46 Dumb Elf

Following her statement, Lefiya cast upon me a meaningful gaze, as though what she had to convey held great significance.

"I... overheard a conversation between Riveria and Ais, and i-it's evident that she has already..."

Her voice trailed off, tears welling up in her eyes.

Since my attention hadn't been directed toward her, I didn't notice, but her eyes were visibly swollen.

I couldn't comprehend why she had come to disclose this information to me. Frankly, I was perplexed.

"And why should I concern myself with that, Lefiya?"

It was somewhat comical.

Here we were, seemingly enemies within the confines of our shared alliance, yet she expected solace from me. Shouldn't she seek the comfort of someone like Riveria instead?

In response to my inquiry, her ears perked up as she trembled slightly.

"C-Could you...train me as well? I heard from Riveria-san that your prowess in magic surpasses even hers... I-I don't want to fall behind..."

Her plea nearly brought a smirk to my lips.

"Allow me to pose a simple question," I stated, closing the distance between us, and causing Lefiya to instinctively step back until her back met the wall.

Undeterred by her tremors, I did not withdraw.

"Tell me, what are your true feelings for Ais?"

My question seemed to catch her off guard, as her face flushed with a blush. Yet, to me, there was only one word that accurately described her...

Pathetic.

She struggled to express her emotions through a flurry of words.

"I...I admire...Ais-san! No, I-I like her! S...She's so perfect. Unlike... unlike someone like me..."

Her confession trailed off, punctuated by a silent lament of self-deprecation.

I could sense the deep-seated insecurity within her, unsure of the nature of her feelings. Was it love? Was it admiration? She couldn't even discern it herself. Yet, one thing remained certain—Ais had claimed a place within her heart.

But mere sentiment alone could not ignite the flames burning within her heart.

It felt akin to a child throwing a tantrum over a snatched toy.

And now I was expected to train this imbecile?

"Your resolve alone is insufficient, Lefiya. You are nothing more than a naive elf, lost and directionless. I could mold you into a formidable mage, someone who could proudly bear that title. However, it would be a fruitless endeavor. Remain as the weak and pitiful creature you are now and recognize the deficiencies that plague you. This Familia undoubtedly has a place for you, and you will become a worthy successor to Riveria. When that time comes, I may consider imparting some of my knowledge, even if your very presence irritates me to no end. However, if I train you with your feeble resolve as it stands, you will merely be a fleeting firework, destined to burn out all too soon."

I conveyed my sentiments with brutal simplicity.

Did she believe that training was as effortless as breathing? The truth was far from it.

Only those willing to endure torment that bordered on the brink of death could survive under my tutelage.

To be more accurate, the driving force behind anyone who survived my grueling training regimen was their unwavering determination to achieve their deepest desires.

Finn and Ais, both of them possessed grand aspirations. Even if I pushed them to their limits and beyond, their eyes would remain filled with defiance.

Even in defeat, they would accept my superiority at that moment and strive to improve even faster.

But this kid...she might hold on for a few rounds, only to spiral into despair, eventually breaking under the weight. And when that day came, it would be deemed my fault. No, thanks.

With these thoughts in mind, I distanced myself from her, allowing her to depart without further words. Unbeknownst to me, darkness seeped into my eyes, an outward manifestation of my brooding thoughts.

This was the harsh reality of life in this world. Wake up, you foolish elf.

"...That was rather harsh, Ren."

I was jolted from my reverie as Riveria materialized before me, her countenance devoid of any discernible emotion, even in the face of my derision towards her successor.

Why did both of them possess the uncanny ability to appear as though they were vegetables? Weren't they supposed to be occupied with the final preparations for the impending war? No? My mistake, then.

"I see no reason to coddle her from the truth, Riveria. And I believe you understand that too."

With a steady gaze, I awaited her response. After all, I had no real obligation to treat Lefiya kindly, especially considering the lack of reciprocation from her end since the beginning...

--- Riveria's POV ---

Contrary to what many of you may think, I believe Ren Von Seraphis is a genuinely kind person.

Why? Well, there are numerous reasons to support this claim.

Initially, I harbored doubts and suspicion, convincing myself that this man had ulterior motives against the Loki Familia. However, I was not foolish enough to let those doubts cloud my judgment entirely.

His profound love for Ais, a love that ran deep, brought a certain sense of solace to me as well. Finally, that girl would have someone stronger than us looking out for her. Though I vehemently denied it at first, I couldn't help but worry about the possibility of Ais going berserk and recklessly venturing into the lower floors alone.

In the weeks that followed, as time slowly passed, a realization began to dawn on me.

Ren Von Seraphis was not merely an individual consumed by a one-dimensional love for Ais. No, his caring extended to anyone who held a special place in Ais' heart.

Upon receiving reports from both of them, I discovered that despite his multiple attacks, Bell Cranel sustained no injuries. Bete, on the other hand, met a different fate with his face buried in the ground. The disparity was painfully apparent.

But that wasn't the sole reason. Ren also allowed us ample space to communicate and resolve our issues. Even though he made an oath, true trust cannot be forged so easily.

The Loki Familia, at most, would have tolerated Ren Von Seraphis.

Furthermore, despite his infatuation with Ais, he showed no desire to confine or restrict her. On the contrary, he confronted Loki's clear attempts to disrupt the situation without uttering a word. I had anticipated a complete meltdown from him, but instead, he silently bore the storm.

As Ais and I conversed, the revelation she shared nearly caused my heart to burst.

Did she say he took her to the sky simply because she expressed her desire to reach it?

I was stunned beyond measure, tempted to shout at Ais and demand an explanation for this miraculous feat. Unfortunately, she had no further information, a frustrating turn of events...

Nevertheless, as I was saying, Ren's care extended not only to Ais but also to the Familia that shaped her into the person she is today or at least something along those lines.

Who could bring themselves to strike such a smiling face? Certainly not the Loki Familia.

While Ren undoubtedly had his flaws, there were other members whose behavior was even more abhorrent...

Yes, I'm referring to Bete.

...Yet, it appeared that Ren's manifestation of "kindness" was rather...unconventional.

Naturally, I had anticipated Lefiya seeking out a conversation with him after overhearing our discussion.

While I could have assisted Lefiya by clarifying to Ais that her feelings weren't rooted in love, it was not within my disposition to engage in such actions. I simply conveyed my honest thoughts and opinions.

However, it seemed that my straightforwardness had inadvertently caused a minor predicament that I now had to address. The responsibilities that come with being the Vice-Captain can be quite taxing, indeed.

---

Author's Note:

Riveria is such a good character. Honestly should've been flashed out a lot more in the novel!

Also, I wish to have Bete beaten up again. You know, dogs don't learn unless you teach them more than once.