Maybe this is my slice of life chapter after all.

It hasn’t been half a day since they left me, but here I am on a balcony looking over this property and this land.

I can see a town not too far. Seems Jocasta is a farmer with all those crops, at least I think they’re crops. I need to get more knowledgeable…

The island looks to have a few mountains and its mostly hills. Rolling hills is the term, I think.

Unfortunately, the minimal things I had from before were lost at sea and I was the only one that washed up the nearby shore. There was no wreckage or other survivors. Didn’t even get to know the crew…

To think of the nearby future everyone, but the jailbait that is named Nephele are gone. She’s got some obsession? No, that isn’t the right phrase. She’s observant of me let's just say that. Which has become plainly obvious. She also doesn’t seem to have any humility as I’ve caught her staring at me a few times and she laughed it off.

I don’t even think she’s looking at me in the horny way, but I think I can understand that seeing a Saint Elf in a predominantly human country is pretty rare. Add me being female to that as well since they aren't known to travel far. Odd thing the Elves are, no matter the variant.

I do want to leave soon but having a martial based guard would be pretty handy. I’ve still got the three hundred and ninety-three gold which should translate into about four hundred drachma. I don’t know about the rates of mercenaries here though.

They are very loyal to coin heh.

I could probably find an Amazon mercenary. They aren’t exactly rare here. Formal armies aren’t constructed unless there’s a need for it, but mercenary work is always needed. They do surprisingly trade with outsiders and allow men to certain points of the island, but those points are mainly designated areas in ports.

I do also have to take into consideration that they excel with archery so a “tank” would be a little bit harder to find unless I bump into a "pure" Amazonian. They're much bigger and you'd know if you'd meet one.

I sigh as I look over the wooden railing on the balcony. The sun was going to go down soon. I should ask about shops that sell mage robes. I’m sure I can get something for my level two ass. I doubt level restrictions apply now that everything is real.

Maybe just for certain two handed weapons since you’d need a bit of strength to lift and swing, but that isn’t something I’m going to have to worry about. A basic steel sword is going to be hard to lift. I doubt I could use a bow either. Scoring a staff would be great. I just need to balance my coin..

Guess I need to plan again and hopefully not railroad it by having something blow up. The thought of that man still stays deep in my mind. But I can’t exactly help with his request like this.

Fuuuuuuuuck….

Where do I even start off?

“Dear guest.” I hear her voice call for me

I lift my resting head off my hand and look back, then around, then down below where I see Nephele standing with her arms on her hips.

“Y-yes..?” I’d reply

“Come, we are going to the village to properly clean you.” She says

Clean me? I’m…I’m not smelling bad. And yes, I did shower frequently even as a sorry excuse for a man.

I just look at her for a bit, she isn’t going to take no for an answer is she?

“O-Okay..” I reply

I’d make my way down, not knowing what horrors she has planned for me. Stepping out of the house for the first time the feeling of dirt under my sandals felt…new. I could honestly go bare feet if I wanted to.

Getting a look at what Nephele was wearing, it wasn’t as different as my chlamys, I think it was a stola? It looked like a basic dress without showing legs and side boobage like the chlamys I wore.

Her hair was held up in a pretty nice way, I couldn’t guess how long it actually was from it though, but by now as I got there her arms were crossed. I’m guessing she doesn’t like to wait much.

“Come, come. Follow me.” She said

She turned around and started heading off her home. This raised a few questions from me, one being shouldn’t there be someone at home at all times? I know we’re on a island with just women, but I think being a thief transcends gender and stuff.

“S-Shouln’t…there…be…some…one…here..?” I asked her as we started leaving

“Mother will be home soon, do not worry.” She chuckled

I swear it’s like I’m looking at a shorter genderbent loli version of Gilgamesh from Fate. But I think she’s just a smug midget…I think…

But I mean if she says that Jocasta will be back, I guess there shouldn’t be much to worry about.

As we’ve walked for about fifteen minutes without speaking I decided to make small talk, at least I think it’s called small talk.

“W-Where…are…we..going..?” I ask her

She stops and turns her head back.

“We’re going to the bathing house of course. Washing that sea water from your skin should be the first step.” She said

I can’t tell if that’s an elaborate insult or a genuine concern. But without even waiting for my answer or reaction she’s already continuing her walk expecting me to keep up. This isn’t going to be easy..

I’d catch up with her and soon enough we’d reach the outskirts of the village. It’s honestly like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, it’s kind of cool. Bright even as the sun is slowly setting. All women and young girls as expected.

