well. There's nothing in here yet, but once all the furniture items are assembled, I think it should be nice.

The more I examine it, the better I feel.

It isn't until a rough dozen minutes later that I snap out of it. Just in time, my group calls out to me, waving from near the entrance.

''Here! Have some food!''

''This is...''

Carrying an armful each of bread, rice cakes, among other foods, Anna and Emy leisurely distribute them to everyone, including the elves who have been working for so long.

...Sometimes I forget I still should have breakfast.

Either way, it seems these two have just brought these from outside. I actually recognize their brands—most of them. Justia used to take us around to explore the city all the time, and I've come to remember their tastes.

It's... nostalgic, I suppose.

A good thing is that one can expect to find stability in many aspects of elven lives, so I can probably have these foods for a long time.

''Hic... ugn...''

''This is a divine blessing...!''

Receiving 'divine blessing' from us, the architects once again fire up and promise to finish the furnishing process in a day. Their enthusiasm is honestly unmatched, and I guess a good portion of that comes from Eva's presence.

So, as not to be a nuisance, we leave the property and set out for an adventure... not really. This is just a date.

It's much noisier than a usual date, though. For instance, I can't really talk to all seven of them at the same time, so they'll have to talk among themselves except for one or two. By this point, I believe there isn't really a barrier between any pair anymore, and they certainly prove that.

Some get along well with several others, while some are not, but they are never unfriendly toward one another.

''Hmm...''

I half expected two or three of them might split from us and act independently, but if they want to treat this a high school field trip, then that's fine, too.

Now, this is us elves' hometown, so we have the obligation to show the guests around. Thankfully, all that time messing around the city has given us a fair share of experience.

We walk through the busy streets of Everwood, trying out different food, different drinks, and visiting various entertainment spots deeply carrying the elven essence. And by that, I mean trees. A lot of trees.

I like it.

But among my party members, I notice Sariel and Eva looking a bit calmer, while Anna, Tina, and Luna all seem eager.

At some point, it just looks... adorable.

Anna's wagging her tail in front of a trinket shop, which sells a variety of elven charms, while Luna is engrossed in a conversation with an astrologist somewhere. Most puzzlingly, Tina can be spotted beside the drink stall in a daze.

''What's wrong?'' I ask. ''Is the drink not to your taste?''

''...No, it's the opposite.'' She replies, lightly twirling the cup. ''Is this truly sugar-free...? I need to know how to make it.''

''Ah, that.''

If I were just a bit more conscious of my health, I would know the name of the herbs used to make this tea, but I only remember roughly that there's a herb inside giving it a tinge of sweetness. Otherwise, no sugar.

''It's a popular drink around here, actually.''

''I wish there was something similar in the empire.''

''You can buy it every day once we're married.''

''...''

In the end, she kisses me passionately, and we hug for quite a while.

In the blink of an eye, lunchtime is over, and in the afternoon, we decide to explore the forest. Unlike the streets, it's breezy and calm here. So calm that as soon as we enter, me and my two fellow elves almost melt on the spot.

Even in the city, people like to have plants all around their houses as well, but nothing can beat the real deal.

''I'm curious. Do you know why they're like this, Lunaris?''

''Hm?''

As we hug each other and the trees, Sariel subtly approaches Luna with that question. In response, the goddess hums to herself for a bit before opening her mouth,

''I believe it is a result of evolution.'' She says. ''If we traced back—all the way back—both the elves, the druids, and I come from the same root. We have always been a nature-loving species.''

''You, too?''

''Yes. I also love being around nature.''

With a smile, Luna elaborates on her love of nature, slowly solidifying her position as one of us. She goes on about how good it feels to be near plants, to play around with grass and dirt, and to do just about everything...

''Ah, I also heard that mating in the presence of nature is an otherworldly experience.''

'''' ... ''''