Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure Chapter 2112: Tricked as kids (2)

The tale Undine shared was genuinely fascinating. It recounted the era when water elementals first manifested in this realm. These entities emerged as a byproduct of mutation, sparked by the dense concentration of elemental energy during the world's primordial epoch. According to Undine, even the gods failed to foresee their arrival, which prompted their later attempts to collaborate with these beings—a calculated maneuver to assert authority over the world's original creators. Setting that aside, the core reason for their current treatment of Undine was that it had discovered them during their initial formation.

Elementals developed temperaments tied to their respective origins. Rock elementals proved obstinate and rigid; fire elementals were blunt and forthright; while those of the wind were perpetually carefree. Naturally, the water elementals were defined by their gentle disposition. As the King of Water Spirits, Undine also possessed this grace, though in its youth, it was far from lacking a mischievous streak. Having manifested in this world simultaneously with them, it had deceived the nascent water elementals into servitude by convincing them that it was the princess of all aquatic life. Given their youth, they accepted this fabrication without question. Their inherent kindness made them particularly susceptible to such claims.

Reflecting on the story, another underlying factor became clear. These early water elementals were not mindless infants; they possessed a faster maturation process than humans, akin to young children with emerging independent thoughts. "That is the reason they insist on calling me princess. They are certainly old enough to realize I merely fooled them back then, but they simply refuse to let it go," Undine concluded with a weary sigh. Observing the water elementals as they listened in silence, not a trace of resentment could be found on their faces. On the contrary, they seemed to cherish the story as if it were a beloved memory heard a thousand times over.

"Honestly, you looked after them quite thoroughly when they first appeared. I suspect they aren't as naive as you believe," I remarked. Undine looked startled, eyeing me with what seemed to be genuine irritation. Regardless, I persisted: "It is evident that you possess a natural talent for guidance. The fact that they still address you as their princess after all these eons is a testament to the devotion you showed them in the past." Though Undine acted outraged, it was transparently clear that this was merely a defense mechanism triggered by embarrassment. Receiving such praise was clearly not on its agenda.

Conversely, the water elemental ancestors were stirred by my words. "Exactly!" one exclaimed. "You should have seen the princess back then! She protected us from dangers and shielded the rest when the corrupted ones attacked! The princess risked everything to ensure our survival!" Undine glared at them, demanding they desist. Yet, their eagerness to heap praise upon their idol showed no signs of abating. Ultimately, Undine dampened the display by sweeping its hand, casting a surge of water that knocked the elementals aside—a fitting method to silence them, given their composition.

Naturally, the disruption was brief. Since they were forged of water, no true harm was done, and they reformed in moments. This time, however, their approach to my bubble suggested a change in attitude. They no longer ballooned in size as before, opting for their standard form as they drew near, signaling a break from intimidation in favor of sincerity. However, their first words clarified their intentions. "Would you care to hear more tales of our princess's greatness?" They behaved like devoted worshippers, a dynamic that made perfect sense given the pedestal upon which they placed Undine. Still, my current objectives were far more pressing.

"There is no time for such trivialities," Undine interjected, promptly shutting them down. "We have important duties to attend to." Although the ancestors appeared crestfallen at the dismissal, they clearly understood the gravity of the situation. "Since he is the prophesied one, we shall escort him to the source immediately." With Undine in command, it appeared the path ahead would be remarkably smooth, even if Undine itself seemed less than pleased by the adoration it received.