The second we’d enter into the village the tone of things suddenly shift. Not in a bad way, but in the way of I’ve suddenly got a few dozen eyes just staring at me. Looking around I can see that some are eyes of curiosity, some have dropped jaws, and some are scrambling about apples? That last one is unexpected.

Nephele slowed down, walking right in front of me. The staring eyes partially faded. I think I saw her flash a smirk to some people, but maybe it’s my imagination. Right?

She’d suddenly stop, I’d almost bump into her. I looked to my left and noticed the large building. So…this is probably the bath house. It’s pretty big and damn, that architecture is very impressive.

“Come.” Nephele said, moving towards the doors

I followed right behind. You know I am surprised that the big doors aren’t creaking to hell and back. That is oddly refreshing. The scent that hits me when we enter is also a unique experience to say. I could smell what I think was oil and that typical bathing smell if that makes sense.

It was also much warmer than outside. I guess most bathing places are like that. I’ve never been to one until now, and I doubt that if I had went to any that I’d be met with so…many…naked…women…

Holy shit. They’re not wearing..towels..

Are towels not invented here? I mean, I guess that makes sense. When were towels invented anyways?

But as I was thinking I felt Nephele grab my hand and lead me to a side room from we could enter the main room which is just the bath.

Ignoring the abundance of women in the nude I did look around. There was no roof, so we’d get a good look at the night sky. Lots of pillars around to hold up this place and the bath in the middle. It’s just one big rectangle of a place. I should have expected that, I don’t know why I wasn’t expecting that.

Nephele let go of my hand and got closer to the bath. Placing a hand on the nearby pillar she’d take off her clothes and descended in slowly. She rolled her shoulders before looking back to me. All things considered she's got a cute butt for a midget.

“Come now.” She said

Right..right…

This isn’t nerve racking at all. No..not..at..all..

I’d take a step forward, then another very slowly. I’d stop right before the water, coming into the view of the many, many other bathing enthusiasts. I’d start taking off my clothes before I’d realize something.

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“Um..my…hair…” I’d tell Nephele

Before she could even turn around and speak, I felt my hair being tied up into a bun. I’d glance back and past me walked another bathing enthusiast.

“Is lovely indeed. We wouldn’t want it unnecessarily wet.” She said, referring to my hair

She departed, going on her way to bathe. Right, my only excuse got fixed. Great…

But I can’t stand here all night. I’d roll my chlamys off my shoulders and let it drop to the ground, letting everything show. I'd close my eyes as I placed a foot into the water and damn was that a nice feeling of warmth.

Putting my other foot in I’d start to crouch and sit down. There were a few steps down from the edge. I guess swimming was for those in the center if they wished. But hey, look at me.

A quarter of my boobs are above the water. I am in an anime holy shit.

I'd lean back, the light cold of the wall pleasant enough.

“A pleasant feeling.” Nephele commented

“Y-yes..” I replied

I don’t want to open my eyes, but people might get the wrong idea. I'd open them and to my surprise I wasn’t being looked at by everyone, just a few people. Guess that’s the best I’m going to get. I wonder if getting a minor illusion spell to de-beautify me would help in any way. Or just remove the ears and look human. I had options I guess.

“What do you think of my home?” Nephele then asks

I look to her, she had one of her arms out of water, her eyes closed, head tilted straight up.

“It’s..nice..and…large…You…have…a..nice..family.” I’d reply, honestly

“Do you have any plans for your future?” she asks, opening her eyes, tilting her head to meet my eyes

“Um…explore…and..learn..get..stronger..” I’d reply, basic broad and simple goals for now

“You plan to leave soon then?” she questions

I just stay silent for a second and think. I’ve got no clue to be honest.

“I..don’t..know..” I’d say “World..is…dangerous..” I’d add

She glances at me for a second. I’m guessing she was pondering my words.

“Do you have any companions? From before you washed up?” she asks

I just shake my head. I had no one.

“Do you have any lovers? A partner?” she then I asks

I shake my head quite a bit faster. I don’t have any of that either as much as I would like a hot goth big titty GF. But hey, I can be my own big titty GF.

I'd hear some light moving in the waters around the bath. I’m surprised I couldn’t hear everyone talking, I could see many lips moving, clearly talking but no sound. I guess this was an oddly private kind of place if that makes sense.

“And are you looking for a partner?” she then asks

This isn’t some odd proposal is it? I really hope not.

