Ero Manga Sensei - Volume 12 - Chapter 4

EROMANGA SENSEI VOL. 12 CH. 4

-I’m taking Emily back home. Let her stop working and get engaged to the person I found.

The door closes.

The extended hand was out of reach and the Elf disappeared.
I looked at him by the shoulder and glared at him.

“Hey!”

“Wait, listen,”

Armeria stopped me. This is supposed to be Elf’s best friend?

“Why did you stop it?” I tried to ask her.

「────」

I couldn’t speak. Because I get it.
The girl in front of me is much, much more angry than I am.

She clasped her hand to my shoulders and grabbed me last minute.

“You know nothing of the matter, Masamune, what can you possibly say to that madam?”

“I have so many questions”.
“Then I can answer,”

“Why didn’t you stop Elf’s being taken away?”
“Are you as strong as Light Novel Hero?”

“I don’t think so,”
“Then it’s impossible. I wonder if there really are some.”

“… I don’t know,”

I looked down, thought, and looked up.

“Armeria was in the right. Okay, Bring me up to speed.”
“Oh, leave it to me,”

The grim expression of Armeria eased slightly.

She came to tell to the story of Amelia Armeria with Sagiri.
We are gathering in the living room.

Sagiri came down from the second floor and sat around the table with me and Armeria.

On the tabletop, the manuscripts and writing utensils that I had read remain intact, and the afterglow of the fun time slightly pressed my heart.

Armeria says in a light tone, perhaps to avoid creating a heavy atmosphere.

“How far do you know Emily’s situation.

"I heard that her father had died a long time ago and that her will was, ‘I want my children to be happy.’”

But like this?

'Please raise them well,’
“Please make him happy”.

Those kids are Elf and Chris.

“I’ve heard that, too,” said Sagiri, looking at Armeria.

I heard that Sagiri had been questioning Elf about the situation at the training camp.

Armeria nodded when she heard our reply.

“Well, let’s talk about that then briefly. This is the last request that her husband left to her wife. She’s trying to make it come true with all her might.”

“Elf, her mother started saying, 'I’m going to decide on your fiancee,’ and then we had a fight…”

“But she also said, 'That’s not why I ran away from home.’”

The relationship between Elf, her mother, and her son doesn’t seems bad at all.

That’s how I interpret it. Even today, Elf, herself, looked happy when her mother visited.

Well, I mean before she was taken abruptly afterwards.

“…There is a discrepancy between what happened earlier and what we know about Elf-chan.”

Oh, that’s right, Sagiri.
That’s the thing we really want to hear about.

“It’s true that Emily had an argument with her mother before she left home. I was there, too. I was told to meet her fiance because I was going to choose him for her, so I objected and had an argument.

–You’re a fool, mother!
–Your mother had fun with your father every day, right?
–That’s why you were happy, wasn’t it?
–To be happy, you’ll do the same as your father.
–You’re going to catch her a nice husband and have fun for the rest of her life? You don’t think that’s wrong?

"I was satisfied with the fact that managed to delay it and speak what was on her mind.”

I think I can see the scene. Elf never does anything against her will.

Even if it was the order of her favorite mother…Maybe.

“But that didn’t completely convince her.” continued Armeria.

“Emily allowed herself to live alone in Japan and Mother allowed her to work as a Light Novel writer only temporarily. She let her do as she likes for a while, and if she doesn’t make her happy, she’ll do it her own way.”

Take her home, have her stop working, and get engaged to the person she decides.

“Did the Elf know that?”

“Well, she would have thought she was completely satisfied. So I liked it, right? But from the look of mother’s face through the intercom monitor…”

“… I see,”
“What about Armeria?”

“I knew about it. His wife (Elf’s Mother) told me to follow Emily and tell her what was going on. Remember, I said before that the Grangers were my employer, right?”

Sagiri then asked.
“Armeria, what’s the name of the house?”

“You don’t know Emily’s last name?”

Perhaps surprisingly, Armeria blinks.

“…I don’t know,”
“…Neither do I.”

“I see. Well, maybe a Light Novel writer and the Illustrator were the close friends she always needed.”

“It’s a strange relationship, isn’t it?”

So Yamada Elf’s real name is–

Emily Granger.

I can’t believe I’ve come to know it this way.

“I was originally Emily’s tutor, hired by the Grangers. I was introduced to the art dealer who took care of me, and it turned out well. I was going to say no at first, but… well, this is not relevant now, is it?”

Maybe she remembers that time, but Armeria dyed her cheeks and looked embarrassed.

“I’m so curious.”

“It’s a very moving story, so I’ll tell you next time. So I had to work with the Granger family, and was ordered to observe her daughter and report to her regularly.”

“So did you follow the Elf to Japan?”

“I know what you’re asking me, Masamune. I followed her without anyone telling me.–but I did report regularly. I informed her Emily how hard she was working in Japan, how great she was, what kind of people she met and what kind of relationships she was building.”

In other words, Elf’s mother has a good grasp of her daughter’s living situation in Japan.

“Then why did she come back to get her?”

Sagiri asked as if it was a natural question.
But she has a point. If Elf doing well in Japan, she didn’t have to go back then.

Armeria answered simply.

“It’s Emily’s mother,”

「………………………………………………」

「………………………………………………」

Both I and Sagiri Were dumbfounded by her persuasive power.

I don’t know what to say, so stayed quiet for a while… After a bit, I find the words to ask straightforwardly,

“She’s super self-centered, right?
"Yes”

“…I was also swayed by Elf once, but does Elf’s mother really want to make her happy in her own way?”

“I haven’t confirmed it, but I can guess so. I’ve been worried that this would happen eventually.”

I’m certain that was the main reason why she dealth with living in this place for so long.

I thought about that a little bit.

“…Let me present a hypothetical…

If Elf grew up and had a daughter and was in the same position….

Don’t you think she’d do the same selfish thing?”

「………………………………………………」

「………………………………………………」

“I think I would,”
“I’m sure she would,”
“She definitely would!”

Everyone was in perfect agreement.

“Wow, what a parent and daughter dynamic! They both suck!”
“Well, Masamune? Isn’t that a bad impression on Emily? She’s a victim this time, but she’s a bad guy that’d do the same in the future.”

“Yeah, she’ll do the same thing if she becomes a mother,”

“I’d never do it. I’m sure of it. Elf is the type of person who bothers me, justifying actions as 'in the hope of being good’ when she’s dealing with people she loves. I was beaten with that motif in four different volumes.”

“Well,”

We allowed ourself to get excited for a bit with Elf’s tendencies.
Armeria then brought the serious atmosphere back and collected everyone’s feelings.

“Now, what shall we do?” Armeria asked earnestly

Sagiri reacts immediately.
“Once again… I want you to tell me… When Elf was taken away… what exactly happened?”

“Oh, because Sagiri was upstairs… Were you only able to see Masamune from there?

Then I’ll tell you.”

She begins to talk as if she were taking a looking at the events unfolding infront of her.

The intercom rang, and the Elf went to the door to let her in.

-Afterwards.
Hi Mom! Long time no see! What’s brings you here?
I came here to take you home. Quit your job and get engaged.
Huh? Hey, are you still on that? We talked about this when we left home.
You’re not old enough to decide properly, so you’ll meet my chosen fiancees first. Hurry up and get ready.
Oh… Mother always does! Why don’t you understand me!
Take her with you.

