Chapter 1

Unexpectedly, I found myself staring wide-eyed and frozen in place at the sight of the woman before me. Her beautiful golden hair flowed in the breeze, and she wore fashionable clothing that one would hardly see in this lower world. As she approached, her slightly soiled clothes fluttered in the wind. It was Elise.

When our eyes met, she had an expression of deep emotion, as if she was overjoyed to see me again.

“Crest!”

Hearing my name, I realized she was real. As she let out a joyful cry, she threw herself into my arms. It wasn’t that I couldn’t react to her swift movement; I was simply too shaken to move.

This reunion had left me in such shock that if Elise had been a assassin sent from the upper world, she would have certainly succeeded. However, what I felt from her was a soft, warm sensation. Her warmth slowly spread through my arms and chest.

That warmth finally brought me back to my senses, and I grabbed her shoulders. I didn’t push her away forcefully, but I did apply a bit of strength and stepped back from her. Our eyes met, and I asked her,

“Elise... why are you here?”

My voice trembled slightly. The unease I felt around Elise hadn’t completely disappeared, even now that I had grown.

Still, with the subhumans around, I tried not to show my fear. I was aware that my hands, which were holding her, were trembling slightly, but I hoped no one else noticed.

However, Elise noticed my trembling.

She took a step back from me, looking apologetic.

“I wanted to see you.”

Unexpected words came from Elise’s mouth. Confused, I listened as she continued.

“After you left... I realized my feelings. I don’t like it when you’re not around.”

“...What are you talking about?”

Is there something more to this? After all, this is Elise. She’s the type who would force everyone to obey her with her authority.

For her to say something so meek... it’s impossible. I wondered if the Elise in front of me was a fake.

“I mean it. I’ve done terrible things to keep you by my side. I’m sorry.”

Elise bowed her head, and I was completely at a loss. Trying to understand her behavior, I came to a conclusion. Could this be an act to bring me back to the surface?

Once I reached that conclusion, her current behavior made sense. She might say something like, “So, will you come back to the surface with me?”

I took a small breath and directed a stern gaze at her.

I’ve grown enough now. I don’t need to be afraid of her.

“Just so you know. I have no intention of returning to the surface.”

No matter what she says, I won’t go back. I conveyed my resolve to Elise, but she reacted in an unexpected way.

“Is that so? Then, will you live here?”

“Yes. So, no matter how much you—”

Your acting is pointless, I was about to say, but Elise’s next words stopped me.

“Then, can I stay here too?”

“!?”

Her unexpected proposal left me speechless. Still, I didn’t let my shock show. If I revealed my unease, she might exploit it.