Dungeon (4): The Headpat Rivalry
“...Master, I worked hard too!”
A clear, cheerful voice sliced through the air. I turned my head to see Eily standing there, hands neatly clasped together, her eyes brimming with earnest plea. Her blue eyes sparkled with pure light, her face swollen with eager anticipation—like a puppy desperately craving its owner's touch.
I chuckled softly, gazing down at her.
“Yeah, I saw you put in plenty of effort.”
I reached out gently and stroked her head. The strands of hair felt like silk under my fingertips. As I carefully ran my fingers through each one, Eily let out a small gasp and closed her eyes.
“Heehee, thank you!”
She couldn't hide her joy, her lips curving up to her ears. Her giddy giggles and blushing cheeks were utterly endearing.
But before that satisfied smile could even fade, another voice quietly rippled through the air.
“Ah, Arnold!”
A low, trembling call, laced with shyness and expectation. I shifted my gaze. Hesitating by the door was none other than Elisha. She fidgeted with her hands, eyes darting away, a faint blush staining her cheeks. Her long silver hair cascaded down, only heightening her flustered embarrassment.
“I, I too... I think I did my part...”
I drew in a short breath.
“...Yeah?”
She jumped right in, as if she'd been waiting.
“Of course! Sure, you ended up finishing them all off, but I tied up their feet at the start, didn't I?”
She emphasized her achievement with conviction, her eyes full of hopeful gleam.
I nodded lightly, as if there were no helping it.
“True, your judgment in that moment was spot-on. You deserve the praise.”
“R-right...?”
But words alone didn't satisfy her. She dipped her head slightly, hesitation clear as day—like she was angling for something more.
I caught on in an instant.
“...Good job.”
Slowly, I lifted my hand and placed it atop her silver hair. The soft texture melted into my fingertips. As I stroked gently, her shoulders twitched ever so slightly—like she'd received a reward she hadn't dared expect.
Elisha looked up at me with a smile, like a cat basking in its master's caress.
“Fufu, I'll keep working hard.”
A prim yet deeply pleased smile. A mischievous glint danced in Elisha's eyes.
And then—
“Me too—I worked hard!”
Another sudden arrival. Melina latched onto me like she was clinging for dear life, whining in protest.
“Isn't it unfair giving it just to those two~?”
She puffed out her cheeks and gave my shoulder a light shove. Her golden hair swayed with dramatic flair, demanding attention. Seeing her pout with those pursed lips, I couldn't help but sigh.
“Haa, fine.”
In the end, I carefully stroked her head as well. At that, Melina melted into my arms with obvious delight, pressing herself close.
“Hehe, Arnold likes me best after all, no doubt about it.”
She beamed in total satisfaction, nuzzling against me contentedly.
“......”
Something about this felt utterly exhausting. For some reason, handling them drained me more mentally than battling monsters.
Just... hopefully my imagination.
“Wait a sec!”
But such fleeting hopes shattered all too soon. Eily stepped forward again, cheeks ballooned out, hands planted firmly on her hips.
“Why are you two the ones seeking praise?!”
She shot a piercing glare at them, her tone unyielding.
“Why only you two? I worked the hardest—right after Master!”
Her blue eyes rippled with injustice, cheeks puffed to bursting. Hands on hips, she strode forward like a child demanding her rightful treat.
Elisha and Melina met her gaze with smug confidence, as if it went without saying.
“I definitely pulled my weight!” Elisha declared, puffing out her chest.
“You didn't help at all! I took down a few at least!”
Eily fired back instantly, eyebrows arched high.
The moment their eyes locked, an all-out staring contest erupted—no quarter given.
I watched them with a light sigh.
What's worth getting this worked up over?
“Our timing was just off a bit...! The effort counted, right?” Elisha stammered, a touch flustered.
“Expecting rewards for effort alone is a bad mindset! Results are what matter!”
Eily refused to yield an inch.
Elisha pressed a hand to her chest, utterly incredulous.
But Eily's expression soured further. Her eyes narrowed sharper, pressing the attack.
“And Melina—you're the most unreasonable of all!”
The sudden barb flew straight at Melina.
“Huh? Why me?!”
Golden locks swayed as she shot back defiantly.
“If we're being strict, you did the absolute least, didn't you?”
Eily crossed her arms, stating it plain as day.
“I held them off a little, at least?” Melina pouted, playing the victim.
But Eily pressed on, stepping closer with a calm, cutting tone.
“A little? More like you just stood there watching.”
Melina let out a disbelieving scoff, her face screaming what nonsense is this?
“You for real...? I actually fought, you know?!”
“Did you now?” Eily replied coolly.
“Then prove it.”
Melina faltered, momentarily speechless. Seizing the opening, Elisha piled on.
“Exactly! I thought the same. Credit where it's due, but honestly? You weren't much help in the clutch.”
“What?!”
Melina bristled in an instant, glaring daggers at Elisha.
I sighed again at the thickening tension.
This squabble... when's it gonna end? Feels harder than wrangling those monsters.
“Ugh... even if that's true for now...”
Melina's eyes suddenly lit up, confidence surging back.
“I'll become way more useful to Arnold than either of you.”
She clenched her fist, declaring it with iron resolve—no waver in her voice.
“With my arrows, I'll hunt more foes, claim more loot.”
She stepped forward boldly, her words backed by unshakeable conviction.
Elisha smirked, as if she'd been waiting for this.
“Oh yeah? Wanna bet? During this expedition—who takes down more, stronger monsters!”
Arms crossed, she grinned provocatively, utterly sure her rival wouldn't dare.
“Chicken out now if you're scared.”
She tacked it on just to needle her.
Melina didn't flinch—instead, a grin spread across her face.
“You're on. I won't lose.”
Her eyes sparkled as she fired back with equal bravado.
“I'll join too!”
Eily wedged herself between them forcefully, blue eyes blazing with determination.
“I'll prove once and for all—I'm the most devoted to Master.”
She balled her fists and shouted, her face alight with fiery will.
“What? You too?”
Elisha arched a brow at her.
Melina looked mildly thrown.
But Eily ignored it, chin held high.
“Why not? I'm plenty capable. Scared I'll win?”
She flashed a taunting smile.
Both women's brows twitched in unison.
“Hah? Scared? Don't make me laugh.”
Melina snorted derisively.
Elisha clicked her tongue and crossed her arms.
“Fine then. Official three-way showdown.”
Elisha proclaimed it like a decree, her crimson eyes burning brighter.
“Rules are simple: most enemies downed, most loot collected—wins.”
“Bring it.”
Melina gripped her bow lightly, smirking with supreme confidence.
“Hmph, I never planned on losing.”
Eily shot back fiercely.
The rivalry locked into place perfectly. Their gazes clashed like sparks on a battlefield, tension thick in the air.
I watched it all unfold, sighing deeply to myself.
Dealing with these girls... way tougher than any monster, huh?
This expedition was definitely not ending quietly.