Elden Ring System

1 Hour Later

As I saw the city walls of Akihabara, the Red Wolf ran through the massive gates and I started directing it which road to take.

Yggdrassil: "Damn, the streets full! You want to turn ar-"

Whoosh

The Red Wolf jumped over the crowd before jumping at a building and bouncing iff the building wall as it lunged to the open space before rushing towards the guild building.

Whoosh

Thud!

Whoosh!

To all players, it appeared to be an orange blur but to some whose level were around level 90 they saw an orange direwolf jump onto a building before jumping back down with its rider on the back.

As I kept directing the Red Wolf we made it to the Guild Building and saw a small crowd forming.

The Red Wolf had ran up to the front entrance before it stopped right at the entrance and I stepped down from its back.

Yggdrassil: "Thank you for sprinting out here to the fullest, I will make sure to feed you lots of food once I'm out of the meeting"

Whimper

Yggdrassil: "You want to enter? Then lets enter"

We both entered and I followed someone where the stairwell was before we started climbing up the floor s until we reached the top floor and I saw Nyanta standing by a door.

Nyanta: "Ah, is that you Yggdrassil? And you brought a friend with you?"

Yggdrassil: "Yeah, Red Wolf my companion"

Nyanta: "Other representatives will be here shortly so if you wouldn't mind entering inside and wait on the wall"

I nodded and entered inside and was amazed by the details of the entire room before settling on the roundtable that had throne seats prepared.

I settled on the back of the wall with the Red Wolf sitting down and waited as new arrivals appeared and walked towards the roundtable before they sat down waiting for the others.

30 minutes later

Everyone had arrived and were prepared to start the meeting. Nyanta, Serara, and Henrietta who was petting the Red Wolf.

Shiroe: "Thank tou all for taking the time to come today"

Shiroe: "I am Shiroe, of the guild Log Horizon"

A man with red hair and a bit of white hair in black plated armor spoke after Shiroe with a smile on his face.

???: "You can keep the introduction short, Shiroe of the Tea Party"

Shiroe: "Thank you Issac"

Shiroe: "I'm surprised and honored that you remember me"

Issac: "How could I forget…"

Not long after, an elf spoke with boredom and annoyance in their tone of the meeting and I hummed.

???: "Well, why are we here exactly?"

Shiroe: "I've brought you here for input and aid, concerning Akihabara's present state"

Shiroe: "As you know, ever since the Apocalypse, we've been trapped in this world"

Shiroe: "And theres no way to know if we'll be able to return"

Shiroe: "Given the circumstances, I'd like to keep the situation in Akihabara from gwtting any worse"

???: "Thats a lot to ask"

A man wearing heavy armor and glasses started speaking briefly but out of all the people in the meeting, he was the only one that I felt was dangerous other than the man named Issac.

???: "Are you thinking of something similar to the failed attempt to form alliances of the smaller guilds?"

Shiroe: "Similar, yes"

Shiroe: "However, I've heard that plan was halted"

A man with short stature and monocle spoke beiefly of the earlier plans of Crescent Moon to form an alliance that made me think.

???: "That plan had many problems, it was the smaller guilds attempt to unite, to compete with the larger ones"

???: "In other words, they wanted to protect their interests. They were only concerned with themselves"

???: "Then is your goal today to gather the major powers in Akihabara, to prevent the collision of interests?"

???: "That won't happen"

As they were talking Nyanta started talking quietly with us without bothering the roundtable.

Nyanta: "Everyone seems to assume that this would be a continuation of the first failed alliance nya~"

Henrietta: "Correcting them quickly would be best"

Shiroe: "That is not my intent, my only goal here is to improve the situation in Akihabara"

???: "Eh, then ill be on my way"

???: "We are a combat guild, we have no interests in the city itself. It is merely where we go to sell our items"

???: "In case you don't get it, the city's condition doesn't matter to us"

???: "Let those who care about the city solve its problems"

???: "I don't believe theres nothing wrong with a discussion,but I do think its a waste of time"

???: "Regardless we aren't interested. Silver Sword is out"

Once the elf guy left there was silence before Serara started speaking confused at the situation.

