The chaos from our relationship reveal had finally calmed. Throughout the night, the girls remained by my side, and though everyone had questions, the sheer amount of alcohol consumed kept most from pestering us too persistently. Loki, in particular, was sprawled unconscious on a sofa.
At this point, those who were sober enough started to retire to their rooms, and the rest just lay on the floor to sleep.
"Well, then, we'll also retire now," Astraea said. The Astraea Familia members followed her out—all except Ryuu.
I looked over at the girls standing by my side, "Ryuu, Asfi, Riveria, Ais, we should also take our leave." They all turned towards me as I continued, "There is actually something else that I wanted to discuss as well."
Ryuu tilted her head, her soft, fluffy blonde hair moving with her movements, staring at me with those ocean blue eyes. "Something else?" she asked.
"Is it something serious?" Asfi asked, her eyes narrowing.
I nodded. "Yeah, but nothing too serious. Just that now we are in a relationship, I think it's only fair that you know about it."
"Arin, are you talking about your skills?" Riviera, guessing my intention, spoke, and I nodded in response as she continued further, "I see, I suppose that is fair. I was also thinking of talking about it with them. So it's a good opportunity."
"Skill?" Ais stared up at me, questioningly.
"Yup, but let's discuss that somewhere private," I said, pulling her by our joined hands along with the rest of the girls. Instead of any of our rooms, we decided to head towards the library as it was the nearest.
"Does Riveria know about this skill?" Ais asked, her golden eyes fixed on Riveria.
"Yes, as the Vice-Captain, I had to know about everyone's skills for better coordination." Hearing Riveria's response, Ais puffed up her cheeks.
"No fair," she said, turning her face away with a huff.
Ryuu got closer, patting Ais head, like soothing a child. "It's fine, Ais, we will also get to know about it now, won't we?" Seeing Ryuu's efforts, Ais sighed slightly and nodded like an obedient child.
It didn't take long for us to arrive near the library. The thick wooden doors opened with a familiar creak.
The scent of parchment and aged wood filled my lungs as we entered.
The girls and I entered the library and took seats around the table.
"So what do you want to discuss about this skill of yours?" Asfi spoke first, leading the conversation, "It's the same skill that you are always avoiding discussing, right?"
Guess they already have some inkling, or rather, it would have been strange if they hadn't noticed the sudden growth rates. I took a deep breath before answering. "Yes, it is. And this is also the proof of my affection towards you." I couldn't help but tease them slightly, as I saw color flooding their faces at my sudden proclamation.
"Though before I start explaining, I want you all to know," before I explain the skill, I want you all to know that your strength is your own, and no one else, you have earned it through hardships, through sweat, blood, and tears." I waited for them to understand my words, and was ready to continue after seeing them nod once. But before I could proceed with the explanation, though, Riviera motioned me to stop.
"I think it would be better if I explained it, Arin," she said, and turned to address the girls. "I would guess you all already have some suspicions regarding your growth rates. You've all gained levels and strength at a pace that should be impossible."…and that was only possible with both your own efforts and a push that we all are receiving from Arin's skill." Riviera continued to explain the working of my skills.
"So, it was like that after all," Asfi muttered, and Ryuu nodded in understanding, while Ais simply waited patiently for Riveria to continue the talk.
"Yes, the name of the skill is 'Amoris Pulse,'" Riveria began, then proceeded to explain its mechanics and effects in detail. Ryuu's eyes widened in amazement. Asfi's analytical expression shifted to surprise, then embarrassment. Ais simply blinked, processing the information methodically. When Riveria finally finished, the library fell into absolute silence. Even Riveria herself had her ears turned red from explaining such intimate details.
"So, Lydia was right…" Asfi spoke to herself before she shook her head and continued, "Anyway, so this skill had given us a boost in terms of growth, huh?"
"Yup, though as I said, it can't create something out of nothing, you girls put in the effort, and this skill just amplified the rewards to a degree," I explained further.
"So, our growth…will speed up even more now?" Ais questioned, staring up at me.
"Most likely."
"That's..." Ryuu covered her face with her hands, the tip of her long red ears peeking out. "That's so embarrassing to think about. Our …feelings literally affecting our strength."
"It's good for us," Riveria consoled Ryuu, most likely hiding her own embarrassment. "Though I must admit, my reaction was quite similar to yours, Ryuu."
