Chapter 95: Dancing in the moon-less night.

Having returned to normal after the end of such raging battle, the wind caressed the leaves of the many trees that filled the forest as gently as a caring mother, making them softly dance in response.

And they did so, not in silence, but to the tune of the natural orchestra that could only be found there, one provided by the insects, nocturnal birds, and other beings that called the forest their home.

It was there, in that very forest, that bonds would be strengthened, transformed into something deeper, rather than in a royal venue like some had thought. But that was alright, life is wont to not go according to plan, for sometimes… sometimes something better awaits.

____________________________________________

"Then, shall we dance?"

SHEEEE SAID IIIIIIIT!!!

EREVAIN TOTALLY SAID IT!!

THIS IS HAPPENING!!

"Indeed."

Not wasting any time after my perfectly done response, Erevain extends her right hand to me and I grab it in the way she taught me.

Delicately and with propriety.

What? I’m the woman of the duo, you say? Heh, things are not like that in Arte. There is only the one who invites to dance and the one who is invited, regardless of gender.

In any case, while taking a small step towards each other, Erevain puts her left hand on my right arm, and I put my right hand on her left shoulder blade. Not her waist, mind you, but her shoulder blade. You wouldn't believe how difficult it was to deal with that when she was teaching me!

And with that, we start our nightly dance, all as the moon that Erevain brought forth with her spell baths us in its light.

How do I know it was because of her spell? Well, it’s pretty obvious already, add my instinct to that and profit.

Now…

One…two…three…four…

Yes, this dance is eerily similar to the kind of ball dance we are all accustomed to see. But it has one difference, at least the one I can think of with my little knowledge about dancing. And said difference consists of where we go.

What I mean, is that rather than doing so in a circular manner, we are moving in straight lines while also doing sharp turns here and there, which makes it look as if we were drawing a big square. It is also why we count to four.

"One...two...three...four...you are doing well, My Lord."

"That is because I had a good teacher, Erevain."

"Ah yes. Although, I heard that she can be a tad…strict."

As Erevain playfully says that, we go seamlessly into the second phase of the dance, where we go inside of the square we ‘traced’ and 'draw' a circle with our movements.

"Heh, indeed. She can even be overbearing sometimes.”

Hearing this, Erevain raises her eyebrows for a moment and then her expression becomes a bit sad, but I’ll change that quickly with what I’m about to do and say.

“But…that is part of her charm.”

So, I smile as I pull her even closer to me without missing a step thanks to my instinct’s help and continue right where I left off, all while looking right at those beautiful silver eyes of hers, causing her to blush.

Also, me being taller than her means that she is looking upwards while I’m looking downwards...wait...isn't this kind of like The Beauty and the Beast?!

"Hehe…I see. Then is there anything else you find likable about her?"

She giggles and smiles just like a maiden before asking that and turning things up a notch in terms of dancing speed. Heh, this is totally her having some payback.

Seriously, that seemingly innocent but actually not-so-innocent personality of hers really shines there and I love it.

“Oh yes, indeed. There are many things I find likable about her. For example…”

“…?!”

Of course, I respond in kind and use some of the moves from my world to take her by surprise, and I do it by using my instinct to perfectly integrate them at the right moment.

What moves, you ask? You know the one where the person leading the dance leans forward and the person being led leans backwards while having their faces be extremely close? Like in…what was it…tango! Yes, tango!

That one. I’m doing that now. Or more like…we’re doing that now.

"…I love that strong heart of hers."

So I whisper into her ear with an oh so alluring, yet heartfelt tone, before I pull her back to our normal position and we keep dancing.

"I love her humility and her selflessness."

She listens to me intently as I say those things and I can’t help but keep looking at her eyes while doing so, eyes that seem to almost shine under the moonlight.

"I love how she can be both a person who is earnest and disciplined, and a person who knows when it is time to relax and simply laugh."

I have been watching her more and more ever since that night at the village...

Yes, it was quite strange for it to start like that but...yeah...

"I love how she dotes on her little sister and how she kept hoping for the innocence of her brother and close friend."

There is a bit of heaviness in her eyes as she looks away for a moment…

"I love how foolish she is, and do not get me started on how much I love how direct she is sometimes, being very effective at making my heart flutter."

