Chapter 54: Chapter 54: Punishing Aegis
When Her Highness could no longer continue, as her guard, Aegis also had the duty to assist the aid provider(Hikigaya).
It was not only for the sake of Her Highness's health but also to prevent the aid provider from being dissatisfied and potentially snatched away by other subhuman races.
In their world, not long ago, a great war had reduced the population of various races, especially the royal families of major races. If other subhuman races found out that the Elven Royal Family had such a powerful aid provider, they would undoubtedly come to compete for him.
For the dignity of the Elf Race, for the glory of the Elf Race...
Aegis considered it her duty.
"I never said I disagreed; you don't have to keep apologizing."
Hikigaya looked somewhat helplessly at Aegis, who began apologizing in a very unusual manner the moment the conversation took a wrong turn.
Their constant maintenance of etiquette aligned with his previous imagination of elves. However, considering their intimate relationship with him, this behavior suggested a form of distance.
But he wanted more than just an aid relationship with them.
Though it wasn't like what Gabriel thought—that he had fallen so low as to hug someone's thigh in another world—he clearly wasn't about to let the Elf Princess he had "consumed" slip away.
Even if it meant having a cross-world romance, there was nothing wrong with that. After all, his "Romance List" allowed him to teleport to the side of any unlocked character at any time. There was no need to worry about not seeing Iris and Aegis again after they returned to their world post-aid.
Not just another world—perhaps he might even visit heaven or hell in the future.
"Apologizing for such matters does somewhat affect the mood, but I'm the one who specifically came to seek your help, President, and I couldn't properly accept your aid... Am I mistaken, or has your life force grown even stronger, President?"
Iris glanced at the silent Aegis, her pale, jade-like arms wrapped around Hikigaya's neck as she whispered shyly in his ear.
Clearly, the President had aided her multiple times yesterday, even involving the girls' swim club member Hayase Saki midway. Logically, the President's life force should have been weaker today.
She had even considered casting enhancement magic on the President if his nourishment was insufficient and his life force dwindled. But now, it seemed like she needed recovery magic for herself first.
"As long as I can meet your needs, that's enough; otherwise, I would be failing as an aid provider."
Hikigaya smiled as he enjoyed Aegis's apologies while playing with Iris's pointed elf ears.
Currently, he had two ways to enhance his strength: daily missions and a passive skill called "Gradual Progress."
The attribute points gained from daily missions weren't much. Even if they were consistently allocated to constitution, they wouldn't significantly boost his strength.
The truly remarkable thing was the passive ability "Gradual Progress," which had a simple description.
As he trained more, his body would improve day by day. Intense aid activities, quite evidently, counted as a form of special training.
The more he aided, the stronger he became. He didn't have to worry about his body being unable to keep up or being unable to aid Iris and her kind.
"Mmm..."
Feeling the ceaseless and undiminished life force emanating from Hikigaya, Aegis pouted and pursed her lips, saying nothing for a long time. Even though she was much stronger than Iris, she had to admit that Hikigaya was truly an exceptional aid provider.
The reason the Elf Race sought aid providers with exceptionally strong life forces was because their reproductive period was relatively short and required significant aid. Intense aid activities, combined with insufficient life force in the provider, could even lead to life-threatening situations.
But from the looks of it now, the life force they drew from Hikigaya didn't affect him at all. In fact, the aid provider was so strong that they themselves might not be able to keep up...
When she realized that Hikigaya showed no signs of stopping, Aegis used magic to clean the dust she accidentally got on herself while kneeling. She took a deep breath and slowly moved to where Iris had previously been.
"Aegis, why are you in such a hurry? I didn't rush you."
Seeing Aegis hastily and perfunctorily finishing the task like swallowing food whole compared to Iris's savoring pace, Hikigaya reached out to hold Aegis's waist, stopping her from continuing.
"But... Her Highness couldn't satisfy you..."
With her waist held by Hikigaya and her head leaning against his shoulder in close intimacy, Aegis wriggled uncomfortably.
"Aegis, have you misunderstood something?"
