Chapter 150 The Long Dream
Chapter 150 The Long Dream
After their meal, they gathered in the Empress’s palace parlor for some bonding time over board games. It was a moment for them to socialize, unwind, and strengthen their relationships with one another.
As they played, Elisa moved closer to Daniel, which immediately caught Lea’s attention. "Wait, why do you have to sit so close to Daniel?"
"What’s wrong with that?" Elisa replied. "We’re playing cards, so it’s only natural for us to sit together."
Lea quickly stood up and squeezed herself between them. She declared that she didn't trust Elisa, especially since Daniel was easily swayed by such advances. Daniel shook his head, clearly displeased with her comment. "Wait, what are you saying now? Are you really going to fall for Elisa’s teasing?"
Daniel clarified that he and Elisa were childhood friends and had always sat side-by-side during games. He added that if Elisa had any romantic interest in him, she would have acted on it long ago. "She only teases you because she knows you’re easily provoked," he added.
"Stop it, you don't understand how a woman's mind works," Lea snapped. "Especially now that she is one of your consorts, she wants to get close to you."
"Oh... is that what you’re worried about?" Daniel replied. "I think you’re just being paranoid. She became a consort because of Azula, not because she planned it."
Elisa simply smiled as she drew a card, keeping her focus on the other consorts. "Let her be, Didi. The game is more fun when there’s a twist."
She looked at Daniel, noting that Lea wasn't necessarily wrong, as it was her right as his girlfriend to be protective. However, as long as they were in this other world, she would embrace her role as Azula.
"What I mean is, it’s not a big deal for me to be your second wife; I’ll enjoy my stay here more if someone gives me everything I want," Elisa remarked.
Everyone was shocked by her words. Lea did not let this pass; she grabbed Daniel by the collar to remind him that she could never agree to Elisa’s desires.
"Wait, why are you mad at me? Hey, Elisa, stop teasing Lea," Daniel said.
Elisa just smiled, explaining that in this world, she was Azula, and it was Azula’s right to be the Emperor's second wife. She clarified that she wasn't stealing anyone's husband; she was merely fulfilling her duty.
"If she tells you that you can't have a relationship with anyone until you become a true Emperor, then I think it’s only fair that she doesn't deny Azula the right to be with her husband."
"What are you talking about? You aren't really Azula, and you and Daniel can't have a relationship."
Elisa looked at Lea and asked, "As far as I know, you’re only his girlfriend back on Earth, not his wife yet? That means there is still a chance you two might break up."
Lea was stunned. Because there was truth to what Elisa said, she couldn't counter the argument. "Daniel and I are getting married soon on Earth."
"You know, it's not good to speak too soon," Elisa replied. "If you compare your bond with Daniel to the relationship we’ve had since we were children, yours is nothing."
Lea looked at Daniel and grabbed his collar again to ask who he loved more. "Tell me, who do you love more? Her or me?"
"Huh? Do you really have to ask that?" Daniel replied.
"Of course! I need to know which of us you’ll choose to be your wife," Lea demanded, her face flushed with jealousy. Daniel knew that her anger wouldn't subside until she felt secure.
"Elisa and I have been friends since we were kids, and she’s important to me, but you’re my girlfriend and my first love. So please, don't fall for her teasing," Daniel said.
"Hm... I don't believe you. How can I be sure you don't have feelings for her?"
Daniel sighed, pulled Lea toward him, and kissed her on the lips without hesitation. Lea was so surprised that she was left speechless. After this, she covered her face while her cheeks turned red from embarrassment.
"I understand that you're jealous, but I'm ready to keep our agreement. If we ever return to Earth, you will be the only one I marry," Daniel whispered tenderly.
Lea touched her lips, her cheeks burning. She didn't respond but just hugged his arm.
Elisa sighed, noting that she wasn't used to seeing Daniel be sweet to women. "It seems you really have changed. You’re no longer the loner, the loser, and the person who was always angry at the world," she said with a smile.
"Ha! Did you hear that? Daniel loves me more, so stop flirting with him!" Lea declared.
"You know, Didi and I don't need to flirt to show our love for each other. To be honest, I'm becoming more interested in what happens next," Elisa teased.
Lea shot Daniel a sharp look, filled with doubt. Even though she didn't say anything, Daniel knew she was still jealous. "Stop it, both of you! Don't you feel ashamed with the other consorts watching?"
Lea went silent when she realized the other consorts were watching. Since they didn't know about their mission or their life on Earth, Lea realized how weird she must have looked. "Wait, forget everything you heard! We were just drunk from the wine we drank," Lea said frantically.
"The Empress often says nonsense when she's drunk, so just ignore her," Elisa said coldly.
"Stop it!" Lea screamed.
That evening, after the consorts returned to their respective homes, Daniel decided to head to the Emperor’s palace to sleep. A few moments after his servants fixed his bed, Elisa entered the room.
"Huh? Wait, why are you here? Aren't you going to sleep?"
