The elven forest is enormous.

  We’ve been riding for hours now, yet the scenery barely changes. That says a lot, considering how fast our spiders are. To keep things interesting, we occasionally leave the road behind, leaping, climbing, and swinging freely through the forest. At some point, Ares and Teddy even turned it into a full-blown race, with Leana and me shouting encouragement like excited children.

  Eventually, though, even spiders get tired.

  Now we’re trotting along the forest path side by side, relaxed, enjoying the calm.

  Which reminds me.

  There was something delicate I wanted to ask Leana.

  How do I even bring this up properly? Cold, battle-crazed elf warrior or not—she’s still a girl. That somehow makes it harder. Do I ask directly? Ease into it first?

  While I’m still wrestling with that question, Leana speaks up.

  “Lord Arik… is something wrong? You look… troubled.”

  Perfect.

  Let’s start with a different awkward question first.

  “Leana, I’ve been wondering about this for a while,” I say. “Ever since your report to King Borack, you’ve been calling me Lord Arik. And you’ve gotten even more formal than before. Is there a reason for that? Could you… maybe stop? Just call me Arik?”

  I turn toward her, genuinely curious.

  Leana freezes.

  Then she turns bright red.

  That… was not the reaction I expected.

  She immediately looks away, staring into the endless green around us.

  “I—I mean—well, it’s just that…” she mutters.

  It’s absurdly cute how the tips of her long ears slowly turn red as well.

  If I didn’t know she was a stoic, combat-obsessed elf warrior, I’d mistake her for a flustered maiden in love. Rin would never react like this—though I’m sure it would be adorable if she did.

  Leana seems to gather herself and turns back toward me.

  In a small, trembling voice, she asks,

  “Do… do you dislike it?”

  Her eyes shake with anxiety. I’ve never seen her like this.

  What did I just step into?

  I have no idea what’s happening anymore. All my accumulated fantasy knowledge is completely useless. My confidence takes a serious hit. I really thought a fantasy world would be easy mode.

  Looks like I’ll have to stop thinking and answer honestly.

  “That’s not it,” I say carefully. “I just thought… we’d grown a bit closer. And I’d like to replace such a formal address with something more familiar.”

  I can’t believe this.

  I’m an adult man, and I’m acting like a teenager during his first confession. Rin is definitely laughing her head off right now. Do not look left. Whatever you do.

  I’ll hear about this tonight anyway. Last time, I had to sleep on the floor and caught a cold. At least tonight there won’t be a bed she can kick me out of.

  Leana smiles shyly.

  “That makes me happier than you can imagine,” she whispers. “Then I will continue to call you Lord Arik. After I addressed you that way before His Majesty without asking, I was afraid you might dislike me.”

  …We’re going in circles.

  There’s no way around it. I have to ask.

  “Leana, I’m glad you want to grow closer too. Really. But I don’t understand what that has to do with calling me ‘Lord.’”

  There. I’ve admitted it. Publicly.

  My pride as a self-proclaimed fantasy expert officially shatters.

  Leana turns an even deeper shade of red.

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  “Oh…”

  An uncomfortable silence follows. Only the soft tapping of spider legs and the rustling of leaves fill the air.

  She suddenly straightens up, slaps her cheeks lightly, and looks at me with her usual serious expression.

  “Lord Arik… among the elves, certain forms of address are reserved for specific people. There is only one living elf who may be called Elf King.”

  So far, I’m following.

  “There are other titles as well. One of them is the respectful form ‘Lord.’ It originates from a time when families had far greater influence over marriage. To preserve bloodlines, only worthy elves were allowed to marry in. When betrothed elves met for the first time, it was customary for the elf maiden to address her fiancé as ‘Lord,’ and the elf as ‘Lady.’ It was a sign of respect—and often they barely knew each other.”

  I’m starting to see where this is going.

  “That tradition remains to this day. Until marriage, one addresses their betrothed as ‘Lord’ or ‘Lady,’ making the relationship unmistakably clear to others.”

  She looks at me with tears in her eyes.

  “I’m so sorry. I didn’t dare ask you. It just… happened. I’ve never felt like this before, and I was completely overwhelmed. I should have spoken to you first. Now everyone in the elven kingdom believes that we— Even His Majesty— I want to, but—”

  The rest dissolves into sobbing.

  Leana can’t even bring herself to look at me. She’s so shaken she nearly slips off Teddy.

  I’m stunned.

  I’ve been talking about building a harem since the day I arrived in this world—and now she steamrolls me without mercy. Who’s the hunter here, exactly?

  Elf women are terrifying.

  Backing out now would be pathetic. And honestly… I do want to spend time with this battle-crazed, naive elf warrior. I’m happy about the engagement.

