It wasn’t as if this mansion had any long-standing traditions, so there weren’t many rules. Still, the mansion was strict with anything related to food or sanitation.
“I wonder if it’s only to ensure the guests don’t get sick,” Isuka wondered aloud.
“What was that?”
“Nothing, just talking to myself,” said Isuka, but she couldn’t help but explore the thought further. This facility and the second floor of the labyrinth had drastic restorations, and there were now more monsters and demons here than anywhere else. How had Hakam and Aja approved this? Why did they have Wridra prepare a training ground for labyrinth raids here? “Wridra must be the one who holds the key to all of this, or maybe she had to because of the war situation.”
“Isuka, why are you talking to yourself so much? Talk to me. Come on,” said Eve.
While Isuka thought deeply, she found it cute that Eve was begging for her attention like a little sister.
They had been getting daily reports on the war. Gedovar was gradually making progress on their invasion from the east. Arilai had been fighting back but retreated, mainly focusing on blocking supply routes. They had been steadily expanding the war front this way, and this conflict would soon engulf the oasis. That was why Hakam and Aja must have wanted this place more than anything. Since Gedovar would need to fight a siege, rumors abounded that they were not just looking for stockpiles of food, water, and lodging. They also had the ancient labyrinth in their sights.
There had once been a major battle in the second floor of the labyrinth. The casualties from that battle had grown due to the half-demons lurking and biding their time to strike. Besides, the fight with Demon Arms Kartina was still fresh in her memory.
Demons banished from this land had wanted to reclaim the ancient labyrinth for hundreds of years, and they were now invading to crush the Arilai army. The tides of battle would shift massively if they gained control of the countless monsters in the ancient labyrinth along with the Magic Stones.
Team Diamond wasn’t unrelated to this war. There were several demons among them, which was why they had moved their base of operations from Arilai to the mansion on the labyrinth’s second floor. However, Isuka had been a slave at a young age and had grown up outside of her country. Honestly, it wouldn’t bother her to stand against Gedovar. She preferred to avoid fighting her motherland directly but had already discussed this with Puseri. Fortunately, she was told Team Diamond only had to focus on raiding the labyrinth.
Suddenly, Isuka’s focus returned from her thoughts. She noticed Eve deftly washing dishes and glaring at her with a sulky look, perhaps because she had ignored her friend this entire time.
“Looks like you’re making good progress,” commented Isuka. “You must have almost finished with the... No, you’re not. How are there more dishes now than when you started?”
“More dishes came in earlier. We’re washing everything, including from campgrounds. Of course we’re not gonna finish so quickly. Ah, this is taking a while because you’re just daydreaming instead of helping.”
Isuka blinked repeatedly. Besides washing the dishes, she had to get Eve in a good mood again. But that wouldn’t be hard to do. The dark elf loved to chat, so she would likely forget she was even upset once they started talking. And so, Isuka brought up a topic that floated in her mind.
“You know, I feel like you’ve gotten softer since being released from Zarish’s control. Not just you, but the others too. Maybe that’s why you’ve been so popular lately.”
Eve’s eyes widened. “Oh, but you’ve completely changed too. You used to be kind of standoffish and scary, but you’re so nice now. I like you a lot better now if you ask me. I like how you’re easy to talk to and much nicer than you look.”
Both were sitting so close that their shoulders were nearly touching. Isuka had to admit it felt pretty good seeing that genuine smile and hearing that Eve liked her. Something stirred within her when thinking this. The scary thing was that Eve made her feel like she had a chance when she knew the dark elf wasn’t actually interested in that way.
“I see. You’re just a natural-born player. I couldn’t possibly do what you do,” said Isuka.
“Huh? What do you mean by ‘player’?”
“You really don’t know anything, do you? Fine, stand right there, Eve,” said Isuka as she gestured with a finger.
“But I’m still washing the dishes. Puseri’s gonna get mad again if we slack off, you know. Oh, fine.”
Eve stood opposite Isuka and moodily put her hands on her own hips.
