Nozomi was caught off guard by Frieren's unexpected words.
"Really?" he blinked, tilting his head slightly. "You mean to tell me you're just relaxing your brain… going full-on lazy mode?"
Frieren nodded, stretching like a satisfied cat. "Mhm. Just letting myself laze around for a bit."
"A bit, huh?" Nozomi raised an eyebrow. "And how long is a bit when you're an elf?"
The silver-haired elf tapped her chin thoughtfully, her long ears twitching. "It depends on the mood. But I'd say... this pace suits me. I'm quite happy with my life right now. Although… it's been a while since I opened a treasure chest monster. That part's a little disappointing."
Hearing that, Nozomi couldn't help but picture her voice echoing inside a treasure chest monster again, like that one ridiculous incident.
"So dark… so scary… help me Nozomi…"
"Pffft—" Nozomi burst into laughter, unable to contain himself. "Are you serious? Fern and I were stressing out, thinking you were sinking into depression—and here you are, wanting to be eaten by treasure chest monsters again?!"
Frieren pouted adorably, arms crossed beneath her nightgown sleeves. "Well, opening them could lead to a brand-new magic book, you know! I do love magic."
Nozomi smiled, his eyes softening. He stepped closer and gently took her hand.
"Give it a little time, and I'll unlock access to more types of magic. When that happens, would you study with me?"
She blinked in surprise. Frieren was, after all, the crystallization of artificial elf research—capable of immense magical versatility. Once the public beta of the virtual reality game began and the crystal matured, Nozomi knew he'd be able to unlock a universal magic template.
The artificial elf before him was essentially a living, breathing omnipotent grimoire.
Frieren's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Absolutely! Just say the word."
She didn't question why he sounded so sure. Nozomi was full of mysteries—and part of her was drawn to that.
In one fluid motion, Nozomi grinned mischievously and tugged her forward. With a soft yelp, Frieren stumbled and found herself landing softly on his lap—Nozomi now firmly seated in the armchair she'd been in just moments ago.
Her face flushed pink, the tips of her ears practically glowing. "Nozomi… you're not planning to do that again, are you?"
"Hm?"
He leaned in playfully, his warm breath brushing against her ear. "What if I am?"
Frieren trembled, her blush deepening. She lowered her gaze.
To her… Nozomi wasn't just her first man. He was her first deep connection—the first person to see her as more than just an elf magician.
"T-that kind of thing… it's not impossible," she muttered, voice barely a whisper.
Noticing the subtle shift in her demeanor—so unlike her usual cool composure—Nozomi's hand moved instinctively. He brushed his fingers along her silver ponytails, which draped over her white nightgown like flowing starlight.
She often wore that simple gown, a testament to her homebody lifestyle since diving into magical research. It made moments like these all the easier.
"You know," Nozomi said softly, stroking her silky hair, "I promised Fern I'd cheer you up."
He leaned in, lips near her pointed ear, and exhaled a warm puff of breath.
Frieren shivered again, a gasp escaping her lips as her body instinctively reacted to the resonance of his magic. A strange and familiar pull—something that only happened with Nozomi.
"A-ah… Honestly, I think you should go find Fern…" she said breathlessly.
Nozomi chuckled. "Oh? Now you're sending me away? Fern sent me to you, and you're bouncing me right back? Am I a magical delivery parcel now?"
"W-well… Fern seems to enjoy this kind of thing more," Frieren muttered, flustered.
"Are you saying you don't enjoy it?"
"I'm an elf! I don't like human things like this. At most, I… don't hate it… but… mmmph?!"
Before she could ramble further, Nozomi pressed his lips to hers, cutting off her words.
If you don't hate it, then there's no reason to hesitate.
...
Frieren's eyes widened. Her long lashes trembled.
The usually calm waters of her heart rippled again. Even someone as composed and ancient as she was… couldn't ignore the storm named Nozomi.
She didn't push him away.
This wasn't the first time—and something told her, it wouldn't be the last.
...
Nozomi's lips were warm and demanding against Frieren's, his tongue seeking entrance to her mouth, their breaths mingling in a dance of passion. Frieren's hands came to rest on his chest, her fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt as she leaned into the kiss.
The elf's ears were delicate, sensitive to the touch, and Nozomi knew this. He let his lips trail from hers, down her jawline, and found the lobe of her left ear. He nipped gently, teasing her with the sharpness of his teeth, before sucking the tender skin into his mouth.
Frieren's body tensed, a soft moan escaping her lips as she arched her neck, offering him more access. Nozomi took advantage, his tongue tracing the contours of her ear, his breath hot on her skin, sending shivers down her spine.