I’d just begin to stammer, slowly shifting my body to turn to her trying to explain that no I’m not looking to settle down. I tried to lean on my left hand beside where I was sitting, but instead of the marble stair that I was sitting on I felt something…very different. It was..like a cylinder? It was pretty thick and long. It was also kind of fleshy

Moving my hand further up I reached a tip?

Oh my god I'm touching someone's dick...

I pull my hand back and quickly turn around to see who I accidentally groped, but where my eyes were leveled all I could see was a really big upper arm. My gaze slowly looked up and was met with the green eyes of a really tall woman with a long blue faux hawk and a cute face. Her face had a look of surprise similar to mine. She was…over…seven…feet…I'd…like to guess..

“I..uh..s-s-so…r..r..y…” I tried to explain

Her look of surprise remained, but she reached behind herself and produced an apple and gave it to me. After that she just slowly moved away. With the apple in hand and a face just as red to match it I turned back around to Nephele who was smugly laughing.

I..I..don’t know what just happened…but…um…figured out how….pure...Amazonians…reproduce…I’m just…going..to…think…about..this…later…..can't believe I groped someone...

“That is certainly the most hilarious declaration I’ve witnessed.” The smug midget sitting next to me says

Wait..

“Declaration?” I ask

“Oh you poor thing, you aren’t familiar with our more intimate acts.” She chuckles “The handing of a red apple is a declaration of interest or love and now that you’ve accepted one, you’ve put yourself out there. Whether you consume the apple matters not, if you wish to match the love or likeness of the declaration, you’d have to give back the same type of apple.” She explains

You couldn’t have explained that BEFORE we came here?

“Worry not, nothing bad will come of it.” She says, but I’m not as sure to believe her this time

I just hold the apple and look at it, then glance up. The mentions of apples from when we were walking make sense now and I can see a few of the women from around murmur to each other. What have I gotten myself into again?

“But for now, just relax, the baths are the warmest at this hour of the day.” She says

I’d just place the apple behind myself after which I'd slowly slink down until half my face was below the water. I want to crawl into a hole and never see anyone or the light of day ever again.

Let’s just say the next hour was just quiet relaxation before Nephele got out, pulling me along with her. She sat me down on a little heated stone and used a thing that she called a strigils to dry me. It just went away from my mind that I’d have to say goodbye to towels.

There are so many things that Isekai authors don’t take into consideration…

After getting “dry” we dressed back up and left the bath house. I even brought the apple with me, which in hindsight was not a good idea. I had many women, young, older and even teens approach me and hand me an apple.

They were all very excited about doing so and it wasn’t even five minutes until I had enough apples to fully fit into my boobs.

I kindly asked Nephele to help and she got a basket into which I placed all the apples, instantly filling half of it.

“This is very entertaining.” She commented

Maybe I do hate her.

“I shall be heading back to the house with your gifts. If you wish to follow or attain more then do decide.” She said

So bossy for being short. I can at least sleep easy that she isn’t offering me an apple. I just take a moment to breathe. We were near a well right around the outskirts of the town.

“I…don’t…know…” I’d just say

I’d take a few deep breathes and look up only to see Nephele already walking away. How does anyone deal with her? But I guess I can look around, plus I know where the house is. It shouldn’t be that problematic. At least I hope not.

I am a bit thirsty though. Well is right here so I may as well.

Taking a step to my side I’d bump into what felt like a wall and was heading for the ground before my arm was caught by a hand. I looked up at my savior only to see it was the very woman whose dick I groped.

She..was wearing armor as well…by the looks of it she was a Barbarian with all the fur and lack of plate. So this just makes things more awkward now.

“You okay there?” she asks me

She pulls me forward until I’m on my feet and gently let’s go of my arm. I looked up to her but didn’t know how to communicate suddenly.

“I..uh…um…hmm…so…about….bath…..touch….I….mmm….Hmm…” I just start stammering to no end, not knowing what to do

She raises her hands with a light smile.

“It’s alright, don’t worry about it. I was probably sitting too close anyways. And about the apple. You don’t have to return the expression. I noticed a little too late that you’re an Elf and probably don’t know about the customs here.” She scratches the back of her head

“I..yes..” I sigh “Are..you….a…mercenary?” I’d ask

“I guess the fur and steel armor pieces gave it away.” She chuckles “Are you a traveler? I don’t think I’ve ever seen an Elf, you’re much shorter than I expected.” She chuckles playfully

Not everyone can be a giant like you….

