Combat Healer Ch. 11

January 9, 2022

NOTE (Aug 7, 2022): I uploaded a bonus chapter this week, so be sure to check out the new IDH chapter too.

NOTE (Jan 9, 2022): Hopefully this chapter answers the concerns brought up last chapter.

If not, I can always make changes if needed.

<< Chapter 10 | Chapter 1

- CHAPTER 11: Reunion -

Several Hours Ago

A tall blonde elf with icy blue eyes rushed up the enormous stone steps to the castle entrance, focusing on the first guard she saw. “I need an audience with the Queen,” she demanded, not waiting for the guard’s permission.

Of course, they all knew Sylvia Vanitas was permitted an audience whenever she was so inclined. Still, she had to announce her intention in order to be told where the Queen currently resided within her castle.

“She’s in her study,” the man replied.

Sylvia didn’t respond, hurrying through a grand foyer and down a hallway leading to the Queen’s office, only to speak up the moment she barged into the room without knocking.

Queen Eliza looked up from her desk in surprise, her purple eyes wide, her straight black hair framing her pale face, even as the blonde elf parted her lips to deliver her news.

“A boy at the age of fifteen, having healing magic, along with an elf girl of fourteen, capable of using Shock, are together swallowed up by a nearby Dungeon. For three months, they fight for their lives every waking hour of the day, and eventually conquer the dungeon. However, the final fight leaves them both dying, and the boy has to make a decision. Either save himself, or save her. Choosing to use all he had, he sacrificed his own life, in order to give her life. The girl’s name? Elizatay Mariona.”

Queen Eliza took a long deep breath, slumping in her seat. “Sylvia, I love you to death, but why for heaven’s sake are you recounting my own childhood traumas to me?”

“Because the story I just recounted was the exact tale I heard from one of my clients. A human healer who was sharing with his Oni girlfriend about what he claims happened when he was fifteen.”

Queen Eliza blanched, briefly at a complete loss for words.

“Sylvia…” she finally managed, struggling to breathe. “His…his name. Please tell me you have his name.”

The tall blonde nodded. “He’s registered with the Remnant guild as Allister Rosengard.” She paused. “Is that the name of the boy who saved you? I’ve never heard you utter it, not in the ninety years I’ve known you. I know you didn’t want to draw upon him the wrong kind of attention, since there are many who might use him to extort the throne, and by extension the kingdom, but I would have told you sooner had I known.”

The Queen didn’t respond.

It was as if the world around her instantly lost all color. Suddenly, the Queen’s purple eyes were vacant.

Sylvia continued. “He said when he woke up, six years ago, the girl was gone.”

“Six…six years ago?” Queen Eliza repeated, realization crossing her expression. “A hundred. Exactly one hundred years.”

“My queen, and good friend. What would you have me do?”

The woman focused up at her slowly, disbelief and indecisiveness plaguing her for the first time in decades. “I…I don’t know.”

“Shall I have him sent for?”

The Queen leaned back in her well-furnished chair, her ability to focus completely lost as she stared absentmindedly at the ornate ceiling. “Sylvia, what matters must you attend to today?”

“Nothing of greater importance,” she replied firmly.

The Queen took a shallow breath. “Then please stay with me for a time. You’ve just broken me with this news.”

“I deeply apologize, my Queen.”

“Sylvia,” she replied quietly. “I need my friend right now. Not a subject.”

The blonde elf stepped further into the room and closed the door. “As you wish, my dear Eliza. I am so very sorry to bring this to you, but I knew there is scarcely anything more important to you than possible news of your betrothed.”

“Not just betrothed,” Queen Eliza corrected her, staring vacantly at the wall. “He’s…my Soulmate.”

* * *

I sat in Eliza’s extremely fancy study under the pretense that I had to research some information on the monster we were to slay, using the opportunity to have a longer moment to ourselves as we discussed both the serious situation, as well as us.

To be fair, while I did know a little about these monsters, it was sincerely true that I did need some instruction on how best to defeat one.

