Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf!, Volume 2, page 15
She let out a puff of air from her nose, which was pressed against me again. Her pale purple eyes looked into mine, then her mouth opened once more.
“Will you teach me how to wear the yukata?”
When an adorable girl asked you this, all you could do was answer with, “Gladly.”
Her smile was infectious, and I felt a grin widening on my own face as well.
It was quite lively as she got dressed. The two seemed very interested in the colorful yukata, and I could hear their cheerful voices behind me as I sat in the garden. Just listening to their happy squeals put me in a happy mood too.
It was strange to think that, just a month ago, I was a salaryman who only lived to spend his time alone and dreamed as a hobby.
“Hmm, I think this is about right... Would you mind checking this really quick?”
I turned around in response to the girl’s voice, then immediately snapped my face back toward the garden. A black-haired beauty stood behind Marie, and her pale butt was visible under the open yukata.
Hmm... Such a powerful image... Her lack of modesty was a bit troubling. Maybe it was because she was in vacation mode, but it felt like Marie was less cautious than usual too.
“I-I’ll check it over here. Come here, Marie.”
She quickly trotted over, and a girl with flushed cheeks appeared before me. I took her by her hands and stood her in front of me, redid the rope around her waist, then made some finer adjustments around her chest. It seemed as if she liked being taken care of like this, and she cheerfully let me fuss around with her without resistance. Her happy expression as she spread her arms out wide was more than I could ask for as the one dressing her.
“...That should do it. Let me see your back side.”
I took her by her hand and turned her around, and she giggled lightly. With some final adjustments to her sash, Ms. Elf successfully wore her yukata. Her smile as she turned around was like a blooming flower, and she gave me an adorable, “Thank you.”
“Ah, so that is how it is meant to look.”
Wridra peered out from behind the shoji screen, and I was taken aback when I saw her exposed shoulders and clavicles. Her skin was also a pale white, and there was a potent and mature allure to her with her black hair hanging over her soft skin.
Come to think of it, she’d mentioned something about magic particles earlier. The outline of her yukata changed shape in front of our eyes, and enveloped her skin like she’d learned after looking at Marie. It was a sight straight from the realm of fantasy, and an impossibility in the Japan I knew... But she was a resident of a fantasy world to begin with, so there was no point in me worrying about that.
“Okay, let’s go to the big hot spring then. Do you both have your towels?”
““Yeees!””
They smiled brightly as they each enthusiastically raised an arm into the air. I led them out of the room and they followed me, humming with a bounce to their steps.
Silence filled the room, and it became colored with sunlight. It was sure to greet them warmly by the time they returned.
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The dressing room was filled with steam and smelled faintly of the hot springs. Marie sniffed around for that mysterious scent, and her eyes met with another Japanese guest who happened to be there.
As visitors from a fantasy world, the two girls couldn’t help but draw attention to themselves, which made her shy about undressing her yukata. But the magi drake with her didn’t seem to mind a bit, and revealed her bare body without hesitation.
Mariabelle had been worried when Kazuhiro first invited the magi drake to this world. But now, she seemed to appreciate the fact that she had a fellow companion.
Wridra grinned at her, though it was unclear whether she was aware of this sentiment. This emboldened her to disregard the watching eyes, disrobe, and put her clothes into the locker. Finally, she put her drawstring bag on top, then stared at it with her pale, purple eyes. Kazuhiro had handed this to her earlier, and saying it contained something called an “allowance.” Apparently, she could use it to buy something after getting out of the bath.
But more important than the money was that the pouch had a picture of a goldfish drawn on it, and it made her happy to know he knew what she liked. So much so, in fact, that the smile she’d been holding back spread across her face.
“Hmhm, he is a diligent one. I see he thinks very dearly of you, Marie.”
“I-I don’t, think so. He’s just very considerate, almost like a woman...and he’s very kind.” She blushed a bit, then closed the locker in a hurry.
The woman watching her had incredible proportions, and stood there with her hand to her waist, an amused grin on her face.
The girl felt her cheeks grow hot for some reason, then pushed Wridra’s back toward the hot springs.
“Ahahaha! Just look how red your face is! Such a maiden you are.”
“Stop laughing so much! I’d spank your butt if you weren’t a magi drake.”
The comment only made Wridra laugh even more. There was a whole head’s worth of height difference between them, but they almost seemed like sisters.
As they went outside, they found there was no ceiling there. A blue sky awaited them. The spring sunlight was warm. There was the hot springs before them, the distinct smell of trees in the air.
The girl wasn’t just imagining that smell. The hot springs contained gas emitting from the trees, and should they wander inside, it would’ve felt like they were surrounded by a lush forest.
The fairy elf’s heart thumped with expectation as she dipped her foot in the water. The slightly cloudy color and scent that made them feel as if they were surrounded by forestry, and the slippery texture of the water made both the girls’ eyes widen as they immersed themselves in the water foot-first.
As their entire bodies submerged, they both let out an, “Oof...”
“Aaahhh, so much hot water... This is so luxurious!”