Serara: "Um…it's such an important day, but I haven't seen Akatsuki or Naotsugu or even Shouryuu and Hien all day"

I guess his other agenda is going on the background while he does this as a front? What a calculative person you are Shiroe, I need to have him as an Ally.

Shiroe: "I gathered you here to help create a council to discuss Akihabara's problems, A Round Table conference"

Shiroe: "Our immediate goal will be to improve the city's atmosphere and safety"

Shiroe: "In the long term, I'd like us to be capable of addressing different types of problems"

Henrietta silently spoke but all three of us could hear her.

Henrietta: "This is where it gets serious"

Yggdrassil: "The main dish of this meeting and it's side dishes"

Serara: "Ah, Mr Yggdrassil you made me hungry.."

Nyanta: "Haha, don't worry miss Serara I will cook an amazing dinner for everyone once we get back home"

Serara: "Yay, I get to try Nyantas dish"

???: "Before we get to that, can you tell us how you chose those you invited today"

Shiroe: "First, The Black Sword Knights, Honesty, D.D.D, West Wind Brigade, and Same for Silver Sword, which is no longer with us"

Shiroe: "Second, Marine Agency, Roderic Merchant Guild, and Shopping Street 8 were chosen to represent the crafting Guilds"

Shiroe: "Third, Crescent Moon Alliance, Grandeur, and Radio Market, represent not only their guild but the smaller guilds, as well as players who don't belong to one"

???: "Indeed, around 6,000 players in the guilds are represented here"

???: "Which means 9,000 players in the city either don't belong to one or are in a smaller one"

???: "And you Shiroe?"

Shiroe: "I am here as meeting organizer and the one who came up with the proposal"

Nyanta: 'Log Horizon only has four members, normally they wouldn't have the right to participate in this conference'

???: "In other words, you put this meeting together and invited us, so that you would have the right to be here"

Shiroe: "Thats correct"

Hes good, both of them are calculative people but as I looked them raising their glasses as it shone in light I chuckled a little as did Nyanta.

Yggdrassil: "Does Shiroe always do that Nyanta?"

Nyanta: "Hah, when he gets in the mood he can change and make plans within seconds"

Issac: "Even if we form this council you're talking about, how will we keep the peace?"

Shiroe: "You're all aware that certain guilds are locking up new players under the guise of protection, yes?"

Issac: "You're talking about the EXP pots, but they aren't illegal"

Shiroe: "Currently, in this world, There are no laws"

Issac: "There are no Combat Zones"

Shiroe: "Thats simply a defensive system attacking playerswho fight in no Combat Zones"

Shiroe: "It isn't a law, but a natural phenomenon, like any other"

Marielle: "Laws are what people create, and others recognize"

Shiroe: "A few days ago, I went to Susukino"

Karashin: "Susukino!"

Shiroe: "A guild there was trying to control the city, and threatening NPC's and orher players"

Shiroe: "By your previous logic, that is not illegal since the system doesn't attack them. But is that really all right? Is that all the law is?"

As Shiroe kept speaking I heard Serara ask if that was the basis that all humans should have morality.

Serara: "Isn't that a basic human right to not be chained?"

Henrietta: "Shiroe is trying to explain, that we need laws to bind us, in this lawless new world that we find ourselves in"

Nyanta: "Everyone seems to be wavering, some think rules of some sort are necessary , somethink we'll never be able to reach such an agreement"

???: "But shat eill you do if a group appears that refuses to recognize this Round Table?

???: "A group that goes against anything we decide?"

Shiroe: "We will fight them"

???: "Fight them? How?"

Shiroe: "Banish them from Akihabara, and if necessary we'd force them them to disband

???: "But you can't kill anyone in this world"

Issac: "Hmph, either way, you won't be able to do it without combat guilds, like us"

Issac: "If the major guilds here say they don't care about the conference, or about your laws, its war Shiroe"

Thud

???: "If the major guilds were to go out of control, there'd be no way to stop them. I must say this doesn't strike me as realistic"

???: "I believe forming this Round Table is worthwhile, but it would be without any re-"

Shiroe bad raised his hand up stopping the green haired man in priest robes from talking before he raised his glasses as light shone from them.

