The Goddess Is Obsessed With Me

After successfully defeating Relic Ta, we visited a luxurious hotel near the beach.

The reason for this was that the person who issued this quest was a businessman who operated a hotel & service using the beachfront. So, we came here strictly for business.

But it wasn’t as if we simply thought, ‘Let’s go because it feels right!’ We came because the location of this hotel was specified in the quest document as the place for situation reports and other inquiries.

"Harold, how about taking a few days off here after we finish our work?"

However, with human desires at play, as we looked around, our primary mission seemed less pressing.

"We haven’t had a proper break recently, right? All we did was work every day. So, since we're here, isn't it okay to relax in a place like this every once in a while?"

Erina was already enchanted by the hotel, her eyes shining. She tried to persuade me with devilish whispers to take a vacation together.

"No."

However, hearing my firm response, she looked as dejected as a child whose wish was denied by her mother.

Erina, who couldn't understand my feelings, drooped her shoulders and asked in a deflated voice.

Yet her reaction was not unfounded.

From Erina's perspective, unaware of my real situation, enjoying life day by day was all that mattered. But for me, every day mattered because I needed to return to my original world as soon as possible. Even if there was a gap before the next main quest, considering the preparations required for the next mission, there was no time to slack off here.

"I have another task given by the goddess, so I need to complete our work here as soon as possible and move on to fulfill that."

I tried to convince her with this fabricated reason, but she didn’t seem easily convinced.

"Ugh... I wanted to spend some quality time with Harold, but if that's what you want, I can't stop you."

She eventually nodded, but her steps seemed a bit weary.

"Considering the guests, everything looks expensive and luxurious."

After walking in silence for a while, she looked around and gave her opinion.

"Indeed."

Responding to her comment, I also took a closer look at the building's interior and agreed with her assessment.

Given that this was one of the top-tier resorts, the design was quite opulent. Decorations that made the walls shine, paintings, and ceramics lined up, each exuding an aura of luxury.

But in summary, my thoughts were simply, "It looks expensive."

It didn't seem like the product of human designers meticulously analyzing human psychology to create a calming atmosphere. Rather, it felt like they just "threw money at it" with fancy items everywhere.

"It seems to be here?"

As I was engrossed in these thoughts, Erina's voice pulled me back, and I saw a door labeled 'Office' in front of us.

"Looks right. Let's go in."

We had finally arrived at the room we were looking for. I knocked lightly and entered.

"Excuse me, we've completed the quest and came to report."

Upon entering, a stern-looking female staff member adjusted her glasses and scrutinized us closely.

"Ah, you're the ones who took the quest to deal with the unidentified sea monster. I'll send someone right away for verification."

Her voice was clear, almost as if reciting a rehearsed line, and she glanced at some documents.

"Do you have proof that you defeated the monster?"

"The body should still be on the beach."

She nodded at this, then made a statement I wasn't particularly thrilled about.

"I'm sorry, but until everything is approved and the quest is officially marked as completed, you'll need to stay here."

While I was startled by this unexpected development, Erina, on the other hand, seemed to light up.

"What? Why is that?!"

I was getting anxious, but the female staff member seemed slightly surprised at my reaction. She quickly adjusted her glasses and began explaining the reason. "Usually, there's a complex process required before a quest is posted on the guild's bulletin board."

"After multiple steps and reviews, only when everything is verified, does the guild approve the quest registration and post it on the board."

In other words, just as there are various interactions between a manufacturer and a store before an item is displayed, a quest must undergo scrutiny between the requester and the guild before being posted.

"However, in this case, we, in our urgency, went through those steps somewhat carelessly. So now, the guild needs to go through the proper review process."

To put it metaphorically, it's like consuming food from a convenience store without paying or scanning the barcode; while it might be resolved if you just pay, the process is a bit more complex than usual.

"But don't worry, your payment will be made immediately, and this is not an illegal situation. It will just take some time."

"The reason you have to stay is because this is a somewhat exceptional case. There could be issues while discussing with the guild, and the process has become more complicated."

