Conquering The Novel

With a nod of understanding, Elaine closed her eyes and focused her mind, channeling the power of her constellation. A soft glow enveloped her, emanating from the intricate constellation patterns on her skin.

"I invoke the Stellar Guidance," she whispered, her voice carrying a hint of mystique.

As her connection with the celestial energies deepened, Elaine's consciousness expanded, reaching out to the vast expanse of the cosmos. Her senses became attuned to the subtle cosmic vibrations, seeking the elusive threads that would lead her to the hidden dungeon.

Time seemed to lose its hold as she delved deeper into the mysteries of her constellation's ability.

Through the expanse of the universe, the threads began to weave together, forming a celestial roadmap that only she could decipher. Elaine followed the intricate patterns, her perception guided by the stars themselves. And then, amidst the cosmic tapestry, she glimpsed it—the dungeon's unique energy signature, a glimmering beacon in the darkness.

Elaine opened her eyes, her determined gaze locked with Ares'. Confidence radiated from her voice as she declared, "I've located it. That dungeon...it lies within the heart of the Sacred Forest in the Elven Kingdom, and it seems to be concealed by some ancient enchantments."

Without wasting a moment, Elaine reached into her storage ring and retrieved a unique device resembling a combination of headphones and a tablet. She swiftly donned the headset-like device, and the tablet screen illuminated with a detailed world map.

The device seamlessly tapped into the knowledge she had gained from her constellation's ability, syncing her mind with the tablet screen. In an instant, the exact coordinates of the dungeon within the Sacred Forest were displayed on the screen with precision.

Click—

"Here it is, the exact location of the dungeon," Elaine announced, removing the device from her head.

!?

Irethiel, her eyes fixed on the tablet screen, marveled at the technological marvel before her. "...The advancements in technology never cease to amaze me," she remarked. "To think that we can access such information at our fingertips."

Elaine nodded in agreement, a smile playing on her lips. "This equipment was specifically designed to synchronize with the information stored in my mind. It allows me to accurately pinpoint locations and share them with others. It's my first time using it as well since I can usually rely on the mental marks to guide me, but this device will make your journey more efficient and precise" she responded.

[I never thought you would actually use that.] Elaine's constellation's message appeared before her, expressing surprise at her use of the device.

Elaine smirked, a mischievous glimmer in her eyes. "...I guess there's a first time for everything," she replied silently to her constellation.

"Thank you so much, Elaine—" Ares began, reaching out to grab the tablet screen from her hand. However, Elaine quickly retracted it, keeping it just out of his reach.

!?

Ares looked at her in confusion, his brow furrowing. He was met with Elaine's mischievous grin, and her playful remark caught him off guard.

"You didn't really think that I would give it to you just like that, did you?" she asked, amusement dancing in her eyes.

"....."

Ares blinked, caught off guard by Elaine's words. He chuckled nervously, trying to comprehend her sudden change in attitude. "...Well, I suppose not. You do have a way of keeping me on my toes," he replied.

'...What does she want in return?' Ares thought to himself, nervously.

Elaine's smile widened, and she leaned closer to Ares, her playful demeanor shifting into a more serious expression. "But don't worry, it's not an outrageous request," she clarified, her hand gently caressing his cheek. "I simply want your permission to proudly announce to the world that I am one of your girlfriends and soon-to-be Mistress."

!?

Ares's eyebrows lifted in surprise, and he studied Elaine's face, trying to understand the sudden change in her attitude. He was not surprised by her bold request, but because the Elaine he knew was never one to seek permission or approval from anyone, not even the demon lord she served in the novel.

'...What could have prompted this change in her?' Ares wondered, his gaze fixed on Elaine. The room fell into silence as he observed her, sensing the underlying turmoil beneath her calm exterior.

'Is it too soon for me to ask for this? Should I have waited for a more opportune moment?' Elaine's mind raced, her heart pounding with nervous excitement.

Meanwhile, Irethiel observed the exchange, her surprise mingled with understanding. She recognized the potential value of having Elaine by their side, given her exceptional abilities and her unwavering loyalty. It could prove to be a powerful alliance against the looming threat of the demon lords.

'And of course, Ares won't let this chance go,' she thought.

"...Though it may still be too early for you to take on the role of my mistress, I am more than happy to have you as my girlfriend," Ares finally spoke, his voice filled with warmth and affection.

Elaine's grin widened at his response, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Being your girlfriend is more than enough for now," she replied, her voice brimming with happiness.

Closing the distance between them, she leaned forward, her lips meeting his in a sweet and passionate kiss. Ares returned the kiss with equal fervor, wrapping his arms around her petite body as they kissed.

As their lips finally parted, Elaine passed the tablet screen to Ares with a smile. "...Here," she said, her voice slightly breathless from the intensity of their embrace.

"Thanks," Ares replied, his own smile mirroring hers as he accepted the tablet from her.

As soon as Ares took hold of the tablet, Elaine's excitement became too much to contain. She couldn't help but let her joy spill over, her face beaming with happiness. Sensing her inability to hide her elation any longer, she quickly excused herself from the room, eager to bask in the happiness and anticipation she felt.

"...A-Ahem, excuse me for a moment," she stuttered, her voice betraying her overwhelming emotions.She swiftly made her way out of the room, not wanting to reveal the full extent of her excitement to Ares just yet.

"....."

'I'm not entirely sure what sparked this change in her, but I believe it is a change for the better,' Ares contemplated silently.

Elaine had always been an untamed spirit, a force that even the demon lord struggled to control. While she would follow his orders, she would also act independently, often pursuing her own desires, such as conquering powerful women on his behalf.

The shift in her behavior, now seeking his permission and embracing her role as one of his women, was a significant change that Ares never expected. However, he found himself welcoming this transformation and appreciating her newfound respect, consideration, and unwavering loyalty.

***

But unbeknownst to Ares, Elaine had already begun formulating her plans for the future.

"Now that I am officially one of his partners, it's time for me to give my future husband a special gift, don't you think?" Elaine chuckled, her laughter echoing through the corridors. "...A gift that every man appreciates," she murmured with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

To be continued...