I only understood some of that conversation at the time.
It was a heavily mixed conversation of several languages, including Japanese.

When I listened to Armeria’s translations, all I could think of was “No Way.”

It’s like that shade of gray that you can’t determine if it’s right or wrong.
“Does Armeria know what her fiancees are like?”

“Only by name. There are some candidates… I haven’t met them all. Well, they’re all good, wealthy men, and they’re the type that you would marry. I don’t think I understand Japanese dating culture, personally.”

“Well, that’s not good. I can’t let him marry her.”

said Sagiri, angry with her nose puffing.

On the other hand, my mouth calmly spins words.

“As a premise, this is a Elf – the Grangers’ issue. I can’t just poke my nose into another family’s problems without her permission.”

“Huh!? Hey! What do you mean?”
“And Elf will try to solve all these problems by herself.”

Yeah. For her, this is… Not our problem to deal with. No matter what we don’t do, I’m sure she’ll do what we want. She’ll solve the problem her own way and come back soon.

We shouldn’t worry.

“That may be the case, but…

It’s just…

it’s just…”

“….You’re angry too, aren’t you… Nii-san?”

“Who says I’m angry?"　mutter to no one but myself.

Who am I kidding… I’m very angry right now.
But what kind of anger is this?

Who is the anger towards, and what’s the reason?
Are I angry with her mother for the situation the Elf is in?

Simple and honest anger. That’s probably what Sagiri has.
But what about me? Is that all? Maybe. But what if it’s more?

I don’t really understand it myself. There are many complicated feelings mixed together, and I can’t analyze them because we’re in a rush. I don’t think this anger will be conveyed correctly when it comes out of my mouth.

I’m sure I’ll say something strange.
Thoughts that even myself cannot even comprehend.

Even if I can communicate this with someone, it will be conveyed in a distorted way. When I think about it, from the first time I met someone like her. It’s like this every time. She always upsets me. It causes me to lose my usual composure and further fuels her free-spirited mind.

"Hey, Izumi Masamune-san” Armeria tells me to stiffen up my upper lip.

“This kind of situation often happens in a story. Like the heroine who is about to get an unwanted engagement. So the protagonist goes to help, breaks up the marriage, and takes the woman away.”

“Do you want me to do that?”

“You can’t, can you?

Because Emily isn’t Your Heroine.”

「………………………………」

I could only glare at her. Armeria glanced at the Sagiri. I didn’t look at Sagiri. Instead, I looked at the Sagiri that reflected in Armeria’s eyes.

My heroine nodded quietly.

“I’ve made up my mind.” I say.

I didn’t know what I was angry about, but I did know what I who I was angry with.

“I’m going to stick my nose in their business.” I said what I wanted to do.

“Don’t you have to worry about Emily?”
“And so, I’m going to stick my nose deep in.”

“Take away a woman and destroy her marriage… Are you going to get married to her instead? Make her the main character?”

“I’m going to marry Sagiri.”
“You’re going to do this and not take responsibility?”

“Is there any responsibility? Elf will marry the man she wants, no matter what anyone does, and will be engaged and married if she so desires, right?”

“Where are you going with this?”
“I don’t know! I’ve been so furious right now I’m not thinking straight.”

But what I need to do is clear.

“I’m going to tell Elf and her mother what I want to say. Help me.”

When Armeria heard my request, she gasped in amazement.

“Now you have my attention. How on earth will you do it?”
“Well, I’m gonna get my thoughts together.”

“Oh geez.” Armeria scratched her cheeks and wandered her words.

“In the first place, you seem to believe that Emily will have her own way regardless what we do. Let’s not forget that this hinges on Emily going along with her, too. I think she’s being pressured to make this decision.”

“Well… then,”
“Now she… might be swept by the momentum.”

“Well… ” Sagiri looked down as if she agreed with me.

“I… don’t want to leave Elf, I want to help her stay in Japan. If there’s anything I can do, I’ll do it.”

“Isn’t Emily your rival?”

“Yes, that’s… but…”

“But?”

“She my friend”

That’s exactly right. “Sagiri” being here changes everything.

Yamada Elf is important to Izumi Sagiri.
I’m sure that’s the same for me, too.

“… I understand your feelings,” Armeria laughed reassuredly.

“I want to… I want to do something about it. I’m willing to do anything for Emily. I don’t know if it’s good for Emily to let you see her… but there’s something else I can do, you know.”

“Oh?”
“Yes”

The plan has been made. Now, it’s time to get the pieces together.

Where are the Grangers and her son right now?
And how can they meet and listen to their stories?

“What should I do, Armeria?”

“I have kept in touch with him, and said,

'She’s closer to the party.’ ”

Armeria showed us her smartphone and made a sign out of the window.
As if responding to the gesture, I heard the sound of a car’s engine startup.

Hey, it’s Yamada Elf! I’m being hooded and blinded in the back seat of her car right now!

The culprit is my mother – even if she’s exactly this kind of woman – I didn’t think she’s go this far!

No matter how much I’m used to this kind of restraint-It’s still not fun to be taken away by force like this!

“Mmmm–mmmm–mmmm–mmm!” My cry turned into a strange muffle.

I shook around violently, rubbed my face against the seat, and managed to shift my blindfold off.

Then I saw my mother over the mirror. It’s the beauty I’m aiming for. It’s been a long time since we met, and even though it’s a situation like this, she still fills my heart with warmth.

–As Usual, My Mother.

She has always driven various vehicles by herself. She took my father, who was fatally clumsy and couldn’t drive anything, and I, a little girl, to various places.

She’s so cool. I loved her image as she sat behind the wheel.

When I get my driver’s license, I’ll buy a car and invite my friends for a drive…

It’d be nice to buy a ship too…

Drive it myself…

And put the Masamune on board….

– Wait Stop –

That’s far from it now!
Be aware of your situation, Yamada Elf!

“Geez” I glared that way at my mother.

I felt like our eyes met over the mirror.

“When I’m driving, hush now.”

Her intimidating voice is still cool. I mimic’d her speech so many times going up.

「………………」

I obeyed honestly.
Basically, I listen to my parents’ orders.

I don’t like things that I don’t like, but I want to do as much as I can even with the things that I don’t like.

Because I love you.

Because we’re family…

Of course.

“Emily, you’re not going to take it? You don’t want to go home with me?”

I nodded with a nod because she couldn’t speak.

“I see, but I’m taking you home anyway, I have decided this for you.”

That! See that?! This is it! I really adore my mother and want to emulate her as the ideal woman. But! I can’t say whether she’s overly aggressive or not.

I’m really – I’m super angry!

After all, my mother is doing this tyranny to make me happy. She really believes this will make me happy.
–I just can’t accept this.

It’s only natural that I’m related by blood, but my mother is definitely not a stupid person. Rather, she is very intelligent and perceptive, and in the business scene, she seems to see through the other person’s thoughts like a super-person. Even in one instance when I tried to skip my lessons, I was blown up because I was in the wrong. Even now, even though I was kept silent, the conversation concluded without any problems.

But when it comes to “my future,” that’s where I draw the line. They decide that what they do is absolutely right. I’m usually more flexible when it comes to thinking and accepting.

Is it because I am your “Beloved Daughter?” Is it because it’s “The Last Request My Father Left?”

It’s none of my business, but…

Yeah, Mother is the type of person who interferes with “good intentions.”

