-Sylphiette-

  After departing Sharia, Roxy and I made way for the east, where the north lands of the central continent were less developed. The intense weather and large forests meant only smaller towns were able to be formed in the rare grasslands. Given the potential for a new trade route if the terrain could be tamed, and any untapped resources that lay beyond the wilderness, the guilds in the territory thrived. Quests like monster hunting, resource gathering and caravan protection were plentiful. It was the perfect place to raise my rank as an adventurer. In a land with such a thriving guild, neither Roxy nor I were willing to take unnecessary risks. So, our progress was steady. This gave me time to adapt to my new life.

  Unlike training with Paul and Norn, combat in the field was an entirely different beast. In some ways, it was easier. Monsters didn't always have the means to effectively defend themselves and few held the intelligence to predict my misdirections. In other ways, it was far more difficult. I wasn't fighting alone anymore, so part of my job was protecting Roxy. We also faced large groups of monsters frequently. Roxy told me she was in a two person party during her time at university, so she instructed me on how to properly support her. It was all I could have asked for, being her sword and shield as I was able to admire her magical prowess.

  I made many mistakes, usually due to my obsession with Roxy. She would frequently scold me for putting her safety above my own. I'd throw myself haphazardly between her and a charging beast, distract hoards that she felt I didn't need to wholly occupy, and overextend myself when using silent casting. That last issue was the most damning, as I would become a liability if I overused chant-less spells. Silently healing wasn't as risky, as I could more easily refine the spells, but using wind magic without an incantation was far more draining.

  On one occasion, after making another one of my careless attempts to defend Roxy, I had collapsed. She struggled to protect me while eliminating the last of the monsters we were fighting. Later, she told me my hair had started to go white and my breathing was shallow. I had used too many spells, which resulted in mana exhaustion. That was a minor case, but people had been known to lose consciousness for days if pushed too far. From that point on, I limited my silent wind magic to three times a day. Any more and I'd risk putting myself and Roxy in danger.

  Once we got used to our new life together, we traveled between the small towns as our quests required. To protect jobs for beginning adventurers, you couldn't accept jobs more than one rank above or bellow your own. Once I was disqualified from handling lower ranked quests, we could only take on the highest ranked quests, of which there were few. Any single town would run out of work quickly, so we could never settle in one place. Thankfully, our personal guild cards could record information that all guilds could access, so we were able to stay moving.

  Because of our lack of a fixed address, I held a selfish hope. Despite having gained the life I wanted, I still held a bit of bitterness for Roxy's former student. I had never met Eris, but she felt like a threat to my life with Roxy. So, her letters being delayed in delivery meant they would often come in bundles all at once. Roxy started sending fewer replies, though they were more substantial, as her life as an adventurer gave her more to write about. I hoped the infrequent letters with stories of our small party would deter her from continuing to send her own messages. Yet, they never stopped. In fact, Eris's grew more lengthy in response, though I never cared to know their contents. She was truly dedicated to Roxy. It made my jealousy flair.

  I shouldn't have had to worry. I was with Roxy, not her. If I could just tell her how I felt, if I could make her my wife, then I was certain my anxiety over this anonymous girl would fade. Yet, I couldn't tell her. Every time I worked up the courage, I'd remember her dream. I wasn't her ideal, even beyond not being a man. So, I held my tongue. I could deal with the envy, as long as I was with Roxy.

  Three years into our life as adventurers, and having earned the right to rise to S Rank, Roxy decided it was time for us to explore a labyrinth. Though adventurers could go their whole lives without ever exploring a labyrinth, clearing one would be a crowning achievement. It also meant we might find rare magical items or materials, which seemed to be Roxy's main motivation.

  She heard that towns near the Red Dragon's Upper Jaw were having an issue with monsters flooding out of their local labyrinth. While it was strange, given monsters' nature of reclusing themselves inside dungeons, they were reportedly weak enough to not be a major issue. That made it sound like the perfect place for my first dive.

  “So, we have all our supplies ready.” Roxy and I were discussing our plans at the guild. We had arrived at a town that was a half day's walk from the labyrinth. “Are you sure you don't want me covering the cost for any of your supplies?”

  “No, it's fine.” I had exhausted most of my savings preparing for the dive, but I was fine with that. We'd make plenty of money from selling our spoils from the labyrinth. “We're only going to be exploring the first floor for now. I shouldn't need anything until we get back.”

  “If you're sure...” Roxy looked a bit dubious. “Just let me know if you need any money.”

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  I was going to decline for what felt like the hundredth time, when I suddenly felt a weight on my back. “Oh, does someone need financial support?” A pair of arms slipped around my shoulders, crossing over my chest. “If you want, I could help you out, if you're willing to keep me company.”

  Looking over my shoulder, I saw the face of a clearly inebriated elf. Her gentle features reminded me of my own, although her lecherous stare was one I doubt I'd ever made. Swallowing my nerves, I replied. “Th-that's alright. I'm actually busy.”

  “Now, don't be so quick to turn me down.” Pulling a chair over, she sat right next to me. One arm still rested across my shoulders, while she traced a circle on my breast guard with her finger. “I'm certain I can make a young boy like you feel very good. What's your name?”

