Dove POV

“So you’re returning to Alfheim?” asked Hawk.

“Yes. In a few days after the camp is rebuilt. Once again, thank you very much. We don’t even have anything to give you.” said Salvador as he bowed to us.

“It’s fine. I’m acquiring a cute Elven maid thanks to you.” joked Hawk.

“Are you sure you are okay about taking in Sylvie?” reaffirmed Salvador.

“Yes. Although I’m not letting her participate in any battles and clear Quests. Sylvie will only do what Characters do.”

“That’s fine. In fact, that’s far better. But... I would like to request as her father… don’t do… sexu-”

Seeing Hawk grinning devilishly as Salvador stammered at his words and Sylvie blushed, I interjected, “Don’t worry. I won’t permit anything like that.”

“Thank you.”

Hawk and I left Salvador’s tent. It was already two in the morning. The Elves were mostly asleep. The Elven Camp was quiet. Only the creaks of the insects and the breeze filled our ears.

“This is the second time we met someone who is left by her father.” said Hawk.

“Now that you mention it, it’s pretty amusing.” I replied.

“Why don’t we meet any mothers? Reality is sexist.”

“I wonder…”

As we continued walking back to our tent, I decided to bring up a personal topic to Hawk, “Do you have any other purpose for wanting to go back aside from this not being reality?”

No matter how you looked at it, Hawk fitted Reality better. Unlike the real world where he had a hard time conform to the illogical parts of society’s standards, Reality’s standards, both physical and social, were far more sensical. Also, I knew of Hawk’s hopelessly broken family, which was one the reasons he was overprotective of his friends.

“Unlike you, I don’t have a family to return to… no, I don’t have a family worth returning to. I even hesitate to call it a family. The only thing that binds us is blood. Otherwise, they are nothing but acquaintances to me.”

“So if Reality turns out to not be a game but actual reality, you will stay here?”

“Actually, scratch that, I remembered a reason for me to return.”

“Which is?”

“I have mistakes I want to fix in real life.”

“You’re always so negative when in come to personal things. Can’t you be positive for once?”

“I want a child.”

Surprised by his proposal, I thought about the best way to answer and replied, “I’m sorry but there’s a proper order for that.”

Hawk stared at me in confusion for a while. Did I say something wrong?

Hawk giggled and replied, “I meant one of the reasons for wanting to go back is that I want a child in the future since female Players can’t get pregnant here and Players are not compatible with Characters.”

“Hahaha… I misunderstood.”

As we approached the tent, I saw Hawk having a huge smile on his face. I did not bother to inquire into reason for his smile and walked silently besides him.

When we returned, Canary was sleeping soundly at the tent. Her snore was of the peaceful kind rather than distracting kind, so it did not bother us.

Tents used by Player were bigger in the inside. It held enough space for a dozen people to be in plus a bathroom. Tents’ bathroom was the dimensional type of Inn bathroom. The rest of the space was an empty carpeted area aside from the sleeping bags stored in one corner.

We cleaned ourselves and changed our clothes. We lay down on each side of Canary. Hawk gently brushed Canary’s hair then looked at me and said, “Although it’s technically morning, good night.”

I smiled and said back, “Good night and sweet dreams.”

Sylvie POV

“Then I’ll be going.” said Father.

Father had already told me of his plans. While I may not agree with them, I acknowledged they were our best course of action.

Father gave me one last kiss on the forehead before leaving to save us. I hesitantly stood there watching Father go out of my reach.

As I was on the verge of tears, an Elf beside me said, “Sylvie…”

I couldn’t be weak at a time like this. I forced a smile and looked back at them. While they could probably tell that the smile was fake, this was all I could do for them.

June 23, XX17

Sylvie

“Do I really have to wear this?” I asked awkwardly moving about. Hawk forced me to wear an English maid attire. The black costume was filled with white frills all over. My Elven ears peeked out from my headdress. While I wasn’t a fan cosplay, their reactions implied that I looked pretty.

