An Extra’s Rise in an Eroge

The conversation around the table gradually shifted to lighter topics, led by Edward's knack for diplomacy.

"So, Miss Nyra," Edward began with a smile, "I hear you'll be joining the academy this year?"

"Yes," Nyra replied, her tone calm but tinged with excitement. "Not just me—my cousin Alan will be joining as well."

"Oh? That's wonderful. My sister Eleanor will also be starting this year, along with Arthur and Alicia." Edward gestured toward us warmly. "I'm sure you'll all get along splendidly."

"I hope so too, Prince Edward," Thalia added, her voice carrying an air of regal politeness.

As the conversation continued, I couldn't ignore the weight of Lesley's gaze on me. It was relentless, as if she were peeling back layers I wasn't even aware of. Her emerald eyes felt too knowing, and it was starting to seriously unsettle me.

Unable to bear it any longer, I turned to her. "Miss Lesley," I began, my tone polite but edged with curiosity, "is something the matter?"

Lesley blinked, as though I'd pulled her from a deep thought. A small, enigmatic smile curved her lips. "Not at all. In fact… quite the opposite."

"The opposite?" I echoed, frowning slightly.

"Yes." She tilted her head, studying me like I was a puzzle she'd almost solved. "You have a very peculiar aura, Arthur. Familiar, yet foreign. It's… comforting in a way I can't quite explain. Almost as if nature itself clings to you. It is compelling me to cling to you."

Her words sent a shiver down my spine. I wasn't sure what she meant, but I instinctively glanced at Alicia out of the corner of my eye, worried she might misunderstand. Alicia's face was calm, but her hand gripped her goblet a little too tightly.

Edward, ever perceptive, quickly stepped in to lighten the mood. "Lesley, druids are known for their unique connection to nature. Is that how you're able to sense these things?"

Lesley nodded, her gaze never leaving me. "Yes. Nature whispers to us—its memories, its feelings. Sometimes, it reveals truths about those it deems important."

"Well," Edward said with a laugh, "Arthur must feel quite special to be called important by nature itself."

I forced a smile, trying to play along, but Lesley's words lingered in my mind like an uninvited guest. What did she mean by "truths" and "important"?

Thalia's voice cut through the tension, bringing everyone back to the moment. "Shall we eat?"

"Yes, please!" Eleanor chimed in, her enthusiasm bringing a ripple of laughter to the table.

Servants appeared with trays of beautifully arranged delicacies, filling the table with vibrant colors and mouthwatering aromas. The conversation turned light again, with Edward steering the topics skillfully.

Yet, even as the others laughed and shared stories, I found it hard to focus. Lesley's cryptic remarks had planted a seed of unease in me, one that I couldn't easily brush aside. Something about her words felt like the start of something far larger than I was prepared to face.

After the meal, we exchanged pleasantries once more, the atmosphere lighter than before.

"It was a pleasure meeting all of you. I had a wonderful time," Edward said with his signature charm.

"Indeed, it was an enjoyable gathering," Thalia agreed, smiling graciously.

"See you soon at the academy!" Nyra added, giving a carefree wave as we began to make our way to the exit.

As we approached the door, Lesley's voice called out, halting me. "Arthur, may I have a moment of your time?"

I glanced over at Alicia, who, with a soft smile, let go of my hand. "I'll wait in the carriage," she said quietly, then walked off with Edward and Eleanor.

Edward shot me a teasing thumbs-up before following them out, his grin barely contained.

This bastard, I thought, suppressing a groan. I'm not courting her, you fool.

The elves, sensing something private was about to unfold, respectfully stepped back. Now it was just Lesley and me sitting alone in the garden.

I turned to face her, trying to remain composed. "So, Miss Lesley… You wanted to speak with me?"

Lesley's smile deepened as she nodded, but instead of responding immediately, she casually walked over to me. Before I could react, she perched herself on my lap, her body surprisingly light as she settled herself against me.

My mind went blank.

She wrapped her arms around my neck, her face a mere breath away from mine. With a slow, deliberate motion, she leaned in close and took a deep inhale.

"Snnnfffft!" The sound was soft but distinct, and it sent a chill down my spine. Her eyes fluttered closed for a moment as if savoring a rare scent. Then, she exhaled with a contented sigh.

"Haaaaahhh…" The sound was low, almost sensual, and her lips curved into a serene smile. "Ahhh… That's perfect."

The unexpectedness of it all left me speechless. I could barely form a coherent thought.

"You must be a bit shocked, I imagine," she said with a teasing lilt in her voice, her emerald eyes shimmering as they locked onto mine. "A druid, known for their distant ways, sitting so casually in a man's lap… I wonder what you're thinking right now."

I swallowed hard, trying to process her words, her actions, and the heat rising in my face. My heart was hammering in my chest like a war drum, a rhythm only she seemed oblivious to.

I managed a nervous nod, unsure what else to do in the face of her unexpected closeness.

"Ha~ha!" Her laughter rang out, light and melodic, like the chiming of delicate bells. It was a sound that was both soothing and unnerving, given the situation.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"You know, Arthur," she said, her emerald eyes locking onto mine, "you're emitting the scent of nature itself. It's… divine. Just sitting near you feels like basking in sunlight after a long winter."

Her words caught me off guard. I opened my mouth to reply, but no sound came out.

She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You might not realize it because you cannot see them, but let me tell you—a multitude of spirits are hovering around you, drawn to you like moths to a flame."