Chapter 2

I was able to keep my expression in check, probably because of my past experiences.

Still, though.

I observe Elise carefully once again.

What is she thinking?

Why did she come here, and why is she trying to stay?

I rack my brain, thinking hard.

Perhaps, she changed her strategy because of what I said earlier.

Seeing my current attitude, she must have decided not to forcibly take me back.

Her plan is to first build a relationship of trust with me, and then guide me to return to the surface.

It must be that.

There can't be any other reason for Elise to be here.

"I'm just so happy that Crest is alive."

I understand the true meaning behind Elise's seemingly joyful smile.

The Haberst family was desperately trying to bring me back because a divine oracle had revealed that I possessed a chosen skill.

Elise is probably here for the same reason.

Her family, the Riffelds, must have sent her to bring Crest back to claim the credit.

So, the true meaning of Elise's "happy" statement is this:

"If Crest were dead, I wouldn't be able to bring him back and improve my evaluation."

It must be something like that.

"…It's fine to live here. But you and I… are just humans, nothing more, nothing less, got it? There's no relationship beyond that."

I can't let there be any misunderstandings.

The engagement between Elise and me ended when I was sent to the lower world.

"…That's right. We are not engaged anymore."

"Right."

When Elise said this with a somewhat sad expression, Livia, who was standing nearby, reacted.

"…Engaged?"

At Livia's whispered words, Elise's eyebrows twitched.

"Yes, that's right. Crest and I were engaged. Please be kind to me."

"That's interesting. I'm Livia. I'm Crest's current lover. Nice to meet you."

"…"

Elise's smile seemed to stiffen slightly at Livia's introduction.

You didn't have to say that right here and now.

I hope they don't start a serious fight here.

Elise has a skill mentioned in the divine oracle.

I think it was the Blessing of the Holy Maiden?

While it might not be as convenient as my skill, Elise's skill is supposed to be quite powerful.

If she really goes all out, I'm not sure I can control her!

However, she quickly cleared her throat and smiled.

"…That's true. But, for now, right?"

"Yes, that's right."

They both smiled at each other, which was actually kind of scary.

Orphe, who was nearby, looked at me intently.

He seemed to be asking me to do something about it, but I'd rather not get involved.

Still, if I leave them alone, they might end up fighting, so I need to do something.

Vanya, who was watching us, started trembling.

"…Anyway. It's fine if you want to live here. I'll show you an empty house, so follow me."

I have no objections to Elise staying here.

While I have my thoughts, if she can be an ally, it would be a great help.

"Understood."

Elise's smile turned towards me, and she stood next to me.

I sighed lightly and started walking to show her around the town.

Elise looked at the houses with interest.

Is she gathering information? At that moment, she pointed at a woman.

She's a Dryad. She was working on building a house.

They have the ability to grow trees and control them.

So, they can build houses relatively easily. They were adjusting a house right then.

"Those people are building a house over there."

"…Yeah."

"It's very convenient. I've never heard of such a skill."

"It's not really a skill, but more like a racial ability. Besides, if you have a high-level construction skill, you can do similar things."

The nobles in the upper world have their houses built by people like that.

I wonder how many more levels I need to reach that level with my construction skill.

"Is that so? I'm not very knowledgeable about skills."

"…I see."

Well, most people aren't interested in skills other than their own.

Unless it's a skill that has left a mark in history.

By the way, I heard that Crest's skill is also very excellent. The Haberst people have come several times, and you've been driving them away, right?"

"More or less, yeah."

She's probing, I see.

I'm not sure how much I should say.