“You’re very cute, Sylvie!” exclaimed Canary, her hands in the air in excitement.

“Whenever you’re in the house, please wear that. You’re free to do anything you want for the day. Just make sure to come back before dinner. Also, please cook our dinners for us. I’ll give you the budget for food.” said Hawk.

It was already five in the afternoon. We returned to Naut City this morning but ARF were too tired to do anything, so they continued resting for most of the afternoon.

“Yes. Thank you very much. I’ll be in your care.” I said and bowed.

As I changed my clothes to leave the house to buy ingredients for dinner, Dove, having nothing better to do, decided to tag along.

We bid our farewells and left. Players were looking at me. Their eyes weren’t malicious but still disturbing.

“Looks like everyone is looking at us.” said Dove sighing.

“I’m sorry. It’s my fault.” I apologized.

While I had not talk to her much, I could tell that Dove was easily annoyed. Although the annoyance disappeared quickly, I still feared her a little. Dove acted differently when alone with Hawk and Canary. With them, she was more cheerful and energetic. While she is still easily annoyed, she always laughed it off in the end. To other people, Dove spoke in a colder tone. While her smile and energy remained, she didn’t seem to enjoy mingling with other people.

“Don’t worry, it’s not like I’m blaming you or anything. I guess guys just like their beautiful blonde Elf fantasies.”

“Yes. Father told me that many first generation Players wanted to marry Elves because they wanted us to be their treasures.”

“Oh yeah. I’d like to apologize on behalf of Hawk for forcing you into that maid costume.”

“No, no. It’s fine. It’s really cute, so I don’t mind.”

“Indeed, it’s really cute. I’m a little bit jealous.”

“No need to be jealous. Dove is far cuter than--”

“Stop it.” interrupted Dove in an angry tone. Her eyebrows furred in anger as she her eyes sharpened at me.

After a few seconds, Dove took a deep breath and said, “Please don’t say flattering lies. That is one of the things I hate the most. Hawk hates them as well.”

Dove didn’t seem to be angry anymore so I relaxed quite a bit.

“I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”

Due to my history in the politics of Alfheim, I always flattered and kept a façade when meeting those of royal or noble blood. I instinctively reacted to Dove’s words, yet she was greatly angered by this. I had a lot to learn in my new place.

Since I was an Elf of royal blood, my beauty was high even amongst the beautiful Elves, which were already considered far better looking than humans. From the humans, both Players and Character, I’ve met, Dove’s beauty could be said to be above average. In terms of cuteness, I’d say Dove’s was quite high.

We arrived at the marketplace without trouble; both Players and Characters were wandering around here. Interestingly, the Characters were of mixed genders, but the Players were mostly female.

Noisy, damp, crowded; the few words used to describe marketplaces held true for the Naut City market as well. While small compared to Alfheim, Naut City would be considered a large city. Of course, the same was true for its marketplace as well, which were proportionate to the size of the city.

“There are a lot of female Players here.” I mentioned.

“In our world, cooking was more of a girl thing.” explained Dove.

In Reality, both Father and Mother cooked in a standard family. Instead of job segregation, they instead let whoever was more convenient do it.

“Do you know how to cook?” I asked.

“Only basic stuff. Nothing complicated.”

From an early age, I was taught how to cook my Father. Despite being an illegitimate child, I was still of royal blood, so I was confined in Father’s mansion for most of my childhood, giving me ample time to learn cooking.

As I went around choosing what to buy, Dove quietly observed my actions. She frequently asked questions about food and cooking. She seemed quite interested in cooking.

“Liza!” said Dove. As we were buying materials to cook, Dove recognized a Character shopping as well.

A blonde girl turned upon hearing Dove. When she saw Dove, a smile appeared on her face and she ran towards us.

“Liza thought you didn’t cook much?” asked Liza.

“This Elf is staying with us. In exchange, she is working as our maid.” replied Dove casually. Dove was using her tone with Hawk and Canary and not her outside one.

“Nice to meet you. I am Sylvie.” I greeted.

“Nice to meet you. Liza’s name is Liza.”