Whoosh

Shiroe: "Today, approximately four hours ago, I purchased the Guild Building's Zone"

Issac: "W-what did you just say?!"

???: "Impressive…"

Shiroe: "Naturally, I have the authority to control the zones setting. Including who enters and leaves the zone, in other words, anyone I put on the blacklist won't be ablw to acces the Guild Building at all"

From here I couldn't help but laugh at the situation and watched Shiroe turn into a true Villain.

Henrietta: "Well, now he truly deserves the title of Villain in Glasses"

Nyanta: "Meow"

Serara: "What does him buying the Guild Building mean?"

Nyanta: "The Guilds Building zone is now Shiroes provate property"

Serara: "But how could it be a problem for the other players?"

Henrietta: "Anyone Shiroe doesn't want entering the Guild Building wont be able to"

Serara: "But the large guilds, have their guild halls elsewhere"

Henrietta: "To create, join, or leave a guild you have to come to the guild building "

Serara: "What!"

Yggdrassil: "Heh, from what I know, the Guild Building houses the only Bank to store all your assets, and skipping town isn't possible at the moment"

Nyanta: "In other words, Shiroe can prevent any Akihabara adventurer from accessing their own bank account"

Serara: "Then that makes him just like a bad guy!"

Henrietta: "Shiroe makes the devil himself look meek and mild.

Henrietta: "The nickname, "Villain in glasses", is too generous for him"

Yggdrassil: "Indeed"

As we were talking, I saw Shiroe smiling and that seemed to rile up Issac, of the Black Sword Knights.

Issac: "What's he laughing about!"

???: "But keeping us from our banks…"

???: "Thats blackmail"

Shiroe: "I simply answered his question, anyone who opposes the Round Table, will lose access rights to the Guild Bank"

???: "Thats why it's blackmail"

???: "Then, "If we have to, we'll start a war," is also blackmail, correct?"

???: "Purchasing the Guild Building's zone should require an astronomical amount of funds."

???: "Where did you get the money?"

As the roundtable went silent the man we bad met warlier on the Crescent Moon Meeting spoke up loudly.

Michitaka: "5 Million, we gave him the money"

Roderic: "Then the quest you were leading..?"

Shiroe: "It isn't a quest, ut was to create this council"

Karashin: "Ugh…"

Roderic: "Sigh…"

Michitaka: "Well…"

???: "You still have other things to say, don't you, Shiroe?"

???: "Thats true, No matter what you say, you're still in a position to blackmail us"

Shiroe: "Do you really think this town…no, all this worlds adventurers are okay as things currently are?"

Shiroe: "I have two goals, First, to restore life to everyone in this town and in the long term, this world"

Shiroe: "My other is, to create laws, if nothing else, bind the people of this town"

Shiroe: "Does anyone here oppose these two goals?"

Once again I saw Shiroes face turn into a smoke as his glasses where covered by light not being able to see his eyes.

Issac: "I told you to stop laughing!"

Issac: "Tsk, why don't you tell us specifically what Log Horizon has in mind?"

Shiroe: "I have two primary goals, my proposal to restore life to the people here, and to protect them, as I've explained"

Shiroe: "As for specifics, we'll begin with bringing life back to the area"

Shiroe: "Marie?"

Marielle: "As I believe some of you are aware, we've been running a restaurant called Crescent Moon"

Marielle: "The secret of how we mane food with actual flavor, I shall now reveal it"

Marielle: "This is the trick, You get normal Ingredients, and you cook them just as in the real world, and the cook must have a subclass set to chef"

Marielle: "If their cooking skill isn't high enough, they'll fail, thats all"

Marielle: "The trick is that there is no trick"

???: "So you just cook it yourself, instead of using the command menu? Thats it?"

Shiroe: "I believe this discovery has a number of implications"

Shiroe: "Without it, I never would have thought to gather you all here"

Shiroe: "Michitaka, if you will"

Michitaka: "Yes, in conjunction with the Roderic Merchant Guild and Shopping Street 8, our guild has successfully created a steam engine"

Roderic: "A prototype to be exact"

Karashin: "It still has many flaws, but it's a proof of concept"

Hearing that all three of them managed to create a steam engine, made my entire body tremble before thoughts started building up in my mind.

