From Ashes To Scales

“Umm… Rusalka, mind telling me what are we doing at this shop?”

“Pancakes! I heard humans like to eat various foods when they go on dates. And… I always wanted to try eating pancakes for once.”

“Well we do have a little time and most of our supplies are ready… and it is true that I never tasted this shop’s food myself…”

“Can we?”

When you’re asking me with those puppy eyes, does it look like I have a choice at all? So I nodded and we sat at a table and ordered up. To be honest… pancakes doesn’t sound like a bad idea. I just hope the other girls won’t accuse me that I didn’t get them any. Better place some in my storage just in case. They’re more likely to get jealous over food than actually sharing a man. I know harem’s are common in this world, but that’s usually reserved for kings and high nobles. Even my dad only had one wife. Although I wasn’t curious to look into his personal life to see if he had any mistresses.

“Yum!! This is so tasty!!”

“Indeed. It's quite good.”

Ahh. Rusalka's innocent vibes would make even the most tired body feel reborn. I can't describe it, but it feels like animal therapy. It is known that if you come home from work, and a cute and happy puppy welcomes you and you snuggle with him, all your fatigue and troubles fade away. I guess she has the same effect.

“Master, you left a strawberry on your plate. Let me help! Say AAAAA!!”

My face almost instantly went red. Surprisingly dragons can blush too. This was… so embarrassing. A scene like this was something I could only dream in my old world. I pictured in my head many times if I had a girlfriend what romantic things we would do. But… now that it's happening right before my eyes… I feel like my knees are turning to jelly.

And I think Rusalka also noticed that this scenario is embarrassing and her face turned bright red as well. Oh well. I can't just say, “put that strawberry down”, so I mustered the courage and…

“Aaaa!!”

*Gulp*

Yeah. I forgot to chew and swallowed it whole. Thankfully my throat resembles that of a crocodile. Even if I don't chew my food, I can swallow relatively large chunks of it without choking.

“Was… it good?”

“Yes.”

“You… have really big teeth, master.”

“Don't worry. I don't bite hard. I think…”

The conversation was starting to get nowhere as both of us felt quite awkward. So I decided to just pay the bill and we left. For the next hour we strolled across the city and started actually gathering the supplies we need. Basic potions, camping equipment, food rations, so on and so on. Although is it just me or is Rusalka even more nervous? It's like she has something she wants to say no matter what, but can't bring herself to speak.

Eventually I couldn't take it anymore, so we turned into an alley and I confronted her.

“Alright, Rusalka, it's clear you have something on your mind. I order you to tell me what's troubling you.”

“Eeep!! Well… if it's an order… then, I have a request.”

“Do tell me.”

“Master… I want… a kiss…”

My jaw instantly dropped and I almost lost my balance. I couldn't believe my ears.

“W-what brought this on?”

“Well… Leona kissed you… and I love master as well. I feel left out… but… I was first so I want to feel like I win over her!! She forced herself on you, but if you are the one that is doing it… I don't know why, but my chest is tingling… I feel that I won't be any inferior to her.”

Is this how people express jealousy in this world? I’m seriously flattered that she cares so much about me. But I don't know how to handle these sorts of scenarios. In my past life, I did try once confessing my feelings in high school to a girl I fell in love with. We actually got along quite well, and she even said herself that nobody makes her laugh as hard as I do.

So guess my disappointment when she told me she already had a boyfriend. My heart was crushed. Staying in the friend zone… was really hard as well. It took me a few weeks to recover, but that scar never truly healed. I know you might think I am pathetic, but I suppose I was just too emotional. People react differently to love and it all impacts us in different forms.

That being said, I can't call it a trauma either. It's just that… I guess I am more skeptical when it comes to girls. However I can't lump Rusalka in the same pot as other women. She's way too pure and cute for that.

“You… became silent, master. Is… that a no? I guess… I imposed too much… *Mhmm!?*”

I didn't let her finish that sentence. I bent over, closed my eyes and stole her lips. Honestly I don't even know if I’m doing it right. I still haven't got used to this crocodile-like mouth yet. But I could sense that she accepted me. And just like Leona she slightly inserted her tongue in my mouth, although she was more gentle.

I can't say how long we stayed connected, but it sure felt long. Eventually we did part, and both our faces were bright red.

“Master… I love you.”

“Rusalka… thank you for your honest feelings. You are very precious to me but…”

“I know. You love everyone else too. It's ok. I understand master well. I love everyone else too. Except for the scary lady.”

Thankfully Rose wasn't around to hear that one.

“Being by your side is all I want. It's all that makes me happy. So please, whenever you feel sad, you can always rely on me. I will always listen to you.”

I feel like crying at this point. What did I do to deserve such bliss? But I can't break into tears. I have to hold it in.

“I will, Rusalka. And thank you. You have no idea how much those words mean to me.”

With that, we decided to stop there before anyone else comes in this alley by mistake. We still had one more errand to run. And… I had one more appointment.

------

“Ahahaha!! I got to hand it to you, Magnus, you sure are an amusing fellow! You know, for a virgin, girls sure tend to flock around you. You ended up building quite the harem.” (Iseria)

“Get off my back, will you? It's really embarrassing if you word it like that. It was never my intention to make a harem. The fact that all my party members are girls is just a coincidence. At least with them I feel safe. You know I have trust issues.” (Magnus)

As you can probably guess, I’m once again in the dimensional storage playing chess with Iseria-chan. I’ve gotten used to this routine already, but I never managed to beat her even once. Should I say “as expected of a Goddess”? Anyway for some weird reason she really likes to make fun of me.

“Look, I can see the reasoning. It's not easy getting back on your feet. The mind is a complex place, and not everyone reacts the same way. If someone else was in your shoes they might have committed suicide. That being said, for someone with trust issues, aren't you letting yourself exposed?”

“What do you mean? Where exactly am I exposed?”

“Right here! Check mate!”

“Gaaah!! Not my rook! Damnit!! You just distracted me!”

“All is fair in love and war. That makes the score exactly 312 wins for me and zero for you.”

This was frustrating. She really has a knack for making me feel uncomfortable and taking advantage of that.

“Anyway, Magnus, our little gaming sessions will be put on hold for a while. I’ll still request you from time to time, but I will be considerate given the workload in front of you.”

“Lady Iseria, once again I am very grateful that you pointed me in this direction.”

“What are you talking about? I merely left a small hint. You came to the conclusion yourself. Who knows if that was my intent? Humans are known for misunderstanding the will of Gods.”

“Are you trying to sound like those church idiots?”

“Hahaha! Right? The church of light is just as stupid as the Goddess they worship.

But on a serious note, watch yourself. You are strong, but not invincible. If you truly want to impose your ideals, you’ll need to grow even further. Just don't let the Experience Boost skill on people forever. Turn it off from time to time.”

“Got it. You know, maybe I should make you a shrine. It is known that worshiping the Goddess of Light is the main religion on the continent, but maybe we can establish something dedicated to you.”

She slightly blushed and turned her head sideways.

“W-well if it makes you feel better… I wouldn't mind it. B-but don't expect any miracles from me.”

“Fufu! I know.”

“Enough of this already. You're making fun of me! Another game! We’re going again!”

“Ok. This time I’ll break my loss streak!!”

“Bring it on!”

Needless to say, I was utterly defeated again.