"[Queen's Beloved]?"
The moment Kurose Akira caught sight of the quest reward listed as the player-exclusive trait [Queen's Beloved], a flicker of surprise flashed across his eyes.
He immediately opened his personal status interface, eager to check the effect of this trait.
[Queen's Beloved]: You exude an indescribable charm that effortlessly draws the attention of powerful women. When fighting opponents of the opposite sex, you gain 50% total damage penetration. This effect cannot be negated by any means except "Invincibility."
"?"
Total damage penetration?
Akira stared at the description of the [Queen's Beloved] trait, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes—like a dragon briefly darting through deep waters.
According to the description, whether it was magical damage or physical damage, whenever he fought an opponent of the opposite sex, his attacks would automatically gain a penetration effect.
And this effect could not be canceled by any method except Invincibility.
As long as the enemy wasn't literally invincible—
He could pierce straight through them.
Even if the opponent possessed 100% resistance, his attacks would still break through it mercilessly.
Absolute penetration.
As excitement surged through Akira's chest, another notification suddenly flashed, drawing his attention.
[You have received a gift from the Elf Queen: Elf Set (Epic)!]
"An Elf set?"
Akira's eyes lit up.
Previously, he had managed to obtain a full Flame Demon Set, but unfortunately that equipment was only Elite-grade, and more importantly, it couldn't be worn in his Half-Dragon transformation form. As a result, the entire set had been left unused in his inventory.
But now—
He had received another complete set of equipment.
And this one was Epic-tier.
If this Elf Set could be worn while he was transformed into a half-dragon, then his combat power would undoubtedly skyrocket once again.
However—
When Akira opened his inventory and saw the contents of the Elf Set, his expression instantly turned stiff.
"…Why is this a long dress?!"
He muttered helplessly.
And that wasn't even the worst part.
Most of the other pieces were also clearly women's equipment—white long boots, white silk gloves, and even…
A bra capable of blocking a single fatal attack.
Akira rubbed the bridge of his nose.
Although the quality of the equipment had increased, the gender restriction had completely crushed any hope of him wearing it.
On top of that, the entire set mainly enhanced all-element magic damage and resistance, making it perfectly suited for the elf sisters.
But…
Akira stroked his chin thoughtfully.
There was only one set.
So who should get it?
Perhaps…
He could split the set between the two sisters?
For example—have the older sister wear the upper half, while the younger sister wears the lower half?
Just as Akira was lost in thought, the Elf Queen gracefully took a seat nearby. A gentle smile appeared on her elegant face as she spoke softly:
"Before all of this comes to an end, there is something I wish to ask you."
"Please go ahead, Your Majesty."
Akira was in an exceptionally good mood right now.
Whatever the Elf Queen wished to ask, he was willing to answer honestly.
"You…"
Her voice paused for a moment.
Then, with a faint chill in her tone, she asked:
"Was my body… fun to play with?"
"???"
The moment Akira heard the question, panic exploded in his mind.
He had never expected the Elf Queen to ask something like that.
How was he supposed to answer?!
If he said "Yes, it was fun," that would be an enormous disrespect toward the Elf Queen.
But if he said "No," it would sound like he was insulting her beauty and charm.
After a brief silence, Akira slowly took a breath and replied with a polite smile.
"Being able to witness Your Majesty's complete form… was my honor."
The Elf Queen's flawless jade-like body had practically made his Holy Light spin like a windmill.
"There's no need to be nervous. I was merely curious."
The Elf Queen's exquisitely beautiful face revealed little emotion in response to his answer. She simply pressed her lips together slightly before continuing:
"However, regarding this matter, you must keep it strictly confidential in the future."
"Especially in front of other elves."
"You must never mention it. Do you understand?"
"…Understood."
Akira rubbed his nose, secretly relieved.
It seemed the Elf Queen had no intention of pursuing the matter further.
That said…
Had she been secretly watching everything that happened here?
Or…
Did the White Elf Queen and the Elf Queen share the same senses?
Yet that didn't quite make sense either.
If she had truly been watching the entire time, then judging by her reaction today, she would probably have stepped in to stop it back then.
After all…
At the time, the Dark Elf Queen had practically been drowned in Holy Light…
"Then—"
The Elf Queen once again revealed her warm, refined smile and said to Akira:
"The Elf Kingdom will always welcome you and your adventurers as honored guests."
"Until we meet again."
As her words fell, the dream slowly began to dissolve.
The magical illusion faded away, and Akira's consciousness drifted back to reality.
He slowly opened his eyes, a faint and inexplicable sense of loss rising in his chest.
Perhaps it was because this had been the last time he would enter the dream of the World Tree.
The special connection between him and the Elf Queen was now severed.
In the future, he might never again feel that unique warmth she carried.
However—
That feeling of loss did not last long.
Because the moment Akira woke up, he discovered Ivsha nearby, wearing an expression of pure satisfaction as she happily devoured Holy Light.
"Ivsha!"
"Oh~ Mr. Akira~ You're finally awake. Did you sleep well?"
Akira frowned slightly.
Why was Ivsha always hungry?
What a terrifying succubus.
Then suddenly—
Akira noticed something strange.
The left side of the bed was empty.
Lucia, who had clearly fallen asleep beside him the night before, was now completely gone.
Only a faint trace of residual Holy Light flickered softly on the sheets.
"Where's Lucia?"
"Oh, the Holy Maiden? She returned to the Holy Light Church early this morning," Ivsha replied casually while continuing to absorb the lingering Holy Light.
…
Inside the Holy Light Church.
Lucia sat upon the Golden Throne.
Yet her expression was anything but calm.
A faint pain from her hips caused her to bite down lightly on her pearl-white teeth, her delicate body trembling slightly as she struggled to endure it.
"Those two bastards!"
Her brows furrowed tightly as anger and humiliation surged through her mind over what had happened the night before.
She was the Pope of the Holy Light Church.
How had she ended up becoming Akira's plaything?!
It was utterly infuriating.
Even worse—
She could still feel a burning heat lingering within her body.
The brilliance of the Holy Light still continued to release its remaining warmth.
Just as Lucia was struggling with the discomfort, Saintess Winnieshan arrived at the Temple of Light.
"Your Holiness, I have an urgent report—"
Before she could finish speaking, she suddenly noticed something strange about Lucia.
The Pope's face looked unusually flushed, and her body seemed to be trembling slightly.
Concern immediately appeared on her face.
"Your Holiness, you seem… somewhat unwell. Did something happen?"
"…It's nothing."
Lucia gently shook her head.
Outwardly she remained calm, but internally she felt a hint of panic at Winnieshan's sudden appearance.
Because she could feel it—
The Holy Light inside her soul was about to overflow.
That sacred aura…
It was about to—
"Your Holiness, are you really alright? Something feels off."
Winnieshan approached her with a worried expression, intending to check her physical condition.
Lucia immediately stopped her.
"Don't come any closer!!"
If Winnieshan approached now—
She would definitely notice that faint fragrance.
If her saintesses were to learn that their revered Pope had been outside doing such disgraceful things…
How would she ever maintain her dignity and holiness before them again?