Local Netizen Elf’s Life In Another World

Case 344: First preach.

Public speaking isn't my forte.

I'm not good with words, and I feel nervous when a lot of people look at me. I get anxiety all the time before speeches.

That doesn't mean I don't have to do it, however. A goddess needs to communicate with her followers, and the very first impression is important.

''Hoo...''

The best I can do is try to steel myself and calm my mind before doing the deed. By this point, my assistants, those being my lovers who are available, are already dealing with the excessive number of people trying to enter the crowded building, so I need to be fast before it gets chaotic.

Why, this preaching will be recorded and uploaded anyway.

Thinking so, I take a final glance at the numerous cameras mounted on the walls and ceiling before assuming a calmer gait, just like what I've rehearsed. Hands neatly folded in front, legs close to one another, and a serene but peaceful smile—always.

With that kind of atmosphere, I quietly sneak out to the main stage, not expecting any reaction until I tap the mic, but... I notice the sudden silence right away.

The elves, upon seeing me in this state for the first time, open their sparkling eyes wide, many fanning their long ears. The same can be said about the ones peeking in from outside, elves or not.

They must feel quite proud that I, a fellow elf, have reached this coveted position. Somewhat, I'm proud to be their princess as well. These beautiful people are amazing.

''Ahem.''

Nonetheless, once I hit the sound amplification spell, the scene falls completely silent. Under considerable pressure, I deepen my smile slightly and put one hand on my chest,

''Greetings, everyone.''

Not 'my believers' or 'my people'—whether they'll become mine or not depends on this instance.

''I hope it has been a peaceful day for you all. Oh, I should also say thank you for being here?''

Of course, this isn't a conversation, so it's pretty much just me monologuing. I'll have to ramble on for some minutes, during which I hope I won't stumble on anything stupid.

''Now then,'' I look around. ''Wanting to commit or not, you have gone out of your way to come here—to hear what I have to say. Let's not waste time further.''

''The very first thing I urge everyone to achieve is a healthy body and a healthy mind. You cannot live wholefully without either, but as long as you love yourself sufficiently, success will come by easily. Here, I cannot stress enough the importance of a good sleep. I also cannot understate how crucial staying hydrated is.''

Pacing very slowly across the stage, I calmly get things out of my mind while watching the audience's reaction. Afterward, I give it a pause,

''It is a typical advice, but a potent one nonetheless. Still, should we move on to what you are actually interested in?''

With a few enthusiastic sounds ringing in the building, I can feel the interest spiking up again. After all, I am not a doctor or a caretaker, but someone representing lust.

I gingerly raise my hand, drawing a lingering pink heart in the air with divine energy,

''Lust is a topic many choose to avoid, but I'd argue that it is of critical significance. 'Lust' here refers to one's utmost desire for sexual gratification... or perhaps a strong wanting for something. I am sure you can already form your thoughts on the latter, but I want to perhaps change your mind, as the Goddess of Lust, on sex-related issues.''

Finally capturing my audience's full attention, I ride on the momentum and gush out the content I've been preparing for this preach. The importance of early sex education, of consent, how to proceed during sex, how to consider contraceptives, how to take responsibilities properly, etc.

At the end of the day, all I want is for people to approach the subject safely, sensibly, and pleasurably. Though, that sentence might be a bit too much coming from me, considering I do stuff that is quite dangerous and immoral sometimes.

Nonetheless, it seems everybody is taking it well.

Elves are a long-living species, so even though many of them are a few centuries old, they might not even consider a relationship yet. This information should help them, I'd imagine.

''Um... Your Holiness.''

''Yes?''

When the atmosphere reaches a peak 'classroom vibe,' someone finally raises their hand. She, an innocent-looking young elf, hesitates a bit, but she has no reason to, really.

''You can freely ask anything, you know? I'm here to make meaningful connections with people believing the same things I believe in, not to mindlessly preach my opinions.''

''Ah.''

Only after that do she and many others relax their stances.

''Then, if I may... Mother Goddess Eva has her role as the protector of us peaceful races, but what role will you hold as a goddess, Your Highness?''

A thoughtful question. Essentially, she's questioning my capabilities as a goddess, which is key to determining whether I am worth worshipping or not.

''Well, besides promoting carnal pleasure... I am a close aide of Mother Goddess Eva, a companion, and a lover. My original role was also that of a fighter to repel the demon king. I believe I can contribute significantly to uphold Aria's orders and peace.''

''O-Oh... wow...''

The statement clearly shocks many. I guess receiving the confirmation that I am Eva's woman must be startling.

From then on, numerous questions rise one after another, but I swiftly respond to them without any real struggle.

''Oh, my, look at the time.''

When the planned forty-five minutes expire, I tacitly glance at the clock and signal the session to end. 

''Thank you for being here and listening to the end. I hope we can have many discussions in the future, and may you have a safe journey.''

I'm tired. Putting on a presentable front is hella hard.

But in the end, most people come out of the building satisfied, while some are neutral, and a few are upset, which is expected.

''Hah...''

In the backstage, I slump onto a chair, feeling the tension slipping away. This speech is a relative success... but I can't get arrogant. This crowd is merely the most enthusiastic, fellow countrymen and women coming to support their princess.

I have to do even better in the future.

Back to creating content, creating weapons, participating in raids, and going out to the frontlines... I wonder when this hectic schedule will change. I'm already running on twenty hours of sleep... a week. No matter what body I am in, it's bound to be exhausting.

Yet, despite the obvious hardships, I feel rather optimistic. Rather, some sort of power is surging in me, albeit quite faintly.

''...''

Seconds pass in silence, and it is only a full minute later that I realize the source of that energy—it's from my followers!

Of course, it's barely tangible compared to my usual strength, but progress is progress. Although the number of people here earlier couldn't have exceeded a few hundred, the fact that they saw and interacted with me matters. The preach was livestreamed as well, which should have contributed significantly.

This is why Eva should have appeared in the mortal world more often. If she barely shows up even after hundreds of years have passed, people won't truly worship her as much. Not that she had the time to, I suppose.

But now that she is a bit more free, she can hold a gathering at one of her big churches... and collaborate with me...?