Extra Chapter 1 - Another Scene As Usual
「Oh, Lilia alone? What about Hazuki-chan and Nemu-chan?」
I――Lilia's master, Mars, returns home with bags in both hands.
Since he rudely opened the door with his foot, I went to the entrance, closed the door, and took one of the bags.
Using the 'Treasury of Dreams' outside would raise suspicions, so whenever he goes shopping, no matter how troublesome it is, he brings everything back to our base like this.
「The two of them went to buy books. Nemu was pulling Hazuki along.」
In the house we rented entirely, there are only Mars and me now.
When we concluded there were no decent inns, we often resorted to rented empty houses like this.
Not long ago, I would have thought it would be better if humans and such were annihilated, and even considered destroying them with my own hands. But just Mars coming back has loosened my tongue.
It's embarrassing to admit, but it seems I quite like Mars.
Since I can't leave everything for one person to tidy up, we decided to clean up the things we bought together.
「Since it's mostly food, let's categorize it loosely and store it in the treasure vault. And this is a present for Lilia.」
「This is......!」
Blushing, Mars presented me with a bracelet.
It had decorations that I recognized.
When I first met Mars, I saw it at a stall and was curious about it. At that time, I wasn't the type of person who could honestly express such things. Looking back, I think I really lacked cuteness.
I don't want it! I remember refusing stubbornly.
The peddler who was selling it went somewhere before I could buy it, so I ultimately couldn't get it.
I slightly regretted not saying I wanted it.
「Earlier, I happened to see the peddler I met before. You seemed to be wanting it. I wonder if it was unnecessary.」
――Ahh, sheesh!
I'm so happy that tears are welling up.
Not because I got something I wanted.
I'm happy because Mars looked at me so attentively.
Normally, one wouldn't remember such trivial things, right?
Ah, I want to shout out that this is my master!
――Well, to some extent, Hazuki's bad influence seems to have rubbed off on me too.
「Thank you so much!」
Not bound by humans? A different species? ――I don't care!
My mind is filled with thoughts of Mars.
During his shopping trip, I realize that Mars was thinking about me, and it only ignites my feelings even more.
I quickly try on the bracelet, and it fits perfectly. This will also become a treasure.
Suppressing a smile that threatens to break through, I desperately maintain a calm demeanor.
「I-I'll make you some tea!」
「Thank you. Then I'll clean up in the meantime.」
――Dangerous. I almost hugged him. I'm not Nemu... I need to regain my composure.
While regaining my composure, I prepare the tea.
Somehow, I feel like I'm being influenced or tainted by Hazuki and Nemu's behavior.
I like the two of them, but if asked if I want to be like them, of course not.
I should be someone more composed. That's what I want to believe.
As I look at the tea leaves in my hand, I realize that my lips are loosening.
I was unconsciously smiling.
Being with Mars introduces me to various things.
They are people, objects, and matters.
I also encounter parts of myself that I didn't know.
I didn't know that I could smile with such simple happiness, or that I could develop feelings for someone.
「Mars, I love you.」
「Eh? Were you that happy about the bracelet I just gave you?」
「It's not about that! Isn't it a bit vulgar to say that just because my material desire was satisfied!?」
――You can be dull sometimes!
I feel a slight urge to get angry. But my face ends up with a smile.
「I was happy because you thought of me. Isn't it wonderful to think about someone even when you can't see them?」
「Well, I'm always thinking about everyone. Especially when I go shopping. I bought presents for everyone too. We're family, so it's natural.」
I can tell he's speaking sincerely, not just trying to please me.
Mars's words are accompanied by actions. That's why I can trust him and why I love him.
「Let's make a meal today with your favorite menu, Master! It's the least we can do to show our gratitude.」
「I'd be happy if Lilia made it. In many ways.」
Mars chuckles.
「Ah, Hazuki, huh... I understand. It's a certain kind of torture.」
I'm reminded of my best friend, who appears to be a normal girl on the surface but is a monster on the inside.
She's generally a good girl, but her cooking is monstrously threatening.
「Don't worry, I'll make it!」
「It would be helpful if you could do that for me. No, I'm serious.」
The two of us share a wry smile as we sip on freshly brewed tea.
「We're back-nya!」
「I bought a ton of books! They had the continuation of my favorite series! I have copies for everyone too!」
With a loud bang, the door swings open, and the monsters—Hazuki and Nemu—enter.
They are carrying a large number of books on their backs.
It seems like they have also made new encounters.
Surely, we will continue to encounter various things from now on.
The world is too vast to navigate alone, but as long as we're together, we can go anywhere.
Encounters change us. The world changes.
At first, I resisted those changes, but now I find them enjoyable.
I am no longer an Elven princess.
I am Mars' lover and a friend to Hazuki and Nemu.
That much, I'm sure, will never change.
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