I’m really in trouble.

Yeah, I mean it.

I’m really in trouble!

My mom is so self-centered that she’ll tell me to do it. If things go on like this, she’ll take me back home.

And meeting my fiancees in a few days?

Of course, I’m not going to get engaged to them, and I’m sure I’ll be able to sort it out and come back to Japan.

But, then we can’t…

I have to go home right away.
I have to go home and finish the winter comic book

“Secret policy,” too, is currently under way, as well. I don’t know if it’s going well or not, but I’m not kidding that it’s going to be ruined here.

I have to persuade my mom.

If I get out of the car, it won’t stop me from being sent abroad.

So I can’t escape, but I can talk.

「 ────── 」

This is my last chance.

I - Izumi Masamune, is now driving toward the center of the city.

There are circumstances and I don’t have the mental capacity to digest all this. I’m not in a good enough state to explain everything, but…

Let’s try as much as we can.

I sat in the passenger seat and concentrated like I was writing Light Novel’s climax scene.

The driver is Elf’s brother – Chris Yamada, handsome young man with blond hair.

“I think I’ve got you involved in our problems.I’m sorry.”

“No, no. Rather, thank you for listening to my selfishness.”

I want- Need to talk to Elf’s mother. He readily accepted such a request. He set up an arrangement for a discussion and is now taking us to the Elf.

“I talked to 'Emily’s Mother’ on the phone.”

Chris, who drives a luxury car, referred to someone who is also her Mother.

I’m sure – this is the eldest son, but he left home.

That’s what I heard from Elf anyway.

There seemed to be complicated circumstances. It’s a family problem.

“I didn’t know she was coming to Japan either. The response was delayed. First of, let me be clear – as Emily’s brother, I’m not going to send her home.”

A brother’s thoughtful lines. After that, he laughs lightly.

“And… as the editor in charge of Yamada Elf-Sensei, it’s outrageous to stop working suddenly. The deadline for "The Dark Elf of Explosive Flame” is drawing near.“

"That makes me feel better.”

Especially the last word. I knew very well that he would do everything he could to get her writer to keep the deadline. Even though she’s his real sister, he doesn’t mind binding and locking up writers.

“But she won’t listen to me. She’s ashamed, but we have a very good relationship.”

“I understand”

I couldn’t listen deeply, so I gave it back.

“Masamune, Chris-Nii is still in a rebellious phase.”

Armeria leaned out of the back seat and said to me.

“He’s a strange brother-in-law,”

“Don’t say anything unnecessary, Armeria-Sensei”
“You’re not at work now, are you? As always… call me Amelia.”

「………………」

Uh… this interaction… I felt uncomfortable, so I kept silent.

“Huh, Masamune, don’t you have your usual cynical retort? I was expecting something like 'Hey! What’s the conversation you’re having?’”

“I can’t afford it.”

“I understand how you feel! You’d be embarrassed if you let me in! You’re not gonna say anything? If the conversation stops like this, it feels like you’re interested in Chris!”

“Stop the nonsense, Amelia”

The car is slashed from the driver’s seat and Armeria exclaims, “Hey.”

It’s rare to see these two talking, but…

Well…

I don’t know if I should think about it.
Their relationship is different from that of a brother and sister.

“I’ve known my sister’s close friend for a long time.”
“My beloved best friend’s brother”

There was a delicate sense of distance.

If I was anyone else, I might considered this an occupational hazard.

“I’m going to speed up”

Chris said, stepping on the accelerator. The car entered the Metropolitan Expressway. If you miss the last train, it’s the way to take a taxi home.

“The arrangements are in place. It’s possible for you to meet those people. But…”

“But?”

“No… Don’t you trust my expectations of him?”… I don’t mind talking to you when I see you. No matter what happens, I’ll bringing my sister back.“

He has made it clear that he will bring his sister back with him. Taking us with him is like a bonus.

"It’s not that I’m not grateful. You’re close friends in Japan, so your presence may help me persuade them. That’s the path to success. But you don’t have to be nervous. This is essentially a problem for me and my sister to solve. I’m glad you helped me.”

Chris relaxed the scene with a low and beautiful voice. I felt I couldn’t do much to begin with.

“She’s an easy-to-understand person. Talks may be long. In the worst case, it will take you a few months to persuade her parents.”

“Come on, Chris-Nii, if that happens…”

“I will consider postponing her new book, and… You’ll be out of time, so we will back out of the winter newsletter.”

「──────」

I looked back at the back seat in spite of the shock. In a strong voice, I’ll told everyone in the car.

“All we have to do is bring the Elf’s back today.”

I’m going to get her back.

Dear Yamada Elf! I’m the cutest, most beautiful, most talented, and saddest princess in the world who was taken away by the Witch of the Bad Mothers, and now I’m under house arrest in the suite of the City Hotel!

Yes, I’m under house arrest.

BAH!

As it is, I can’t leave the room. The Women in Black are constantly watching me, but I’m not tied down, technically. MegaDouche over there neither tape nor a rope.

It’s inferior to my personal belongings, but I sat on the posh sofa and faced my mother. It’s been a long time since I saw my mom in front of me.

The golden curls of hair sparkle like lions.
　

Don’t be scared. I won’t lose even before I fight.
I’m a lady of her blood.

Let’s do our best to cut it gracefully.

“Now, mother,

I’ll get my throat wet with orange juice before I get to the point.

"Shall we start negotiations?”
“About the flight time or the dinner menu?”

A mother who sheds a glamorous smile. Of course they’re making fun of me - oh, if I wasn’t so good-natured, that might’ve sent me.

“About my future,”
“Are you going to repeat the questions and answers?”

“That’s my intent”
“It’s going to be a pointless waste of time”

A clear refusal that she would not listen to my request.

“I don’t know about that. You won’t know unless I ask you.”

“It’s been a long time since we met like this, and it’s not bad for parents and children to have a chat. So… I want to talk about the same topic only once.”

「 ？ 」

I don’t understand the intent of the lines, but I’m shaking my head. Then, for the first time today, she twisted her expression bitterly.

“I talked to 'your sister’”

Ah, I see. That’s how my mother called me.

“Oh, I see, Amelia,”

As I pictured in my mind the end of my life after I was taken away, I could only say the conclusion.

“Chris is coming here. If that’s the case, why don’t we talk about it only after the brothers and sisters get together?”

“I wonder why you doesn’t show your intelligence in your studies.”
“Well, I can’t help it. I do feel bad for the teachers, but it’s boring.”

“Excuse me?”
“Is Masamune coming, too?”

Judging from my mother’s way of speaking, I leaned forward with my hand at the desk in front of me. She must have felt compelled to convey her feelings.

But I don’t care! Aren’t you happy? Isn’t this… is a wonderful development? This is like a fairy tale! Princess and Prince! No, rather- The story of the royal road that defeats the fate that cannot be united!

My mother used to say to me, with her sparkling eyes shining.

“You… Do you like him that much.
"Yes!”

My real intention popped out of my mouth. I’ve always wanted to brag about it to my beloved mother.

Hello! This means that if I get her to admit that he’s nicer than mother’s choice fiancee, I’ll win. It means that I should tell you a lot of good things about it. That’s just right, then! Because that’s what I’ve always wanted to! I really wanted to do that!

