I wanted to talk to Elliana about this, but this was actually Greg’s job, so I went to Greg.

Greg, we need to talk.

Greg opened the door and Elliana was with him as usual.

I’m sorry Elliana, I need to talk with Greg.

It seemed she understood, nodded and left.

What is it? Whatever you have to tell me, you can tell Elliana.

I would agree normally but this is something you should tell her; she shouldn’t hear this from me.

I went inside and we sat down.

Right, this isn’t going to be a comfortable conversation and beating around the bush is also going to be inefficient. Greg I’m serious.

That is rare, I will listen to what you have to say.

Elliana is romantically interested in you. I want you to decide now how you want to proceed with her. If you want her to travel with us. But if you are not interested in her romantically, I want you to tell her that and possibly tell her to not come with us. I like her as a person, so I don’t want to see her hurt. I want you to look at yourself, find out how you truly feel about her, and tell her. I will repeat myself. She is romantically, possibly sexually attracted to you, Greg. Don’t wriggle your way out of this. You need to decide before we leave.

Are you sure?

I facepalmed. No, I’m not sure that’s why I am seriously talking to you… Seriously Greg? Of course, I’m sure! Everyone with eyes can see this! You’re the only one in this village that’s unaware! Even Bywen knows, and she didn’t have eyes up until today!

I see. Thank you for telling me. I just wish you would have told me before.

I sighed. I did… Raishin did, even Elliana must have told you several times. Greg, please don’t hurt her. Don’t avoid this issue. You might need time to think that’s fine, but be clear toward her.

I... I was unaware. Thank you. I will give it a serious thought.

I smiled and patted him on his back. I know you were unaware, that’s why I’m making this painfully clear for you. Just know that if you somehow misunderstand this and are convinced, she isn’t into you, I am seriously going to kick your tails, I will even go 9t mode on your ass.

I got the message loud and clear.

We got up and Greg showed me to the door.

Right, too much responsibility for me in one day, you go tell Raishin to get ready to leave soon. I am going to sleep, maybe even for a week. Cya.

I went over to my house and found Bywen and Byron in my living room.

Don’t tell me you 2 have also started eating my fruit?

“No, I wanted to thank you again.” Bywen was still moving around a bit clumsily and knocking things over.

Oh no need you also did a lot for us, but if you truly tankful can you tell the fruit stealers to stay away from my fruit?

“I can punch them now if they don’t!” Bywen flexed one of her right arms.

Uhh just don’t kill them. Byron you might want to have her go through some sessions to where she learns how to use her body, especially strength might be an issue. She should be freakishly strong. She might instantly kill the fruit stealers with one punch.

“We will get to it; we hope to have her in perfect working conditions the next time you return.”

“Hey Byron! Don’t forget that you are all my children! You don’t talk to me like that!”

Hehe yes scold him! Now excuse me, I need sleep.

“Sweet dreams.” Bywen tried to make a complicated movement, but Byron had to act as her walking stick and make sure she didn’t trip and take my house down in the process.

“Sleep well.”

They left, and I went to my room, had Nilah turn into her fox form and put her in her basket. I then curled up in my tails and went to sleep.

I had a nightmare about my experience in the fairy village. I did have multiple neutral or pleasant dreams.

----------------------------------------

I had a good sleep, only had nightmares 4 times.

It was mid-November. I slept longer than I intended. I stepped outside and looked around. Bywen was being quite competent on the forest floor. There was no trace of her clumsiness. It seemed as if she noticed that I was looking at her as she turned her head to me, smiled and waved. I smiled and waved back.

I spotted Elliana a bit further up and decided to talk to her.

Hey how is it going? It’s unusual to see you walk alone.

“Oh… well you see. Greg told me that he didn’t feel the way for me as I feel for him. I had already guessed that but… it hurts to hear it from him.” Tears fell from Elliana’s eyes.

Oh, I am so sorry…

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

She wiped her eyes and shook her head. “Don’t be, I’m sure you did everything you could to make it work… to make him realize…”

Did he give a reason?