He moved his hand to the small of her back, pulling her closer, feeling her body heat against his. Their kiss deepened, Frieren's hands now roaming his chest, her fingers digging into his flesh.
Nozomi's other hand drifted, slipping beneath her tunic, his fingers brushing against the sensitive skin of her waist. She gasped, her eyes fluttering shut as the sensation of his touch sent sparks through her.
His hand moved higher, his fingers skimming over her breast, his thumb teasing her nipple through the fabric of her clothing. Frieren's hips bucked, her mouth breaking from his, her breath coming in ragged gasps.
Nozomi took this as an invitation, his hand slipping beneath her tunic, his fingers finally making contact with her bare skin. Frieren's back arched, her head falling back as she let out a moan, her body responding to his touch.
He cupped her breast, his thumb rolling over her nipple, her arousal evident as it hardened under his touch. Frieren's hands tightened on his shirt, her nails digging in as she panted, her eyes closed, lost in the sensations.
Nozomi's other hand slipped down, his fingers slipping beneath her skirt, his touch finding the dampness between her legs. Frieren cried out, her body convulsing, her hips bucking against his hand.
His fingers slipped inside her, his thumb still working her nipple, their combined effect pushing her closer to the edge. Frieren's body trembled, her nails digging into Nozomi's back as her climax built.
Nozomi increased the pace, his fingers thrusting into her, his thumb working her nipple in time. Frieren's back arched, her eyes wide as she cried out, her body convulsing as her orgasm tore through her.
She collapsed against Nozomi, her limbs weak, her breaths coming in short, ragged gasps. Nozomi held her close, his lips finding hers once more in a tender, loving kiss, his hand still resting on her breast, his fingers lingering between her legs.
----
The agreement with Miss Fern—Nozomi had fulfilled it flawlessly.
A little while later, after the tension melted away like morning dew under the sun, Frieren nestled herself into Nozomi's arms, her expression as drowsy as a cat in the afternoon light. Her silver ponytails shimmered faintly, catching the soft glow of the room.
With a lazy hum, she reached out and poked his chest with her slender finger, cheeks still flushed from earlier.
"Nozomi... next time, let's do it at night, okay?"
He blinked, a playful glint in his eyes. "Hmm? Why the sudden scheduling request?"
Frieren let out a long sigh, puffing her cheeks slightly in mock annoyance.
"Because during the day... I can't concentrate on magic anymore. You've completely disrupted my study rhythm."
She glanced at him with a touch of resentment, though it was softened by the undeniable warmth in her gaze.
Frieren understood now why elves were traditionally distant. To hone magic and grow stronger, they needed a calm mind, unburdened by fleeting emotions. But now... her thoughts swirled with images of Nozomi. Every formula, every glyph she tried to memorize, was overwritten by his mischievous smile.
Nozomi chuckled, gently pinching her cheek. "Alright, alright. I'll come quietly at night next time like a proper gentleman."
Frieren huffed, slipping back into her characteristic laziness.
"By the way," she muttered, resting her chin on his shoulder, "are you really not going to school today?"
Nozomi grinned. "Nah. One day won't hurt. Mahiru and Yukino will cover for me later anyway. Besides... I wanted to take you and Fern out shopping."
He gave her a soft look, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.
"Since you came to Sakurasou, you haven't really gone out to have fun together, right? It's about time you both enjoyed yourselves."
Frieren blinked. "If Fern agrees, I suppose I can go. But honestly... I'm not big on material things. Clothes are just clothes—as long as they're comfortable, what's the point of buying more?"
Nozomi held her hand gently, intertwining their fingers.
"It's not just about the clothes. I want you and Fern to have more beautiful outfits—not for materialism, but because it makes me happy to see the two of you looking your best. You're both already beautiful. Why not shine a little brighter?"
Frieren was silent for a moment, then gave him a small nod. Seeing the genuine excitement in his eyes, she couldn't help but feel a little flutter in her chest.
After they got dressed, Nozomi took her by the hand and led her out of the room.
Fern, standing nearby, raised an eyebrow in astonishment. "You really managed to cheer Lady Frieren up that fast?"
Nozomi smirked triumphantly. "What can I say? I'm good at what I do."
He turned to Fern and said with a teasing grin, "She wasn't sulking about the hero. Frieren was just in one of her lazy elf moods."
Fern blushed and crossed her arms, trying to maintain composure.
"Hmph. I remember our deal, Nozomi. Don't worry. Tonight... I'll be waiting for you."