"Lefiya, actually, I've been curious about elf ears for a long time... Can I touch them?"
"Eh?!"
Instinctively covering her ears, Lefiya expressed her refusal on a physical level.
Those long ears, completely different from those of humans and other demi-humans, were certainly fascinating, but Ritsuka promptly crushed her wicked urge to sneak a touch.
Since Lefiya did not like it, it was better not to touch her carelessly. Otherwise, it would be troublesome if Lefiya got angry.
"Let's go. It looks like Tiona and the others are almost done over there, so we can meet up with them..."
"Ritsuka, are you really that curious?"
Lefiya's cheeks flushed red as her gaze darted around, too afraid to meet Ritsuka's eyes.
Hearing Lefiya ask that, Ritsuka understood—
"Of course I am. I'm extremely curious. I tried to secretly touch Riveria's before, but she caught me before I could, then smashed my head with her staff."
Rubbing her forehead with her fingers, Ritsuka wore a regretful expression.
When Riveria noticed her little move, her face turned red, and she immediately swung her staff.
Without giving Ritsuka any chance to explain, she hit her hard enough that her head buzzed, making her feel carsick on the spot.
"Please be gentle."
Lefiya took a deep breath and squeezed her eyes tightly shut.
Ritsuka could not help smiling at that. Lefiya truly trusted her character. If it had been Tiona in this situation, she definitely would have played a prank.
If it were Loki, then... emmmm.
With anticipation in her heart, Ritsuka stepped beside Lefiya and gently touched the distinct ear hidden among her hair.
Ritsuka's hand touched the unique trait of the elves.
"Mm..."
Her lips trembling slightly, Lefiya let out a troubled sound.
Any ordinary tough guy who heard a sound like that