Three's Company

Order Era, Year 1136.

"Wow... this bed is so soft and huge..."

Mo Lini hugged the pristine white pillow, rolling around excitedly on the bed.

She never imagined she’d one day live in a place like this.

A few people had suddenly appeared, claiming to be acquaintances of her ancestors, insisting she come with them for her own protection... Something about the whole situation felt off.

But Mo Lini had no power to resist—Principal Wolund and Professor Enlaisi were on their side, leaving her with no choice but to comply.

At first, she thought they might have sinister intentions, but after bringing her here, they seemed to have forgotten about her entirely, never bothering her again.

The door suddenly swung open.

"Mo Lini, how are you finding this place? Settling in alright?"

It was Liyana who entered.

Mo Lini’s hair was long, and soon Liyana saw a red ball of yarn happily rolling around on the bed.

Mo Lini lifted her head, staring blankly at Liyana standing in the doorway, her face flushing crimson.

"Seems like you’re enjoying yourself. That’s good—keep having fun. I won’t disturb you."

Liyana’s tone was teasing as she spoke, then she left, considerately closing the door behind her.

Mo Lini froze on the bed, hugging her knees, instinctively licking them as she curled into a tiny ball.

Ugh... she’d been seen in such an embarrassing state.

The door suddenly opened again, Liyana poking half her body through the gap.

"Oh, right! I almost forgot—I came to give you the key. Even though the manor has defensive barriers and no one could possibly intrude, it’s still good to lock the door out of habit... According to Xia Lun, it’s about the ‘ritual of daily life.’"

Liyana tossed a brass key onto the bed, right in front of the adorable little red creature. "Okay, now I’m really leaving. Won’t bother you anymore."

Bang—

The door slammed shut.

Aaaah, she’d been seen again... Mo Lini collapsed onto the bed, limbs splayed out, then clawed at her cheeks in frustration.

What was that elf woman even doing?

What was her life going to be like from now on...?

Outside the door, Liyana vigorously slapped her own cheeks.

Mo Lini... Mo Lini is so cute! What kind of ultimate-level adorable creature is this?!

No! She already had Delyan—she couldn’t let herself fall for another woman. She couldn’t be unfaithful!

Right, she’d go find Delyan right now. She wouldn’t come back tonight.

......

"You seem distracted?"

Delyan let out a soft murmur before smoothing her disheveled hair.

Liyana’s body stiffened slightly.

"Hmm?" Delyan narrowed her eyes, propping herself up on one arm beside Liyana. "What’s wrong, my dear elf? Is there something you can’t tell me?"

"N-no... nothing." Liyana stammered.

"You look awfully guilty." Delyan’s gaze sharpened. "Don’t tell me... you’ve taken up with a man behind my back? Is it that Xia Lun guy? You’ve been spending so much time with him lately..."

"No! Don’t say nonsense like that! Xia Lun is just a good friend—nothing could ever happen between us!" Liyana hurriedly denied.

"Oh? Then what is it?" Delyan, for the first time, seized the upper hand, pinning Liyana beneath her.

"I... I’m sorry, Delyan. I think I’ve developed feelings for another woman." Liyana’s face burned, but she forced the truth out.

"Huh?" Delyan blinked. "That’s it? Have you two already...?"

"No!" Liyana shook her head frantically. "I just... I feel like I’ve emotionally cheated on you. I’m so sorry."

Delyan burst into laughter.

"You’re... not mad?" Liyana asked timidly.

"I feel like I should be, but..." Delyan leaned down, nipping at Liyana’s long, pointed ear. "So, do you not like me anymore?"

"Of course not! I’ve seriously thought about spending my whole life with you!" Liyana protested.

"You’re such a smooth talker." Delyan scoffed. "And yet, you’ve fallen for someone else."

Liyana fell silent.

"But... I don’t hate it. Liyana, you’re an honest girl. Maybe that’s what I love about you." Delyan pinched Liyana’s cheeks playfully.

"So, you mean..."

"I forgive you." Delyan flipped her hair. "Now, who’s the woman who caught your eye?"

"It’s... Mo Lini." Liyana confessed.

"Ah, her. That makes sense." Delyan’s expression shifted slightly. "Mo Lini really is incredibly cute... The students even call her the ‘Ultimate Adorable Creature.’"

"Huh—?" Liyana blinked.

"You’re interested in Mo Lini?"

"Y-yeah, I guess..." Liyana shrank back.

"Fine. I won’t stop you from pursuing her—if you can win her over, that is. But I have one condition."

"Condition?"

Delyan licked her lips. "Once you’ve got Mo Lini, I want in too."

Liyana: "......"

......

"That’s the situation! Xia Lun, give me some advice—what should I do now?" Liyana pleaded.

"I think it’s simple." The first to answer was Aina, who was clinging to Xia Lun’s arm.

Liyana’s face lit up. "Really? Aina?"

"Of course." Aina shot her a disdainful look. "A two-timing scumbag like you should just die... Xia Lun, let’s not talk to this kind of person. We’ll get tainted."

Liyana: "......"

Xia Lun sighed helplessly. "I don’t think I should interfere in your love life. But personally, as long as everyone involved is okay with it, outsiders shouldn’t have a say..."

Liyana’s eyes sparkled with hope.

"Xia Lun... my dear Hero, what are you saying? You think someone who wants to date two people at once deserves forgiveness?"

Xia Lun felt Aina’s grip tighten around his arm.

Seeing the danger, Liyana hastily fled.

"Ah... yes, that’s right. Many nobles among you humans have multiple wives and concubines... Hero-sama, your status is no less than theirs, is it? When do you plan to find another ‘little sister’ for me?"

Aina looked up with a sweet, terrifying smile.

"What are you talking about, Demon King-sama?" Xia Lun leaned in, whispering into her ear. "Have you forgotten? Everything I have left—my freedom, my life—it all belongs to you."