A Brighter Future (Kuroinu)

“This damn elf!!”

Chloe didn’t expect that this Celestine she just met would bring her such problems. She actually wanted Rhodes to get rid of her, saying it was for the goddess’s image. In reality, she probably just felt that she was annoying to have around Rhodes!

Chloe’s fists instantly hardened, but she couldn’t do anything right now. Besides, if she really did something, she might have to leave.

“What you said makes sense.”

Rhodes’s admission made Celestine even happier, and it made Chloe’s expression much uglier.

“But if that’s the case, Chloe’s situation might get worse. She actually dislikes humans a lot, and only I haven’t provoked that emotion in her. So, she’s quieter around me. But if it were someone else, it would be a headache. Considering her hostile attitude, if she’s not by my side, she will likely be mistreated. Moreover, given the current situation, her dark elf identity could cause a lot of trouble. So, I don’t really want Chloe to face such situations.”

Rhodes explained the situation, thinking that Celestine, who likes peace, would soften her stance after hearing this and wouldn’t bring up this matter again.

However, after hearing this, Celestine could also imagine what might happen to Chloe if she left Rhodes. She couldn’t bear such a thing, but when she thought about the situation between the two, she hesitated.

“Well, then why not let her stay at the church? This way, there won’t be the problems mentioned earlier, and she won’t need to be a slave.”

Before Rhodes could respond to Celestine’s suggestion, Chloe immediately opposed.

“I don’t agree. Even if I have to be a slave forever, I want to stay by his side. No one can change my mind about that.”

If she agreed to this, Chloe felt that she might never see Rhodes again. This annoying elf would definitely not let her appear in front of Rhodes again. Chloe even feared that the other party might use some means to send her away or do something even worse and terrifying.

Chloe thought of Celestine’s character in the worst possible way, even though she was supposedly the spokesperson of the goddess in the mortal world. After all, anyone who wanted her to leave Rhodes was her enemy.

This attitude further convinced Celestine that Chloe had a purpose for being with Rhodes. Normally, which slave wouldn’t want to escape from such a status? She couldn’t just ignore this matter.

“Your way of thinking completely ignores Rhodes’s situation. Is that really okay?”

“Have you ever considered my feelings? Or Rhodes’s thoughts? Using such supposedly good reasons for his benefit to make him obey your decisions, do you think you’re right in doing so?”

Chloe sneered, “In the end, you’re doing this for yourself, don’t pretend it’s all for Rhodes. It just makes you seem hypocritical and disgusting.”

“I—”

Caught in her own manipulative intentions, Celestine was suddenly speechless. Having her actions exposed in front of Rhodes made her feel even worse, and Chloe’s mocking smile added to her discomfort. Just as Chloe was about to continue saying things to completely break down Celestine’s psychological defenses, Rhodes interrupted their exchange.

“Let’s not continue this topic. After all, no matter what, I can’t give a suitable answer to this situation. So, let’s leave it at that for now. Besides, Chloe might provide some help in the future, so if she doesn’t want to leave, let it be. As for the issue of influence, I’ll find a way to help her get rid of her slave status.”

“As for the impact of her dark elf identity, let’s try to keep her out of sight of others as much as possible.”

Celestine silently nodded in response to Rhodes’s answer, feeling a slight relief in her heart. It seemed that Rhodes didn’t pay much attention to the recent events, but she couldn’t be completely sure if it would affect their relationship.

“You can decide on this matter. I don’t have much of an opinion.”

Seeing this, Chloe chose not to say anything further and accepted Rhodes’s conciliatory approach, bringing the topic to an end.

“Also, Celestine, you don’t need to worry too much about what was said just now.”

Rhodes turned to look at Celestine, who appeared somewhat uneasy, understanding her concern about Chloe’s words.

“Regardless, my feelings for you won’t be affected by this. After all, there’s no such thing as completely selfless people in this world, so what you’re feeling is quite normal. Even in my heart, there are thoughts that I’m embarrassed to admit.”

“Such as?”

“Ah? Do you really want to know? I’m worried you might get angry.”

Celestine shook her head and said, “I won’t, and besides, you know my thoughts, but I don’t know yours. It’s unfair.”

“Alright then. As for my thoughts, cough! It’s just living with more adorable girls. After all, that’s the kind of life I initially hoped for.”

After saying this, Rhodes glanced at Celestine’s reaction. She seemed unsurprised by his words.

“Indeed, that’s what I expected. After all, men tend to fantasize about such things.”

Celestine showed an understanding expression, not expressing any anger, which eased Rhodes’s tension.

“I thought you would be very angry, Celestine.”

“Angry? Well, that emotion is certainly there because I want Rhodes to live with me alone. However, it’s just your thoughts, and you haven’t actually done anything like that. Besides, it’s something I insisted on hearing. It wouldn’t make sense to get angry about it.”

Celestine gave her response, and although Rhodes didn’t expect her to agree to such a thing, he felt relieved.

“But if it’s just living together normally, I can accept that.”