“Listen carefully, Mother! Who I like…”

Come on! I’ll do my best to talk!
I wonder how long has passed since then.

“Well, look at this image! At this moment Masamune whispered his love to me!”

She approached the other person with all her might and kept on talking with her, but my mother kept on looking away with an eagle.

“Oh hoh?”

I didn’t sound genuine… Can’t you take me seriously? When she glared at my partner, she said in a cool voice that she’s not impressed.

“I want to keep listening to you, but I think he’s here.”
“Is Masamune here!? For me?”
“Yes… but I don’t know if he’s for you”

She looked at the Women in Black that stood upright near the entrance.

“Let them come in,”

The Woman in Black heads off for the entrance silently. I watched it with a fixed gaze.

“Huh…Wha…”

I was thinking about the future in my brain.

“Why……….”

Her mouth relaxed with a smile. Masamune, who had been robbed of his beloved me by a witch, had reached out to me before the door was closed.

Like a prince who couldn’t protect her princess! I’m sure you’ve heard more from Amelia and Chris. Masamune must have been in a hurry. She said she might get separated from me, who she loves so much!

No… Please wait. I don’t know about that.

It seems that may I, Yamada Elf, group may have too much value in me… You actually may not be worried about me… I’m sure you’re thinking that your dearly beloved Yamada Elf can and will solve it by herself.

“Don’t worry.I’ll definitely come back…”

I said something like that.

I’m happy to be given that kind of trust, but it’s not actually true. I’m just a little different from being a normal maiden.

I want you to worry about me properly.
I want you to be nervous about the NTR crisis.

…Wait, I wonder if he’s worried about something like that.

Are you angry or impatient to hear that I might get married to someone you don’t like? My mouth was wavy with anxiety.

“Elf!”

It’s Masamune’s voice! I look up and see him.

He walked slowly through the open door.

Oh, he is! He’s actually angry. The fog that swirled in my heart suddenly cleared away.

Oh…! As expected! You were worried about me after all…!

When you heard the situation, you were in a hurry to take the lovely girl back from the witch back. You came all this way to the city center from the corner of Tokyo.

“Where is Elf?”
“Masamune! I’m here!”

I called his name in a joyful voice.

Wow! You’re going to do it! You look a bit like a handsome prince today! No, my face is starting to warm up…! I put my hand on my chest. My heart is beating fast.

He said again,
“Elf!”

He called my name, ran across my mother’s face, and hurried close to me.

“YOU! Winter Comiket!”
“Wahhh!”

I screamed reflexively.
You… you… you… you!

“Masamune, you idiot! The first thing you say when you see my face is that!?”

“That’s right, you jerk! It’s at your convenience whether you’re going back to your country and get engaged! You owe me a story before you go and I won’t let you leave!”

“That’s not true!”

Tears came out. I have no choice but to step forward.

“What! Really, I have to! You… are a prince, these’s lines… Fool!”

“Who’s the prince? Who’s the fool! I’m mad! You owe me this! Not just the winter comic book, but also "Dark Elf!” Everyone is waiting for a new book! Now’s not the time just pack it up and leave! Brace yourself! I’m taking you back with me!“

"Oh my gosh! As a nerd and creator, thank you very much for giving me the chance! Wait right there! I’ll play the innocent maiden this one, single time!”

Giving each other smiles, laying out all of our emotions, and putting our heads together.
image
We yelled at each other.

“Ah!”
“What!”

Maybe it was because I was in front of my mother, or because of the situation I was in now, it all blew up. They swore at each other with all their might and had a big fight. All but us were speechless.

Only my mother was looking at us with wrinkles between her eyebrows.

Then, after a hundred insults flew at each other, there was finally a momentary pause.

“So. You’re Izumi Masamune.”

I, Izumi Masamune, confronted Elf’s mother.

“So. You’re Izumi Masamune.”

It was by no means a loud voice. However, we stopped fighting and prepared to listen to her – Elf’s mother. A voice containing a strong will with whom I was speaking with now.

“How do you do, Emily’s mother?”

Of course, it’s not nice to meet you. We definitely met when you took Elf away. And according to Armeria, this person came to Japan recognizing me. She doesn’t even acknowledge me. I’m not sorry for the trouble the Izumi family is about to cause.

Perhaps this “badness” is targetted. I wonder if she knows what kind of impression her behavior will give her. On top of that, this may just be to a power move to control the other person to some extent. Adults with such skills – I’ve met them before, and I’ve come to understand them and somewhat how they do it.

That’s all. I don’t think I can read the other person’s intentions and get away Scott-free… I don’t think I have that much luck. It would be a problem if high school students were expected to have such interpersonal skills.

At the very least, I’ll keep up with your pace.

“I’m Izumi Masamune, a kouhai to Yamada Elf, and I’m also taking care of my younger sister.” I slowly introduced myself.

She then said, “Izumi Masamune-kun”

She called my name again. She walked forward and I had a thought, “What would she say to me?”

“Please separate yourself from my daughter.”

“……What…?”

The lines are too unexpected. I drew a blank.
When I look over to Elf, she looks at me like 'I don’t know.’

「……………………」

Wait… What do you mean… I can’t come to an understanding. I turn to Elf’s mother and tell her the truth awkwardly.

“But I’m not going out with her”
“I know”

She giggled with an ill-natured smile. Her gesture and expression are just like Elf’s. She looks at her daughter- Like as if she already knew what she would say.

“Hey, Emily? Is this you 'Promising, Loving Boyfriend?’”
“Huh?”

Like an instantaneous water heater, Elf’s face burns red.

“Hey, hey, hey – Mom!?” Elf waved her hands in the embarrassment of being called out.

I had to ask the person who was embarrassed.

“What is she on about?”

Then Elf’s mother handed me a smartphone with a smile.
I’m sure this phone is–

“Oy! That’s – isn’t this Elf’s phone!?”
“She gave it to me. Overjoyed, I might add.”

Elf clenched her teeth. Apparently, this smartphone was handed over to her mother.

So. What did you to me with this?

When I looked into my smartphone’s screen, I saw my living room. Two-shot selfie with Izumi Masamune by Elf. Elf is pictured with a piece sign that looks super fun. While on the other hand, I in the photo didn’t realize that I was being photographed, so I seemed to be writing a novel with a stupid face.

Isn’t this just voyeurism?
And the photo in question is titled in English as follows.

'I got a boyfriend in Japan!’

「………………………………」

I saw the criminal, the now silent Elf. Then she turns away and whistles intentionally. I look back at the phone and slid the screen some more. Then a new photo appeared.

“Agh!!” I choked.

Oh, this lunatic! This fool! The photo that upset me was taken in front of a piano in Crystal Palace – no! I can’t write it! Let me just give you the captions!

“He’s seen me naked! I have no choice but to ask him to take responsibility!”

And… You showed your MOM this!? Hey! What were you thinking!? There’s gotta be some lines between parent and child, you know?

“This was an accident!”
“So you admit you saw me!”

“I-It was just a glance!” Damn, I knew this was going to be terrible!“

I still have pictures left to go through. I don’t know what’s in store for me. I continued on looking at the pictures, one after another.

『Café dating at Iidabashi』
『We went on a trip alone,』
『I went to the hot spring together♥』

Look at all this! There are a lot of fake boyfriend moments! I’d like to deny each and every one of them, but I’m still shocked by all this!