Currently, Queen Eliza was sitting in her ornate chair behind her large wooden desk, still wearing her silver tiara and dressed in her fancy silk ballgown, which I now knew she’d specifically worn in anticipation of meeting me.

She was also still barefoot.

I should have known that exposing her feet held significance, since an elf usually only went without footwear within their own home. Which meant, normally, they also only exposed them to family. In Eliza’s case, while the castle was her home, she would never expose her feet in the audience chamber.

However, knowing she was to meet with me, she exposed her feet.

A symbol that she was home, so long as I was there.

The moment I entered a room, no matter where that room was, she was home because of me.

And it wasn’t just a gesture.

It was a very sincere feeling that arose from us not having a safe home while we suffered together in hell. Thus, back in the Dungeon, we’d decided that we were home, so long as we were together.

Of course, all that made sense now that I understood who she was. But at the time, I just found it a bit strange and nothing more. Especially since I had not grown up with elf customs.

But otherwise, she was dressed appropriately.

Similarly, I was fully clothed and sitting across from her in a chair so comfortable that it should have been a crime. There was a large tome sitting on the table between us, which I was supposed to be browsing, but I couldn’t take my eyes off her gorgeous face. Her skin was so flawless and pure.

And it was…also difficult…

To remember the face of my beloved, and see how she’d grown into a mature woman. She was still as beautiful as ever, and honestly looked like she could still pass as someone in their late twenties, maybe early thirties, but she’d experienced so much without me.

Then again, I suppose I’d be dead right now if we’d never been separated. Or at least, I might be dead, depending on how the Skill ‘Soulmate’ really worked. After all, there was a reason why she’d been initially excited by it.

The prospect of keeping me her entire life.

The prospect of sharing a single life.

But now that I was sitting before her, I couldn’t help but stare.

However, that wasn’t to say we weren’t taking this situation seriously.

She’d made it very clear, the moment we were alone again, that she couldn’t neglect her duty to her people simply because I’d finally returned to her…while also making it crystal clear that I was still a priority and always would be.

Something that might lead her to being forced to make some difficult decisions down the road, if we were not careful.

Not to mention, we were also well aware that we only had a few hours before we’d be leaving the city. However, she already had a basic plan laid out, which we’d been forced to reassess now that there were at least two of these creatures, possibly more, while also only being one healer who could actually help in the event someone got attacked.

At the very least, we would need two teams, an assault team with me on it, so that we might actually go after the kill, while the other defense group would locate the second creature, and keep an eye on it while waiting for us to regroup with them.

Of course, a lone scout could do that, but the purpose of having a team involved was so that, if the worst case happened and the monster needed to be defeated on the spot, then they’d have the capacity to do so.

Their decision to attack might mean someone dying, which was why we were hoping to avoid that outcome, but it was better than the problem rapidly escalating into a life ending threat that would sweep across the whole continent. Thus, the second team would be just as capable as the first, only waiting on the unique healer for the full assault.

Unsurprisingly, Eliza already had a good idea of who might be a good fit for the second team, including an elf Healer who had the Druid Focus, as well as two Fire Specialists and a typical Magician that could do a little of each element. There would then also be a Beast Master scout, who could communicate with Astaer through their animals, allowing the two groups to coordinate, even from a distance.

And then there was our team.

Me, Eliza, Astaer, and then we needed a few more people. Preferably those who could attack from a distance.

Currently, the Queen was focused on a few documents of parchment as we discussed the situation. She’d also taken a moment to answer my question about what the General had meant by him ‘following her orders’ in regard to me, to which she explained that, upon learning about me, the first action she took once she’d recovered from the shock was to give me Immunity and freedom to do as I pleased within her kingdom.

Essentially, elevating me to the legal status of an ambassador, with the kingdom’s laws no longer holding me accountable. Although, it was a decision only he would know about for the time being, which meant I could theoretically still get into trouble with a regular guard, but ultimately no punishments would be enforced.

