──Oh, what an adorable thing you're thinking, Rika-chan.
The thoughts of the still immature Hero, my traveling companion and rival in love, were so easy to see through.
When she suddenly announced that Jin-san would be expelled from the party right before the battle with the Demon Lord, I honestly wondered if this Rika-chan was a fake. But as soon as I put myself in her shoes, it made perfect sense.
The best way to ensure the safety of her most beloved person was to keep him from participating in the fight against the Demon Lord.
I feel bad for Jin-san, but whether he's here or not doesn't make much of a difference to us three in terms of combat strength.
If anything, knowing that he’s alive and well will bring us far greater peace of mind.
The only real way our Hero party could lose is if his death throws us into turmoil.
Rika-chan plans to finish off the Demon Lord tomorrow and confess her feelings to Jin-san.
But I won’t let that happen.
"I'm sorry, Rika-chan," I whispered.
We’re friends, but this is the one thing I cannot yield.
Jin was the first person who ever truly understood my suffering.
I’ve been worshipped as the reincarnation of a goddess ever since I gained the blessing of the [Saint].
Day after day, I healed horrifying wounds, even as a child.
I listened to the grievances of strangers endlessly.
I was never allowed time for play, and I buried my heart just to endure.
The memory of that moment when he reached out to me—I'll never forget it.
<"Yūri, will you tell me about yourself? Happy things, sad things... anything is fine."
"Why... why would you ask such a thing?"
"Because we all pray to Yūri like we’re offering ourselves to a goddess, but who does Yūri turn to? Doesn’t that seem wrong to you?"
"────"
"If you ever need someone, feel free to rely on me. When you’re struggling, when you’re about to break, I want to be there to support you."
"...Do you think that’s something that’s allowed?"
"If anyone says it’s not, I’ll knock some sense into them. I want to be there for Yūri, not for the [Saint].">
...Heh. Jin-san is such a kind person.
When he speaks with such passionate words and eyes, it’s impossible for my cold heart not to melt.
"I want to be there to support you...! Heh, hehe..."
That was undoubtedly a proposal.
I couldn’t respond back then, because I was crying, but now the perfect timing has come.
The lonely look in his eyes when he left the room.
He must have been heartbroken, thinking he had been rejected.
Don’t worry, Jin-san.
I won’t abandon you.
I will use everything I am, as Yūri, to heal you!
As for the [Saint]'s required virginity? What’s that?
If being a virgin is a requirement to be a [Saint], then I’ll quit being a [Saint].
Tonight, I’m going to share an unforgettable first night with Jin-san.
And this isn’t just for me—it’s for the both of us.
Once the Demon Lord is defeated, it will become impossible to meet as we have until now.
But if I bear his child and elevate him to the position of the [Saint]'s husband, the nation won’t be able to dismiss him.
Even Rika-chan and Lusika-san will find it easier to see him.
Well, by then, he’ll officially be my husband, but that’s a small price to pay, isn’t it?
"Rika-chan isn’t easy to wake once she’s fallen asleep, and Lusika-san is such a diligent person that she’s probably busy preparing for tomorrow."
Meanwhile, my plan to cross the line with Jin-san will be executed flawlessly!
How perfect, if I do say so myself.
"Now then, I’ll cleanse myself properly before heading over."
With a lighthearted skip that hardly suited the eve of the final battle, I made my way to the shower.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
In Jin-san’s now-empty room, a single piece of paper lay atop the bed.
"I'll be taking him, so please take care of the Demon Lord, Rika."
"Heh... hehehe..."
...That old elf...!
I tore the note to pieces and hurried to Rika-chan's room to wake her up.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
In the dense forest where even the moonlight couldn’t penetrate, a magic circle was formed.
As brilliant light burst forth, the scenery we had been observing completely changed.
Teleportation magic. Using the ancient and lost technique that only [Sages] can wield, Jin and I moved from the inn to the point he had specified.
"Are you sure about this, Lusika? Really sending me off like this?"
"Yes, it’s no problem. You and I are friends who’ve shared our hearts. This is the least I can do."
"I see. As expected, Lusika, you're so kind. Thank you."
With those words, Jin slung his packed belongings over his back and began walking away, turning his back to me.
At that moment, a careless smile crept onto my face.
Ah... it’s almost here. Soon, this strong yet gentle young man will become my husband.
Rika and Yūri are naive. Especially Yūri, who probably thinks she’s already won.
By now, she’s likely seen the letter I left in the room and hurried off to defeat the Demon Lord.
Lusika El Ristia. Born an elf, it’s been 28 years.
That’s 28 years in human terms... I’ve already crossed the threshold into being an ‘old maid,’ both as an elf and as a human.
While it’s common for people to marry at 15— or 1500 years old for elves— I, consumed by research, had no interest in marriage.
But as those around me started to build families, I began to feel a growing loneliness.
With each wedding invitation from my college friends, I was shown those happy smiles.
Cooking together, buying new houses after children were born, going on family trips to create memories...
They were all building warm homes.
But as I imagined that happy life on my way home from yet another wedding, I would be greeted by the cold, dark entryway.
My hollow “I’m home” echoing with no response.
The overflowing trash bags piling up.
Research papers scattered all over the living room, no longer confined to my study.
‘Ah, this is hard.’
I finally mustered the courage to ask my parents, but it was already too late.
Even with the blessing of the Sage, no man would want a virgin of my age.
No, perhaps it was because I was a Sage that I was avoided.
Though I looked younger than my age, that was something all elves shared.
As such, I couldn’t even secure an arranged marriage, so I decided to join the journey with Rika and the others, taking this opportunity.
However, among the many men, Jin was different.
During the journey, when I made a joke about my “late marriage,” he was the only one who smiled and said this to me:
<“Really? I think a woman like Lusika, who’s considerate, is wonderful. She’d make a great wife.”
“…Well then, when I’m truly in a bind, I’ll have to ask Jin to marry me.”
“Haha. If you’re willing, I’d gladly accept.”
It was inevitable that I’d fall for him...!
And that’s not all.
“Lusika’s cooking is delicious. The man who becomes Lusika’s husband will be a lucky guy.”
“My ideal woman? Hmm... maybe I prefer someone older.”
“Lusika, you’re always reliable. Thanks for helping me.”>
At this point, there was no other choice but to marry him.
I had made my decision.
This was the perfect timing to be alone with Jin.
Using teleportation magic, I would offer to take Jin back to his hometown, introduce myself to his parents, and then, naturally, spend the night together. I’d whisper sweet words of love, and voilà—happy ending…!
Perfect. My own brilliance is almost terrifying.
“Lusika?”
“…Ah, it’s nothing. Well then, shall we head to your home?”
“My home? Oh, yeah. I’d love to show my parents what a reliable companion you are.”
“Introductions… Leave it to me. I’ve studied proper etiquette thoroughly.”
“Will there be enough time?”
“We’ll return by tomorrow morning, so there’s no problem. The journey itself will take only a moment with magic. Spending a bit of time bonding with you before the battle isn’t such a bad idea, is it?”
“…No, I really appreciate it. To be honest, I’ve been feeling a little down about my own lack of power.”
“Is that so…? Then let me console you.”
Over the course of an entire night... and thoroughly at that.
I’ve poured over countless reference materials for this very moment. I’ve studied diligently to ensure we both experience pleasure.
Placing my hand gently on Jin’s shoulder to reassure him, I said.
“Shall we go? Lead me to it—your home, which will soon become my second home.”
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
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Chapter 1 Part 3