Though she used many words to explain, the bottom line was that Erina and I had to wait here for a while.

"The wait time will be about 3 days. During that period, you'll need to stay at the facilities here. Of course, since this is our responsibility, we will cover the costs of accommodation and services."

I let out a deep sigh internally.

So, just as Erina wished, we found ourselves having to enjoy a vacation here, even if unwillingly. She seemed delighted, far different from before.

Now, having gotten her wish to play here and on top of that being able to do so for free, she must be feeling quite at ease.

"So, can we use the facilities right away?!"

"Yes, of course. If you inform the counter, you'll be provided with a room of your choice."

Before she could finish, Erina excitedly pulled my hand and dragged me down the hallway like an excited child.

Do we really have to take a forced vacation as Erina suggested?

I already needed time for the next main quest, which was quite complicated.

But spending time here was an unplanned detour, and it was frustrating.

"Ugh..."

And to top it all, the headache from the curse intensified.

I still felt some effects from the treatment Mir had given me, but it was clear that it was worsening.

Maybe I should genuinely take a break, recover, and enjoy?

There's no other choice, so might as well...

Feeling tired, I decided to enjoy a beach vacation with Erina. "Were you guys still here?"

After deciding to stay in this hotel for three days, we ran into Mir at the restaurant in the building.

"Mir? Why are you here?"

I greeted her casually, but Erina looked at Mir with a look of discomfort, as if she was an obstacle to her plans.

"I finished my business and thought I'd grab something to eat here, and just happened to find you guys."

She casually joined our table.

"Well, due to certain circumstances, we have to stay here for about 3 days."

I briefly explained our situation, but for some reason, Erina gave me a sharp look.

"Hmm~ really?"

Mir responded with a suspicious smile and then said somewhat unnaturally,

"In fact, I was planning to enjoy a little vacation here. Since we've met by chance, why not spend time together?"

"No, it's our time. Stay out of it."

However, it was Erina who answered, not me. The two exchanged sharp glances for a moment.

It felt like they were competing enemies, vying for a desired target, and it was uncomfortable to watch.

"So, all the more reason I should join. Do you think I'd leave you alone?"

Their invisible glares were so intense, it seemed like lasers were shooting out. Quickly getting tired of their never-ending jealousy, I turned my head away in frustration. "Do you even consider my opinion at all?"

I thought I was getting a break, but it seemed like I would have a tiring time. In the end, I faced challenges right from the start of this uncomfortable vacation.

"Come to think of it, I didn't hear the result of the competition earlier."

After finishing our meal, I was once again dragged to the beach, forced to witness the swimsuit attire of the two beauties.

Just a few hours ago, I was swayed by the waves, and now even the sound of the waves makes me feel dizzy.

"Who's more captivating? We did agree to decide, right?"

The unkept promises of the past were now haunting me.

Of course, the fact that my opinion was completely ignored due to their insistence made me feel even more wronged.

"What do you think?"

Both Erina and Mir, with their alluring attire, tried to genuinely seduce me.

"Uh..."

By now, I had developed some resistance, but if it had been yesterday, I would never have allowed them into my sight.

"There was a slight hiccup because of the sea monster, but now that it's over, you have to tell us."

Erina, declaring there's no way out, pressed her body against me.

"Right, who's more attractive? It's me, right?"

Mir also wrapped one arm around me, not to be outdone by Erina.

I could barely look at her in her swimsuit, and this lively stimulus was still too much to handle.

But to get out of this dilemma, I couldn't even imagine what would happen if I declared a winner in their frivolous bet.

Choosing Erina meant facing whatever wrath the ancient dragon had, which was a terrifying thought.

And if I chose Mir, I couldn't predict how my longtime travel companion might react, feeling betrayed.

"If we can't decide, let's just say it's a tie-"

"NO!!"

Both of them vehemently rejected my attempt to dodge the question.

The best thing I could do was somehow create a situation that would lead to a draw.

But I couldn't think of a way to do that...

"Look, people are gathering around that monster's corpse. Maybe it's the verification process the hotel staff mentioned earlier..."