…yet she still gets closer and closer to me, until we are dancing so close to each other that it’s a miracle how we haven’t stepped on each other’s toes.

"It seems I got more than I asked for..."

So she says as she stops looking away and lets me see her gorgeously blushing face again.

“Hooh~, is that so? And here I had much more to say. Then again, let me ask you the same question. What does the teacher like about the student?"

I know we are dancing around the subject by not referring to us as us, but...I think it’s fine, right?

Also, pun totally intended.

“Heh, very well then, My Lord. I shall start with this…”

“…?!”

In any case, she chuckles, nods, and most importantly, she takes the lead back from me, making me dance at her pace once again. Not only that, but she has done so by using some moves she did not teach me back then! And she is using even more now!

I feel like a doll that can only move how she wants!

"…I love how she is genuinely interested in everything that goes on around her and what is taught to her."

She starts and...I already know that I will end up so red...

"I love how she accepts my advice and never minimizes the knowledge of others."

Of course, since you all have more experience than me in many, many things...

“I love how she is someone whose word is her bond, never straying from the promises she made to me, and not just out of obligation or duty, but because that is her honest desire. Something that she made clear to me when she immediately accepted to do things such as helping people she does not know."

She noticed that…ahhh…I can feel that my smile is beginning to tremble!

"I love how she holds great power and yet, she is kind, much kinder than others..."

And now it feels as if she is staring into my heart as she says that…

"She is so kind that she even respects the wishes of those that were her enemies."

I...that is...

"I love how she truly believes in even those that think themselves lost and in those that think themselves as lesser."

Red...I’m getting so red right now...

"I love the you that is seemingly harsh and cold, the you that is daring, and the you that is beneath those... That you who only comes out briefly and gets excited by the smallest to grandest things with an almost child-like awe, thoroughly enjoying all of them."

...nn…can’t…narrate…

"Hehe, now we are even, My Lord Auros."

THIS PRINCESS! WAS SHE TEASING ME?!!

WAS SHE USING THE FACT THAT I SEEMINGLY AM A TSUNDERE TO MAKE ME THIS RED?!

"I-I suppose so..."

DAMN IT! I LOOKED AWAY LIKE ONE!!

"..."

"..."

Aaaand now there is silence...

I mean, we are still dancing, and we are enjoying ourselves, even if I’m looking at the moon right now...ahaha. So, this not an awkward silence but...still...

I don't like silence...at least not in this situation...

So—hm?! She just…she just rested her head on my chest! No, not directly on my breasts, she is taller than that, so her head is on top of it!

In any case…this position…this slow pace…

If only there was some music...

Ah! I’m a weeb, so I can make music with my voice! After all, we always practice our opening songs or endings for that one karaoke time that may never come!! We pour sweat, cringe, embarrassment, and tears to match even a fraction of the hype those songs instill in us!! Even if our voices suck!!

Specially, if our voices suck!!

BUT!! I’M CHEATING NOW!!! MUAHAHAHAHA!! WHY?! BECAUSE I HAVE THE VOICE OF A PROFESSIONAL SEIYUU!!

ONE THAT CAN SING TOO!!

And the moon has reminded me of a good song! One that I know like the back of my hand!

The opening song of besto waifu’s game!

“♪...May the night be witness of our bond...♫”

"...!"

“♫…Be it fate or chance, it matters not…♪”

“♫♪♫♪”

For a moment she seemed surprised by my sudden humming and singing, but now she is delighted by it…so much so that she has started humming.

And so, I continue to sing as we dance.

We both lead.

We both concede.

We push.

We pull.

And when the lyrics end, we lean close to each other and we kiss.

*SHINE*

Then, as we began to separate our lips, the effects of Erevain’s spell ended and the silver light that both painted her hair and vested her began to vanish while shining, slowly turning into the many small, floating pieces that fill the air around us.

Like fireflies.

Meanwhile, the moon is disappearing slowly, giving way to the stars, and letting the sky become moonless again.

As for us, we are embracing now...

I can feel her warmth and she can feel mine.

"That song...it was beautiful."

She says that as we gaze into each other’s eyes once more.

Also, you heard that, Sensei? Your music is considered beautiful even in another world! It doesn't get better than that!

"It was written by a certain person from where I come from."