"It’s all lies!”
“Oh, it’s not a lie! Isn’t this just an extended truth!?”

Extraordinary stupid! You didn’t take these naked photos on that day! I grabbed my head in embarrassment.

“Oh… excuse me. Of course, As her mother, I will tell you to break up with her.”

“I understand.” I said.

Elf’s mother watches us making noise and wrangling. What do you think of me, the rude kid who suddenly came and started fighting with your daughter?

At the very least, they are friendly, but I can’t be read from their facial expressions.

She asked with an elegant gesture.

“So, what is the truth?”

Before I could answer, there was someone who had a bone to pick. He came into the room with me and hasn’t spoken a word yet.

It’s Chris. The fairy royals have a dignified appearance.
He tells the truth calmly without putting in any extra emotion.

“It wasn’t Emily who took a bath alone with him – it was me.”
“Huh!? Wait what…?”

Elf’s Mother looks at me with a look of surprise.
“That can’t be true..!”

If it wasn’t for the fact shown your feelings for the first time ever, you would have been deeply mistaken, don’t you think? I didn’t know Chris was this determined, having such a serious face!

I dug as deep as I could to my heart, so I said it with all my might.

“I’m not dating her, and there’s someone else I like!”

Did these words hit Elf’s Mother? She nodded deeply, looking in a good mood. After I crying out, there was silence for a while. Elf’s mother was thinking about something, looking around at me and Elf in turn. For some reason, I felt like I shouldn’t move and I shouldn’t disturb them, so I stood there.

I haven’t talked to Elf’s Mother until I came here. But she says in a tone that reminds me of deep understanding.

“Okay, I see,”

She then called me “Izumi Masamune-kun” with my full name.

“Have an interview with me.”
“Interview…?”

With a little embarrassment, I parroted back. The reason I ended up in this situation was because I had previous assumed information in my head about Elf’s mother.

Like her daughter (Elf), she is too perceptive and omits some of the conversations she should have had. That made me understand the situation. However she is not Elf, but someone I just met today.

I needed confirmation.

“Well, Let’s begin”

“I’ve come back to get Emily, you know that right? she’s my senpai in the same business as me who lived next door to her – Izumi Masamune-kun.”

“…Yes I know”

She said that she knew everything, so she didn’t have to go out of her way to explain anything. It’s very easy to understand her intent.

“So, you’re looking for an opportunity to talk directly to me, right? I wanted to talk to you as well. I am… very interested.”

She… was the sexiest woman I’ve ever met. I’m so nervous that I can’t make eye contact even though I’m much older and I’m sure I can’t do anything about it.

“Masamune! Why are you excited about my mother and not me!?”

My heart fluttered!

“I’ll be like her in a few more years! Just wait a bit!”
“What are you talking about!?”

She coughed and went back to talking. I looked at Elf’s mother again.

“I want to talk to you as well.”
“Alright, then,”

She asked me to sit down with with her gestures. I slowly sat down on the sofa facing her. I was strangely nervous. Even in the final job interview, which may be in the future, I wouldn’t feel as tense as this. Elf sat next to me also. I thought it was going to be a one-on-one conversation, but she was also present. The mother didn’t blame me for her actions.

It was within her expectations.

Elf and I faced each other, she being side by side with her mother. A feeling of the moments before fighting the boss dawns on my mind. The first move was from her.

“So, Izumi Masamune. I want to know more about you.”
“Didn’t you investigate me?”

I’ve been thinking about it for a while, but your Japanese is really good. Like Elf, she’s as good as a native speaker.

“Well, there’s something you won’t understand unless I tell you directly.”
“Like what?”

“Like how do you answer my questions. I-” and a fresh smile, just like her daughter.

“I wonder if you’re the type of person who approaches someone when you have a girlfriend. Or are you the type to wait for the other person’s approach?”

“I’m the type of person who approaches things in a good way.”

“Okay, that’s fine. But, I’ll tell you this straightforwardly. As you know, she is old enough to have a fiancé now.”

“…Okay?”

It was this kind of chat. It doesn’t seem to have anything to do with the Elf family affair I was trying to talk about. I mean, this person is looking up my information. Or at the very least, it seems all the love stories Elf made had been discovered.

She continues on,

“Do you think love should always be a one-time thing? For example, is it okay to find a new partner and remarry after a death of a spouse?”

“I think it depends. I don’t think it’s necesairily a bad thing.”

I thought of mom and dad when she asked,

“What about you? Would you do that?”
“I don’t think I would.”

She looks at Sagiri’s face in the photo,

“I can’t make a new partner because I will continue to like someone even if there’s no chance with the person I like.”

She looks at me,

“On the other hand, what if you die first? How do you feel if your wife were to remarry?”

“I think it would be a great if she really liked them and had the chance to be happy again.”

“Can you allow someone you like to be connected to someone who is not you?”

“I can, because I don’t care much about the anything else as long as the person I love is happy.”

“What can you yourself offer then?”
“The happiness and joy as person you like,”

“You answer without hesitation, good boy.”
“Ah… thank you”

I think it’s just a small talk. So there was no need to hesitate.

“By the way, I wonder if non-human beings become objects of love to you.”
“…What?”

I was embarrassed to hear 'questions you’d never actually ask in real life.’
“What do you mean, other than human beings?”
“Well, for example, a dragon.”

“…Like Dragon-Dragons or like a dragon-monster girls?”

“No, like a big lizard that blows fire. The ones that won’t change into a human being. Reptiles, basically.”

What’s this conversation? It’s rapidly becoming like a drinking party for the otaku group.

It’s like postering if a spider or a snake is going out with ants or pears.

In response to this question,

“I already have someone I like, so I don’t want to be in love with anyone other than her.” That’s the truth.

“I see,” Elf’s mother seems to be genuinely happy.

What’s with this development? Now I’m very worried.

“Then I’ll add the condition that it’s not limited to just you. Do you think there is a possibility of love between different races of completely different species?”

“I think it’s certainly possible,”

If you’re a Light Novel writer– if you’re an otaku, of course you’ll answer like this.

“Are you saying that you’ll fall in love with a big lizard?”

“I’m saying that if the other person is intelligent and able to communicate their feelings with each other, it could develop into a relationship. Some men may find dragon-women beautiful. The same goes for whether you’re a an alien, an animal, or a foreigner. Isn’t this no different from a love affair between Japanese?”

“Exactly.”

It was agreed with quite strongly. It’s very clear.

“Izumi Masamune. I really do sympathize with your view of love.”
“Thank you, ma'am”

What part of the story just now touched your heartstrings?
Elf’s mother puts her hand to her chest and closes her eyes.

“That’s right. Being strongly thought of by men is a happy romance.”
“It’s not just the only love experience my mother knows.”

“Ahem!”

The Elf mother interrupts her daughter’s antics by clearing her throat.
Is it because her cheeks turned red?

“Emily, please be silent.”

“Please don’t deny me this. Mother just wants me to have a similar relationship because she was happy this way. You’re just pushing your ideals on me.”

“Don’t let me say it again. I’m in the middle of a meeting.”

She looked away from her daughter.

“Let’s move on – Izumi Masamune-kun”
“Yes, ma'am,”

“How about Emily from your point of view?
"M-Mother!”

Elf tries to interrupt the conversation in a hurry. I chose my words carefully by acknowledging my place in all this. This is all due to the question that directly leads to a chance of persuading Elf’s mother to come back compared to the previous unintended conversation.

