Yes... the plan worked.

This time I positioned myself in such a way that I completely blocked off the sleeping Aria, Kiku, and Kali. I think Kiku is especially dangerous in this situation. Aria just ate too much as usual and fell asleep. This desert girl is pretty odd though, I can't read her.

It was a slight gamble. I was betting on the fact that Elijah-sama would get on the bed first, before Kaede and Seria. So, he would have to sleep near me.

What the hell is wrong with me!

Michael, you are such an asshole, forcing me to pay attention to Elijah. I literally was here to be with Aria. But look at how low I have fallen, positioning myself like this.

//Rishya//Great Desire//Peace//Love//Happiness//

Yes, yes... I know you only want to help me.

Hahh... It's the path to madness, when you start being able to talk to your own spirit and hear it respond. I asked Seria about it just in case, quoting a book about it so she wouldn't be too suspicious.

But apparently, what I thought was normal for mages to do from childhood, none of the Thunder Sages did in centuries.

Michael, we're weird, aren't we?

//Delight//Much//

Of course, you're happy about it. Dammit.

//Rishya//Requirement//Understanding//Construction//Love//Beneficial//Power//Extreme//

You know, I wish you had a better grasp on grammar, Michael. Do you mean... that I... I need love to get stronger?

//Positive//

But... but I already love Aria and Yuuzu! We met because of my love for them, right? Why does it have to be a man? Why now? Why the man that Aria likes?

//Rishya//Understanding//Great//

No! I don't understand! Please enlighten me! For Sendervils sake!

//Rishya//Conclusion//Ownership//Man//Abhorrence//Query//

Of course. Hah... I tried to hate him. But I can't do it. I want to protect him as well. What a dumb young girl I am to fall like this.

//Delight//Much//Rishya//Understanding//Great//

Oh, you're getting on my nerves, now! I should throw you out the window.

//Rishya//Cruelty//Great//

Don't you take that tone with me! Be quiet!

//Understanding//

Hah... why do I get the impression that I just kicked an imaginary puppy?

Well... I just don't get it at all. But I know... I know... love is irrational. It can be born from hate quite often. Light spirits can turn into Void spirits in a moment, and vice versa.

Ah. He is breathing gently now. I'm a physician, so I can tell when someone's really asleep. And I can fake it very well, I'll have you know.

Time for the next stage of the plan.

Now... a random groan in my sleep, a nonchalant roll over. A quick peek.

Perfect.

Wow. Extra perfect. He probably thought he was being careful, sleeping at a position like that, but after a full roll over, my greatest asset in this battle is now very close to his face.

Even if we have a non-aggression pact... when he's asleep, all the bets are off, right?!

Concentrate.

Just a bit more rotation. Slow. Don't want to cause hassle. Rub the sheets a bit, loosen the shift.

Yes. Done! Now we close the eyes and wait.

As long as he doesn't sleep like a corpse, if he moves his left hand almost anywhere, it will touch my chest!

Even if he doesn't move ‘til morning, the plan is still solid. The simple ones are the best.

I can then cry and claim I'm spoilt for marriage now and his guilt will work for me!

//Rishya//Cruelty//Great//

Shut up, Michael. I told you to be quiet. We need to succeed here to have a chance! Do you have any better plans?

//Honesty//Query//Man//Love//Devotion//Affection//Much//

Oh my gods! You make that sound like its easy!

//Alternative//Embrace//Carnal//

Now you're just being a pervert.

Ah... I wonder if he'll hug me like he did with Seria, or ruffle my fringe and face like Kiku.

Ah! I'm swooning so much thinking about what he might do. My heart is thumping furiously!

What will he...

Kyaaaaaaa!

Oh my gods. Oh my gods.

He's grabbed my chest!

With two hands!

Ngggh... it’s being rubbed!

I'm gonna pass out! This! I didn't think he'd be so aggressive! No! Can't cry out! Keep eyes shut!

//Rishya//Understanding//Failure//

Shut up, Michael! Whatever it is, it can...

Wait...

Failure?

Two hands... being rubbed... from... behind...?

My eyes shoot open. Elijah hasn't moved a muscle, but my shift is open and two tanned hands are rubbing me from behind!

Suddenly, I hear whispered in my ear...

"Hmm... little Yuuzu more fearsome than expected!"

"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!" I now scream like a girl caught by a vicious monster. Which isn't far from the truth.

Now, of course, Elijah leaps awake, blinking.

I think I might die from humiliation!

Stop this!! He can’t see!!

//Understood//