“Sit down. I’ll teach you what a player is,” ordered Isuka.
“Wait, you mean on your lap? No, I’ll pass. I don’t need to know that badly. I need to get back to washing the dish― Hey!”
Isuka interrupted Eve by touching the back of her knees with both hands, making her knees buckle. Then Isuka capably used her martial arts skills to catch the dark elf’s hips before she fell and drew her closer. Eve ended up sitting deep on Isuka’s lap, their faces close enough to feel each other’s breath.
“This is what a straightforward player is like,” said Isuka. “Seeing you up close... You really are adorable.”
“Hey! Why are you touching my butt?” protested Eve.
“That’s what players do. You touch little boys, don’t you? It’s the same thing. Just friendly physical contact between colleagues.”
“R-Really? I get the physical contact part, but touching me there doesn’t seem right,” said Eve as she looked behind her. It didn’t feel like Isuka was touching her in a way that would be normal between friends, and something told her this wasn’t right. She pinched Isuka’s hand and gave her a cold look. “This is what you call a player, then?”
“Hmm, not exactly. It’s not about my enjoyment but about making others feel affection for me. By doing things like this.”
With that, she kissed Eve on the cheek in a gentle manner that felt almost loving, and Eve let out a soft “Nnh.”
Isuka used physical touch to see whether someone was interested in her. She didn’t crave love like some of the others, instead enjoying the tactical exchanges and sweet victories that came with dangling a line and seeing what bit. Yet she didn’t mind whether she caught a man or a woman.
Eve, who had very little experience when it came to romance, turned red and said, “Isuka, you should only do this kind of thing with someone you really like. Got it?”
That was a completely unexpected response. In the dim backlight, Eve stared into her eyes with rosy cheeks, and Isuka sensed her heart beat faster. The half-demon had no idea if she had a chance, but she had a feeling that Eve would accept her if she claimed to like her. She was curious about how the dark elf would respond. Simply put, she had the urge to kiss Eve right then and there.
“Natural-born players like you are real dangerous. I give up. You’re on a different level,” muttered Isuka with a poker face, even if a cold sweat was beading on her head. Eve was confused, unaware that she was far ahead in winning the other’s affection.
Suddenly, they heard the fence creak open behind them. Eve’s whole body jerked in surprise, then quickly turned around to find a girl standing there with a blank expression, plates in hand. Miliasha, a descendant of the gods, wore a maid outfit and had white wings growing out of her back. Her big eyes widened even more, and she said, “Ah! I-It’s you two! I thought you were washing dishes; why are you touching Eve’s butt?!”
Eve let out a shriek of panic. They definitely looked like they were doing something shady, and Isuka still didn’t let go of her butt. As she debated whether to say this was a misunderstanding or ask for help, Isuka opened her mouth first.
“You should either leave or close that door, Miliasha.”
Yet Eve stared and prayed that Miliasha wouldn’t tell the others. After some time, Miliasha tentatively stepped closer and shut the door behind her. Eve let out a sigh of relief. However, Miliasha quickly walked up to them and sat nearby for some reason. The little girl gazed at them, her wings moving up and down in anticipation.
“Miliasha, what are you doing?” asked Eve.
“Hm? Oh, I’m just watching you two for future reference. I had no idea you two had that sort of relationship, but it’s quite wonderfu― I mean, I’ll enjoy watch― No, I’ve decided I want to learn through observation. Now, please proceed.” She tightened her little hands into fists and made an encouraging gesture.
Eve felt her panic growing. She had thought help had arrived, but Miliasha’s reaction differed completely from what she had expected. “What?! There’s nothing for you to learn from us!”
“She’s right,” replied Isuka. “Eve just likes having her butt rubbed.”
“No, I don’t! Let go of me!”
“Hmm, so your first time will be in front of an audience. I hope you develop some unusual interests. Now, now, stop moving around. Don’t you want to help Miliasha learn?”
“Not at all! I said, let gooo!” Eve shouted.