Liza referred to herself with her name similar to Selena. Of course, she did not add self-praising adjectives like she did.

Liza tagged along with our remaining shopping trip. She was also quite knowledgeable about cooking, so Dove asked her some questions as well.

Liza and I talked a fair bit as well. Although I was an Elf, she treated me like a normal person and happily chatted away with Dove and me.

At around six, we parted ways and returned to our house. We invited Liza to join us for dinner but she politely declined.

As we passed by the Plaza, a large poster acquired our attention.

Swordmaster Tournament

Who: Second generation Players

What: Single-elimination Duels, Only Swords, Items banned

When: July 1, XX

Where: Naut City Plaza

Why: Grand prize: Chorale, Lightning Element Artifact Rarity Sword

Runner-up Prize: Diamond Sword, Wind Element Rare Rarity Sword

3rd: Silver Sword, Metal Element Uncommon Sword

How: Apply in the Equipment Shop before June 30

“Joining?” I asked.

“Don’t see why not.”

Dove took a few smaller copies of the poster found besides the large poster to bring home. Dove was quite excited about the tournament. I noticed since her steps became lighter and quicker.

Canary POV

At our backyard Hawk and I were in Duel. Currently, ten Electron Overcharges chased Hawk around. Despite his limited space to move due to Electron Overcharges, Hawk chased me without cornering himself.

After thinking up a new way to corner Hawk, I moved my Electron Overcharges into position; however, the instant I moved them for my new strategy, Hawk immediately figured out how I was going to corner him and changed course.

We had been repeating this cycle for quite some time now. Continuing this situation would lead to my defeat. Even ignoring Hawk’s better stamina, no matter how used to it I may be, controlling multiple Electron Overcharges still used a lot of my energy.

Trying to predict how Hawk would react, I moved the Electron Overcharges to block his path; however, the attempt proved futile because Hawk calculated the path to avoid the Electron Overcharges far faster than I could.

The distance between us grew smaller. Thanks to the innate Mana regeneration, I could already create an eleventh Electron Overcharge, but the eleventh was when issues began to arise when controlling them.

While the eleventh Electron Overcharge stopped Hawk from closing the distance, after a few seconds, I made a mistake in the control of one of the Electron Overcharges. Hawk immediately realized this and ended the Duel.

Exhausted, I sat down and said, “I really can’t beat you.”

“No. You’re amazing enough. Mage-types generally have a disadvantage in Duels because of their slow and fragile nature. Unless the mage-type can completely bring the enemy from full to zero instantly at the beginning of the Duel, which no one can in Naut City as of now.”

“I could’ve won if I could control more Electron Overcharges.”

“Indeed. Twelve would limit my space too much that there would be no more way to reach you. Don’t worry about it. The Crimson Swords Priest with a similar ability can only control three at a time perfectly.”

“Is that so?”

While Hawk tried to cheer me up, I still felt sad. Although I was amazing compared to the other Player, it was not enough to defeat Hawk. In truth, I did not want to become stronger than Hawk. I wanted fight besides him for the rest of Reality. However, I had to become stronger, and trying to defeat Hawk, even though I don’t want to and don’t think I can, was the best path to take.

“Hawk, Canary, I’m back.” said Sylvie as she came to the backyard.

“Where’s Dove?” asked Hawk.

“Come with me.” replied Sylvie with a mischievous smile.

We were led to the one-person room in the second floor. Sylvie had us wait outside and entered without closing the door.

“Why do I have to show them?” complained Dove from inside the room.

“I’m sure Hawk will be pleased.”

“But I look weird!”

Hawk and I looked at each other with puzzled faces. After a while, Sylvie pushed Dove out of the room.

Dove was wearing the same clothes as Sylvie. In other words, she was wearing a maid costume. Her face glowed red in embarrassment and her eyes avoided contact with us.

The maid outfit complimented Dove more than Sylvie. While Sylvie was still immensely attractive in her maid outfit because of her natural beauty, Dove’s attractiveness increased far more due to the maid outfit. This was the first time I was attracted to Dove’s appearance since I was used to seeing my sister. I wanted to grow up with her as my maid.

