In terms of quantity, it was indeed just one more item.
But Nia couldn’t get past this hurdle in her mind.
The proud Knight Captain, reduced to washing the personal clothes of an unknown man—if this got out…
Nia dared not even imagine it.
Yet since she had agreed verbally, backing out was not an option; that would go against the principles of the elves.
Anyway, it was just this once.
Taking a deep breath, Nia calmed herself and began to cast the magic again.
The clothes started tumbling inside the water sphere.
“Wow, it’s really like a washing machine,”
El, watching beside her, exclaimed with admiration. “I didn’t expect another world to have something so convenient.”
The clothes were washed quickly.
El took them in his hands and examined them carefully, confirming they were indeed very clean.
“Nia, I have a question. Isn’t washing clothes like this really troublesome?”
“Troublesome?”
Nia wasn’t quite sure what he meant by that.
“I mean, does it consume a lot of magic power or something?”
“This is just a simple spell, using a bit of elemental fusion knowledge. The consumption isn’t much at all; you just need to master basic wind and water magic proficiently.”
“I see.”
El nodded thoughtfully as he looked Nia over.
“So this is a simple task for you?”
Nia didn’t understand why he was asking, and an uneasy feeling suddenly crept into her heart.
Still, she answered honestly.
“Yes.”
“In that case, Nia, from now on, leave all the laundry at home to you.”
“Huh?”
Nia doubted her own ears.
How could he make such an impolite request in such a casual tone?
“You’re dreaming.”
Without hesitation, Nia rejected him outright.
“Don’t get mad so quickly, let’s discuss this properly,” El softened his tone, probably because of her icy expression.
“There’s nothing to discuss,” Nia immediately refused again. “I’m not your attendant, nor your slave. There’s no way I’ll do something like that for you.”
“That’s not true. Does something like this have to be done only by attendants or slaves?” El retorted. “I cook every day for you and Meira—does that make me your attendant?”
He had a point, so Nia didn’t interrupt but kept listening.
“In my hometown, there’s a habit: since everyone lives together, it can’t be just one person making all the sacrifices. Everyone has responsibilities. I think elves are the same; everyone takes care of what they’re good at to maintain daily life.”
Nia nodded slightly, acknowledging El’s logic.
“Look, at home, I’m good at cooking, so I’ve always been the one to cook and do other chores, while you two just need to show up when the food is ready, right?”
“You’re technically staying at my place, but I’m the one doing all the work. Nia, do you think that’s fair?”
El’s argument was too reasonable for Nia to find any rebuttal.
She paused, then shook her head and replied, “No… it’s fair.”
“Exactly. If I did all the chores alone, wouldn’t you and Meira just be freeloading?” El pressed on. “Are elves the kind of race that likes to freeload in others’ homes?”
“Of course not!”
“That’s right! Now I just want to ask you to do something you’re good at but I’m not. Nia, will you still refuse?”
“Um…”
Nia felt a bit dizzy from his words.
“Do you know how much time I spend washing clothes? If I spent that time cooking for you…”
“But…”
Nia pursed her lips, her resolve already wavering.
“Alright then, if you really don’t want to, I could ask Miss Meira,” El launched his trump card. “Her magical skills surpass yours; she probably wouldn’t refuse.”
“No need!”
Nia called out resignedly before he could finish.
“I agree.”
“That’s more like it.” El’s face broke into a satisfied smile. “I knew you were reasonable.”
“By the way, since you’ll be responsible for some chores, you definitely can’t wear this.”
“Hm?”
“When working, you have to wear a uniform, just like armor for battle. The big apron I wear when dealing with magical beasts.”
Whether it was because of everything El had just said or the lingering effects of the spell, Nia felt a bit dizzy and couldn’t think straight.
She nodded dazedly. “Oh.”
“The uniform is in my room; come with me to get it.”
“Oh.”
When Nia came to her senses again, she was already standing in El’s room, holding a black and white outfit.
El, like a mischievous boss, patted her shoulder.
“This is your work uniform. I look forward to seeing you shine in your area of expertise.”
Seeing Nia remain motionless for a long time, El called her name, feeling a bit uneasy.
“Nia?”
“Hm?”
Startled by the sudden call, Nia jolted.
But just for a moment, she then resumed her strange demeanor.
“Aren’t you going back to sleep? Why are you still standing here? Trying to peek at me sleeping?”
“You okay?” El noticed something was off since she hadn’t moved for a while. “You’ve been acting strange since just now. Feeling unwell? Want me to take you back?”
“No need…”
Hearing her reply, El relaxed a little.
“Then I’ll just…”
Before El could finish, Nia suddenly tossed the clothes she had just gotten onto the floor.
El thought she had realized she’d been tricked and was about to admit defeat when she suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled hard.
A strong force dragged him down to the ground.
Softness and a faint fragrance enveloped him as golden, silk-like hair fell over his face.
“Stop, stop, stop, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have tricked you into wearing this.”
Nia remained silent, and El guessed she was very angry.
He hurriedly added, “Don’t hit me.”
Still, Nia said nothing.
She propped herself up halfway, letting her dress slip down.
Her upper body was almost bare, and the moonlight outside bathed her face, her shoulders, her chest through the strands of her hair…
El was stunned.
He could hardly imagine the words “seductive” and “sacred” could ever describe the same person.
Her curves were cast in shadows and moonlight; anyone witnessing this would fall to their knees—before this divine, *wild, brilliant, eternal beauty.
Like a fervent believer, El instantly knelt beneath her skirt.