She’d also instructed him to allow me to do as I please, and to never force me to do anything against my will.

Meaning, I could have refused when he demanded I come with him, and he would have respected that refusal. Although, I was certainly glad I hadn’t even considered that an option.

But now, we were again focused on the task at hand.

“The most important thing to know about Flesh Collectors,” Eliza was saying. “Is that Fighters and regular Rangers are usually a bad choice for this type of enemy. The demon is too fast and too lethal, and I would not risk it, even with your healing magic.”

I nodded, realizing I needed to tell her a little about this new ability.

“Oh, so about the spell I learned? It actually costs 150 essence to use, and I only have a maximum of 230 essence. Which means, without Essence Crystals, I would only be able to use it once a day.”

She focused on me, her amethyst eyes wide. “That’s good to know. However, with what I saw with my own eyes, I am not too surprised by such a steep cost. You truly performed a miracle. The entire capital saw your light. It’s been reported that rumors are already spreading that it was a god, though they will soon learn it was you, a powerful human healer.”

“It is called Divine Restoration,” I commented, figuring she’d grasp the implications.

“Really now?” she said curiously.

“Yeah. I think I finally got it when I sort of turned a prayer into a spell.”

She frowned at that, focusing back on her documents. “I see.”

“Do you think that’s crazy?” I wondered.

She just barely shook her head. “No, not at all.”

I switched the subject back to the monster. “So what else should I know?”

“Well, as I suggested, ranged attacks with essence are best. And, as I’m sure you’ve surmised from my choices for the other team, fire magic is the most potent against these creatures. Their exterior is hard as steel, but fire magic can boil their insides.”

“What about your electric magic?” I wondered.

“I have a spell that can help trap them, though I’ve never actually used it on such a creature, so I have no way of knowing if it will work. Honestly, while I might be able to take one of these down by sheer force, I would not personally have sent an Electric Specialist on this mission.”

“So then?” I said hesitantly, referencing the fact that she was insistent on coming.

Her amethyst eyes were hard. “I will not lose you again,” she said firmly. “And as I’ve mentioned, I will elevate you to a status you deserve. Already, I have made it very clear that you are the leader of the team I have joined. This places me underneath your command, if only temporarily.”

I nodded, already understanding what she’d done, and what she intended to do, but also uncertain of what our future was really going to look like.

I decided to ask, but it was hard to get out, especially since I knew that her duty to her people would almost always come first.

“So…can we even be together at this point?” I asked quietly.

Her response was immediate and firm. “Yes.”

“But you don’t want others to know yet?” I pointed out.

She sighed heavily. “They would not believe that I met you over a hundred years ago. Nor would they understand what we went through together. All they would see is the Queen showing a childish interest in a young human. They would not understand, and there would be problems if my people did not accept and respect you.”

I frowned. “But somehow, we can be together? Just not now.”

“Not publicly,” she corrected. “But we can still be together, even now, in private. I’ve thought long and hard about this situation. I do have a plan.”

“And what if that plan fails?” I asked seriously, knowing that becoming her private healer probably wasn’t a part of her plan, since it wouldn’t increase the frequency I could see her when she basically never needed a healer, nor would it even make sense when typical healers were more than adequate in most situations.

She paused as she considered that. “There is another option. Something we could do sooner and is safer, but we would be eliminating the possibility of going with my first plan.”

That piqued my curiosity. “Oh. What’s that plan?”

She focused intently on me and held my gaze for a long few seconds, seeming hesitant to speak. However, when she did reply, she seemed completely at ease at discussing the subject.

“I could adopt you.”

My eyes widened in sincere surprise. “W-What?” I said in disbelief. “H-How would that work?”