Yggdrassil: 'I need to start experimenting ! I wonder if I could possibly make an airship but thats a major project that will take time'

Shiroe: "It's amazing you did that in fewer than twelve hours"

Issac: "Wait, what does that mean, exactly?"

Shiroe: "It means the secret you've just learned about cooking is not, in fact, limited to cooking"

Shiroe: "When it was a game, Elder Tale had no steam engines

Shiroe: "However, a player with sufficient crafting skill can take this worlds materials and, without using the command menu, but with their own hands"

Shiroe: "They can invent things that weren't originally part of this world"

Roderic: "So now, there'll be a rush to invent things, and that means a demand for new products"

Karashin: "And purchasing them will require earning money. That will get the economy running"

Michitaka: "In light of this, we, the three major crafting guilds, support the creation of the Round Table Conference!"

Nyanta: "Thats three…"

Shiroe: "Part of the reason the town feels so dead is simple despair, surviving in this world costs too little money. ?"

Shiroe: "Wouldn't it be better to use some money, then go earn more, so you can then spend that?"

Shiroe: "To get money and crafting materials, activities such as hunting become necessary"

Shiroe: "That would give the combat guilds more work, as bodyguards"

Shiroe: "The next problem is safety, the laws don't have to be that strict"

Shiroe: "If you consider fights over territory and hunting grounds to be simply another form of competition, there isn't any need to ban them outright"

Shiroe: "However, certain things go too far, and will need banning, PK'ing for example"

Shiroe: "Why don't we forbid player killing within the lower level zones around Akihabara?"

???: "Certainly, there no point in fighting players who are below level 50"

Shiroe: "Our next issue is one of human rights, I believe that, with death no longer an absolute, Kidnapping and Imprisonment are far more serious crimes than they would have been in the old world"

Shiroe: "And leaving or joining a guild should be up to the individual"

Michitaka: "I agree"

Shiroe: "My final suggestion is that these human rights apply not only to us adventurers, but also to the people of the land"

Once shiroe said what he had to say, everyone in the roundtable meeting and their subordinates on the back of the walls, were left confused.

Yggdrassil: "That is to be expected,

???: "Huh?"

Shiroe: "This isn't the Elder Tale that we knew, the cooking and inventions prove that"

Roderic: "Thats true but…"

Shiroe: "Its certainly influenced by Elder Tale, but this is a different world than the one we used to know. And the people of the land are this worlds original residents"

Shiroe: "We're the outsiders, and we're in the vast minority, so they aren't simply non-player characters?"

Shiroe: "Correct, each has their own personality, concerns, and dreams"

Issac: "Thats idiocy"

Shiroe: "Have tou ever spoken with any of them?

Issac: "Why would I?

Marielle: "M-may I say something, it isn't only adventurers who come to Crescent Moon, many people of the land do, too"

???: "They desire good food as well"

Shiroe: "Many people of the land work in the Market or the Guild Building, but thwy would probably be perfectly fine without us"

Shiroe: "If we cannot govern ourselves, then before too long, relations with them will be damaged beyond repair"

???: "Are tou implying there's a possibility of war with the people of the land?"

Shiroe: "I think thats a question for the roundtable"

???: "D.D.D agrees to the establishment of the Round Table Conference, and will participate!"

???: "As does the West Wind Brigade! Its been a long time since I've seen you in such total control, Shiroe"

Shiroe: "Thanks Soujiro"

Soujiro: "No problem, I just wish you'd joined us"

Issac: "We cannot split Akihabara, The Black Swords Knights will also Participate!"

???: "Honesty agrees, as well"

???: "So does Grandeur"

???: "And Radio Market"

Marielle: "W-we too! The Crescent Moon Alliance agrees with pleasure!"

Shiroe: "Thank you all for your time, as most players are outside the Guild Building lets tell them we have come to an agreement"

And so, that day, the Round Table Conference was founded with many leaving swiftly, especially the man in black armor Issac who had a scowl on his face.

As few left and some of the other Guild masters stayed to continue talking I hummed a melody from one of the pages in Leyndell where I had sometimes stopped to listen to their music.

The Red wolf but his big head over my own and I closed my eyes until I felt Henrietta pinching my arm and whispering.

