Case 257: The cat, the princess, and the dragon.

Case 257: The cat, the princess, and the dragon.

With the elves' education out of the way, I invite the remaining three to a date the next day.

''This is just a training session, isn't it...?''

...As Anastasia says, it is a training session.

But, but! What's wrong with wanting to go on dates with pretty girls?

Ahem.

Either way, it doesn't change the fact that I have little time left until the 'rush' period. I have to make use of it to boost their strength.

''As usual, I will give out tips to one person at a time... starting with Christina.'' I declare. ''Anastasia and Sariel, if you want to, going somewhere for a while to flirt is totally fine.''

At my light joke, Anastasia blushes like a teenage girl while Sariel remains relatively stoic. Soon after, the dragoness actually drags the cat girl somewhere while wearing a small grin.

...Are they actually doing it?

''Ahem.''

Turning back to an impassionate Christina, I suddenly feel a bit... awkward. In the past, she was the most loyal of Hanako's harem, so she didn't engage with other members nearly as much. The only target she is semi-frequently intimate with is, ironically, Raeliana.

I suppose they hate each other so much that they can exchange such acts without real feelings?

Nevertheless, she is a bit distant without Hanako, so...

''This is the first time we have spoken one-to-one, isn't it?''

Let's ease her up first.

''Well, yes.''

''How is your training recently?''

Crossing her arms, Christina bears a look of aggravation.

''It's not going too well.'' She says. ''It seems I am having a bottleneck. Even if my divinity is steadily rising... I feel as though I am behind.''

''I see.''

What Christina is doing, as far as I know, is correct. Her only disadvantage is her competing with the likes of Hanako and Sariel, who either have immense talent or an abundance of time.

However, that doesn't mean there isn't a better way to go about it

''Have you ever heard of Lynx, the Goddess of Music and Art?''

''No...?''

''Of course, she died before I was even born, after all. Current history recordings won't even mention her name.''

''...''

I muster a smile, enduring Christina's 'this is a weirdo' gaze. Thanks to that silly joke, she seems more relaxed, though.

''Either way, Lynx was a brilliant goddess... in the sense that she was multi-functional.''

''Would you normally call someone 'multi-functional'...?''

''Just ignore it. Now, Lynx was capable of not only supporting herself and her ally but also descending on the battlefield herself. In case you don't know, the enhancements coming from your divine singing do apply to yourself as well.''

''Um... aren't you talking about atom-level stuff? How can I zoom in that far?''

''...''

This idiot... are they all like this?

No, maybe it is because of their sudden ascension to divinity. Eva has been too clumsy handling these girls.

With a sigh, I gently stroke the area near Anastasia's eye... and then tap her temple a bit.

''A-Ah? What are you doing—''

''Use your divinity, sillyhead. Are you an apprentice goddess or not?''

''Oh.''

Scratching her head embarrassingly, the cat girl finally wills her power. A magnificent golden spark subsequently bursts from her right eye as she focuses her gaze on the target.

''What do you see?''

''Uh... it's quite organized?''

''...Are you serious?''

''W-What is it...?''

''Hah... the pattern. It is a diamond cubic pattern.'' I say as I massage my temples. ''Depending on how you structure the very foundation of your shield or barrier, their sturdiness can vary significantly.''

''Oh... so this 'diamond cubic' pattern is the best? I'll try to remember it, then.''

''No. This is merely what I use as a reference—the structure of diamonds. If I recall correctly, there should be one even stronger than this... was it hexagonal... or... either way, you can ask Hanako. Her ability is just right for this occasion.''

''I-I see! Thank you so much!''

''Don't forget to experiment with different kinds. Finding what suits you the best is the priority.''

''Roger!''

After giving Anastasia a few more general tips, the lesson officially ends, and it is time for a lunch break. A meal with the locals is scheduled today, and during the almost festive atmosphere, someone approaches me.

''Lunaris Lucienne. Or... goddess Aris?''

''...Luna is fine. No, please call me Luna.''

Hearing my deity name makes me recall bad memories. I don't want to hear it.

Either way, it seems Sariel here has something to say. Sipping her drink casually, the lord of red dragons takes her time coming up with words.

''...Luna, what do you plan to teach me?''

''...''

Indeed, Sariel is a special case.

Since she has accumulated so much experience, finding something new to teach her is challenging. Even now, I am barely stronger than her since this existence is nothing but a mere leftover of the woman named Aris. Do I have enough qualifications to teach her?

I don't think I have. But... I know someone that does.

''You can have your hopes up, Sariel.''