Case 237: Divine Maiden.

Case 237: Divine Maiden.

With silky purple hair cascading down her shoulder, pinkish full lips, elegant eyelashes, a straight, small nose, and long eyebrows, the woman in front of me seems like an otherworldly goddess.

The proportions on her face are immaculate. Even her body is perfectly shaped—not too slender, yet purposefully curvy and ultimately alluring.

Never before have I seen someone so beautiful—in real life, no less. Someone must've been playing with the character customization for several weeks, at least, to cook up this kind of art.

Unknowingly, I find myself breathless all of a sudden. I said I wouldn't feel anything at all for this strange woman, but... This is just unfair. If Elysia and Stella were not sleeping back in the castle, they would've been mesmerized by this woman. They inherit my admiration for beautiful women, after all.

Nevertheless, I have more than twenty years of experience in looking at my face, which is something in itself, so a few breaths are enough for me to calm down. What about my loves, though?

''Woah, that sister is beautiful.''

''It's been a while since I've seen purple hair.''

''She got elf ears, too?''

''What with that pose, though?''

Surprisingly, they are relatively calm. As I look at them with a questioning gaze, Liana shrugs back at me.

''Still not as good as yours.'' She says, winking.

''Ah.''

Damn it. She's making me blush...

But what? Elf ears? There's no way... Oh, there is a way, I see.

Somehow, this Divine Maiden has elf ears just like us. There are dozens of questions I have for her, but as it is, I have to wake her up first. Confidently striding toward the unconscious woman, I begin to inspect the interior of the room.

Right away, I notice a thick arrangement of sealing magic... Or not? There's nothing, though?

How am I supposed to insert the 'key' if there isn't a 'lock'? My thought was that I would need to either slap these porn materials into her face or shove the crystal she gave me the other day into her mouth, but...

''Mhm...''

''Ah?''

Suddenly, I detect movement in front of my belly. With a muddy moan akin to that of a lazy person early in the morning, the Divine Maiden's brows lightly twitch, and the pretty muscles on her arms strain.

The sleeping beauty is opening her eyes.

''...''

Should I say... Expected?

Her eyes—drowned in a shade of sparkling blue—constantly seem as though they are in a turbulent, sucking my attention into them. They perfectly complement her exotic features.

''Um...''

Eventually, she turns her blue eyes to face mine, uttering a shy noise.

''I apologize... Miss Raeliana. It's just... Sometimes, I confuse the present with the future. Thank you for reminding me that we are not yet connected.''

What the hell.

Is this really the same woman who demanded such degenerate materials?

''Me, I have a question!''

This time, Anna raises her hand.

''Are you perhaps an elf, Luna?''

As our attention rightfully switches to her ears, Luna proudly grabs them with her hands and flicks them around.

''I am not.'' She declares. ''Many people confuse us for elves... But we are what most would call 'druids.'''

''Druid?!''

So that's why information about her is so scarce... But, druids, hm...

Suddenly, I remember the Dragon King's words. I wonder if the 'group of capable diviners' that he mentioned are actually druids. Well, it doesn't really matter either way.

After a few more rounds of relatively trivial questions, we finally decide it is time for the battle with IV. Extending my hand toward Luna, I flash a smile.

''In any case, it is nice to meet you, Luna.'' I say. ''Let us get along with each other from now on, and I hope you will assist us for the greater cause.''

''Of course, Sylvia. I was meant for this purpose since the beginning.''

Fortunately, Luna isn't as hard to deal with as a certain someone when I first met them. She seems quite sweet, actually. I'd totally imagine her hanging out with Anna, and they'll be an excellent duo.

Following behind Mermaid Queen, we begin to ascend to the ground city, where IV—the Doppelganger Lord will be.

Along the way, I can't help but notice Luna's eager expression.

''Are you that happy?'' I ask.

''Of course! I've always dreamt of meeting you all.''

Luna's dazzling eyes look as though they contain an endless admiration for us. Maybe she envies our grand adventures since she was a kid, or perhaps she yearns for a relationship like ours. I wouldn't know.

All I know is that unconsciously, I might have developed an attraction toward this woman. Not in that way.

Let's say... I'm intrigued.

By her background, her appearance, her ability—things like that.

''Still, I just can't imagine that Luna was the one sending us those requests...'' Anna speaks up curiously, her tail swaying.

''Ah, that—that is... Please forgive me...''

...This moe gap is quite destructive, though.