"Really?" Ryuu asked, to which Riveria nodded.
Asfi leaned back in her chair, her fingers drumming on the table in thought. "From a practical standpoint, this explains several anomalies I've noticed. The speed at which we've been developing new techniques, the efficiency of our training, even the rate of our status improvements..." She paused. "It all makes sense now."
Ais, who was silently observing, pressed her question, "Does this skill affect you as well, Arin? Did you get stronger because of the…bonds we share?"
"Ah, no. This only works on you girls." I answered honestly, which somehow earned a pout from Ais.
"That's not fair," she said.
I replied with a laugh, "Well, seeing you girls get stronger is already enough for me—" I paused as a mischievous idea struck. "Or rather, I take that back." I said, looking into each of their eyes, "Seeing you girls make me want to grow stronger, so there is that." The girls averted their eyes, looking away bashfully.
"Enough with the sappyness!" Asfi cried, pushing a thick book on my face, blocking my vision.
"Hey, what the heck! That's not fair!" I could only protest blindly, already missing the sight of their expressions. But fortunately, after promising I wouldn't tease them anymore tonight, I was able to free myself from the dreadful situation.
"Ah, the growth isn't the only advantage you will have. This skill's essence grants you traits similar to those of high humans. That is an infinite lifespan, the ability to cast any kind of magic after learning it once, and much more." I looked over at the girls as they remained in shock hearning that.
"An eternal lifespan, huh?" Riveria muttered, seemingly in deep thought.
"...yes," I replied unenthusiastically, as I knew they understood the consequences that come with eternal life. The girls were quiet for some time until Asfi broke the silence.
"Ha… right now I don't wish to think about any gloomy thing." Asfi added, "And nothing of this changes my feeling for you in any way." She said, as the other girls nodded seriously in agreement.
"Yes, I—I also feel the same way," Ryuu added, her pointed elven ears a shade of red.
"Me too, I made the decision even after knowing the consequences," Riviera replied resolutely.
"Same…here." Ais grabbed my hand tightly like she was afraid I would go away somewhere. I was really grateful that they thought this way. A comfortable silence settled between us as we sat around the table.
After that, we spent the next while talking about training plans, upcoming expeditions, and lighter topics that had nothing to do with embarrassing skills. The conversation flowed easily, comfortable silence punctuated by gentle laughter.
Ryuu, finding the moment, spoke up, "So, now that we have talked about the skill, are there any more secrets you wish to share, Arin?"
I hesitated, which they immediately caught on, "...There are a few other things, but I think for today, this is enough, lest you get overwhelmed with information. I am pretty open about things, so if you have any questions about my skills or my life, feel free to ask away anytime."
Ryuu and others nodded and refrained from asking any more questions. And all of us started to prepare to leave for the night.
"Arin," Ryuu spoke with a shy smile, "I appreciate your consideration for trying to protect our confidence by not telling us about the skill earlier."
"Even if it was misguided consideration," Asfi added with gentle amusement. "We're not so fragile that we'd doubt our achievements just because we received some assistance."
"I know that now," I said. "I should have given you more credit."
"Yes, you should have," Asfi said, though she was smiling. "But we forgive you this time."
"Thanks for showing generosity."
"We always try," we all laughed together and noticed Ais stifling a yawn, cutely.
"Ah, it's already so late, huh?" I said, looking over the wall watch. "We should all get some rest, a proper one, after only sleeping in the tents. I am going to sleep like a log." I announced, and we all stood up.
Riveria got a parting jab in as we started toward the door. "When have you ever NOT slept like a log?"
"Fair point." I stopped, turning to face her. "But before we go..." I leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.
She froze, eyes wide. Before she could react, I moved to Ryuu, then Asfi, then Ais—pressing a gentle kiss to each of their foreheads in turn as they all remained frozen like a statue.
I at least have that much privilege, right…? I had those anxious thoughts as I observed their reactions. Ryuu had almost steam coming out of her head, while Riveria was not as bad as Ryuu, but still significantly affected by my actions. Asfi's face deepened to crimson, while Ais had a small smile on her face and a tint of pink on her cheeks.
"Well, then—good night!" I grinned and bolted from the library before any of them could recover enough to retaliate.