“Yamada Elf-Sensei is my goal senior and mentor. She has already fulfilled the dream we are aiming for…”

Many memories pass through my mind. The most recent memory, of course, is that we all made the doujinshi together.

“I received a lot of useful advice. Her work and attitude always give me… great excitement and motivation.”

“Oh, Masamune? Suddenly… You don’t have to answer seriously…” Elf looked down.

“I mean it,”
“Oh, o-of course! I know you meant it! I just didn’t know you had such great respect for me!” She trembled in a strong voice.

Why is she so shy even though she’s so confident?
I’m going to get so embarrassed…!

“Thank you for your valuable story. But Izumi Masamune. What I’m asking is,

'What do you think of Emily as a woman?’”

“As a woman…?”

“Yes, You Will Answer Me.”

She smiles with such power. I felt a this mounting pressure pressing against my neck. I swallowed and answers honestly.
“She’s…a very cute woman.”

I think I had a similar conversation at a seaside camp.
There’s one thing that’s definitely different from that time, though.

What will you say now that you’re right beside her?

Looking sideways, Elf was covering her face with her hands as if she couldn’t stand it. Elf’s mother, as if I was going fold as any moment,

“Yes, but be more specific,”
“Pretty hair, face, voice… I think everything about her is wonderful.”

“Yep, that’s my daughter.”

I know! It’s just as I expected! She’s doting on her daughter, isn’t she?
She’s encourages me with her gestures like, “Say more.”

I looked at the Elf, hesitated for a few seconds, closed my eyes tightly.

I expressed my true feelings in despair.

“She’s clean, she cooks well, and I always enjoy the times just being around her - I think she’ll be a great wife in the future!”

I was forced to say the same thing I said in front of Chris from way back when. With her face covered with both hands, Elf started to arch over and shouted,

“What is this situation…! It’s too hard…!”
“That’s my line!”

Elf’s mother squints dazzlingly at us in agony.

“I taught my daughter all kinds of education so that you can live a happy life. I hope you’ll be an attractive woman someday when you meet the best partner.”

“…Thank you very much. Thanks to you – – Wait you accept all that?”

The Elf chattered in a rare and mumbling manner.

“Yes,"　Elf’s mother glanced at me.

"But…”

“But?”
“Izumi Masamune-kun – Can You Tell Me Your Job and Annual Income?”

She ignores her daughter’s question and asks me what she may already know.

“Student and writer of Light Novell. My annual income last year was about 8.8 million yen.”

“What are your plans? To go on to school and get a job?”

“I will take the entrance examination for a university in Tokyo. I plan to continue my writing career after graduation, but I’ll think about it again after looking at the situation in my second year of college.”

“In other words, I wonder if there is a possibility that you will quit your writing career and get a job.”

“Yes”
“What! Why!"　Elf asks in a reproachful tone.

"Because my income is unstable. It’s going to be made from the anime, which is going to be widely advertised- it’s going to actually air and be shown. It’s going to increase my annual income from this year to next.

But I don’t know how long that will last.”

For me, writing a light novel is both a favorite and a dream.
But now it’s not just a hobby, it’s a job to make money.

“Come to think of it. You’ve been saying that since the beginning, old man,”

“So you two had a fight about it, didn’t you?”
“Yes,”

“So if you can get a more stable job, of course you should change jobs.”

I gave the answer to Elf’s mother.

“I began wonder if there is something more important than what I want to do or dream about.”

“And"　Words come out suddenly. "It’s to marry someone I like and live happily.”

Then she laughed and said, “I’m glad I was able to speak with you. I now know what you’re like, the kind of man you are, and the situation between you two very, very well.”

I don’t think there’s any misunderstanding.

She nodded a few times, convincingly, as if to answer my thoughts.

“Emily,” She called out.
“This man won’t do.”

“How did you arrive to that conclusion?” Elf, cut down was trying to fight back. “Mother, you seemed to acknowledge Masamune!”

“I thought he was a good man. It’s a little out of the ordinary for someone my age.”

“Yeah and?”
“Just now… When he came into this room, he deliberately provoked you to get rid of your anxiety. Did you notice that?”

“T-T-That’s not true! He was mad at me at the very first moment – not me, but with mother. It’s wrong of him to get angry at you- Is it wonderful to have such a bad opinion? You don’t think so, do you?”

“This is just like your father when you try to hide even though it’s obvious. It’s funny because you’re both so silly and dumb.”

The parent and child are trying to interpret my behavior. This may be the important turning moment as topics were changing swiftly- like a magic 8 ball arriving closer and closer to the core. It was a terriying place for me to be in. I have no choice but to bite my tongue and let the dice roll.

“Mom likes this kind of thing, right? She married father!”

“Don’t misunderstand this, I didn’t like that man because of his face nor his family background. I loved him because his love for me was genuine, and he was so persistent that I married him out of compassion.”

She turned away as if she were missing something, cheeks blushing, and became in a quiet with cheerful mood.

…That’s very attractive.

I don’t dare to say it, but it’s an old-fashioned kind of beauty.

“Huh… Izumi Masamune would be a better husband than that stupid husband.”
“Hey now!”

“I smiled as I watched him confront you. He seemed to have good chemistry and good friends- like a quarrel between husband and wife.”

“So you get it!”

“But don’t do it. You have a similar view of love, a firm future plan, your own ideas. You’re a little short, but I think you’ll be compatible, respectful, and happy if you end up together – but don’t go down that path.”

“It’s not a compliment! How did it turn to this?”
“I’m telling you to stop because…”

She willingly became the bad guy to protect her daughter,

“A man like him will never change his mind.”

「………………………………」

“Because he’s a good man, he will continue to love the same woman for the rest of his life. You know this to be true, no? So, Emily… Even if it’s you, my proud daughter, there’s no chance of ever winning.”

The place became still.

Elf looked down. Lips not moving. Sitting there in silence.

Suddenly, she looked up, this time with a determined look.
“I understand why mother came to Japan.”
“Oh… say it and we’ll see,”

“It’s Amelia, wasn’t it?” She seems to have reported my activities in Japan to you-to home – mom. All this was in the report. It’s like you prepared to come to Japan.“

"And?”

'Go on’ Elf’s Mother says, unspoken

“My first love in Japan. That I was head over heels for.”

Even though I’m dull, I know who you’re talking about.

“Mother, who knew about the situation, thought I was going to lose, and thought I wouldn’t be happy… So she came to Japan to help her dear daughter. Is that correct?”

“…I won’t deny it,”

She turned away.
It’s too easy to understand. Yes.

“For me Emily… I want you to have a happy relationship, so I’ll prepare it for you.”

“Will I be happy with the love that my mother prepared? Is it really love in the first place?”

“I don’t know,” said Elf’s mother plainly.

For her self-centered and arrogant voice, it’s an unexpected line because of its honesty.

“I thought about it in my own way and carefully selected your fiancee, but you still didn’t know if he was the right person for you. That’s why I wanted you to see me. To judge with your own eyes.”

“Oh, is it a trend nowadays to get engaged to my chosen suitors now?”

“Of course. Marriage and engagement are important to your life. You and I have to choose carefully, don’t we?”

“Yes, Mother… wants to pick a man who can’t outdo father.”

“What? Don’t you think there are so many men who can beat him?”