  I just didn’t expect her to take her feelings this seriously.

  There’s no flirting, no testing the waters, no playful teasing. For Leana, it’s all or nothing.

  First priority: teaching her fun.

  Second: fooling around.

  Third—and absolutely vital—irony.

  “Lady Leana,” I say solemnly, “you need not torment yourself any further. I am honored that you stood at my side before the Elf King in such a manner. I only hope your choice brings you no misfortune upon your return. I will stand by your side for as long as I live.”

  She slowly lifts her head.

  Then she smiles.

  It’s the brightest smile I have ever seen. My thoughts completely empty. All I can see are her clear, unclouded gray eyes.

  “Lord Arik, I too will stand by your side for as long as I live,” she says happily. “There is no need to fear consequences. I spoke with His Majesty before our departure, while we waited for you. He wishes us nothing but the best for our future.”

  She beams.

  “He also asked me to convey that if that filthy human ever makes me cry or harms me, he will find him—even if he must reduce all human kingdoms to ashes.”

  Please don’t smile like that while delivering a death threat.

  Still… I’m surprised Borack let me off this easily. I have a very bad feeling about this. There’s no way he’s secretly kind and understanding.

  No.

  Absolutely not.

  I need to be careful the next time I return to the elven village.

  “Lady Leana,” I say, “now I understand why you cherish this form of address. But may I ask—would it be too forward if I continued to call you by your name alone? Humans do not share this custom. It might even lead to misunderstandings. And perhaps… we could also abandon formal speech when we are alone. After all, we are not strangers meeting for the first time.”

  If I keep talking like this, my tongue is going to knot itself.

  “Lord Arik, please address me however you wish,” she replies warmly. “I will also do my best to adapt my speech to yours—and Lady Rin’s.”

  She’s positively glowing.

  Now seems like a good time for my other question.

  “Thank you, Leana. That helps. Um… how long do elves usually live? And also—why do you call Rin ‘Lady’? Are you two engaged now as well?”

  I ask as casually as possible.

  I feel Rin flinch violently atop Butterblume.

  Leana tilts her head, thinking.

  “Elves generally live around one hundred to one hundred and twenty years. In rare cases, up to one hundred thirty. Is it different for humans? As for Lady Rin, once I chose to bind myself to you, the title became obvious. From my conversations with her, I am convinced she also shares an intimate bond with you. As the spouse of my betrothed, the address is only proper. Forgive me if my conclusion is incorrect.”

  Before I can respond, Rin cuts in smoothly.

  “Leana, don’t worry. Your conclusion is correct. I look forward to… supporting—enhancing—this scoundrel’s life together with you.”

  She smiles sweetly.

  “I look forward to learning much from you, Lady Rin,” Leana replies innocently.

  Did anyone else hear Rin say she plans to oppress me?

  That correction did not sound convincing.

  And the idea of Leana learning from Rin fills me with dread.

  Still—this is good. If they get along, my fantasy harem dream advances another step!

  So why do I feel like my life is about to become exhausting?

  I push that thought aside.

  “So humans usually live seventy to ninety years,” I say. “Rarely up to a hundred. Elves only live a few decades longer, then. Leana… how old are you?”

  …Why did I ask that so bluntly?

  “I am sixteen,” she answers without hesitation.

  That… caught me off guard.

  She doesn’t seem bothered at all. Why would she be? In this world, she’s technically older than I am.

  Getting engaged at sixteen without hesitation is both impressive and terrifying.

  But what about my fantasy theory?!

  “Myrula said your trial was years ago,” I protest weakly.

  “That’s true. I completed my trial at fourteen. I’m considered exceptionally talented. I was the youngest elf of my generation to survive and pass.”

  So they’re spider-riding, warlike elves who don’t even live that much longer than humans.

  I quietly bid farewell to the flute-playing, dancing forest elves of my imagination.

  At least they live in a forest.

  I continue talking with Leana, who grows more open and relaxed by the minute. The tension from earlier fades, and I adore how a small smile keeps finding its way onto her usually stern face.

  While Arik and Leana talk, they don’t hear Rin whisper softly into the depths of the forest.

  “That was faster than I expected, my dear prince. Looks like Leana caught you, not the other way around. You’d never have managed this alone.”

  She smiles faintly.

  “I knew from the moment of your prophecy that I could never have you to myself. The hero of the world belongs to no one alone. Still, I swore to remain by your side.”

  Her smile sharpens.

  “And I don’t think you understand what living with multiple women truly means. If you think we’ll obediently trail after you… you’re gravely underestimating us.”

  Had Arik looked at her then, he would have seen the ominous smile that once again confirmed his suspicion:

  Rin truly is the Goddess of All Monsters.