Henrietta: "Sorry to disrupt your nap but most of the guild masters and thwir bodyguards are looking your way!"

I opened my eyes and saw the Guild masters looking at me with surprise and thankful smiles confusing me.

Henrietta: "Your humming started getting louder the more you napped but it was such a relaxing and serene humm that I felt at peace!"

Nyanta: "Indeed, it was music to my delightful ears nya~"

Serara: "Yeah, I felt all my worries dissapear and I felt super refreshed!"

I chuckled before I patted Serara's head as she blushed and I nodded before looking at the others.

Yggdrassil: "Sorry to disrupt you all, but I hope you found yourself at peace"

???: "Hah! These old bones of mine felt like they were back to their youth when you hummed!"

Yggdrassi: "But I believe you all have to be down stairs to represent the new Round Table?"

???: "Right, but if you wouldn't mind asking, is this Red Wolf of tours a summoned monster?"

Yggdrassil: "No, hes my loyal friend I rescued from his cage"

A few were surprised before they started petting the Red wolf that felt happy as his tail was wagging and I couldn't help but chuckle.

???: "So you tamed it?"

Yggdrassil: "Indeed, but I promised him something I would do when the time is right"

He nodded and not long after we all left the round table meeting and walked downstairs towards the entrance.

5 minutes later

Once we got down I saw everyone starting to make their speeches individually starting with The Guild Master of D.D.D Krusty.

Krusty: "This world is not the Elder Tale we knew, we must accept this fact"

Krusty: "Regarding security and human rights…."

5 minutes later

After Krusty finished his well spoken speech it Roderics turn to make a speech of the Round Tables Goals.

Roderic: "Our next goal is to gather information about the closed transport gates and fairy rings, as well as other zones…"

Soujiro: "Um, well..Lets all get along!"

???: "Kyaa! We love you Soujiro

???: "Im your biggest fan!"

After Soujiro was Eins turn to talk which it seemed to be pushing his own motives but since it matched with Shiroes goals there wasn't much difference.

Ein: "Each use of the Guild Building will cost one gold, this will serve as tax….

Ugh, why would you remind me of tax when were in this fantasy world! But after every one of them gave their speeches it got a majority of support.

Especially after Marielle had publicized the cooking recipe secrets making a majority of the players to switch their subclass just so they could eat delicious food once more.

Seeing that everyone was leaving I was about to turn around and leave the place with the Red Wolf before I got called out and turning around I saw Henrietta calling me alongside her where the ither members of Log Horizon and Crescent Moon Alliance.

Henrietta: "Yggdrassil! Come stay with us for tonights celebration!"

I looked at my partner and he nudged me forwards as I chuckled and walked over towards them.

Henrietta: "Hah, now if you thought you were only here to act as a show of force then your mistaken mister~"

Yggdrassil: "W-what!"

Nyanta: "Indeed, especially since we heard you always go out without trying some of the food you make"

Yggdrassil: "Ah I forgot, and I didn't have enough gold at the time"

Nyanta: "Well then, I would be glad to invite you to eat with us all"

I genuinely smiled and agreed to Nyanta as we all walked back to Crescent Moons Guild Hall and saw kids waiting with the other members of the Battle group Shouryuu leads.

I witnessed all the kids look towards Marielle with shining stars in their eyes and looked at Shiroe with gratitude.

Marielle: "Hello little ones! How have you all been!"

???: "F-fine but we were wondering if we could join your guild after Hamelin …"

???: "But it's alright if you don't want to take us in…"

Marielle: "What! Of course I will let you guys join our small guild!"

And so having decided that Marielle told the children that she would gladly accept them but to wait until the whole situation calms down.

Marielle: "Well then, Nyanta do tou have enough ingredients for more kids joining?"

Nyanta: "There should be enough ingredients for hundreds of people"

While they talked, a few of the kids saw the Red Wolf and walked over with admiration on their eyes as they stared at the imposing Red Wolf.

Woof!

As it barked lightly it cautiously raised its paw before patting one of the feline kids and the kid chuckled before grabbing its paw.

It wouldn't be long before the Red Wolf was swarmed by the kids that were softly patting its fur or cuddling with him.

