A beautiful girl who transmigrates into a Herrscher of the Void is treated like an elf and conquered

Phoenix Inu Chika leaned against the tree trunk, her head slightly bowed, her long, ice-blue hair gently swaying in the evening breeze.

She had her hands behind her back, unconsciously twisting the hem of her skirt with her fingers. Occasionally, she would raise her head and look into her icy blue eyes, which seemed to still carry a hint of resentment and grievance (of course, it was all an act).

She looked towards the school gate exit, then quickly lowered her head and lightly stomped her foot, perfectly portraying the image of a girl who was "angry from defeat but still keeping her promise to wait for her opponent."

(That idiot...why is he so slow? Is he going to have a celebration and summary meeting?)

Chika muttered to herself, but on the surface she maintained that "I'm very unhappy, but I'm waiting for you" expression.

This was part of her and Shido's agreed-upon plan—waiting for Shido at the school gate to create a natural opportunity for a possible "home visit" or "communication" later on.

Occasionally, a few students returning home late would pass by, and upon seeing this picturesque scene under the setting sun, they would slow their pace, exchange knowing smiles and whisper among themselves.

"Look, it's Phoenix Courtyard student..."

Wow, are they waiting for someone? They look so cute!

"Is he waiting for someone he likes? This atmosphere...tsk tsk, youth is so wonderful!"

"It feels like a scene from a manga, with the tsundere heroine sulking and waiting~"

The surrounding chatter reached Qianxia's ears clearly, almost causing her to lose her perfect composure.

(Who's waiting for someone they like?! You guys have such vivid imaginations! I'm just tactically waiting! It's for important business!)

She was internally ranting, but for the sake of the plan, she had to force herself to endure it, which made her "puffed-up" posture even more vivid, and she even unconsciously puffed out her cheeks.

—A small, girlish gesture that she herself didn't even realize.

However, this naturally led to more comments such as "She must be waiting for her boyfriend," and "I'm so envious..."

Chika felt like she was about to be ignited by the imaginations of the onlookers.

(Shido Itsuka! If you don't come out soon, I'm going to use my Law of Reason powers to create a crack in the ground, shove your head in there, and then kick your ass hard!)

[Classroom of Grade 2, Class 4]

Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the empty classroom of Class 4, Grade 2 was completely different.

Shido, Kotori, and Murasame Reine are having a serious discussion about the direction of their next move.

Hiroto Tonomachi, who was planning to find Shido to go to the arcade, had already been sent away by Kotori because he was considered an "unrelated person".

“So, the current situation is,” Kotori said, biting her pearl, arms crossed, her expression grave.

"Qianxia is a man of her word and is waiting for you at the school gate as agreed. This is a perfect opportunity for us to get in touch with 'Qianyuan,' but we need to choose the right method carefully."

She looked at Shido and Reine beside her: "There are two main options at the moment. Reine, analyze the pros and cons."

Reine said in a calm voice, "...Option A: Take advantage of this opportunity, with Shido's suggestion, to follow Chinatsu to her residence and meet directly with 'Chiin'."

"The advantage is that it can most directly confirm the safety and status of Qianyuan, obtain first-hand information, and is the most efficient. The risk is that it is too direct and may arouse the vigilance and resistance of Qianxia and even Qianyuan himself."

"We lack sufficient understanding of Chiin's current situation, attitude, and true relationship with Chika. Entering their 'territory' rashly would be extremely uncertain."

“Option B,” Kotori continued. “is to obtain Chiin’s contact information through Chinatsu, or have her convey the message and arrange a more controlled meeting, such as in a public place.”

"The advantages are: it is more moderate, gives the other party respect and room for choice, is less likely to cause direct conflict, and is safer. The risks are: the process may be prolonged, the information may be 'filtered' by Qianxia, ​​and we cannot guarantee that Qianyuan will receive the complete information."

"Or perhaps Chinatsu will convey our true intentions. If Chinatsu refuses to cooperate, the trail may go cold."

Kotori looked sharply at Shido: "Brother, the choice is yours. Option A is high-risk, high-reward; it might work perfectly in one step, or it might completely ruin everything."

Option B is more secure, but it may progress slowly and might not even get to the core issues. Which do you prefer?

Shido frowned, the image of the girl waiting "sullenly" in the sunset at the school gate flashing through his mind, and he also thought of Chiin—his good brother who liked to play games, was occasionally a bit of a jerk, but was very reliable in crucial moments.

(Going straight to their house... that would be too rash. What would Chika think? If Chika is really injured and needs to rest, it wouldn't be appropriate for a large group of us to go and disturb her...) He pondered.

(But if I could make a phone call first, hear Qian Yuan's voice, and confirm that he's alright, at least I could feel at ease...)

He took a deep breath and made a decision: "I... I think it's better to try option B first. Let's see if we can get through to Chika and make a phone call to Chiin."

"At least make sure he's safe first, and see what his voice sounds like... If possible, arrange a time to meet outside. That way... it shouldn't upset them too much, right?"