“Nng! There is a thickness to this water. But I can feel it seeping into my tired body. How wonderful.”
They felt their bodies shudder as the slightly viscous water enveloped and gently warmed them.
They’d just washed themselves off earlier, and now had their hair wrapped up in towels. Marie had ensured her long ears were still hidden, so now she was enjoying the water without worries. There was hardly anyone else there, so they enjoyed an extravagant, near-exclusive experience.
“Ahhh... So this is a hot spring... This is going to ruin me as an elf...”
“Something like this once in a while cannot hurt... Though I do not mind at all if this ruins me as a dragon...”
Enveloped by the warmth of the water, the two let out contented sighs.
There were Japanese cypresses around them, as well as vivid, green trees. These hot springs were likely accustomed to curing weary travelers of their fatigue.
Because of the sheer volume of water, moving around didn’t make the ripples splash back at the elf. As she stretched her legs and took in a deep breath, her butt naturally floated to the top of the water.
She was in a world of bath. She’d come to realize what a deep culture the hot springs offered.
Then she stretched her legs and arms. The blue sky expanded overhead, and the two let out another deep breath.
“Mmf, this is no good... I came here oh a whim, but I just may become addicted...”
“Me too... It’s scary how deep I am into Japanese customs now, despite being an elf... A part of me wouldn’t even mind if my ears just fell right off...”
Marie placed her head against a cypress, and the two had sleepy looks on their faces. They looked just like their companion, Kazuhiro, but luckily, neither of them seemed to notice.
Steam wavered all around them, softening the sunlight coming down on their bodies. It felt as if even their thoughts would dissolve into pudding.
With such an expression on her face and sweat beading on her forehead, Wridra turned toward Marie.
“So, does it seem like you will be able to enter this so-called ancient labyrinth?”
“No, we’ll be going to speak to the guild leader tonight... Wait, how do you know...? Ooh, that’s right. You’ve been secretly eavesdropping on us.”
Hearing the slight attitude in the girl’s words, the dragon chuckled with amusement. There was no ill intent in her eyes as she looked at the girl with her breasts floating atop the water.
Marie and Kazuhiro had been aware of her observing them through the dragon blood she’d given them. Or, more accurately, they’d realized it when Mewi pointed out that they were “still connected.”
“I had no choice. I do not know anyone who is capable of crossing over to the realm of the other. This is why I was concerned. I had feared someone would try to use this power for evil, but... Oho, I did not anticipate he was simply spending his days eloping with a young elf girl.”
The girl’s cheeks turned red instantly, and not from the heat. She was all too familiar with what the magi drake was talking about.
“Ah! I’m going to call you the ‘Peeping Magi Drake’ from now on... We’re never bringing you to hot springs again!”
“What? I cannot have that! I can promise you this: I have only listened to your voices, and I was considerate of your privacy! I would have no idea if you two have been kissing!”
“K-Kissing? W-We’ve done no such thing!”
Wridra tilted her head at the sight of the girl submerging in the water down to the lips and blowing bubbles up to the surface. Judging by the content of their conversation, she’d assumed they already had that sort of relationship.
Still under water, the girl was averting her eyes. Wridra may have imagined it, but it seemed like she was somewhat upset. Seeing this, a look of realization spread on the black-haired woman’s face.
“Hmm, I see. You are a child, and he is a coward.”
“...Huh?”
The magi drake’s hand moved through the slick water and took hold of the elf’s hand. The girl looked up to face her, and Wridra whispered, “There is something interesting over there. What do you say to joining me and checking it out?”
“...Sure, I don’t mind. So long as you’re going to explain what you meant just now.”
Wridra grinned, revealing her white teeth.
Hot air suddenly drifted out toward them, and they shut the door in a hurry. It was so hot, they seemed to think it wasn’t a place where a living creature should enter. The entrance read “sauna,” but neither of them knew what it meant quite yet. They looked at each other, wondering what to do, when several women exited from the room noisily. Seeing the refreshed look on their faces, the two looked at each other again and mustered the courage to enter.
The potent heat was still there. But seeing the dark space with wooden seats inside, they could tell it was some sort of place for healing.
The magi drake sat down heavily on the seat, and the girl followed suit... only to jump up from the burning heat on her butt and yell, “Hot!” The dragon laughed again.
“Ha, ha, this seems to be another type of bath. To warm the body with steam instead of water... Humans come up with some truly innovative ideas.”
“That’s fine and all... but I thought I was going to turn into a steamed dish. Even the air I breathe is hot... It’s making my nose sting!”
She was still a bit cautious, but gradually became accustomed to the heat and lowered her hips slowly. As she sat in the room filled with hot air, she eventually became used to it enough to stretch out her limbs.
The girl then asked the dragon, “Would you mind telling me what you meant earlier? It sounded awfully mean when you called me a child and him a coward.”
Marie looked at the dragon coldly, an unusual expression for her. Though, in truth, it was simply that Kazuhiro had not seen her like this, and this was her usual expression when spending time at the Sorcerer’s Guild.
