Chapter 21

Why do I always end up like this?

After splashing the [Recovery Potion] on my father and dropping the [Fertilizer] in the field, I ended up scattering papers too.

I knew it. I should have put the papers in the item box.

It wasn’t a good idea to sort them out after leaving the basement and then put them in the item box.

I considered sorting the papers in the basement, but there was only one entrance and exit, and it wasn’t a place I wanted to stay for a long time. It seemed safer to return to the first floor and sort them there.

I thought I could manage the short distance from the basement to the first floor. I never imagined that I would fly so much that the papers would scatter...

But it’s okay. It’s fine.

It’s important to reflect on mistakes to avoid repeating them, but it’s also important to learn from them for the next time. In games, mistakes are common, and what matters is what you learn from them.

—That’s right! I can just pick up the papers again!

"Thank goodness..."

As I nodded to myself, a voice that sounded relieved came from above.

It was the girl who had hugged me.

Yeah, this girl is probably not an enemy.

If she had any ill intentions, the [Detection Bell] would have rung, and she wouldn’t have such a concerned voice or gentle arms to hold me.

"Thank you."

For now, I don’t feel in danger. So, while saying thanks, I took a closer look at the girl.

She looked a bit younger than my previous self. She had shiny golden hair and bright blue eyes. Her face was as beautiful as a model’s.

She looked at me with melting eyes, full of relief, happiness, and contentment. Her expression made me feel entranced.

So cute... Among all the women I’ve met, my mother is the most beautiful, but among girls, this one is the most beautiful.

And her ears were slightly pointed—

"...An elf?"

"Yes, my race is Elf."

An Elf! So, we’re the same!

...Are we the same, though?

I wondered and, letting go of the papers with one hand, I touched my own ear, the one that isn’t cat-like.

Yeah, it’s round. Not at all pointed. It’s a completely human ear.

...But my status says ‘Elf’...

I frowned.

The girl, looking anxious, quickly set me down on the floor.

"Sorry!"

Then, she knelt on one knee on the wooden floor, bowing.

It was like a knight’s salute—

"...It’s an honor to meet you."

The girl looked up at me with her bright blue eyes.

...Well, I’m short, so we’re almost at eye level.

Why is she so formal?

I hugged the papers tightly in both hands and tilted my head.

The girl nodded as if she understood.

"I have been eagerly waiting for the day I would meet you, Lady Rini."

"Meet me? You know my name?"

"Yes, I heard it from your mother."

"Mom."

Ah, from Mom!

I nodded in understanding, but then shook my head.

Why would Mom and an elf girl be connected?

After all, Mom’s ears were also round...

"…You don’t know anything yet, Lady Rini."

The elf girl seemed to read my expression and smiled a bit sadly.

A shadow fell over her bright blue eyes, and it felt like my chest was being squeezed. I let go of the papers with one hand and reached out to touch her.

Right at my eye level, I gently stroked her shiny golden hair.

"It’s okay."

"Rini-sama!"

"Leave it to Rini."

I don’t know what I don’t know, but everything will be fine.

After all, I’m the strongest three-year-old!

I nodded confidently and puffed out my chest.

The elf girl’s cheeks turned red as if a sound had been made, and—

"It’s an honor... I never thought... that such a day would come... to be petted by your hand... such a lovely, wonderful... person..."

She started to cry.

"Hey, are you okay?"

"Yes, I’m fine... I’m sorry, I’ve been waiting... for so long... to meet you..."

"Okay."

"I thought... I might never... get to meet you..."

"Okay."

"And now, I’m showing you such a pitiful sight..."

She knelt on one knee, straightened her back, and tried to stop her tears.

"I wanted to... greet you more... impressively..."

"Okay."

This is our first meeting, and I don’t understand why she’s reacting this way.

But I can tell that it’s very important to her.

So—

"You did great."

I stroked her head again.

"You hugged me just now."

See?

"You did great."

Tears streamed down her bright blue eyes, and I gently wiped them away with the back of my [Cat Hand Gloves].

"I’m so happy."

Then, I looked into her eyes firmly to convey my feelings—

"Ah, it’s too much. It’s too much."

The elf girl said this, rolled her eyes, and fainted.