And of course, I need to at least mention that I didn't write it, unlike some isekai protagonists that just let people assume otherwise.

"I see…then they should feel proud that their song has reached even these parts through you, My Lord Auros.”

"I simply desired to accompany such delightful dance with an appropriate song. I am glad that you found it appealing."

Good, that did not sound like tsundere, right? Right??

Also, we have stopped embracing each other.

"My Lord...no...Auros..."

"...!"

She just called me by my name!!! No honorifics!!

"After everything that has happened...I have reaffirmed what I desire to do. I wish to share my life with you. Not only as a Knight, but as a woman, as a simple person. That is to say…I love you."

.....!!!!!!!!!!!!! SHE SAID IT!!!!!

And I of course need to say something back! As an adult I cannot play the misunderstanding card to escape from this situation.

We have already kissed, and it should come as no surprise that yes, I do harbor feelings for her.

Nerinne wants this too, as she has been pushing for it...

Still...is Erevain truly fine with that?

But just before I can open my mouth and ask that, Erevain puts her hand on my lips.

"I know that I am not the only one who harbors feelings for you, Auros. And I am also aware that the Goddess desires this too, for she knows that someone such as yourself would attract others. After all, she is your soul partner."

Hearing those words, I thought there would be pain, maybe even jealousy, but there is only…acceptance?

"And I agree. It would be foolish of me to think otherwise. That is why I shall become your first mortal bride. I can never hope to be victorious over the Goddess, but against other mortals, I shall prevail."

NA-NANI THE SHOCK?!!! A-AND B-BRIDE?!! THIS PRINCESS IS THE SAME AS HER SISTER!! NO...IT HAS BEEN THE OTHER WAY AROUND SINCE THAT NIGHT IN THE VILLAGE!!

IT ALL FITS!!

WAIT...HAS MY COMMENT BACK THEN WITH EUPHEMIA AND HER COME TO BITE ME IN THE ASS?! AND IN A GOOD WAY?!!

"But..."

Eh? There is a 'but'?!

"...I find those who do not fulfill their promises, not worthy of my love."

EH? Have I broken a promise?

"That is why, with this..."

*kiss*

"...my turn has ended. And so, I shall return on my own. Meanwhile, please wait here, Auros. Ah, but one last thing, would you call me Ere when we are alone?"

"..."

And just like that...she left...

She drops all these bombs...she kisses me again…asks me that…and just leaves the moment I nod...I feel strange...

Also, yes, now that I think about it, I did make a promise...

IF I DANCED WITH EREVAIN JUST NOW, THEN IT MEANS THAT SHE IS COMING NEXT!!

______________________________________________

As Auros was left in the forest to wait, two women crossed paths with each other.

The black-haired one was returning, for she had said and done what she wanted and needed.

As such, her turn had indeed ended.

"As per our agreement, it is your turn now."

"I know."

Meanwhile, the blonde one was going to the meeting place, for there were things that she not only wanted, but needed to say and do.

Thus, her turn was only beginning.

_____________________________________________

Five minutes after Erevain left me speechless, I see her arrive.

Gabrielle.

And I’m rendered speechless once again.

How could I not? Just look at her…not only is she wearing her ball dress, but she has also created many small orbs of light around her, whose glow only enhance that breathtaking beauty of hers and, of course, her ojou-sama appeal.

In short, she looks stunning.

And while she doesn't need those orbs to see thanks to our pact, it is clear that that is her way to set the tone.

I mean, Erevain had the literal moon to help with that, so it stands to reason that Gabrielle would try to do something like that too…and man was it super effective.

Still, since this is no longer a surprise, I can be a bit calmer. Although, I won’t lie and tell you that I won't get red when she starts expressing her feelings...

"My dear Master Auros, I presume you already know why I am here."

"I do. So, shall we?"

And just as if we were still in the royal venue, Gabrielle does a formal, bow and all, and I respond in kind while extending my hand to her.

"Yes, let us dance, My dear Master Auros."

With that, she grabs my hand with no hesitation and…wow…the light orbs…she just made them multiply and circle around us with a flick of her other hand.

Also, this golden light is so soothing...warm too...

"This light has a calming effect, My dear Master Auros. Although, it is not a spell, but rather something basic for us healers."

