Cosplay Elf from Another World [Volume 1]

5. A New Housemate Enters

From the counter, Izumi noticed Kou calling the guard and rushed for help. It may be an urgent emergency, and Izumi wanted to know more about the situation. However, it took minutes until the clerk finished scanning her grocery barcodes. When she set off from the store, she stared at Kou's grocery bag that stood in solitude. She wanted to look further on what happened, but... She passed on her mother who was walking on the sidewalk.

"Izumi?"

"Mom... I just finished my groceries. I want to go home with you."

Her mother nodded, her glare soon shifted towards the lying shopping bag. "Whose bag is that?"

"Uhm... It's a passing stranger's bag."

"I see. Why does that bag have so many unhealthy things? Did you pass on an Otaku?"

"N–No, Mom."

"No matter what happens, stay away from those creeps. They're far more dangerous than you thought."

Her mom led the way home. Izumi pressed her lips before she whispered to herself, "I know, Mom. You always remind me of that."

***

The moment the guard came back, I handed a copy of the image to him. Though they failed to catch the thugs, they still have the alliance of the police to search for them. I also mentioned that I wanted our identities to be anonymous. Sera already had too much trauma from those blue guys.

After the troublesome afternoon, I went home together with Sera. The fragments of Akiba's incident might still be lingering within me, but I had no other option to make her feel safe. Food, clothing, shelter, and longing, fate took everything that she possessed. I would be the world's enemy if I made it worse.

When Mom saw us, she rushed and hugged Sera in joy. Seconds after, her mouth downturned, witnessing what happened to her appearance, especially her clothes. "What happened!?"

"Some things happened to Sera, one you wouldn't want to know. But don't worry, I got it handled. She just needs a place to stay temporarily. Packs of wolves and blue guys linger outside."

"Sera... was her name, huh? Sera-chan, are you alright?"

Sera stared blankly and failed to respond to Maki. It was too much for her to grasp what previously happened to her. Knowing how difficult it was for her to adapt, Mom gently rubbing her head and her back.

"You're lost, aren't you? It's okay to feel sad and confused. Everyone will go through that same experience as you, and I understand that. You know, I'm also lost when I set foot in this place. It may take time to ease the pain that you're feeling now. If, in any case, I can protect you, I wouldn't hesitate."

Sera's once-dimmed pupils appeared lively. Losing all the tears she cried earlier, she felt exhausted. With a warm smile, she whispered, "I'm... glad... Thank you..."

I don't even know what Sera's story was. Did she lose her parents? All I know is that she needs to go back home. When I stared at her long ears, countless possibilities entered my mind. However, knowing her state, I shouldn't ask her now. If she stayed here, in a new environment, it would take a long time for her to calm down.

Mom felt that she needed a change, but judging her smell, there should be a priority first. Sera went with her towards the bathroom, a flowerless place with a lingering floral aroma. While staying at the lounge, I heard their conversation.

"Don't you want to take a bath? This is a bathtub... You're a pretty girl. How did you survive a day without cleansing?"

Sera left no response. A minute later, I heard her squeal. "W–What are you doing!?"