Beside me, Hawk’s jaw dropped with his eyes glued at Dove. He stare was not of malice but of adoration.

“How could you this even though you sometimes seem scared of me?” complained Dove.

“It makes Hawk happy.” replied Sylvie.

While she respected us greatly as Hawk’s Party and became friends with us, deep down, Sylvie’s loyalty lay on Hawk alone. Even so, I felt happy that Sylvie was now less awkward with us. Even though she is freeloading here, there was no need for her to act in a professional manner all the time.

“So!? Hurry up and comment on it so I can change now!” said Dove to Hawk in an annoyed yet embarrassed tone.

“Please wear that forever.” said Hawk.

“I refuse!” screamed Dove as she angrily marched back into the room.

Before Dove could close the door, Hawk interjected, “It suits you extremely well. It compliments your appearance perfectly by emphasizing your cuteness.”

“Is that so?” asked Dove in a calm manner as she closed the door and changed.

Since she was facing away from us, I could not see Dove’s face; however, I’m pretty sure she was very pleased by Hawk’s compliments. That line gave Hawk a lot of points in his quest for Dove.

At seven, we gathered at the dining table for dinner. After a few seconds, Sylvie brought a whole roasted chicken and a pot of soup. The roasted chicken’s skin glowed brightly from the oil. When I poked it with a fork, it juices flowed out from the hole. Sylvie served the soup. It was an assorted seafood soup with clams, shrimps, crabs, and squids.

The food tasted far better than even the restaurant we frequented. It was a taste only found in the first-class restaurants in the real world.

“Come eat with us.” said Dove to Sylvie, noticing her standing there.

“No. It’s alright.” declined Sylvie.

“I insist as well.” said Hawk.

Sylvie gave in and ate with us. We gulped down bite after bite. In the end, we finished all that was cooked. According to Sylvie, the entire meal only cost 25 Fitts.

“I’m stuffed.” said Hawk as he stretched out his arms.

“I might get fat if Sylvie continues cooking like this.” joked Dove.

“I see. Then I’ll try to makes take into account your diet. Don’t worry; it won’t affect the tastiness of the food.”

“That’s great!” said Dove.

“Oh yeah, Hawk did you see the flier I left at the table.”

“Yes. Let’s join.” said Hawk.

“Yes. What happens when we have to fight each other though?”

“I think you’ll win.” answered Hawk.

Dove changed into a serious face and said, “You hate flattery, so you believe what you said. Could you explain what you said because I don’t think I am stronger than you?”

“I can probably defeat a larger number of Players than you in Duels, but my fighting style probably fails miserably against yours.”

“My fighting style? I don’t think there’s anything special about it…”

“I just can’t predict it perfectly. No matter what, there will be something different between what I predict and what actually happens.”

“Isn’t that normal?”

“No. Considering how much time we fight together, I should’ve memorized your fighting patterns already, yet my predictions on other Players like Swan, Blitz, and Zoe are more accurate”

“You can predict Swan?” asked Dove, suddenly changing the topic.

“Yes. Being able to predict her doesn’t mean anything if you can’t do anything to take advantage of it.”

Hawk’s words reminded me of the Duel we had. When there were eleven Electron Overcharges, even though he could predict everything perfectly, he still couldn’t close the distance between us. Even though Hawk intelligence brought him further than a person with average fighting skill could even dream of, it still had its limits.

I now realized why Hawk Dueled random Players he didn’t know a lot. Since he naturally learns about the enemy’s fighting patterns, he had to keep finding new Players so he could improve his fighting skills as well. He probably never Duels Dove because although his predictions are inaccurate, he still analyzed her far more than any other person, so he could not stop himself from using intelligence instead of skill to defeat her.

We went to bed soon after that. Sylvie requested that she stay by herself in the single room, so Hawk allowed her to. We slept at the master’s bedroom side by side with me in the center as usual.