She nodded, seeming ready to explain. “You are young enough compared to me that few would find it unacceptable. Not that their opinion would matter anyway, but I could easily craft a story that would explain my reasoning. Of course, it would be important that you play the part of my hin, which would mean calling me ‘Atara’ as a show of respect at all times, even when alone, so that you did not slip in public. You could never again call me ‘love,’ or anything similar, even in private. The risk of someone overhearing, or either of us slipping in our speech around others, would be too great.” She paused. “And of course, it would be important for you to not show inappropriate affection around others. However, no one would question you speaking or acting more informal with me, and you could live with me in the castle immediately. It would allow us to be together fully in private, from now until the end of our lives.” She paused again. “But then, that would become our reality. You would never be able to become my husband, not even after many years, even if you were secretly my partner.”

I almost couldn’t believe she was serious, but I could see in her amethyst eyes that she’d really considered this as an option.

“O-Oh,” I finally managed, my face feeling a little hot. “And I’m guessing you don’t really fancy that plan,” I assumed.

She shook her head. “No, that is actually the safest way for us to be together. For, when you become my husband, you may also become a possible target for assassination.”

“Shit,” I hissed.

She shrugged. “As is the nature of being royalty. And if you had been a normal healer, then I might have been required to force that second option on you, since elevating your status to a position you are worthy of would not be possible. Not if you aren’t strong enough to be worthy, since no one would accept it. Thus, bringing you into my household as my hin would have been our only option.” She paused. “And to be clear, your strength means nothing to me personally. I would want you, even if you were an average healer. But that would have left our options limited. Unfortunately, as Queen, I cannot simply marry without being mindful of how it affects the perception of the kingdom. And there are many who would normally have issue with you not being an elf.”

I cleared my throat, my face feeling flushed, another aspect popping into my head. “But, umm, if you really did have to do that for us to be together, then what about the risk of you getting pregnant?” I asked hesitantly.

She shrugged. “I am past childbearing age.”

My eyes widened. “Oh. So then, that could actually work.”

She focused intently on me. “Yes, it could work. And it is an option I am comfortable with.”

I nodded slowly. “And does pursuing your first plan, to actually make me your husband, interfere with that plan? Like, do we have to fully settle on one option right now?”

She sighed. “We do have some time to decide, but not much. Because unfortunately, what you say is true. If we choose to become husband and wife, then our path will be different in the coming months. As will the risks. If people find out about us prematurely, it will cause issues. Right now, it would be strange for me to allow you to live in my castle, and it would similarly be suggestive for me to entertain your company too frequently.”

Of course, I fully understood what she was implying now.

This was truly a second option.

If she chose to take that route, instead of making me her husband, then we could be together immediately, and it would be safer for me. But if I wished to publicly become her partner, then our time together would be significantly limited in the upcoming months, and possibly years, until the time was right to announce her intentions.

And of course, becoming her husband would also come with more risks to my own life. Especially if it happened too soon, but even if it happened at the right time, since I wasn’t an elf and I was sure there were those who would always oppose.

I continued. “So, what happens if we go with your first plan, and they do find out prematurely?”

She sighed heavily. “We should avoid it. Undoubtedly it would cause problems if they are not ready to accept you, and it would thus increase the likelihood that your life would be threatened. Which is why, before the time is right, I fully intend to elevate you to a status you are worthy of, and only upon your acceptance as a hero, will I then make known that the Queen has chosen her partner.”

I unexpectedly grimaced at that, her comment reminding me of a little issue this new development had caused.

I tried to speak. “Umm, Eliza…there’s something I need to tell you.”

“That you have a girlfriend?” she said bluntly.

I looked at her in surprise. “You already know?”

She nodded. “Yes, I am aware. After all, Sylvia overheard your story because you were sharing it with your girlfriend, correct?”

“Umm, yeah. But then?”

She sighed heavily. “Allie, I am not the same person I was a century ago. For nearly all my life, I would have given up anything just to have you alive again. And now that I do have you, I only wish you happiness. For it is your happiness, that will finally bring me happiness.”

I frowned at that. “Okay…but what does that actually mean?”

She smirked slightly. “I’m not going to execute your girlfriend.”