Kotori looked at Shido and nodded: "A very rational choice. Indeed, in the absence of more information, it is wise to prioritize the use of gentler methods. Let's make obtaining contact information or conducting a remote communication our primary objective."

She patted Shido on the shoulder: "Alright, decision made. Let's not keep our 'guide' waiting too long; she doesn't seem to have much patience."

Kotori's tone was slightly teasing, clearly indicating that she had also seen Chika's "anxious" appearance at the school gate through the surveillance footage.

Shido blushed and picked up his schoolbag: "Then I'll go."

"Yes, keep communication open and be prepared for any eventuality," Kotori concluded.

Shido nodded, his heart filled with mixed emotions, and strode towards the school gate. Unbeknownst to him, the "girl" waiting for him was already on the verge of exploding with frustration.

A "youth dialogue" based on multiple misunderstandings is about to unfold in the afterglow of the setting sun.

Chapter 57 The Way Home Under the Setting Sun

Shido rushed out of the school building almost at the last minute of the school bell, slightly out of breath, and after catching his breath, he walked towards the cherry blossom tree at the school gate.

Kotori's low but clear voice came through the miniature earpiece in his ear:

"Listen, Shido, this is a rare opportunity! Besides inquiring about Senin, try to ease the tension with Chinatsu for the long term! Show your gentleness and care; this is key to building up her favorability!"

(Good, favorability...)

Shido smiled bitterly to himself, looking at the figure under the tree who was clearly radiating a low-pressure aura, feeling that the task was daunting.

"Hououin-kun! I'm sorry to have kept you waiting!" Shido tried his best to make his tone sound natural and apologetic.

Qianxia raised her head, her icy blue eyes glancing at him, her "sullen" mood almost tangible.

(They're finally here! If they hadn't come soon, I would have been overwhelmed by the stares of passersby!)

On the surface, she simply gave a faint "hmm" in response.

Seeing her like this, Shido remembered Kotori's instructions and forced himself to try to comfort her:

"Um... you actually did a fantastic job in today's competition! Especially that tiramisu, it looked just like something you'd get at a professional dessert shop! Seriously!"

Chinatsu: "..." (This guy... is he comforting me? Or does he think I'm angry because I lost the game?)

She rolled her eyes inwardly, but on her face, she put on an awkward expression that said, "You do have some taste, but don't think you can win me over like this," and slightly turned her face away.

"A loss is a loss. You don't need to say those things."

Shido breathed a slight sigh of relief when he saw that Chika only snorted coldly but did not leave.

(The reaction was lukewarm... but they didn't walk away immediately... there's potential!)

Just as he was about to say something more, Kotori's low but clear voice came through the miniature earpiece in his ear, and at the same time, he could seemingly "see" the option screen from Fraxinus in the corner of his vision:

[Shido, listen up! The initial options are now displayed!]

[Option 1: Offer detailed praise for the other person's technical skills, such as 'Your temperature control when handling mascarpone cheese was absolutely perfect,' demonstrating your professional eye and genuine appreciation.]

[Option 2: Express your anticipation for the next match in a relaxed tone, such as, "Let's have another match next time! I'll definitely prepare even more powerful moves!" This maintains a friendly competitive relationship and inspires fighting spirit.]

[Option 3: 'This scorching sunset! This youthful restlessness! Phoenix Institute! I know a highly-rated love hotel nearby, let's go explore the mysteries of life!']

Fraxinus Bridge, Real-time Operations Conference (Part 1)

The futuristic bridge command center features a main screen divided into multiple displays:

In the center was a live feed of Shido and Chinatsu walking side by side, flanked by streams of their physiological data and constantly scrolling environmental analysis data. Soft blue light shone on the metal bulkheads, creating a tense and professional atmosphere.

Kotori, in her commander mode, sat high in her commander's chair, the pearl-shaped stick in her mouth swaying dangerously up and down, her brows furrowed as she stared at the main screen.

"What the hell is Option Three?! Kannazuki! Do you want my brother to be arrested as a pervert?!"

Kannazuki Kyohei abruptly stood up from his adjutant's seat, exaggeratedly stretching his hands towards the main screen, his face flushed with a perverse blush:

"Commander! Please see this clearly! This is the shortcut to victory! The ultimate direct path to shatter all pretense and affectation! In the sacred realm of the Love Hotel, all disguises will be stripped away, leaving only the most primal and pure collision of souls—!"

A heavy metal thermos struck Kannazuki precisely on the back of the head, knocking him to the ground. The one who made the move was the expressionless Shiizaki.

The operator, Shiizaki, withdrew his hand and calmly reported: "Option three is rejected. The risk of social death is 100%, and the estimated mission failure rate is 99.8%."

Ganben, standing nearby, adjusted his glasses and quickly analyzed, "Option one is too technical and might not be effective in closing the gap. Option two is more reliable, fits the current context of 'post-match conversation,' and can naturally continue the topic."

Kotori rubbed her temples in exasperation: "Everyone, vote!"