But for now let’s roll with the traveling act

“Y-Yes..travel…looking….to….improve…” I’d reply

She looked surprised for a second.

“Improve? Like, fighting? You want to tomb raiding here?” she asks "Not a bad spot honestly."

Oh, so she was familiar with the area? At least I think so. This might just be my lucky break. Ha!

“Y-yes…want..to…level…up….get….stronger….” I’d explain

She’d glance just above me before looking back into my eyes. Probably checked my level.

“You don’t exactly….look the part..” she mentions “Unless looks are deceiving, but I can see why you'd want to.”

“I..can….do…magic….” I reply, let’s not state the obvious of physical weakness, it’s painful enough

“Oh? Interesting. Full magic users aren’t that common in this part of the world. There aren’t that many on the island, maybe in the Queen’s court. Are you proposing a job to me?” she asks

Yes! Now we’re getting down to business. I’ve got my money to pay!

“Yes!” I expressed more emotion than I thought I would've “I-I-I….have…..coin…” I stutter

“No need. It wouldn’t feel right to take money from you, being a foreigner and all. But if you can find anyone else to form a party with that would be good.” She says

Oh, unexpected, but I will not deny it! I can keep my money then to buy some robes, maybe mage armor. And maybe a hat or hood.

“You got a place to stay…?” a slight realization came appeared in her eyes “I don’t know your name actually. I’m Damia.” She introduced herself

“Y-Ynnessa..and…yes…farm…up…there..” I reply

She glances off in the direction I spoke of to see the house and nod.

“I’m in the inn here, I won’t be hard to find. I shouldn’t keep you longer. Looking forward for tomorrow to discuss things further.” She gave me a nod and started to leave

Well, that was more successful than I thought. Moon is out now that I notice. Guess I should start heading back before Jocasta starts getting worried. I’m highly doubtful that Nephele cares much.

I did stay for another minute and work the well to get a drink since I was getting the normal kind of thirsty. Right after I drank that cold, cold water and let out a sigh of relief I started heading back.

Entering back onto the main path of the village I started walking back to the house, but even so, during these hours you’ve got certain types of people out and about.

For a village it has a surprisingly large population.

I again had women approach me with an offering of an apple or two, but this time I had to decline them since I didn’t have anything to carry them with. I’ve had more social interaction in this one evening than I have my entire life from before. I don’t get extroverts, this is completely exhausting.

But finally, the offerings stopped, and I reached the edge of the village, but before I could continue back to my temporary home, I saw a woman about the same height as me on the road. She was wearing a hood, but I could see her face clearly. She had interesting skin, it was a mix of pale and olive, but it wasn’t that spotted type of skin condition. She slowly approached me.

Oh for the love of…

I really don’t want another declaration…

She stops in her tracks and just fumbles with her hands. I guess I’ll initiate the declaration turn down.

“I’m…not…interested…in….apples…” I’d say

She’d glance up at me, her eyes darted around before speaking quietly.

“I noticed you had a magical aura…” she said

Oh. Unexpected.

“Y-yes..” I’d reply

“I saw you talk about going to raid tombs..” she said

Oh. More unexpected. Another stalker?

“Y-yes..” I’d reply again

“Can I join…?” she asks

Hmm, getting a better look at her I can see that she’s a ranger. Bow and arrows make it pretty obvious. But with a tank and ranger we’d have good close and long range offense. I can heal both if anything happens. With Talos that makes two attackers from close and I can use Firebolt from afar.

This is actually shaping up to be a well balanced party. Can’t remember the last time I was part of one in Highlander.

“I’d..like…that..” I’d tell her

The reserved look on her face turned into a smile, and she nodded.

“I-I-I will find you tomorrow…” she said moving past me

Well I can’t believe I’m excited for tomorrow. Real dungeon raiding, or, tomb raiding in this part of the world.

I’d continue heading back home. The last remaining stretch I had to walk wasn’t long, but as the fence came into view, I saw Nephele standing outside.

I’d approach, wordless, not exactly expecting her to be waiting for me.

“Enjoy the night?” she asked

I stopped and looked at her. I did take a moment to think about the question, but overall. I think I did.

“Yes…” I’d actually lightly smile at her

“Then you will enjoy tomorrow as well.” She stated

I just give her a puzzled look.

“The hooded girl that spoke with you. You wanting to explore. I will join, you need not ask.”

Pardon?