My eyebrows shot up. “Was…was that an attempt at a joke?”

She frowned. “I guess I’m out of practice, and I suppose that was in bad taste either way.”

I scoffed. “Umm, yeah, just a little. Since you could actually do that, and I’d honestly feel miserable if that happened to Mel.”

Her expression was apologetic. “I’m very sorry, my love. I’ll be more careful with my words.”

I nodded. “But then, you’re fine with me being with her?”

“Yes,” she said simply, only to sigh. “If we go with my first plan, then it will be some time before we can openly be together. And while I fully intend on spending time with you, it won’t be the same as being able to see someone whenever you want. Meaning, you won’t be able to request an audience with me, just to see me.” She sighed again. “And even if we went with my second plan, and I did bring you into the castle now, the fact that you have a girlfriend would help avoid suspicion of our relationship. Which means, if you choose to have a girlfriend, and even if you want to marry her too, I won’t complain. I’m just happy to have you alive and well.”

Wow. That all made sense, but it was still kind of crazy to realize that having a girlfriend actually benefited our situation, by making it less likely for others to figure out that we were in a relationship.

Still, I had to ask more, considering that I had a busty Holstaur girl who had just shown up that very day to become my wife.

“And what about two other wives?” I asked hesitantly.

She rolled her amethyst eyes. “My dear Allie, if you want to attempt to get two other women to share you, then by all means, go for it.”

I cleared my throat. “Well, see, that’s the thing. I kind of already do.”

She looked sincerely surprised. “Oh.” She paused. “Who?”

“A half-Holstaur girl. I saved her mother’s life, and her father sort of offered her to me. However, I didn’t think she actually wanted to marry me, so I sort of gave a provisional refusal, agreeing to accept under a particular condition. I honestly didn’t think it would actually end up happening, but she was really determined and met my condition.” I paused, surprised that she wasn’t really reacting, just patiently listening. “And both she and my girlfriend have already sort of agreed to share.”

Eliza nodded, focusing on her parchment. “Then that’s fine.”

Dang, she was really okay with it.

But was she okay with actually meeting them?

I cleared my throat. “They, umm, might also end up on the team,” I admitted.

That got her attention. She focused on me in sincere shock.

I quickly continued. “Part of me doesn’t want to risk their lives, but honestly I feel less apprehensive knowing I can heal them if needed, and they have the skills to get the job done. Mel has a special weapon, as well as fire magic, and Val is actually an Essence Archer. Both are sincerely very strong.”

Her amethyst eyes were wide. “Well then, based on that information, objectively, yes. I would agree with your assessment. Maybe if I can convince Sylvia to come along, then we can cover the three primary elements just to ensure we aren’t found ‘without’ in an unexpected encounter. At the very least, she could use her ice magic to put out the fires.”

I smirked at that, just the idea of the powerful blonde elf being reduced to such a task. “And would she be able to use her ice magic to trap those creatures?”

Eliza frowned. “Theoretically, yes. But those monsters are very quick, and somewhat resistant to the cold. Not to mention, fire magic will melt the ice, thereby freeing it.”

“Make sense,” I admitted, only to hesitate. “Oh, and speaking of Sylvia…can I ask about your relationship with her?”

Her amethyst gaze focused on me. “She is a very good friend I’ve known most of my life, and also the one person I occasionally have sex with.”

I swallowed, hard. My face felt hot again.

So the rumors were true.

“I…see,” I managed.

Her expression was suddenly soft, her tone gentle. “Sylvia generally hates men, is deeply in love with me, and has comforted me many nights when I might have otherwise broken down and sought the comfort of a man.” She sighed. “It’s been very difficult living without you, my love. When I was younger, especially for that first decade, there was a desperate part of me that wanted to feel the warmth of another, just so that I might remember what it was like to be with you. But I didn’t. And now, in a hundred and six years, you are still the last man I’ve had sex with.”