Henrietta: "Pant.., thats…too ADORABLE!"

Marielle: "Aww, look at the wolf being so friwndly!"

Yggdrassil: "Haha, the children like you Red Wolf!"

As much as it wanted to run away, The Red Wolf was enjoying the moment with the kids as if reminiscing as I could feel it release a golden radiance that felt warmth rise in my body and the others could feel it too.

Nyanta: "Ah, it seems your partner is extremely happy nya~"

Yggdrassil: "Yeah, I still have a promise to fulfill and ill make sure he gets…. a happy ending…"

Nyanta: "Hmm, then I hope whatever it is you accomplish it nya~"

I nodded and Marielle entered unlocked the doors before everyone wntwred inside and so did the Red Wolf carrying the kids on its back.

As everyone talked about todays events I had walked all the way to the top of the building hall and sat down on the edge as I saw the sun go down over the horizon.

There were people walking by carrying crafting materials or food items ready to prepare their cooking and crafting subclasses.

I closed my eyes and hummed as I was lost in thought, thinking back on what Shiroe and the crafting guilds have said.

If I were to build anything, what would it first be? And how would I enlist the help of the Knights whom would help but won't be enough people.

Hmm, and if I am being honest, I would rather make an airship to fly high in the sky and discover new areas.

But I would need to start grinding materials and ore for the parts. As I was thinking, I had forgotten how long it must've been since I closed my eyes as I felt someone gently shake my shoulder.

Henrietta: "Hey, I brought you some food since it seemed you wanted to relax"

Yggdrassil: "Ah right, I had let my mind drift through thoughts I had so I forgot the passage of time"

Henrietta: "Its fine, I wanted to have some peace and quiet too…"

I nodded and as she gave me my share of my food I grabbed gently before I took a bite and felt my eyes widen at this heavenly taste.

Henrietta: "Heh, knew you would enjoy nyanta's cooking"

Yggdrassil: "This is delicious! I hope I can make my food be as good as his"

Henrietta: "You can always ask him for advice on how to cook"

Yggdrassil: "Yeah, but I can't always learn from him since I travel 3 hours from here and back "

Henrietta: "And your companion?"

Yggdrassil: "I don't want to force him to make continuous trips back and forth"

I took another bite of Nyanta's curry and happily ate as Henrietta stared to speak.

Henrietta: "Well, with the kids being here I am pretty sure he would love to travel back and forth"

Yggdrassil: "You got me there, so how's everyone feeling?"

Henrietta: "Fine, glad to have something to believe in and the kids are glad to be part of the guild unofficially"

I nodded and took a few bites of the curry before looking up at the sky in deep thought.

Henrietta: "If you don't mind me asking, what is the song you were humming to?"

Yggdrassil: "It was just a flute song I heard countless times before and I picked up on it"

Henrietta: "I see, then would you like to humm it once again for me?"

Yggdrassil: "Huh, alright then"

I started humming slowly and once I got into the rhythm I closed my eyes and thought fully on remembering the song.

Marielle POV

10 minutes later

Knowing that both Yggdrassil-kun and Umeko-chan had gone to the roof I went to the roof and as I opened the door leading up I saw the most amazing scene.

I saw Henrietta leaning against Yggdrassil's chest and Yggdrassil having his head over Umeko's. Both of them were asleep so I took my precious time to memorize this picture into my mind.

Marielle: "Its been awhile Umeko, but you seem to have found your someone just like I have…hehe"

While I was thinking how I could tease Umeko I heard Naotsugu-kuns voice startling me as I screamed in surprise waking up Henrietta and Yggdrassil.

Naotsugu: "Hey Mariell-"

Marielle: "Kyaaa!!!"

While I screamed in fright I accidentally slapped Naotsugu into the wall before I quickly started apologizing.

Naotsugu: "First Akatsuki now marielle..?"

Marielle: "Ah, im sorry Naotsugu! Sorry! Sorry!"

Naotsugu: "H-help me out of the wall please..?"

Akatsuki: "Hmph, what did you end up doing this time pervert"

Naotsugu: "Huh! I did nothing Shrim- agh!"