Hikigaya looked at Aegis's jade-like face and suddenly kissed her forcefully.
"Do you think I see you as an emotionless tool?"
"When I aided Iris, she didn't act like she was merely completing a task like you do."
"I... I can't compare to Her Highness..."
Feeling the warm breath at her neck, Aegis bit her lip and whispered.
Compared to the ever-popular Iris, she, reckless and clueless as she was, had nothing to offer in comparison.
"Iris is very cute, but you and Iris are different types. Why compare yourself to her?"
"Even though you always maintain a stoic expression while guarding Iris, you're actually very shy, aren't you?"
Seeing Aegis ignore her own charm and belittle herself excessively, Hikigaya sighed.
"You're just like this. Even though it's your first time and you're not good at these things, you still force yourself to pretend you're not afraid for Iris's sake, trying to satisfy me."
"Aegis like this, don't you think you're also very adorable?"
Aegis, too embarrassed to respond, bit her lip as her face grew redder, looking away.
Aegis was also wearing the Sobu High uniform at school. Her white shirt was tightly stretched, and below the plaid pleated skirt were her firm, shapely legs.
Compared to Iris's slender legs wrapped in white stockings, Aegis, wearing tight black stockings, exuded a more mature and sensual charm.
He didn't know what Aegis had experienced among the elves to make her feel completely unworthy of being compared to Iris. Both of them were clearly beautiful and adorable.
"Even if you say that... um..."
Feeling the intense and invasive gaze from Hikigaya, Aegis's delicate face turned slightly red. She bit her lower lip, hesitated, and turned her head away, speaking softly.
"If you truly don't mind, then we can go slower, like how you treated Her Highness yesterday..."
Aegis's original thought of quickly fulfilling her responsibilities faded. However, she also didn't know how to proceed further—this was something she had no experience with.
Her earlier actions were imitations she had observed from Iris. But now, should she continue as Iris did? Yet, she and Iris were not the same. Iris could easily be held in his arms, but her physique wasn't suited for that...
"Of course, that's no problem. Aegis, you're a princess too, aren't you?"
Hikigaya couldn't help but marvel at how easily persuaded Aegis was, admiring the simplicity and adorableness of the elf race. But then, he suddenly noticed someone up to no good,"Ahem, Iris, what are you doing over there?"
"I'm just experiencing things from Aegis's perspective."
At some point, Iris had swapped places with Aegis without Hachiman noticing. She softly pecked Hachiman's cheek and winked playfully at Aegis.
"Aegis, the president is right. You really are adorable~"
"Enough with those kinds of comments already..."
Hearing Iris echo Hachiman's praise, Aegis's already flushed face turned even redder, reaching the tips of her ears. She stammered, unsure of what to say.
Even though Hachiman, who was aiding them, also said so—his undiminished life aura proved he truly liked her—Aegis still didn't think of herself as particularly adorable.
Her brash nature made her far less popular than Iris among the elves. And as for her reputation among other races, it wasn't even worth mentioning; most of the reviews were negative due to her poor communication skills.
"Iris, did you deliberately bring Aegis into the student guidance room today to have her receive assistance as well?"
Seeing how Iris, who claimed she couldn't take it anymore, wasn't resting on the side but instead teasing Aegis, Hachiman, who was holding the two elf princesses, poked Iris's soft cheek and remarked in exasperation.
"Ah? Iris, was that your intention?"
Aegis was momentarily stunned, the shyness of being in Hachiman's arms temporarily dissipating. She looked at Iris in surprise.
She had thought her job was to maintain the barrier outside to prevent anyone from disturbing them. But when Iris had her come inside to maintain the barrier instead, she assumed it was to avoid standing out too much outside.
"Aegis is also of the elven royal lineage. If possible, of course, she should receive the president's assistance alongside me."
At this point, Iris no longer hid her intentions. With her usual sweet smile, she playfully stuck out her pink tongue.
"The president, as our helper, is exceptionally capable. Having Aegis merely assist in relieving the president's pressure without receiving assistance herself would be such a waste, wouldn't it?"
