I Became My Healer Elf Character

The auction concluded without anymore incidents. After losing his life, it became clear to Trent that he did not hold any cards. He no longer tried to strike a deal with the elven goddess, instead choosing to sit quietly.

Doenel also seemed resigned to whatever punishment she was willing to give, realizing that trying to flee was an impossibility. He spoke meekly towards Hikari. "What are your plans for me?"

Hikari smiled and stood from her seat. "Don't worry. I won't kill you or anything."

The rat man breathed a sigh of relief, but Hikari continued to his chagrin.

"I won't kill you, but I will force you to work."

"Wh-what kind of work?"

"Well, it's pretty obvious that your organization are the ones who purchased the staff. I will have you join me in shedding some light on the Thieves Guild."

"You would ask me to betray my own?"

Hikari pointed her staff at him. "Would you prefer death?"

The rat flinched and shook his head. "I will follow your words, my lady."

"And what about me?" Trent asked.

"You? I don't really care what you do."

"R-really?"

"No, you may do as you please. Only, if we cross again as enemies, you won't get a resurrection next time."

///

Hikari regrouped with Kurayami and Mizuko outside of their inn.

Kurayami frowned at the witch that joined Hikari. "We leave for a couple of hours, and you've already grown your harem?"

Hikari shook her head. "What are you talking about? This is just…"

"That's right!" Ayase exclaimed. "I am the newest addition to her harem." To make matters worse, she jumped and hugged the small elf.

Mizuko grabbed a black whip from her own inventory and snapped it with her hands. "Looks like mistress needs to be taught a valuable lesson."

"No! Wait, there are reasons for this." Hikari coughed. "What did you two gather while you were out and about?"

Mizuko bowed and put away her whip to Hikari's relief. "Yes, mistress, it would seem this city is just as bad as you thought. Several of the nobles are in the Thieves Guild pockets, and the average citizens suffer the most."

"I see. One of those members just bought my hat at the auction."

"Should we go get it back, mistress?"

"We can take our time. There is no need to rush. Besides, there is a certain rat that is turning over a knew leaf." Hikari gestured towards the witch behind her. "Anyway, this is Ayase."

Ayase nodded to the two of them. "It's a pleasure to meet you both."

Kurayami frowned. "How did you meet the master?"

"I met her during school. The truth is I've been madly in love with her for several years, so I am happy to see it reciprocated."

"Reciprocated?" Kurayami looked towards the now blushing elf. "What does she mean reciprocated?"

"She exaggerates! It was just one kiss!"

Mizuko summoned her whip once more and snapped it again. "Punishment time."

"No! This is not the time nor place."

Ayase mused at the little elf stuck in the predicament. "And what exactly would be the time and place? Are you saying that some other time this would be acceptable?"

"No. Don't slander my good name. I am no glutton for punishment, nor am I a masochist."

At that, all three of them could only look at her and smile wryly.

"It's true!"

"It's okay. I believe you, Master."

"Whatever, now that we know what to expect, we should go check up on those children."

Hikari allowed no further response as she entered the inn. Inside, people were happily eating night time meals. And the two little kids sat across from the pink-haired goddess.

As soon as the little girl spotted Hikari she ran over and hugged the elf.

Hikari patted her head and smiled. "Did you have fun while I was gone?"

Nona nodded. "We got to try so many foods we've never had before! Look, I've even been given a gift!" The little girl pulled out a small silver necklace with a pink heart. "Isn't it pretty?"

"Wow, you've all been busy."

"Yeah! But, I wish you could take us around instead."

Amelia pouted. "What's wrong with me, huh? You are way too favorable to her! It's not fair. Don't you like the gift?"

"I do like it… But, Lady Hikari seems more reliable."

Amelia groaned and slammed her head against the table. "Children are so mean."

Ayase chuckled at the scene. "I can't believe you've even gotten Amelia down here. And the kids, what are your plans for them?"

"Well, I've brought her here to solve some family matters. As for the kids, they don't have a home or parents, so I am looking out for them right now. I will probably bring them to my domain."

"Master, I think that would be wise. Children aren't fit for this kind of journey, and there are plenty of people there who would be able to train them."

"Training?" Nona asked.

Hikari shook her head. "We'll discuss that matter tomorrow. It's late."

After they finished eating, Hikari ushered everyone back to their rooms. Hikari made sure that this night would be one free of punishments from a sadistic vampire. Instead, she chose to sit at a desk, reading a book, and ruminating over her experiences in this world.

Naturally, she had no need of sleep. She usually chose to do so because of habits ingrained in her brain from her previous life. Now, however, she was avoiding it for one reason or another. The lantern near her desk was providing a dim light from Hikari's own magic.

She thought of what happened at the venue, and she didn't feel any remorse for her actions. Was it that she didn't believe she was wrong? Or was it some other reason? She didn't know, but using her power to silence bad actors was almost thrilling.

Was it a corruption arc? Or was it simply dishing out a needed punishment? Hikari sighed at the useless questions. Instead, she chose to focus on the novel about the Imperial College.

If she wanted answers, she guessed that a college of magic would provide plenty. Fundamentally, she had her own beliefs in regards to the concept, but she knew her perspective was skewed from any mortal. She had an inkling that such investigations would prove unfruitful for her own purposes, but she'd cross that bridge if she came to it.

"Besides, it doesn't hurt to have more knowledge."

Ayase sat down next to her in a bathrobe. "That's for sure," she said, looking at the book on the desk. "What are you reading?"

"Methods of the Imperial College. It's an entry level book, written by an old professor."

"You know, if it's magic, I know quite a bit compared to most people."

"Is that so?"

"Yep. I might not know much when it comes to divine spells, but if it's normal stuff, then I can be of assistance."

Hikari widened her eyes. Of course! How did she not think of asking the witch right next to her? She felt incredibly dumb for such a folly. Sometimes her mind was working overtime, and sometimes she missed the most obvious thing that would be a no-brainer to mortals. Was this considered being out of touch with reality?

Ayase chuckled at the elf. "You don't need to think so seriously. I'm beginning to understand something about you."

"What's that?"

"Well, aside from you're being amazing, you're actually quite normal. I don't mean that as an insult, but…"

"I get it. I actually prefer it this way. When people put me up on a pedestal it makes me feel like something I am not. I realize that I've been given a greater position than most, but it's taking me a while to adapt."

"Hmm, I am not sure I can help with that. After all, I've never been a goddess or had a harem before," Ayase teased. "However, I do know a thing or two about mortal magic. Speaking of which, there is a price you must pay for the knowledge I'm willing to give."

"And what is that?"

"Nothing, you simply must uphold your promise that you will give me another item! After all, I didn't even get to win that hat!"

"Are you still bitter about that?"

"Hmph, that hat was one of your great many positions. Anyone whose a member of the Hikari fan club would want it!"

"Hikari fan club? Now you're just making things up. Alright, alright, I will give you a new hat. A better hat."

Hikari reached into a small purple portal containing her inventory space. She rifled through many hats and staves she'd collected throughout her time adventuring in the game. Eventually she landed on a hat that she'd gotten towards the end of her play through. This one was even higher leveled than the hat she'd auctioned off. She pulled out a black witch hat, radiating pure malice.

[Hat of the Forsaken Witch Goddess]