Noticing that I’m glancing at the orbs of light, Gabrielle says that, which makes me turn back my gaze to her and…I see, she has taken a different dancing position than Erevain’s.

Thus, following her lead, I assume my own position, and we start.

Gabrielle’s way of dancing is more direct and daring, to say the least.

Our strides are firm and long, and there is no 'square' being traced but a 'diamond'.

"Making these orbs is one of the first things we learn in the Healer's course. After all, having a calm patient is important."

She continues her explanation as we get so close to each other that our bodies touch and then we push each other away while still holding our hands.

"It also helps soothe the heart of sensitive warriors..."

That...!

"...warriors such as yourself, My Dear Master Auros."

She...how...?

Ah...she let go of one of my hands...and she is getting closer...

"But there is no need for you to say anything, My Dear Master Auros."

She is caressing my face...and her beautiful turquoise eyes are gleaming with genuine care for me...

"Not right now. But when you feel ready to talk about it, know that feeling such emotions do not make you any less of a worthy Master."

As she says that, she gracefully turns around while holding on to my other hand...making my arm go over her and changing our dancing position into one where I’m embracing her from the back...

"That only means that your power is not the one guiding your hand, but your kind heart. What has been cultivated there has bloomed into something beautiful and I would not like it in any other way."

Slowly swaying to the right and left, we both hold on to each other tightly and don’t let go while she continues.

"I want to tell you that we are here, that I am here. And I would still be here for you even if my feelings were different than the ones that lie in my heart right now, I am sure of it. Just as I am sure that the Goddess thinks the same."

"Gabrielle..."

I can’t see it from where I am, but I’m sure that Gabrielle’s calm smile is still there.

"And there is another thing I wish to tell you, My Dear Master…Auros..."

With that, she looks up and I look down, gazing into each other’s eyes as she starts.

"I love you. I love the sensible warrior that you are. I love how you act immediately to save the lives of others when it is needed, like when we arrived at the capital and you dispelled that strange spell. I love how you would do so slowly if that means that only those responsible will be hurt. I love the true concern that you showed when those that we thought as enemies were dying and the respect you showed when we gave them proper rest.”

While I already knew it, to think that she has been watching me to the point of knowing what I did with Bryn's spell...it makes my heart jump a beat...

"But most important of all...I love you because you took all of us out of the hole we were in and gave us a new life. Or in my case...a life I wished. I have lived my life always looking for who I really am, trying to understand what I want to do and what I want to be. This strange feeling of never belonging, never feeling complete...did not go away even after finding a family in those three and the Order. That is why I still felt alone, and I would find myself alone, a ghost, so to speak...but now that feeling is gone. I feel alive. This appearance, this voice, this path, it feels right...that is why, I love you."

I see...so she was...I can't half-ass this and this is different than with Erevain. I can't stay silent.

"Ever since you started your approach, I have found myself pulled towards that honesty of yours, for it is as if you wield your heart in everything you do. I...did not meet the you from before, but the you who is with me now is a woman that has made my heart flutter. A woman whose actions, while not wholly unpredictable, still manage to surprise me and bring about sides of myself that are somewhat embarrassing. Yet, I cannot help but wish to see more of you.”

There, I said it.

The feeling I have for her is different than the one I have for Erevain and yet...not only do I hold them dear, but I have fallen in love with them…

Aaaah...should I explode?

Hm? When did Gabrielle turn around? And her face is coming closer...

"My, then be sure to watch me closely, Auros..."

*kiss*

"...for I hereby declare that I shall be the one to claim the place of your first mortal wife. The Goddess is someone I cannot beat but beating Erevain is another story. Uhuhu~, who would have thought that our little rivalry would even extend to this? But, strangely, I am happy for this development. After all, no one is more worthy of being my rival than her."

...

AGAIN WITH THE BRIDE THING!! ARE WE GETTING AXED?! IS THAT IT?!

ALSO, SHE GIGGLED BEFORE KISSING ME AND GAVE ME SUCH AN OJOU-SAMA LINE!! AHHH MY HEART!!

IS THIS THE POWER OF AN ISEKAI?!!

"That is all I had to say for now, my dear Auros."

So says Gabrielle as she separates herself from me.

“I will be going first, as there is one last lady that you wish to dance with. Am I correct, my dear Auros?”

