Chapter 2: The Name of That Emotion is "Jealousy"

“Ahaha! You’re aiming for a harem?! I’ve never seen a guy like that before!” “Hey, hey… pfft… it’s rude to laugh! He seems completely serious about it.” “Both of you, that’s disrespectful to Wazu-san!” “What’s a harem?”

After that, we introduced ourselves to each other. The name of the silver-haired elf who had cast the magic was Sarona. Her radiant silver hair grew down to her waist, and she had the well-ordered features unique to elves along with a slender figure. A splendidly jeweled knife hung at her waist, and she carried a bow and quiver that seemed to emanate some kind of power on her back.

Of the remaining two elves, one was a man named Yuyuna. He had short, shining blonde hair and well-ordered features, though his eyes slanted upward slightly. He was a tall, lean elf, holding a spear in his hand and carrying a normal bow and quiver on his back. The other was a woman named Ruruna. She had shining blonde hair tied back in a single tail, and similarly well-ordered features, but with slightly droopy eyes. Her build was also a bit plump for an elf, considering they are mostly slender, which gave her a gentle impression. She held a sword in her hand and carried a bow and quiver as well.

I was told that Yuyuna and Ruruna were twins, and they told me to feel free to call them by their names. The elf child’s name was Siena. While she had been pale and terrified when captured by the group, she was now full of energy, beaming a bright smile at everyone around her.

I briefly introduced myself, including Meal, and right now, we were heading toward the elf village that was said to be nearby. I had been invited because they wanted to thank me for saving Siena. Since I wasn’t in any particular hurry and didn’t have a specific destination, I nodded at the offer. Well, I also had hopes of finally eating a proper meal for the first time in a while.

When I asked what exactly happened while we were heading to the elf village, they explained: that group suddenly appeared in the village, took little Siena—who happened to be nearby—hostage, and tried to abduct adult elves as well. However, they were immediately surrounded by other elves who heard the commotion, and perhaps thinking the situation was bad, they ended up running away just like that. Then, Sarona-san and the twins chased after them, which was when I apparently showed up on the scene.

Just as I was thinking ‘I sure showed up at a good time,’ they asked me a question in return. “Why were you in a place like this?” they asked, so when I honestly answered that I was traveling to build a harem, the four of them reacted just like earlier. By the way, the first one to laugh was Yuyuna. The next one to chuckle a bit was Ruruna. The one who chided those two was Sarona-san. The one who didn’t know what a harem was, was little Siena.

While Ruruna was explaining the concept of a harem to Siena, I shot a deadpan glare at Yuyuna, who had laughed. —It’s fine, isn’t it? Aiming for a harem is an individual’s freedom.

As I, with my plain looks, stared resentfully at the handsome Yuyuna, he noticed my gaze and apologized, saying he was in the wrong. “Sorry, sorry… I really am sorry for laughing. In fact, I’ll support you! I’ll help you with anything! After all, a harem is a man’s dream!” “Do you really mean that?” “I mean it! I swear I mean it! So, could you please unclench that fist?” Yuyuna genuinely looked like he was sorry, so I quietly unclenched my tightly closed fist. No, I really wasn’t actually planning to kill him or anything. Well, I don’t know what would have happened if he had kept laughing, though. I could probably slip in one punch!

“Still, your strength is incredible, Wazu-san. I couldn’t follow your movements at all.” “Yeah, I thought the same thing. Just how do you get that strong?”

Jumping on Sarona-san’s genuine question as if it were a lifeline, Yuyuna asked about my strength, so I answered honestly. “Hm? Oh, I worked hard on that mountain over there.”

When I answered while pointing toward the mountain, the two of them wore expressions of shock. “The mountain? The only mountain in the direction you’re pointing is the one in the center of the continent, but…” “Good grief… your jokes go too far.” “No, I’m not really joking, though?” “…Truly on the mountain in the center of the continent? …Certainly, if you survived there, that strength would make sense, but… is such a thing really possible…?” “No, no, Sarona, Wazu is definitely joking! That’s not a place where humans can survive!”

I’m really not joking, though… Well, whether they believe it or not, I guess it doesn’t matter either way. It’s true that, normally speaking, it’s not a place where one could survive. Even I probably would have died a long time ago if it weren’t for the Goddess’s divine protection and skills.

Just then, something suddenly hugged me. It was little Siena. It seemed Ruruna had finished her harem explanation, and right after that, she threw her arms around me. Wondering what in the world was going on, I looked down at Siena, who flashed me an energetic smile bright as a blooming flower.

“I heard the explanation about a harem!” “Uh-huh, and? What’s this all about?” “So, Wazu-onii-chan saved me, so I’m going to join Wazu-onii-chan’s harem!” “…”

What should I do… I suddenly got my first harem member… wait, no, no, no, no. I’m honestly happy and find the sentiment heartwarming, but isn’t this a bit too unreasonable?

“Siena-chan, do you actually understand what joining a harem means?” “I heard it from Ruruna-onee-chan! It means having Onii-chan’s bab—” “Rurunaaaaa! Just what did you put into her head?!”

Cutting off Siena’s dangerous remark, I shot a fierce glare at the culprit who had taught her that, and the culprit in question—Ruruna—just stuck her tongue out with a “Tee-hee” and offered a light apology.

“Huh? Is that wrong?” Siena looked up at me with a puzzled expression. It’s true that since she’s an elf, a race with many beautiful people, she already has adorable features now and will undoubtedly become a beauty in the future. I don’t think there’s a man alive who wouldn’t be happy to be pursued by a beauty, but she really is just too young right now.

“I do think you’re cute, Siena-chan, but maybe it’s a bit too early for that answer? Shall we think about it carefully after you’ve grown up a bit more? You shouldn’t make decisions about these things so easily.” “I’ll be fine! I’m already a ten-year-old adult!” “Yeah, no matter how mature you are mentally, calling yourself an adult at that age is a bit of a stretch…” “I’ll grow up really fast, you know?” “That’s right~. In about five more years, you’ll be an adult~.”

When I answered her like that, Siena puffed out her cheeks and sulked a little. But really, Siena. Who knows what you’ll think in the future. After all, you’re surrounded by handsome elf guys. I don’t think someone with my plain looks could compete with them… No, no. If I get self-deprecating, I won’t even be able to get what I otherwise could.

I shifted my mindset and gently patted Siena’s head to cheer her up, since she was still puffing her cheeks in displeasure. She happily accepted my petting hand and her mood instantly improved. Watching that scene, the twins Yuyuna and Ruruna smirked at me, while Sarona-san offered a gentle smile. I averted my eyes out of embarrassment, but for now, I figured I’d dish out a harsh punishment to the twins later. It’s fine, I don’t think they’ll die. Probably.

After that, at Siena’s earnest request, I held her hand as we walked together. Talking with everyone as we headed toward the elf village, we finally arrived to find a large number of elves gathered in front of it. One female elf among them spotted us and came running toward us. Seeing that female elf, Siena let go of my hand and ran to her. The two embraced each other tightly, shedding tears. Is that person Siena’s mother?

While I was feeling happy about the reunion between parent and child, Sarona and the other two also regrouped with the elves waiting in front of the village. They were being praised with words like “Well done,” “Thank you,” and “As expected of Sarona!” But perhaps because I was watching the scene from a step away, I noticed something. Toward the three who had safely returned… no, more accurately, directed at Sarona-san specifically, I could sense someone among the elves aiming what felt like malice at her.