I nodded, a little stunned by that admission, but also kind of feeling bad that I hadn’t been more restrained. But then again, I’d thought she abandoned me…

I cleared my throat. “I understand, and I definitely don’t take issue with you having sex with Sylvia. If it had to be anyone, then I would much prefer it be a woman. But then, if she truly loves you, do you think she will be jealous?”

She shook her head. “No. For remember, it was she who immediately reported to me about you, upon hearing your story. She understands what it means for me to have found you again. Yet she still came to me without hesitation.” She paused. “Sylvia does love me, but not in the possessive way a man might love a woman. Above all else, she is a close friend and she’s always known that I suffered a great loss. For the length of our entire friendship, she has always sought to bring me happiness, much like I now seek to bring you happiness. However…” She hesitated. “While I am certain she holds no resentment toward you, if you choose to request that I know longer share a bed with her on occasion, then she very well may become vexed.”

“I don’t have a problem with it,” I quickly reassured her. “Again, if she were a man, then yes, it would really bother me. And honestly, I’d want you to stop seeing him. But I don’t have a problem with her at all, and basically owe her for reuniting us.”

“Yes,” she agreed. “And it sounds like I also owe your Oni girlfriend for reuniting us. Sylvia informed me that she’s known of you for nearly two years, and yet I remained unaware. Were it not for this young Oni woman, then it is doubtful you would have shared your story in my friend’s presence.”

“I wouldn’t have,” I agreed. “It wasn’t a subject I usually opened up about. Mel is the only one in the capital who knows about what I experienced when I was younger. Not even my other teammates know.”

Eliza nodded. “And you’re certain you wish to bring her to this fight?”

I sighed, knowing she was ready to get the subject back on track. “Well, while I obviously do not want to take any chances with our lives, I do sincerely believe that she is up to the task. And I also like the idea of it just being me, you, Mel, Val, and Sylvia, because then that means you and I can act normal around each other. Alternatively, if we add even one more person, then suddenly we’ll have to be careful about how we interact for however long we are away.”

“You’re assuming I’m alright with the other three knowing we’re involved,” she pointed out.

I was surprised by that. “Are you not alright with it?” I asked seriously, especially stunned that she included Sylvia in that statement.

She frowned. “They would have to swear to secrecy.”

“Well, I don’t think that would be a problem. Certainly not with Sylvia, and I am very inclined to believe that Mel would be very careful with any secrets I might share with her.” Of course, that was because she had her own secret that I was sure she would prefer to not be shared, even with someone else I was romantically involved with.

Eliza nodded. “And the Holstaur girl?”

I considered that. “Well, she literally went from Focusless, to as powerful as the rest of us, in under a year, all because she was determined to be with me. I think if I asked her to keep a secret, she would. She would never want to jeopardize me being upset with her.”

Eliza took a deep breath. “Then they may be permitted to know, but keep in mind that Astaer will also be coming. She’ll need to guide us to the one that attacked her younger sister, and then we’ll need her to communicate with the other Beast Masters, through their animals, in order to pinpoint the second one that’s been spotted.”

I nodded. “Yes, I know she’s coming. But as I’m sure you can imagine, she’s very grateful for me saving her sister. Do you think she’d gossip about such a thing? Especially when she’s indebted to me?”

Eliza shook her head. “No, I do not, even without her indebtedness. However, I am also aware that voices tend to travel far in these halls, and there are always ears listening. The more people who know something, the more likely it will be overheard if they speak of it.”

I frowned at that. “And would it be absolutely detrimental if those types of rumors spread?”

She considered that. “Not ideal, but no. I suppose it might not be detrimental either. Although, if such rumors did begin to spread, then we might have to adjust how often we are able to see each other.” She frowned. “And if that doesn’t help, then I might be forced to abandon our first plan, and choose to instead proceed with the second option, since your safety comes first. Again, there is a greater risk to your life if this is discovered prematurely. And rumors tend to cease when a truth is proclaimed. Bringing you into my household in this manner would cause my people to assume that something ‘supposedly seen’ or ‘supposedly heard’ had been misunderstood.”