I pointed out the relic titan's corpse surrounded by what looked like guild members and tourists, but...

"Don't change the subject. If you try to stall, I'll make sure you give an answer."

Erina, determined to get an answer, kept pushing.

Under the pressure from the two girls demanding a quick response, I fell silent.

No matter how much I thought, I couldn't come up with an excuse. So, do I have to choose one of them?

Thump!

Suddenly, my heart raced, and familiar pain surged.

"Harold?!"

"What's wrong?!"

They began to worry as I knelt down, clutching my chest in pain.

It seemed like the effects of the curse were returning, even though Mir had said I'd be fine for a while.

Perhaps the effect was shorter than I thought.

Though the pain was less intense than before Mir's treatment, it was still excruciating.

"It seems the effect was shorter than I anticipated..."

Mir, understanding the situation, pondered deeply.

"Harold, are you okay?"

Erina, holding me, looked worried.

"If that's the case, I'll have to renew the effect. There's no other way."

Then, with a suspicious smile, Mir grabbed my face to prevent me from turning away.

"Mir?!"

At this moment, it seemed like Mir was about to repeat that embarrassing act from before.

"What are you two up to?"

Erina looked suspicious and worried.

I had only vaguely explained to her that "Mir had found a way to treat me," without detailing how.

Because the method to alleviate the pain of the curse was a deep kiss, and who knows what would happen if she found out...

But judging from Mir's actions and demeanor, she's about to cross that line under the pretext of treatment, right in front of Erina. "Just stay still, you know this is for your sake, right?"

Yes, but... at least this should only be done when it's just the two of us.

Before I could protest, I felt a soft touch on my lips...

"Mmph?!"

Mir forcibly took my lips, and as I expected, it clearly revealed the nature of our relationship in front of Erina.

"Wha?!"

Having witnessed that, Erina opened her mouth in disbelief and widened her eyes. However, that shock soon gave way to a dark gaze I once feared from her.

"Pff...”

The unpleasant feeling being sucked out from within me ends, and a faint silvery thread that connected our parted lips is visible.

"Hehe, you'll be okay now. But it seems the effect lasts shorter than I anticipated. Perhaps we should do this again tomorrow~?"

Ignoring the girl beside us, who's clearly out of breath, Mir, acting unusually relaxed, brushes past my shoulder and whispers sweetly in my ear.

"What... did you two just do...?"

Erina, who had been lenient until now, seemed to think this was crossing a clear boundary. It felt like a dark aura was emanating from her.

This is bad... the one thing I hoped wouldn't happen, has happened...

"I've been trying to be more reserved because I thought Harold didn't see me favorably... but this isn't right..."

I need to calm Erina down!

"Erina?! Let me explain! Just listen to-"

Before I could continue, Mir interjected.

"I helped Harold because he was in pain from the curse. Since I consume darkness, I can alleviate the curse that's corroding him."

Saying this, she provocatively touches Erina's shoulder, further agitating her.

"What?"

Erina, with a look full of discontent, was on the verge of attacking Mir.

"This is the way Harold chose. If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't be seeing a healthy Harold right now."

With a victorious smile, Mir whispers this and starts to walk away, leaving behind just taunts for Erina.

"Anyway, I'll let you win this time. Enjoy your private time."

"Regardless of what you do, Harold won't accept you anyway."

Leaving those taunting words behind, Mir heads towards the hotel. Erina can only watch her leave with a look of pure hatred.

And then, there was silence. The atmosphere became incredibly tense, and I found myself speechless.

Soon after, with Mir completely out of sight and the beach bathed in twilight, only Erina and I remained.

"Harold,"

Although there was still some anger in her voice, she tried to control it when calling my name.

"Huh?"

Facing the now unexpectedly gentle Erina and responding, she lowered her head so I couldn't see her face and started walking.

"Let's go back and rest. I'll be in my room for the night."

Why was Erina so accepting of Mir's taunts? Normally, she would've lashed out at me due to jealousy.