This ojou-sama...of course she knew…

"Indeed."

Thus, we smile to each other and then she goes back to the camp, leaving me alone in the forest. And while I can start things immediately, I will of course wait until she is far enough from here.

___________________________________________

Meanwhile, in a place separated from the camp, three women dressed as maids approached two figures.

One was a woman who was dressed as a maid too.

The other was an androgynous man dressed in a fine suit.

Both had stayed in the same place where they were left before the fall of the Colossus. No matter what happened, they stayed there, watching until it all ended.

“Licht, Mary, it is time. We need to talk.”

So declared the black-haired woman at the center of the three who arrived, Erevain.

“No more acts. No more lies. Just…the truth, please Mary.”

Pleaded the short-haired blonde woman at Erevain’s right, Erica.

“You need to tell them why you did what you did, brother. You too, big sis.”

Said the youngest maid with the checkered hair at the left of Erevain, although that outfit was simply a disguise for her, Euphemia.

“…”

In response, Mary looked at the three women in the eye and nodded with no sign of reticence in her face, making it clear that she was ready to take responsibility for her actions.

“Very well.”

Meanwhile, Licht said that as he locked eyes with his now elder sister and a dubious smile began to form on his face, for he was finally going to obtain the answer to the question he has had for over five years.

‘What will my dear Elder Sister do after I tell her everything?’

And so, he started.

“It was—"

Or so he thought.

“You…?”

But then…he noticed that a certain someone had appeared behind Erevain and he could not help but let that out in surprise.

“Oh, please, don’t stop talking because of little young me~~. I was the one that helped your mother deliver you three siblings into this world, so I feel that I need to be here in place of Theresa and hear what you have to say. So, go on, Licht. Yes~~?”

“““““…?!”””””

It was Ludovica Aldert, the Head of the Church, and a close friend of the Kyrie siblings’ deceased mother.

“You knew about Elder Sister?!”

While everybody else was shocked silent by Ludovica’s words, Euphemia was able to ask that even if she was as surprised as them.

“…!”

Furthermore, Erica got startled as Ludovica’s knowing gaze and smile fell on her for a moment, practically telling her that yes, she knew about her too.

“Heeeh~, what is so difficult to believe, Euphemia? As I said, I helped deliver you three into this world. I knew she was Erevain from the very moment I looked into those eyes, clear and filled with goodness, just like your mother’s. Now Licht, please, continue.”

Licht did not even need to see the frightening glint in Ludovica’s eyes to know that despite her seemingly light tone and playful attitude, the Head of the Church was not playing around.

There was a reason why the Paladins were so strong, so swift in their actions and why there was no separation between the Clergy and the Paladin Order.

And that very reason was in front of him.

She was not only the highest-ranking member of the Clergy, able to commune with the Goddess in a way alien to most, but she was also the strongest Paladin in Arte. She was…something beyond an Exalted Paladin.

If Licht were to even show the intention of attacking her, things would be over before even beginning.

Still, that was only if she were there to fight.

But luckily for Licht, her being unarmed meant that she was indeed only there to listen.

Yet the overwhelming pressure that she was bathing them in…

“Nnn…alright. It all started…”

…meant that his and Mary’s fate would be decided right there.

____________________________________________

I think that’s enough waiting, so time to summon my lance.

"Come, Holy Lance Nern."

While it has instantly appeared in my hand as always, I need it to be floating in front of me, so I do that with a bit of spatial magic.

"What are you planning to do, dear?"

Heh, would you be so kind to let me show you instead of reading my mind, darling?

"Fufufu~~, oh dear, another surprise? Aw, but I’m sorry to say that even if I’m not reading more than what I need to communicate with you, Gabrielle might have spoiled the surprise with her comment."

Ha! You may have a point right there, you lovable Goddess but...!

*fwooooosh*

I’m not opening any [Door]s right now, am I?

"That mana...you...no way, Auros..."

Ah, I love that surprised voice of yours, Nerinne. And I really wish for you to enjoy it, so I’m glad that you are not looking into what I’m about to do.

"I...may have seen that it’s something good and that you wanted to surprise me, but I stopped there.  Still, to be able to do this...!"

Heh, well, as the people from my world use to say.