I wasn’t sure I fully understood that logic, so I had to ask more.

“And they really wouldn’t have a problem with you adopting a human?”

She shook her head. “At this point, it would actually make sense to them. They would assume that I wanted to have such a powerful healer in my household, to have a unique type of control over you and your lineage, and that this was the ideal way to do it, since you are very young compared to me, and it would be assumed that I did not want to make you my partner. But that possibility, of bringing you into my household even after such rumors have spread, is only afforded to us because you are very strong.” She sighed. “Previously, prior to such rumors circulating, it still would have been possible to adopt a human without anyone having a problem with it, but as I said, I would be required to craft a tale that explained my reasoning. Something like, ‘I’d secretly taken care of you as an infant, and left you with a family of my choosing. But now, upon the premature passing of your family, I felt obligated to invite you into my household.’ There are lots of such stories I might share, many of which would achieve my goals in explaining how I’d come to decide on making you my hin.”

I tried to clear my throat, my face hot again, attempting to return my focus to the idea of allowing my other women to know about our relationship.

“Then, if that’s the case, and our second plan is still possible even if those types of rumors spread, I think it’s worth a chance to let the others know. Because honestly, I have no problem pretending to be formal for short periods of time, but I’m not sure if I can be around you day and night, and act like you aren’t the girl I went through hell with.”

She smiled, a playfulness to her tone. “Woman, not girl, thank you. But yes. I understand.”

I smirked at that. “Does it bother you that I’m so much younger than you now?”

She was immediately serious. “No. Even if I found you when you first came out of the dungeon, six years ago, I would have you. And even if you happened to be an old man, barely hanging onto life, I would have you.”

“That means a lot,” I admitted.

“You mean a lot. To me. Everything.” She was then thoughtful, changing the subject. “My love, might I ask a question?”

I shrugged. “Of course.”

“Just curious, but might it be that you actually prefer my second plan?” she asked seriously.

I tried to swallow, my face burning up. “I mean, there are benefits and risks to both, right?”

“There are,” she agreed. “But your face turns red whenever I bring up the subject of bringing you into my household in such a manner.”

Oh fuck, I felt like I was going to die of embarrassment.

Her amethyst eyes were tender. “My love, I am also interested in that possibility, and I would be very willing to proceed with making you my hin, if that is what you would prefer. After all, it is safer for you, and might become necessary anyway.” Her tone became more affectionate. “And if I am being honest, in my desire to keep you safe, it is my preferred choice.”

“W-We have time to consider our options, c-correct?” I stammered.

She smiled warmly at me. “Yes, my love. We do have some time. And perhaps after we have again shared a bed together, you might feel more certain of which option you prefer.”

I tried to keep myself together, wondering if she was implying that we would roleplay both possibilities so that I’d have an idea of what it would be like…

Of course, I remembered very clearly the intimate times I’d spent with the elf girl when we were trapped in hell, but she’d been skinny when I met her, and she’d unsurprisingly grown even more thin as we struggled to survive.

Thankfully, water had not been a problem, with many sections of the Dungeon being damp and having puddles from dripping cracks, or sometimes even small pools that we could wash in. But food was very scarce. And we got to the point where we ate almost anything, whether that be cave fungus, the rare insects we found, and sometimes larger things, like frogs.

All raw, since using her magic to cook could cost us our lives when she ran out in a fight.

After a month, we were both starving, which meant by three months we were both pretty emaciated.

But the woman before me was well-fed and well-endowed, even by human standards.

She very much had a motherly aura to her, which was a sharp contrast to the girl I’d fallen in love with, even if I still felt that same familiarity.

Which meant, the idea of sharing a bed with her did make me nervous, especially since she meant so much to me. Never mind the fact that she was literally the Queen of the kingdom. But also the idea of sharing a bed in secret with her while being her hin, and being required to always call her Atara made my head spin.

I tried to focus back on the task at hand.