“But it’s not like that, it’s not like physical, it’s like a man’s greatness… well.”

…This parent and child have such a terrible opinions to their late father.

Elf continued after collecting her thoughts,
“I see… so, this is what you mean: I’d better work with my mom to find someone I can be happy with. Do my best as a suitee, look for a marriage partner will lead to my happiness rather than my job and so I can stop working and go home. With the intent being that I’ll introduce myself to my fiancee.–”

When asked, Elf’s mother immediately answers, “I’m glad you understand.”

“What! That’s it! Aren’t you stupid?” Elf stands up with a bang and screams. “I have an ambition to conquer the world in Light Novel! I can’t go out and be mother’s plaything!”

“Yes, I know everything about your activities, and now in Japan and around the world, your books are being read. You’ve done a great job, haven’t you? As expected of My daughter.”

I could see that Elf’s anger was taken lightly.

“…What… all of a sudden,” Suddenly praised by her mother,

Elf looks bewildered and embarrassed, as if she had lost sight of where to lower her fist.

Elf’s mother shrugged, saying, “I have no other intentions. I acknowledge and admire your activity. Take it honestly.”

“…Yes. That’s…thank you…I’m really happy.” The atmosphere that was getting ugly warmed up.

“So,"　Elf’s mother smiled gently.

"That’s enough, isn’t it?”

The air suddenly froze.

“My daughter has always been tired of everything. She does it well, but when she finds it boring, she will never do it again. She is enjoying her activities, so if she makes a big impact, she will be satisfied.”

As if she were imitating a young girl, “…Mother… That’s…”

“The piano that you were working so seriously on, that was the case, wasn’t it? Every teacher recognized you as having great talent. You said you would be the best pianist in the world. Didn’t you suddenly stop laughing one day and say, 'That’s enough.’”

“I didn’t quit. I’m still practicing – I just found something more interesting than the piano.”

“Again, I’m sure you have. If you find something more interesting, you’ll get tired of whatever you’re currently doing and move on. I’m confident about that with my daughter.”

“Don’t…”

“You thought it was about time you got tired of it, so you approached him to look for a fiancee. Wasn’t it a little early? But, then again, it wasn’t that long ago. The animation of your work will be broadcast on TV again, right? After that, the original novel will be completed and you’ll be on break–”

“Stop it!”

“'No,'I’m sure you thought the same thing when you were absorbed in piano.”

「………………」

“If you go home with me, you’ll be unexpectedly tired of it, won’t you?”

“Well… ”

“Well, let’s give it a try. You’ll go home and meet my chosen fiancees, and then you can check your feelings once more.”

She leads her daughter to act as if she were making concessions.
She’s trying to make her say, “I’m going home.”

“That’s all right, Emily. You’re just going home for a few days. We’ll come back to Japan right away.”

「………………」

　Why… If I let her go here, I get the feeling I won’t be able to see Elf anymore.

I shuddered at the thought that had crossed my mind.

It’s impossible for an Elf to do that. Right?

Elf looked down and shook her head hesitantly.
“That’s…”

“NO!”

There was a voice that Elf could never have expected.

“That’s………Never!”

Opening the door, she walks in with Armeria and runs to the Elf, almost falling in the process.
image
“Sagiri!?"　Elf called out her best friend. "Oh… you… you… why…” She peels off her eyes and quits her words.

It was the same with Elf’s mother. If she had studied the surroundings of her daughter, of course she would have known what was going on.

“…You’re certainly Emily’s friend’s… the wife…aren’t you? Out of the house…this…is all right?”

With the same tension as Kyoka, she was clearly impatient and watched Sagiri.

I, too, hold my lips and resist the urge to approach my sister. For her to get out of the house, ride in the back seat of the car with us, and comes here…

She knew that Sagiri had been working hard all the time.
She did something that would normally take months.

To express your feelings to your friend.

“Thanks to Elf!…”

Now she screams loudly. Sagiri, who is full of shyness, cannot logically be persuaded.

“I’m here thanks to Elf! It was so much fun to be friends with her! I… I… I…”

All I can do is quiet my heart with all my might to not dampen the her efforts.

“I don’t want to be separated from Elf! I don’t know anything like getting tired of my job or getting engaged!”

“Sagiri…”

She approaches her best friend, who cries out.

Sagiri gripped her hand with both hands and appealed with tearful eyes.

“Let’s go back together!
Stay with me!”

“Yes, ma'am…”

Elf’s proud face disappeared in an instant. With her other hand, she wipes her eyes and turns to her mother.

“Mother!”
“What, Emily?”

“My dear mother – my dear mother – basically, this nothing to do with you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Listen! I swear first- I’m not tired of my present job! And I’ll make sure my ambition comes true!”

“Oh? And what proof do you have for that? If you insist that it’s different from before, show it to me.

"It’s because I have a good partner (Armeria), a wonderful friend (Sagiri), and a rivalry!”

「………………」

Elf’s mother looks at her daughter as if she was passing judgement. Then, looked Sagiri, who was lying on the floor, and then to me, who was taking care of my sister.

She did this for a good long while. She looked as if she were about to cry, perhaps because of the tears of Sagiri.

To such a mother, Elf declares:

“So, mother, I’m not going home! Look at my rival (me), look at my friend (Sagiri), look at my partner (Armeria), and be sure to take a good look. mother.

I’m going to achieve it with everyone here.”

“Yes… Then do so.”

“… Is… Is that all right?”

“You decided to carry out what you said. When I heard your story, I was convinced.
'Continue with your current job.’
'Achieve Your Ambition.’

Wouldn’t it be all right?”

“Mother!” Elf’s face brightens up.

“However,”
“huh?”

“Go see your fiancee, right now.”
“Why!” Elf exclaimed,

“It won’t be a happy ending. As I said before, there’s no chance of winning the romance you’re in. It doesn’t lead to your happiness. I hope you’ll be a better woman, join a better man, and look back at them.”

A heartfelt sympathy for your daughter.

“I understand how you feel. You don’t have to quit your job. You can live in Japan as you are. But don’t do pursue your love there.”

To her mother’s advice, Elf replied: “Begh!”

She stuck out her tongue out, pull your lower eyelid with your finger, and uttered some stupid lines. She made fun of her.

“I don’t like it. I told you that you didn’t need to take care of everything. Not only about work, but also about love. You don’t understand anything, do you?”

“…What are you saying that I don’t understand?”

She laughs with her teeth as if it were a stupid question.

“I’ll win!”

“Are you trying to be strong, or you really don’t understand-”

“Then–'Do I have to show you the reason for my victory?”

「…………」

“Will you stop taking care of me if I make my mother believe that I can make this love come true?”

“Of course. If you can really do that, all my worries will be groundless.”

She remained stern, but her eyes were beginning to feel childish excitement about what her proud daughter would say. There was a similar light in the eyes of Armeria and Chris.

Only the faces that quickly turned pale was Sagiri’s and mine.
「Oh my gosh! I don’t like this!」
「What the hell is this scenario?!」

Elf, looking satisfied, “Hey.”

She lifted the end of her mouth.

“Well, we’re all here so this may be a good opportunity, even though it’s a bit different from my planned performance.”

“Oh, hey… Elf…”
“Look at me, Masamune,”

“Elf?”

“Sagiri, I’m so impressed that you, a hikikomori, would do this for me. I think I’m going to cry. No, I am crying a little bit… Just listen for a bit..”