Naotsugu was once again sent crashing headfirst into another wall and I quickly ran to help get dear Naotsugu unstuck.

I had also left as I saw both Henrietta and Yggdrassil wake up and I made sure to lock the door temporarily.

Akatsuki: "Wasn't that Hen- mph!"

I swiftly put my hand over Akatsuki and dragged her to help me get. Naotsugu unstuck.

Yggdrassil POV

As we heard Marielle scream I had subconsciously took out Death Poker and pointed it at where the scream came from as it lit up in ghostflame.

Henrietta: "….."

Yggdrassil: "Ah its just miss Marielle…"

Henrietta: "Y-Yggdrassil-san c-can you let go of my waist please"

I looked at my hand wrapped around her waist and I immediately brough it back and I apologized.

Yggdrassil: "I'm sorry about that miss Henrietta!"

Henrietta: "Y-you're fine, I was the one that had… rest my face on your…chest…"

I nodded as I felt my face turn red, but at the same time as I stared at miss Henrietta who was brushing her hair to the side, I couldn't help but say the words in my mind as the moonlight further improved her visage.

Yggdrassil: "How beautiful…"

Henrietta: "W- Wha-, me beutiful…?!"

Yggdrassil: "Yes, while I am embarrassed at the moment you truly are a beautiful woman"

Hearing my words miss Henrietta blushed before she passed out surprising me and I slowly picked her up in a princess carry and as I walked towards the door I saw it opening and Marielle stepped out.

Yggdrassil: "If you wouldn't mind taking her to her room miss Mariell-"

Marielle: "I believe Umeko would be too embarrassed to be seen by the other guild members so we can wait until she recovers"

I nodded and slowly put miss Henrietta down on a nearby wall as I was careful she wasn't uncomfortable.

Marielle: "Wow, you're so gentle with her! Did you have a little sister to take care of?"

Yggdrassil: "No, but I had a mother who was unfortunately crippled so I always took care of her"

Marielle: "O-oh, Im terribly sorry if that brought you some unwanted memories of your past"

Yggdrassil: "It's fine, I had enjoyed my time with her to the fullest cherishing every moment I had with her…"

I felt my heart hurt the more I thought of her and slowly a tear fell from my eyes.

Yggdrassil: "Those were some of the best memories I ever had with her before she passed away"

Marielle: "I-Im sorry"

Yggdrassil: "Don't worry, I still have her deep in my memory, I won't forget her"

Of course, who would have known I would come to regret these very same words as such is the fate of mine…

As I closed my eyes I felt someone hug me I opened my eyes and looked at Henrietta who had gotten up and hugged me.

Yggdrassil: "While I would say thank you, I don't need sympathy miss Henrietta but thank you…"

Henrietta: "No, It isn't sympathy, I simply see you broken and everyone here in Crescent Moon and Log Horizon are here to stand with you…"

I stopped thinking anything and hugged her back before I smiled and as I turned around I saw everyone from Log Horizon and Crescent Moon Alliance appear as they greeted me with wide smiles.

Yggdrassil: "Thank you all, wether or not I needed it, I am thankfull for all of you being here with me"

Nyanta: "No problem Yggdrassil"

Naotsugu: "Yeah, A man doesn't always need to hide everything within himself!"

I chuckled hearing Naotsuguand felt like we would be good friends.

Shouryuu: "Exactly! We're like family here and you are included in it!"

Marielle: "Well, then Yggdrassil ..*snifg*.. don't you wanna go inside and eat with everyone together?"

I smiled and nodded and everyone walked back inside as I slowly took off my helmet and took a deep breath before entering through the door that was full of cheerful laughter, music and people.

Yggdrassil: "Guess this is a new chapter in my life huh?"

Yggdrassil: "System, tell Zeldroth and Samael that I won't be coming to the castle tonight"

Yggdrassil: "Can you also buy some rations for the entire keep until I come back?"

[Doing it now host, and have some fun with your new life Host…]

Yggdrassil: "I will"

I walked through the open door and the door closed behind me as I headed down the stairs to talk to the other members enjoying this night.

.

.

.

.

.

To be continued

————————-

A/N: First time doing emotional and romance so I hope it's somewhat fine as I know it will take a good while for the romance to fully blossom.