“So, umm, do you think we are decided on the teams then? Or do you think that neglecting to add more is too risky?”

“Three Mages, including myself, and an Essence Archer?” She shook her head. “As horrible as this creature is, the thing that makes it so threatening lies in its capacity to reproduce quickly. Technically, a single Fire Mage could handle one of these with ease, so long as he or she saw it coming. Whereas a Beast Master, Archer, Warrior, or any other more physical fighter would perish. It’s a miracle that Astaer was able to save her sister, though in trying to do so, it almost cost the Gryphon’s life too.”

I simply nodded.

She continued. “And if we strike while there are still few of them, our current selections will be fine for the task. However, there is a point at which there could become too many for even all the Fire Mages in the kingdom to handle, and that point is actually not far off. In a week there might be a hundred, but by two weeks there could be ten thousand, and by the third week there may very well be over a million. Hence the urgency.”

I nodded again, realizing I was focused on her cleavage, not necessarily admiring it, but just kind of staring into space. The shiny black silk holding her full breasts in place was a sharp contrast to her milky skin.

After a moment, Eliza cleared her throat.

“They’re larger than when I was younger, aren’t they?” she said quietly.

I looked up at her in surprise. “Oh, umm, yes. Sorry.”

Her tone was gentle. “My sweet Allie, while my proportions are fuller now, I am the same person you once made love to. There is no reason for you to apologize for being pleased with what you see.”

I tried to swallow. “I…I know…” I agreed, deciding I should be honest. “But not only am I aware that you’re much older now, you also feel much older – in a good way. But also, in a way that makes me a little nervous. You are very much a mature woman now, who could have children much older than me, since you’re an elf, if not children my age if you were human and were an age that matched your appearance. Not to mention, you’re the Queen.”

“If given a choice,” she asked curiously. “Would you prefer my previous younger body? Or this one?”

“Well, this one, of course,” I said seriously.

“Because I cannot return to how I was?” she wondered.

I shook my head. “No, it’s not that at all. As attractive as I found you when we were both younger, you have grown into one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen.”

“More beautiful than your girlfriend?” she mused.

I shrugged. “Mel is very hot, but in a very sexual kind of way. Not that I don’t have sincere feelings for her, but I’m not sure that beauty would be the most accurate description for her. Rather, she is sexy.” I paused. “And with Val, she has a body made for lust. I’ve never seen a woman who turned me on so much. But again, I wouldn’t describe her as beautiful in the same way I’d use that word for you. Her face is super adorable, while the rest of her body is like every man’s fantasy.”

“I appreciate the honesty,” she replied, her gaze still affectionate. “But then, how might you describe me? Only as beautiful?”

“Not only as beautiful. But the most beautiful. Your appearance is elegant, feminine, and flawless. If you remained motionless enough, then I could almost imagine you being the vision of some sculptor’s masterpiece.”

Her cheeks flushed, much to my surprise. “Well now, you’ve certainly developed a way with words, my love.”

“I am being completely honest,” I said sincerely. “Obviously, I find Mel and Val very attractive, but I’m not sure there’s a woman in this world who could come close to your flawless beauty.”

Her amethyst gaze became longing. “And what about more than beauty?”

The look she was giving me was making my face hot again, causing me to speak quietly.

“W-What do you mean?”

“I am beautiful,” she said softly. “But do you think I could also be sexy?”

I tried to swallow.

Her tone became lower. “My sweet love, do you think I could also make you feel lust?”

I could only nod, my legs beginning to tremble.

“Then tell me, my love,” she whispered, leaning forward slightly, causing my eyes to focus on her milky cleavage. “Would you feel more lust if I married you? Or if I brought you into my household through other means?”

I couldn’t speak.

“My sweet boy,” she whispered, reaching up with one hand to gently run her fingers and palm over the shiny black silk covering her full breast. “We have a few hours to ourselves. Why don’t you come here, and we shall find out which you prefer.”

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Chapter 12 >>