Yamada Elf-chan’s secret plan to turn the tables–
“Here’s the answer,”

Yamada Elf stands in the center of the room like a leading actress on stage. She began to talk cheerfully, as if she were a good detective who showed her reasoning.

“I’ve been working on a secret plan. As my mother said, I don’t seem to have any chance of winning in this situation. If you love Sagiri, you’re very single-minded-very iron-walled. Well, that’s the good thing.”

She begins to laugh.

“At first, it was take Masamune’s heart from Sagiri, make him like me, go out with him, get married – If I did all that, you would say I’m won right? That I’ll be happy?”

It was a motive that came from the same origin as her mother. She has a strong desire to make her father’s last wish come true. Her thoughts for the deceased family were like mine and Sagiri’s.

“If that happened, I wouldn’t satisfy my winning conditions.”

–“You must be happy.”

“Because I love Sagiri and I didn’t go to school- she became my very precious close friend.”

“…Elf"　Sagiri is bewildered at the gentle stare of the Elf.

"That’s not a victory. It’s not sweet, warm, or caring. That Path… it would make make Sagiri cry, no matter how I do it. Siscons- Even if I win, it wont be a good feeling. I don’t hate anything, but I live happily every day.”

“Then – ” Mother interrupts Elf, putting her voice on her head.

Elf continued,
“If I give up, it’s not just a loss, it’d be like I was completely defeated. So I stood up and began looking for another route. It’s too early to surrender.”

“I don’t know what you want to do.

What will happen to you?

What are you going to do?”

“Both of them will be mine.”

Nobody could react to the words that came out so easily.

“Masamune said that Sagiri’s happiness is his happiness. He always makes the choice to make Sagiri the happiest. That’s how he is.”

That’s right…

That’s why I’m not understanding Elf’s–
“Then that’s all I have to do. I just have to let her know that if she were mine, she would be happier.”

What are you on about right now, man? Did you just say that proudly?

“'Make Sagiri happy’–that’s my secret.’

"Wait, my… you…” I can’t form words and got interrupted by Elf’s mother.

“What exactly do you mean by 'making her mine’? Does it mean that she is going to marry two people?”

Is it a good time to ask 'What’s wrong with your daughter!?’

“I don’t care about legal marriage. What’s important is that I’m going to have them, not just her, but all of us. Don’t get that twisted. Well, to be more specific, that’s how the three of us will live together- we’ll all be much happier than we are now.”

“And how do you think she’ll react to this proposal?”

“At first I was emotionally opposed, then I saw Sagiri’s reaction, thought twice about it, and finally was going to give into it.”

“Who’s going to give in!”

Words that were smoldering deep in my throat finally popped out of my mouth.

“I really don’t like what you said.”
“Oh, you hate it, and it’s similar to my love.”

“It’s totally different! I’ve always thought that I can’t understand Yamada Elf’s way of thinking at work or in love- but this time it’s the worst! I don’t understand anything you’re saying! I don’t want to understand! I only like Sagiri! I don’t like anyone else! That’s my love affair!”

“I know, and that’s why I’ve taken the time, worked out strategies, and we began to understand each other.”

“Well…”

“You have more important things than what you want to do or things that you dream about.”

–“Sagiri is happy”

“So that’s why he even chooses to quit his favorite job and change jobs for a stable life and money, you don’t mind- that even if it bends your principles, it’s to make sure she’s happy, right?”

“Correct…”

“So, if you both were mine, you’ll have a stable life without having to worry about money for the rest of your life.”

「……………………」

“I’ll protect you from everything. I proudly promise that your fun and fulfilling days will last forever. Sagiri and you can be happier than you are now.”

……………………………………………………………………………………。

……………………。

“You, my dear, how to-”
“I’m not ashamed of myself, mother. This is how my father won his love, isn’t it, Mom?”

“He was more blatant, stupid, and enthusiastic.”

Despite the interaction between parent and daughter, I watched Sagiri. After shaking her last strength and screaming, Sagiri remains heavily on the floor.

Still, she seemed to be thinking about Elf’s stupid proposal. Trying desperately to get her breath under control in a state of no leeway.

Finally, she looked up. “Well… You see-”
“Hey! What are you hesitating about?”
“Because… I don’t… like it…”
“You won’t ever be alone Sagiri!”
“..That’s definitely true…”
“Right!?”
“But… Uh… Uh… Uh…”

“Sagiri! Keep your head together! Don’t be fooled! Please calm down and think about it after you’re in better condition!”

“But I know the Elf will make us both happy…!”

“That’s a different world! This is Earth where monogamous countries dominate the majority! You can’t believe this crazy way of doing things would work!”

“You’re a coward! How can you be sure she’s just attacking blindly or something like that!?”

Elf was watching the conversation between brother and sister, and from there, she took on a serious face.

“I said this before,”

-I’ll make you brothers and sisters happy.

So, Masamune. Come to like me- accept me. Back then, you refused, so today I’m going to change your way of thinking.

You guys should be mine

.
image
So let’s be happy together.“

"No!” I gave an immediate answer with all my might.

I had to give an immediate answer.

“Well, I’ll ask you again next time – ”

Smirking at me, she turns back towards me and to her mother.
I declined, but I didn’t feel like it could be turned down.

Frustration, mumbling, excitement, and excitement were raging in my heart.

In front of me, the Grangers’ parent and the child exchanged goodbyes.

“That’s why, mother, the two fiancees will who chose me is the goal.”

“Emily… You do still realize that you have a girlish view of love. I think you are doing something strange.”

“Thank you, I’m glad you said so.”

“I hate that about you, Emily. It’s just like father and it’s unpleasant.”

“I love you both, Mom and Dad,”

They exchange love for love in the same sense.

And then,

“Do I pass?”
“Oh, what do you mean?”

Elf says to her mother in a very beautiful tone.

“Mother, have you been able to dispel the worries you have caused me? Have you been satisfied with my way of doing things?”

“I don’t know. I really think I’ve become stupid enough to worry about it…”

Worried about her daughter’s love interest, she came to Japan and smiled bitterly with a sigh of amazement.

“I think you’ll win, honey.”
“Yep!”

“Our daughter’s happiness is our wish. If that’s the reason, I’ll try to imitate my husband.”

“Do you mean mother will cheer for my love?”

“I say so. Don’t hesitate to ask. If I can, I’ll make everything come true.”

With the full cooperation of the Grangers, Elf looked back triumphantly.

“That’s it guys! Let’s go back and continue making the doujinshi!”
“Hey! Solve this! I hate you! I’ll never fall in love with you!”
“I wonder how long you can stay strong like that! I’m looking forward to it- Izumi Ma-sa-mu-ne!”

The Elf thrusting her finger into my face. The arrogant girlfriend remained the same when we first met. But the number of memories I had with her, the number of memories I received from her, is…

“I–I only like Sagiri! I’ll never give in!!”

The declaration to strengthen the defense was roaring with cries.

Translation Notes

2) Hikikomori : “Shut-in / NEET” usually from past trauma, mental illness, familial or societal pressures
9) Kouhai – Junior
10) Doujinshi – Original work done in relation to a source material. Typically not from the same group.
16) Isekai – …Transported to a faraway land Into the world where ____ rule. Play the game like an ace, but now we in this place to save the ____ from the evildoer