Her reaction when Mir kissed me earlier felt much milder than I anticipated.

What happened?

Watching her retreating figure filled with pride yet diminished self-esteem, I too began to walk.

As time passed and the sky darkened, I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, contemplating the night's events. Erina and I had separate rooms, so I was alone.

I recalled Erina's demeanor on the beach and pondered deeply. Mostly, I wondered why she didn't fight back against Mir's provocations.

"It feels like it ended strangely... leaving a bitter taste."

Mumbling to myself, I closed my eyes.

After thinking for a while and failing to understand Erina's behavior, I decided not to dwell on it anymore. It would only give me a headache. "I should talk more in detail tomorrow..."

One thing was clear, the day ended with lingering negative feelings. If I meet her tomorrow, we must have a proper conversation.

With that thought, I relaxed my body, and my consciousness gradually faded.

Thud, thud.

Huh...?

While deep in sleep, a sound that bothers my ears slightly wakes me up.

Rustle... shuffle...

The sound of something moving in the blanket, and my consciousness becomes clearer.

Someone entered my room.

Who... is it...?

Before I could think further, I felt a weight on my waist.

Someone unknown was on top of me.

"Who is it...?!"

I opened my eyes to identify the intruder, and...

"Erina...?"

A familiar face was in front of me.

Even though I locked the door, I don't know how Erina got in. She was on top of me, looking down with dark, empty eyes.

"Harold..."

Erina, calling my name with a voice filled with many emotions,

"Huh?"

When I responded with an awkward smile, she suddenly...

Snap!

"Ugh?!"

Without a question or warning, she binds my arms, taking away my freedom.

"Let's do it, right now."

With that, she begins undressing me with piercing eyes.

"Do what?! What are you talking about?!"

I struggle to escape, but it's futile.

"I've been holding back all this time... It's your fault, Harold..."

When she starts murmuring, I stop resisting to focus on her words.

"What did you say...?"

"I've been patient all this time!"

Suddenly, tears stream down her face, and her sorrowful cry confuses me.

Patient about what...?

"I wanted to have you my way, to love you as I wanted, to handle you even if you resisted..."

Before I could figure out the cause, Erina confesses why she has become like this.

"But I kept holding back because I knew you didn't like force... I believed that one day we would share our true feelings."

"But I was wrong. No matter how much I suppressed my feelings and was gentle, our relationship didn't improve. Every time, it felt like a constant setback."

She pauses and takes a deep breath.

"After all this time, when I heard what Mir said today, I realized you wouldn't accept me. To win you, force isn't a choice, it's a necessity."

She then softly bites my neck and whispers.

"Harold... you didn't really want to kiss Mir, right? You had no choice, you had to do it because there was no other way."

At her words, I kept my mouth shut because her words were too accurate. I couldn't confidently say 'yes'.

"Haha... I knew it..."

She took my silence as an affirmation. She increased the pressure on my arms.

"Ouch?! It hurts!"

"I'm sorry, but I won't stop. I've held back enough."

It seemed she had no intention of letting me go.

"You're the one at fault, Harold. I've always wanted and wished for you, but you always rejected me, saying there were reasons."

In the end, we were both undressed, leaving two naked bodies in the room.

"This is the limit of my patience. I can't hold back anymore. If you won't accept me willingly, I'll make you accept me this way."

With a determined face mixed with seduction, she kissed me, even more intensely than the kiss I shared with Mir earlier in the day. "Unfortunately, this time you really won't be able to escape. There's nothing between you and me now. If you don't want to feel it, just stare at the stain on the ceiling."

Holding me tightly, Erina, who could finally smile, advised me cheerfully.

"Or think about names for a child. I'll end it quickly as an act of mercy ♡."

I will aim for a more story-oriented (?) progression from now on.

Lately, I feel like I've been dragging the story on.

I will try to show what I originally wanted to convey.

There are more added settings than planned, making it challenging to write, but I'll try to speed up.

Thank you sincerely to the readers who continue to follow despite the loose storyline.

Every time I feel down, even a single encouraging comment lifts me up.

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