Kousuke was lounging on the management layer’s sofa because he had some free time. He was half-conscious, on the verge of falling asleep.
Suddenly, someone tackled him.
“Onii-chan, I have a favor to ask~!”
“…Gah!?”
It was Wanri, in her human form. Even though she was small and light, being pounced on unexpectedly was tough. Seeing Kousuke writhing, Wanri apologized with a slightly teary gaze.
“Sorry…”
Kousuke patted her head and replied, “Ah, yeah. Well… be more careful next time, okay?”
“Okay…!”
Wanri flashed him a bright smile, and Kousuke smiled back.
“So? What’s this favor?”
“Umm…”
Wanri explained that she had recently visited the Elf Village with Colette. She had seen the World Tree and the many spirits around it, and thought it would be nice to have spirits in their own area too. She could sense spirits in her current layer, but not nearly as many as around the World Tree. By the way, both Wanri and the Tenko and Jiko could sense spirits, so it would be good for strengthening their powers.
Kousuke folded his arms and pondered. He wasn’t against granting Wanri’s request; in fact, it was a welcome offer. However, he had no idea how to increase the number of spirits. He figured he wouldn’t find an answer by thinking about it himself, so he decided to consult an expert.
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“Ah, I see. So that’s why you came to me for advice,” Colette said, nodding. By the way, Colette was currently linking arms with Kousuke. Ever since an incident a few days ago, Colette had started enjoying contact with Kousuke. She’d restrained herself in the management layer with other members around, but she’d take any opportunity to link arms. She used to cling to him openly in the management layer too, but Sylvia and Peach became envious and told her to refrain from doing so. It wasn’t just Colette; other members had also started initiating contact, which escalated until they agreed to discuss it.
Even so, Colette continued her attempts, but Sylvia and Peach intervened, arguing it was unfair and that she should limit such displays when others were present. They felt responsible for instigating Colette’s behavior. Colette reluctantly agreed. At first, she was hesitant, but Sylvia’s words, “If you go too far, Kouhi and Mitsuki will get angry,” left her no choice but to nod. Even Colette knew what would happen if she angered Kouhi and Mitsuki. At worst, she wouldn’t even be allowed near Kousuke, which was only natural. For Colette, that was an unacceptable outcome.
Therefore, unable to be clingy in the management layer, she lavished affection on Kousuke when he visited the Elf Village. Those who knew the old Colette would wonder who she was, but she didn’t seem to mind. Initially, the elves were bewildered by their behavior, but they had since accepted it. By the way, Sheryl, upon seeing them for the first time, murmured, “…Envious.”
According to Dolly, Colette’s uninhibited displays of affection had begun to change the elves’ behavior. Couples, including married ones, who used to act like elderly couples themselves, began to act like newlyweds after witnessing and hearing about Colette’s actions. Kousuke wondered if this was a positive change, but Dolly, overhearing his musings, declared it was definitely a good change. At least, Dolly seemed to have been aiming for this result. Kousuke himself didn’t mind Colette being clingy (in fact, he was pleased), so he let her have her way.
Colette nodded after hearing Wanri’s request from Kousuke, but her expression quickly turned serious. “Increase spirits… huh? I wonder if there were any installations like that…?” After thinking for a moment, Colette shook her head. “No. I don’t remember specifically looking for that, so I can’t recall. Shall we return to the management layer?”
“Is your work okay?” Kousuke asked, referring to her duties as the World Tree’s Shrine Maiden.
“It’s fine. I just finished. … Besides, you’d prefer it if I wore this too, wouldn’t you, Kousuke?” Colette said, proudly showing off her Shrine Maiden Outfit. Hearing her words, Kousuke felt the gaze of the surrounding women turn cold and tried to laugh it off. “N-no, that’s not true…?”
“…Really? I thought you liked this outfit better than my casual clothes, it’s so ha–… Mmph!” Kousuke realized it was dangerous to let her continue and quickly covered Colette’s mouth. Wanri tilted her head, and Mitsuki stifled a laugh. The surrounding women’s gazes seemed to grow even colder. “Ahahaha… Sorry for the commotion~” Kousuke, still covering Colette’s mouth, forced a smile and left the scene, trying to smooth things over.
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Instead of heading directly to the management layer from the foot of the World Tree where Colette was, they went to Dolly’s tree and picked up Sheryl before heading to the management layer. Sheryl, a former World Tree’s Shrine Maiden, had more knowledge about spirits. There was another reason as well. That reason was Dolly, whom they were currently confirming installations with on the management screen along with Kousuke and the others.
Dolly, who was growing steadily like the World Tree, could now appear in other locations for short periods with the Shrine Maiden Sheryl present. However, since Sheryl’s range was limited to the Elf Village and the management layer, they hadn’t been able to confirm her presence elsewhere. They hadn’t expressed any dissatisfaction regarding their limited range of movement. Sheryl herself had rarely left the side of the World Tree as its Shrine Maiden, so she seemed content. Instead, she was surprised and simultaneously delighted when Dolly appeared upon their arrival at the management layer. She seemed happier that Dolly could move freely than that she herself could.
Thus, they all began searching for something that would attract many spirits, including Dolly. The initial plan was for Colette to become a cool beauty… how did things turn out like this?! The author is also surprised.
May 11, 2014 Typo correction
June 14, 2014 Omission correction
