Ch.273Iris Aedra

The protective magic that had shielded Iris’s mind from Lois Reich’s erosion was not originally passed down among the elves.

It was an improvisation made possible only by her overwhelming talent for magic and affinity with spirits since childhood.

Rather than calling it a complete magical formula, it would be more accurate to describe it as a shelter molded from magical power itself, like clay.

Despite not having officially inherited the position of Elder yet, she already possessed such talent.

While this might not have been entirely beneficial, considering it made her a target for Calliope and other Dark Elves…

Nevertheless, Iris had managed to escape the fate of becoming Lois Reich’s priestess by isolating her mind from all external interference for five years.

However, there was a side effect she hadn’t anticipated.

Shortly after completing her mental isolation, she began to notice changes within her own mind.

The first thing she felt was bewilderment.

It was similar to the feeling a child might experience when, after being confined at home and believing their parents’ words as absolute truth, they finally separate from their parents, experience society, and realize that what they believed wasn’t the truth.

The next feeling was liberation.

Although she had never felt particularly forced or forbidden while living in the Willow Sanctuary,

She instinctively realized that her mind and soul were now truly free, unbounded by anything.

“At first, I thought it was absurd. While Lois Reich was knocking at the door outside the magical barrier, trying to devour my sanity, far from feeling afraid, I felt like I had finally reclaimed my life.”

In a situation where escape by her own power was impossible,

Iris chose to contemplate the nature of the liberation she felt while waiting for someone to eventually rescue her.

It didn’t take long for her contemplation to reach a conclusion.

The role of the Elder is to provide a sample of what an elf is by pledging their existence to the Spirit Tree, a spirit possession vessel.

Using this sample as a reference, the Spirit Tree manages and modifies elven bodies in real-time to exclude corruption by dark magic.

However, since the human soul has an instinct to protect and maintain its own existence, it was necessary to first weaken this instinct in order to entrust the management of both body and soul to the Spirit Tree.

This was done through brainwashing that unconditionally allowed the Spirit Tree’s intervention in body and soul.

“The elves’ survival method through the Spirit Tree involved surrendering their souls and bodies to be freely manipulated by the Spirit Tree, like a doctor. The Elder essentially serves as an assistant administering anesthesia.”

“Wait. If that’s true, then it’s almost like…”

“Yes. Although the order of operations is reversed, it’s fundamentally similar to the process of transforming bodies into Dark Elves to subjugate them to Lois Reich.”

Lois Reich transforms bodies into Dark Elves for effective brainwashing.

The Spirit Tree dominates the soul to efficiently manage the body.

Though their purposes and sequences differ, they are techniques derived from the same root.

That’s why Iris, confined within her mental barrier, was able to escape not only Lois Reich’s brainwashing but also the Spirit Tree’s brainwashing that had been imposed on her since birth.

“So you’ve discovered an uncomfortable truth. Are you perhaps having doubts about your life as the Elder’s successor?”

“Not really. After all, it’s thanks to the Spirit Tree that elves have survived until now, and it’s true that the Willow Sanctuary needs a new Elder now. However—”

“However?”

“Now that we have the barrier towers as an alternative and have discovered new possibilities with the bio-converter, I think we need to reconsider whether we should continue relying on the Spirit Tree.”

Iris picked up her fork again, took a bite of pancake, and then asked with her usual gentle smile.

“So, I was wondering. Even if a method to return me to an elf is completed, could I continue traveling with you all as a Dark Elf for a while?”

“Hey, that contradicts what you just said.”

“Regardless of my mission and pride as an Elder, I don’t want to easily let go of this opportunity I’ve finally obtained.”

“What opportunity?”

“The opportunity to think and act with a pure self, not subordinated to anyone. If I regain my elven body, there’s a possibility that the Spirit Tree’s brainwashing will be revived as well, so I want to enjoy a small deviation before that happens.”

I couldn’t say anything to Iris’s response.

I suppose that no matter how strong one’s sense of mission or responsibility is, it’s impossible not to feel anxiety or resistance when everything you’ve believed in has been completely denied.

Perhaps this moment, subtly freed from the fate of both elf and Dark Elf, is the only time Iris can pursue her own happiness.

“…I question whether ‘becoming a human’s slave’ or ‘seducing your sister’s boyfriend’ falls under the category of ‘small deviation.'”

“You’re not even falling for my seduction.”

“Of course not. If you genuinely fell for me, that would be one thing, but I can’t just respond to someone who’s clinging to me for a fling, especially my girlfriend’s older sister.”

“My, despite appearances, I’m quite sincere? It’s just that given my position, I don’t have the luxury to carefully nurture love while considering various factors.”

“What do you mean by ‘quite sincere’? What kind of ambiguous—!?”

I was about to challenge her vague expression when I froze like a mannequin at the sight before me.

Iris had put down her fork, stood up from the table, and slowly began lifting her skirt in front of me.

The long skirt that reached her ankles, faithfully hiding her bare legs according to elven tradition.

“Hmm… you seem to understand the meaning when an elven woman shows her legs?”

“Uh… well…”

“Then you must also understand… that I’m not joking or playing around right now?”

That goes without saying.

For an elven woman, revealing bare legs to a man is as embarrassing as showing her naked body.

As long as Iris retains her awareness as an elf, this is not something she could do as a joke.

“……”

For tens of seconds, we exchanged nothing but quiet breaths, without any words between us.

While I thought I should respond to her feelings since an elf like Iris was going this far,

Her fist gripping the hem of her skirt with excessive force, her clenched teeth, and her slightly trembling shoulders and eyebrows clearly showed she was pushing herself too hard.

So I could only swallow dryly while staring at Iris’s smooth legs, unable to make any decision.

Perhaps she interpreted my reaction as that of an “innocent man completely captivated.”

Iris smiled shyly and tried to lift her skirt higher, which had already reached her thighs—

*Rustle*

“Ah.”

She flinched slightly as if startled by something and let go of her skirt.

I couldn’t help but sigh as the thin curtain fell, obscuring the magnificent view before me.

“…I’m sorry. I think I took too long.”

Only after seeing Iris’s embarrassed smile did my hearing catch the sound of footsteps approaching from outside the dining room.

*Creak*

“Is someone in the dining room?”

“Ah! Will and Iris are eating something delicious by themselves!”

The door opened to reveal a group of four women led by Jessica.

My lovely partners who had shared their bodies with me just last night.

“Good morning, everyone. I’ve been waiting for you.”

“You were waiting?”

“Yes. Even I, who was deeply asleep, woke up to the smell of pancakes. I thought everyone would get up soon and come to eat.”

“You got up early to prepare pancakes for us. Will must have been tired too.”

Despite saying this, Phyllis fixed her gaze on the pancakes, licking her lips.

Jessica, Seti, and Mina also had eyes full of anticipation.

“Shall I cook the remaining batter?”

“…No, I’ll do the cooking. Iris, please prepare the tableware.”

“Yes, master.”

And so, my secret and sensual time with Iris came to an end.

‘Somehow, whenever my relationship with a new woman progresses, it feels like an affair…’

I wonder why.

This feeling of committing a sin, even though everyone approves.

With such thoughts, I headed to the kitchen that morning.