The voting results flashed across the screen, with option two winning by a clear margin. "Alright, Shido, choose option two! Speak naturally!" Kotori gave the final instruction.

Upon receiving the instruction, Shido took a deep breath and gave Chinatsu a smile as natural as possible:

"Your skills are truly exceptional; every step is so precise. I hope to have the opportunity to exchange culinary tips with you again in the future."

Chika's inner thoughts: (Huh? Sharing tips? Are we going to talk about how to cheat with honey syrup?)

On the surface, she merely gave another noncommittal "humph".

A subtle silence fell between them as they walked side by side down the street, bathed in the red glow of the setting sun. The atmosphere was somewhat stiff.

[Shido, we can't let this go to a standstill! New option!]

[Option 1: Mention topics the other person might be interested in, such as… (Database search: No reliable data available)… How about we chat about articles?]

[Option 2: When I was in elementary school, I firmly believed that I was a hidden magical boy, and I practiced my transformation poses in front of the mirror every day.]

[Option 3: 'Hououin-san...excuse me...may I see your panties, as pure as the first snow...']

Fraxinus Bridge, Real-time Operations Conference (Part 2)

Kannazuki had just gotten up from the ground when she heard option three and became excited again: "Oh! This... what is this...!"

Before he could finish speaking, Kotori had already jumped up from her commander's chair, grabbed another tablet computer, and said coldly, "Kannazuki, if you dare to finish reading that option, I'll launch you off the bridge!"

"Bang!" Kannazuki was struck down again with pinpoint accuracy; this time, it was Kotori who did it herself. "Hi! It's an honor!"

Shiizaki, who was reporting the situation, ignored the deputy commander on the ground:

"Option one is rejected because it has zero relevance to the topic. Option two, the 'revealing one's embarrassing past' strategy, carries some risk, but if it can evoke resonance or laughter, it can effectively break the ice."

Gan Ben: "Data shows that moderate self-deprecation can increase approachability. I suggest trying option two."

Kotori sat back in her commander's seat, gritting her teeth: "Vote! Hurry up!"

"Oh? You mean this?"

Shido felt his cheeks burning, but he forced himself to speak in a somewhat awkward tone:

"Well... it's a little embarrassing to say... when I was in elementary school, I was really obsessed with magical girl anime for a while... uh, no, magical boy anime! And I firmly believed that I was also a chosen child, so I secretly practiced my transformation poses and lines in front of the bathroom mirror every day..." He regretted it as soon as he finished speaking and wanted to find a crack in the ground to crawl into.

Upon hearing this, Chinatsu paused slightly, turned her head, and gave Shido a very strange look, a subtle hint of amusement flashing in her icy blue eyes. (Or perhaps, the look of someone looking at an idiot?)

She let out a soft "pfft," then immediately regained her cool composure, though her tone seemed less stiff: "...Are you an idiot?"

Although he was scolded, Shido inexplicably felt that the atmosphere had eased a little.

Just then, Chika's gaze seemed to casually drift toward a cutely decorated crepe stand by the roadside, the sign that read "Limited Double Chocolate" looking especially tempting in the setting sun.

[Target gaze detected! Related options generated!]

[Option 1: Take the opportunity to invite them, 'That crepe looks really good, want to go try it together? My treat.']

[Option 2: Ask about their preferences, 'Does Phoenix Institute like sweets?']

[Option 3: This crepe looks so pretty, can I pour it over myself and then eat it?]

"Option one! Immediately! Right now!" Kotori almost shouted from the bridge.

Shido immediately understood and pointed to the crepe stand: "That crepe looks delicious, I'm tempted to try it. Want to come together? It's on me."

Chika's inner thoughts: (Why not take advantage of something free? I'm starving.) On the surface, she simply nodded: "...Okay."

The two walked up to the stall, and Chika unceremoniously ordered the most expensive double chocolate lava and strawberry supreme flavors.

Shido ordered a regular banana with cream. Holding the steaming hot crepe, Shido, at Fraxinus's instruction, suggested that they sit on a park bench nearby to eat.

Sitting on a bench facing the fountain, the setting sun cast long shadows of the two of them.

Chika first took a bite of the double chocolate one, frowned slightly, and then looked at the ordinary-looking but already eaten cream banana crepe in Shido's hand.

She suddenly leaned closer to Shido, tilted her head back, and said in a slightly coquettish tone, a hint of cunning and playfulness in her icy blue eyes:

"Itsuka-kun~ Mine's chocolate flavor seems a bit too sweet, it doesn't taste good... Can I try yours?"

Shido was completely taken aback by this turn of events and froze instantly, his cheeks turning red at a visible speed. He looked at the exquisite face so close to his own, smelled the faint fragrance emanating from her, and his mind went blank.

Seeing his flustered state, Qianxia chuckled inwardly and leaned forward even more aggressively.

Shido instinctively braced himself on the chair and leaned back, trying to create some distance. However, Chinatsu took advantage of the situation and leaned almost half her body against him.