  I sighed, realizing what she was getting at. Looking to Roxy, she simply shrugged. I guess it was my problem to deal with. Still, the lack of any concern or jealousy was disappointing. “My name is Sylphiette.”

  “Sylphi...ette?” As she started to realize her mistake, she withdrew. She was now at an appropriate distance, but still held a hand to my shoulder. “Oh, I'm so sorry dear. I didn't mean to mistake you for a boy.”

  “It's alright.” I had grown quite accustomed to being confused for a man over the years. I always thought Paul was the outlier when he saw me as a boy, but it soon became clear it was more uncommon for people to know I'm a woman. I hardly took offense to it anymore. My hair was the only part of myself I really felt a need to change in a feminine way when I was discovering myself. I preferred long sleeves and pants over revealing clothes. I also started wearing leather armor, which smoothed out my already minimal curves. “It happens all the time.”

  “Well, if you're sure.” Looking back to the drunken elf, seeing her similarly lithe frame was a small comfort, as it meant I was simply a normal elven woman. However, she clearly worked to emphasized her femininity. She wore a corset, which showed off her midriff and bare shoulders, and shorts that covered barely any of her legs. Her detached sleeves and thigh-high boots emphasized the skin of her upper arms and legs in a manner more suggestive than if they were left entirely bare. I imagine if I was a boy, I would have followed her right to bed. “At least let me buy you a drink.”

  Grabbing my arm, she pulled me from my seat, heading towards the bar. I looked to Roxy for support, or at least some concern, but she simply waved as I was dragged off.

  “So, you're first labyrinth? That's certainly exciting.” After a few hours, I was still talking to the elf woman. At first, I was desperate to escape her. However, the more I talked, the more comfortable I was with her. She inquired about my life, adventures and family. She seemed concerned when I first mentioned Paul, who's misdeeds must have still been well known among adventurers, so I assured her I was like a daughter to him. It seemed odd for her to be worried about his philandering when she so readily approached me for sex, but it was her double standard to bare. I don't know why, but telling her so much of my life didn't feel excessive. Perhaps because she was so invested. “And, what about your partner?”

  “What about Roxy?” I had gone over the details of our past, so I didn't know what else she would be fishing for.

  “How you talk about her. The way you look at her.” I blushed, as I realized this woman had long since sobered up and had read me like a book. I felt foolish for being so open with a stranger. “It's pretty obvious you're interested in being more than just partners.”

  “Well, you know...” I tried to look for the words. It was pointless to deny it at this point. So, I went with the harsh truth. “I don't think she feels the same way. She seems to prefer men. So, I'm fine staying like this.”

  “Hmm...” She looked over my shoulder, back towards our table. I was too nervous to follow her stare. I didn't want to risk Roxy finding out we were talking about her. “If you're sure, then I won't push. I just don't want you having any regrets. Us elves live far longer than most. Plenty of time to linger on what ifs.”

  “I'll... I'll think about it.”

  “Good. I shouldn't keep you much longer though. It seems your friend finally arrived.”

  “Friend?” I looked back to Roxy, and my heart froze.

  -Roxy-

  I watched as Sylphie and the mysterious woman talked at the bar. It had been quite a while, but I wasn't worried. It was rare for her to branch out, so being forced to make a new friend wouldn't hurt. As I waited for her to return, a shadow blanketed the table.

  “Hello, Roxy.”

  It took me a moment to realize who it was. After all, it had been seven years. She had grown so much since I'd last seen her, but there was no mistaking her. “Hello, Eris.”

  “What are you doing so close to the border crossing.”

  As direct as always. Given our frequent communication, it made sense she wouldn't expect me here, as I hadn't yet written of our latest plans. “Sylphie and I are planning to explore the labyrinth nearby. She's ready to rise to S rank, so it seemed like the appropriate time.”

  Eris waited for me to finish, despite her clearly having something to say after I mentioned the labyrinth. I was proud of her, being respectful enough not to interrupt as she would in the past. Certain she had room to talk, she replied in a bark. “Let me join you!”

  “No, you can't.” Before I could reply, Sylphie came back to the table. She seemed a bit nervous. Maybe spending so much time with a stranger was a bit much for her. Coming back to meet yet another unfamiliar face must have been draining.

  “Why not?” Eris turned to Sylphie. It was quite the sight. Sylphie was a good bit taller than me, but Eris was taller still. She needed to look down to match eyes with Sylphie.

  “Teacher and I are more than enough on our own.” Sylphie turned to me, looking for support. “Isn't that right?”

  “Don't be hasty.” While I understood her displeasure in this situation, I couldn't prioritize her comfort over our safety. I rose, ready to give her an important lesson. “Labyrinths are dangerous. You should never underestimate them. We should take all the help we can get.” I motioned to make introductions. “This is Eris Boreas Greyrat, my former student. I'm certain she'll be a great addition to our party.”

  Proudly, Eris crossed her arms, taking her usual firm stance. It was quite nostalgic seeing her like that. Sylphie looked frustrated. It seemed like a bit of an overreaction, but I knew she had a fixation about relying on others. She always avoided it when possible. I'd hoped she'd let it go, as Eris would be an invaluable aid. Instead...

  “She has to prove herself first.” Pulling the glove from her hand, Sylphie tossed it at Eris. “I challenge you to a duel.”

  Oh dear...