"This... if the president doesn't mind, then please assist me a little during your free time while helping Iris..."
After some hesitation, Aegis glanced at Hachiman.
Although she had relinquished her title as the elven princess, as a former royal and member of the elven race, she was willing to share some responsibility for her people.
She just wasn't sure if Hachiman, as their helper, would agree.
"Why only during my free time?"
Hachiman looked at Aegis, a bit speechless. Hadn't she listened to anything he had said earlier?
"I... I overstepped. Please don't take it to heart."
Seeing Hachiman not immediately agree, Aegis felt a bit disappointed but still forced a smile.
As expected, she had overthought things. She could never compare to Iris.
"That's not what I meant, alright? Aegis, why do you always misunderstand me?"
Seeing Aegis fall into another spiral of self-doubt, Hachiman irritably pinched her cheeks.
"Why only during my free time? Can't I assist both of you together?"
"You're both princesses and also best friends. Shouldn't I treat you equally?"
"Or are you saying you don't trust my abilities?"
"No, no! I don't doubt your abilities, president... I just... I just..."
Suddenly attacked by Hachiman's words, Aegis didn't have time to feel shy. Instead, she looked at him with heartfelt joy, stammering and unsure how to respond.
Perhaps she really had overthought things. But she had been entirely mistaken in her assumptions. Hachiman wasn't merely planning to spare her some time while helping Iris.
"It seems Aegis still doesn't trust the president."
Iris smiled mischievously as she watched the flustered and shy Aegis. Standing beside Hachiman, she chimed in.
"As punishment for your lack of trust in the president, I think you should accept a little penalty, Aegis."
"This... I am willing to accept the punishment..."
After some hesitation, Aegis acknowledged her mistake. Considering how she hadn't given enough trust to Hachiman, who selflessly aided them, she chose to accept whatever punishment Iris and Hachiman decided.
"Then please focus on Aegis today, president."
Seeing how Aegis remained straightforward and trusting, not even questioning the punishment, Iris smiled and held Aegis's hands down. She pecked Hachiman on the cheek, encouraging him.
"Since Aegis doesn't trust you, president, today let her fully experience your capabilities."
"Eh? Why this kind of punishment?! Iris?"
Aegis never expected her dear sister to do this to her and tried to argue.
But it was already too late. Hachiman wasn't one to overlook an opportunity, especially when Aegis showed no strong objections.
Still, he wondered—if he extended his assistance to Aegis, the former elven princess, as well, would his mission rewards double?
———
[Class 1-F]
"Why isn't Hikigaya-kun back yet..."
Gabriel, the little blonde angel, glanced at the empty seat next to her that had been vacant for several periods, feeling slightly melancholic. She thought that Hikigaya might have lost his way at the crossroads of life.
———
[The Last Period Of The Day]
As the preparatory bell rang, Hikigaya hurriedly returned to the classroom and sat back in his seat, surrounded by blonde-haired girls.
"Phew~ Finally back..."
Hikigaya waved and smiled at the gyaru girls and Yumiko Miura, who cast concerned glances his way, while inwardly sighing that he couldn't let this happen again next time.
Although the two current and former elven princesses had unparalleled flexibility and melodious, gentle voices that left nothing to criticize, skipping three whole periods was still far too excessive.
He even felt embarrassed about continuing to occupy Shizuka Hiratsuka's student guidance room. When Hiratsuka-sensei returned with Ichinose Ayano after class to use the room, he deliberately switched to "Love Live mode" and entered a special independent space with Iris and Aegis.
After all, the student guidance room wasn't his. When Hiratsuka needed to use it, he had to return it. Otherwise, if Hiratsuka got angry and her inner flames flared up uncontrollably, he would feel guilty about it.
"Hikigaya-kun..."
Gabriel, sitting on his left, hesitated to speak as she observed Hikigaya, whose life energy seemed slightly weaker than before.
Hikigaya had finally returned, but he seemed to have fallen from grace.
He had transformed from a diligent student who focused on his studies without talking to her during class into a delinquent who skipped several periods in a row.
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