"We humans are always looking for ways to cheat the system!"

With that said, let’s do this!!

"Space, heed me, obey me! Bring a piece of the place that is my right and transform it as if it were both a bubble and a fine cloth! One enough to contain and dress the one which I desire to be with me!! [Dress for Heaven]!!"

Yes!! The other spell that occurred to me when I was working on the Mirror Space one!! The faint ‘cloth’ acts as a bubble that covers my lance in its entirety and makes it as if it were in my personal space rather than here!!

Why?! Because if that’s the only place where you can be, then I shall bring a part of that place here, my lovely Nerinne!

"A-auros...!"

Now come! My heroine! My Love!

"Yes!"

With that, the lance shines and it takes the form of a beautiful woman, the same beautiful woman that is Nerinne!

And she is wearing a beautiful rose-gold dress along with a gorgeous veil that goes perfect with it!

"You really...! You really are the one...Auros!"

She jumps at me the moment the shine dies down and of course…we share a kiss as we embrace each other.

I really missed this warmth, this softness, this scent of hers.

"And I missed yours, my love."

Well, a promise is a promise.

"Fufufu~~, but would you be able to keep up with my pace, Miss 'I just learned to dance'?"

Oh, now it's on!

And so, we dance a dance so similar, yet different from those that I was taught. It is as if all those dance moves were there and at the same time they were not. A dance that only we could dance.

It’s so good and yet...I feel as if I need to say something as we dance.

"But why, dear? There is nothing left to say as we have already said it."

Yes...but still...

"You really don’t like silence, don’t you?”

Ahaha…maybe?

“Hmm, alright. Then I shall tell you two things, dear. One to reaffirm something I already said and the other is for me to enjoy."

I can already guess those two.

"Fufufu~~, indeed. The first is that I am not a mortal but a Goddess, and for me the purest act of love is to let you live a life that also involves mortal love. Those two, and the others that may come...are fine by me if you can love them too."

I can only speak about Erevain and Gabrielle right now, but I have already fallen for them, so you can be sure that I can love them too.

“I know. And I know that the love you have for me, and the love you have for them is different and yet...it will become just as gorgeous. Like a garden full of different and colorful flowers. Such a precious thing. Such a beautiful thing. So, be free to nurture it and make it grow, make it bloom! Because I too want to see that love! Of course, I will never lag behind! After all, I’m the first heroine!!"

This Goddess...going from divine grace to weeb grace...you really are lovable.

"Fufufu~~, of course. And now, the second thing. Please Auros, can you sing that song again for me?"

"Gladly."

I could never say no to this voice, to these eyes, to this woman.

“♪...May the night be witness of our bond...♫”

And so, I sing.

“♫…Be it fate or chance, it matters not…♪”

And so, we keep dancing to the point that it feels like we are softly floating in the air.

"♪...For you are here. Kiss me...♫"

Me and the Goddess who brought me to this world.

This beautiful other world.

To be continued in Epilogue 1: The Pyrrhic Bet.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING UP TO THIS POINT!

Not only that, but also thank you for your understanding and patience. It took me a bit more to revise this chapter as I sadly had to cut the song that was originally in the chapter and invent a new one ahahaha…

In any case, I really, really want to thank each and every one of you for following Auros’ shenanigans up to this point and look forward for what comes next, for there is still more of volume!

Besides that, the battle between wholesomeness and lewdness has ended in a tie! And an awesome patron and friend, Ayth, has offered to sponsor the commissioning of the second option! That means that we are getting both the wholesome and the lewd options illustrated! Thank you to everyone who voted!

Special thanks from the bottom of my heart to: EmbraceTheSleeb, Lord-Hollow, YukisoraRin, LordInquisitorSteele, Anon, Anon2, Tikku, Teresa, Ayth, Knight_Redundant, Schoookie, sumdudeguy, pokio, greatred, eeleater, ChaTY, CrimsonNarwhal, NAEON, AnimeFreak1982, Anon 3 and Aravir!

Please do not translate my work without my permission. Favor de no traducir mi trabajo sin mi expreso permiso.

Please do not repost the official or the fan-made art shown here and in the story in general. Por favor no repostees el arte oficial o hecho por fans mostrado aquí y en la historia en general.

See you all next chapter!