“He didn’t know the reason, but he said he felt nothing.”

This caused Elliana to cry even more. I covered us in illusions, wrapped her in my tails and let her cry.

“I don’t understand, what else could I have done to grab his attention? Is it because I’m an elf?” Elliana was shaking, and I had no clue what to do.

None of that is a problem. I’m convinced the problem isn’t you. You did your best. I have the feeling he isn’t interested in people romantically ever, so you haven't done anything wrong.

I had a complicated feeling. Greg was like my brother, but I’ve also come to see Elliana as my sister over time. It is a difficult situation to be stuck in. It is also hard to take a side, but I’m leaning toward Elliana’s side.

“Thank you, I’m fine now… I need some time alone.”

Ok, please don’t beat yourself up on this…

“I will try my best. Did you cover us in an illusion? Thank you.”

Elves were just walking past us and ignoring us. Elliana gestured that she was fine so I removed my tails and the illusion. She gave a short wave and went home.

Ugh this sucks. I guess she isn’t coming with us then… maybe we should smack Greg’s head a couple of times. A thought of having Greg and Elliana go through the Eslana experience came to my mind, but I dismissed the thought.

Speaking of which, their project had been successful, and I saw some women walking around with newborn and bellies. It’s not a lot, but it’s something. They had figured out how to get the guys a bit more interested, so they didn’t need my help anymore. Maybe Greg needs that too.

I headed over to Raishin’s house. It smelled as usual. Elliana wasn’t in a great mood, and I was asleep, so nobody would clean his house.

Why are my buddies such a pain in the ass? I put on my gas mask and stepped inside.

It was a mess. I made shadow clones and abused their speed to clean up but it still took an hour. I had trapped Raishin in a frost cage, as him ‘helping’ will add hours to the cleaning process.

Thanks again!

Are you ready to leave? I said as I freed Raishin from his cage.

Yup! We are just waiting for you!

You were ready to leave and leave that mess behind?

Well, why clean if I’m going to leave?

Unbelievable…

Let’s get Greg. I don’t think Elliana is coming…

Yeah, I talked to her… it’s so sad.

I was so mad at Greg. Elliana is so cool we had so many adventures together. But Greg said that he didn’t know why he didn’t feel anything for her. That’s when I realized. Maybe Greg is more into objects than people.

Hmm so if I make a sexy spirit vessel, he might fall for it?

I don’t know… I really hope he finds someone to look after him in a way we can’t…

I hope so too.

At least I know that you’re interested in chicks. I will find one for you sooner or later!

Uhh thanks.

We went to Greg’s house, ready to kick in his door and possibly smash his head.

Spirit police! Open up!

Raishin kicked in his door.

I am ready, no need to make so much noise. And guys… I’m sorry.

Don’t worry, we’re not surprised.

Just wish you’d be interested in her.

Greg let out a wry smile. Come on let’s go.

We walked to the edge of the village, passed through the barrier and walked along the river.

Where to now?

No clue we have a lot to catch up to though. A lot seems to have happened in the world that we have been oblivious about, most noteworthy is the war between Aquini and Igrini.

Wait what? How!?

Something about Shania’s brother taking over and instigating the war, I don’t know the specifics, but I do know that the Igrini Kingdom sucks.

For real! Let’s get out of this stupid country!

“And you’re going without me?” We turned around to look at a familiar face.

Elliana!

Oh nice so you’re coming with us!?

…

“I have decided to not let my emotions get in the way of wanting to see the world. I’m sorry Greg, but you will have to put up with me for a bit longer.” Elliana showed a subtle sad smile. I hope Greg gives her another chance.

That is fine, I welcome you to team Hourai.

Ahum, aren’t you forgetting something, Greg? I am the leader!

Uhh, I know.

Then stop stealing my line! Welcome to team Hourai Elliana!

Welcome! This will be so much fun!

Well Elliana said that, but she forgot her stuff in her haste to catch up so we had to go back and get her stuff. Bywen and the elders took this opportunity to send us off. It was quite awkward but not unpleasant.