Still, Wridra’s warm, motherly expression didn’t fade, and she moved in a little closer to the girl.
“You may already know this, but my body is closer to that of a fairy. The same goes for you. Elves are close to fairies as a species, and a different creature from humans altogether.”
It was true. Although the elf sometimes forgot...no, she tried to forget, but she was different from humans. They could touch and communicate with each other, but there was something fundamentally different about them compared to humans. Because of this, she knew full well it was extremely rare for humans and elves to end up together.
“Come now, do not look so glum. This is why I say you are still a child. You wish to touch him deeply, which is why you have been changing your body and way of thinking, little by little. Am I wrong?”
The girl blinked. She couldn’t understand what was just said to her, but couldn’t pretend she didn’t hear it either. The dragon had said something important.
“No need to be hasty. You and that boy will be a pair one day.”
The girl felt something deep within her head go numb. She could see the truth of the dragon’s words, and a glimpse of the future flashed in her vision. It had been blurry and vague until then, but the dragon’s words helped it take shape. The magi drake could control all sorts of magic, but this seemed to be magic indeed.
The girl let out a melancholy sigh, hugged her knees, and made her small body seem even smaller.
“Hm? What is it?”
“He... probably doesn’t find me attractive.”
“Hmmm? And what makes you think that? You seem adorable even in my eyes.”
It had to be obvious from any observer that she was very important to that young man. But Marie pouted, making a child-like expression.
“He barely ever initiates physical contact... We’ve never even kissed like you mentioned. I don’t think he sees me as a woman at all.”
“Hm. Then about what I said earlier...”
The elf’s eyes turned slightly toward the dragon, but they were full of doubt and accusation. Considering how she’d just trusted the dragon’s earlier statements, Wridra couldn’t help but let out an internal sigh.
“He has become a coward because you are so important to him.”
“...What do you mean?”
“Ha ha. Put simply, it means there is hope for you yet.”
The girl’s amethyst eyes widened, revealing their vivid brilliance. The boy, Kazuhiro, apparently thought of them like blooming flowers. Wridra felt as if she somewhat understood why he lost himself in those eyes.
“Real...ly...?”
Even as the girl asked anxiously, she moved in even closer. Her shining eyes were attractive even to the dragon, and made Wridra’s cheeks turn slightly rosy.
“Well, finding out whether that is true or not is a simple task. The truth is always right there in front of you. If you wish to know, you can simply find out. For example...”
The girl felt her head go dizzy from the woman’s confident words. Really, it was because she’d been in the sauna too long.
The girl’s body slowly sloped downward, and Wridra silently supported her. Then Wridra carried her outside and laid her down on the chair.
As she passed through the cloth divider to go out, the young man was reading a book nearby. The girl remembered how they’d picked a book at the library together, but she would’ve liked more time to mentally prepare for the reunion.
He noticed her as well and looked right at her. His usual sleepy-looking face smiled gently, and he stood up. The samue he wore was rather plain, but perfect for spending time in leisure.
“Hey there. How was the bath? There’s a footbath over there. Would you like to check it out?”
She couldn’t speak very well, and could only nod wordlessly. And so, they walked toward the footbath with him in the lead.
The girl turned around to see Wridra waving her hand, mouthing the words “Good luck,” which only made her heart beat even louder. She could hear it pounding against her chest, and her feet were uncertain, as if she were walking in a dream. His hand squeezed hers, and her small body twitched in reaction. The anticipation of something to come made her feel like she could pass out at any moment...
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This place was a recreational facility, but it was also a nice and tranquil Japanese inn. As we walked down the hallway, there were many families who seemed to be enjoying their free time. The sunlight was nearly directly overhead, and there were several people heading toward the dining hall by this time.
We could go and eat already, but it would probably be better to relax a bit after taking a bath. It was the first hot springs visit for the elf whose hand I was holding, so I should be teaching her the proper way to enjoy it.
“After you’re done taking a bath, you get to pick any drink you want. Look, that’s what that booth is for.”
“...I-I see. Is that what the drawstring pouch you gave me is for?”
I turned around, noticing she took her time to reply. The girl’s face was so red that I wondered if she’d overheated in the hot springs. Her clavicle was peeking out beneath her yukata, and seeing her pale skin more flush than usual made her seem more alluring than her age. Seeing her full, soft-looking lips almost made my own face grow hot.
Although, of course, she was an elf who’d lived a hundred years, so she was actually much older than me.
“Y-Yeah, so, uh, go ahead and pick anything you’d like.”
I pointed ahead, and the girl’s eyes were directed to the juice lineup. The refrigerator behind the glass contained coffee, milk, strawberry milk, and various canned drinks in a line. The sight was sure to draw the attention of any child, and the girl’s eyes glittered with excitement.
But feeling someone’s eyes on us, I looked to the side to find Wridra in the corner of the hallway, looking as if she were about to cry.
Umm, she’s standing pretty far from us... But what was she doing there? I wanted to ask, but she disappeared to the other side of the hallway with a look of pained reluctance. I would’ve bought her some juice if she wanted some...