"It is Azula’s duty to ensure the Emperor is comfortable until he falls asleep," Elisa answered.
"Ah... okay. You’re really committed to being Azula, aren't you? No problem. You can sleep now," Daniel said, lying down on his bed.
A few moments later, as he was drifting off, Daniel felt the bed shift. When he opened his eyes, he saw Elisa lying next to him.
"What? Wait, what are you doing?" Daniel asked, sitting up in shock.
"You said I could sleep, didn't you?" Elisa said with a smile.
"Wait, Elisa, are you doing this to annoy Lea more, or are you testing me?"
Elisa smiled while trying to calm him down. She admitted that she liked annoying Lea and Daniel, but she was too tired to continue for today.
"I just want to sleep with you. Why are you more worried than me? Do you think I’m the one who will do something bad to you?"
Daniel sighed, saying that even though they were friends, it wasn't appropriate for them to sleep together at their age.
"Lea will only be angrier if she finds out."
"Ah... don't worry. That short girl will be here any minute," Elisa replied.
"What do you mean?"
Daniel felt a chill as he sensed dark energy surrounding the room, accompanied by a loud thud. Moments later, Lea kicked open the door, holding a letter.
She was furious, her body enveloped in a powerful aura. "You really won't leave me alone, even when I'm trying to sleep, you bleached brat!"
Fearing her rage, Daniel quickly tried to explain. "Wait, Lea, let me explain! Don't think the wrong thing. She just laid down next to me; I didn't know anything about it!"
Elisa suddenly hugged Daniel from behind, continuing to tease Lea. "It’s a good thing you got my letter before Daniel and I started enjoying our night."
"Letter? What are you talking about? You wrote to her?" Daniel asked.
Elisa explained that she just wanted to see if Lea would come if she left a note, and she was amused by how easily provoked she was.
Lea jumped onto the bed and pulled Daniel away from Elisa. "Stop teasing me! And you—you cannot take my husband!"
Elisa just smiled, amazed by Lea’s persistence. "You know, you’re cute when you do that. What about it, Daniel? Are you enjoying your love life now that you have a girlfriend who is head over heels for you?"
"What? I am not 'head over heels' for Daniel!" Lea stammered.
Elisa explained that she had loved Daniel since childhood and had been saddened by his anti-social behavior, which made his life miserable.
"Now you can't say that no one loves you. I want you to know that I am happy to see you happy, and always remember that even if everyone else leaves you, I am here by your side."
Elisa took Daniel’s hand. "I am here as your friend, a sister, or whatever our relationship becomes."
Daniel was stunned and smiled, feeling grateful. He realized that from the very beginning, Elisa had never forgotten him. Even when he pushed her away, she was always there to remind him that even if the whole world turned its back on him, he had one friend waiting to stand by him.
"Thank you so much for everything, Elisa," Daniel said with a smile.
Elisa opened her arms as if inviting him to hug her. "Are you touched by what I said? Do you want to hug me?"
Lea quickly blocked them, prohibiting them from being overly dramatic and flirtatious in front of her. "Stop it! Stay away from Daniel."
A few moments later, Elisa laid back down to sleep.
"Wait, why are you still lying there? Hey! Don't you have your own room?" Lea asked.
"I want to sleep with Daniel tonight, and if you don't want to join, you can leave the room," Elisa replied.
Lea was shocked and couldn't believe it. She didn't agree to let her sleep with Daniel, even if they were friends.
"You’re putting malice into everything. If you suspect that Daniel will do something to me tonight, why don't you just sleep here too?" Elisa suggested.
"What? Sleep with Daniel?"
"Don't be shy, just let things happen," Elisa said, pulling both Daniel and Lea onto the bed.
"Wait! Hold on, Elisa."
The two had no choice but to lie down. Lea and Daniel felt awkward as they stared at each other while lying together.
"I’ll allow this, but only for tonight," Lea said shyly. "We are only going to sleep together, is that clear?"
The three agreed to sleep on the same bed, with Lea and Elisa hugging Daniel in the middle.
The exhausting day ended peacefully. They didn't know what the future held while in this other world, but one thing was clear: whatever happened in their adventure through this strange and mystical fantasy world, they would always remain by each other's side.
Hours passed, and as Daniel was sleeping soundly, he heard a familiar sound. He heard the whirring of an electric fan and smelled the familiar scent of his old clothes.
When he opened his eyes, he saw his ceiling with anime posters stuck to it. Because his mind wasn't fully awake, he didn't notice it at first. He sat up on his bed and looked around—he saw himself sitting in his old room on Earth.
A moment later, he heard a familiar voice that made him turn his head.
"You're awake, Daniel Muntingbato. No, it’s better to greet you in a different way."
Turning around, Daniel was shocked to see the angel, Momo, sitting in his computer chair, holding the Book of Life.
"How are you, the most blessed one?"
"Huh?" Daniel had no answer to Momo's question, only confusion.
The End.