158 - The Freed S*aves Became Obsessed

Merry Christmas. The final holiday of the year. A day for the social butterflies. It might seem odd to have Christmas in a world that's not Earth, but most games tend to follow the same pattern. Celebrate Pepero Day, Halloween, and of course, Christmas. They shower us with event-themed costumes and in-game currency. For gamers, it's just another day for rewards. In the otaku game "TaoSle," Christmas exists as well. Even after possessing this world, I found the annual Christmas festival taking place each year as I neared my third year in "TaoSle." Who they actually honor in a world without Jesus, I don't know. What matters is that there's a Christmas event story, including a special Christmas episode dedicated to Ashies. While not mandatory, the nostalgic essence of Christmas makes it an ideal time to stir Ashies' emotions. I don't want to miss it. ‘I’ve worked so hard to make it in time.’ Had the liberation of other slaves been delayed, Christmas would have passed by meaninglessly. It's time to reap the rewards of my efforts. I'm taking Ashies to the starting point of the Christmas event. It's been a few days since Ashies shed tears listening to the music box. There hasn't been any dramatic change like the curse suddenly disappearing. However, she's been lost in thought more often. Sitting curled up on the bed, endlessly replaying the music box, she resembled someone trying to recall forgotten memories. A good omen. No matter how much I attempt to stimulate Ashies, it would mean nothing unless she realizes things on her own. “We’ve arrived.” We visited the office of the Iron Law, Urg'dal, next to the Heart of Magmar, in the chambers of the Meisters. “Oh, two of you. It’s been a while. I heard you went north.” “Yes, we went for some errands.” “I see. Princess, you seem even more beautiful since I last saw you. The pendant suits you wonderfully.” “Mm.” Ashies' simple response made Urg'dal’s eyes widen in surprise for a moment before he offered a kind uncle's smile. “But what brings you both to my office?” “We just dropped by out of boredom, but it seems Urg'dal, you're looking a bit troubled. Is something weighing on your mind?” “Oh dear… Is it that obvious? My apologies for being so indiscreet.” “Haha, nothing to apologize for.” I already knew what was bothering him, so... With a wry smile as if embarrassed to show such a face to guests, Urg'dal began to share the detailed circumstances. “In fact, a pressing message arrived from an acquaintance. There's a task that must be done around this time, but there's a problem. I was contemplating how to handle it.” “Oh dear. Is there anything we can help with?” “You mean you folks?” “Yes. We're free at the moment anyway. We should help each other out, shouldn’t we?” Urg'dal looked genuinely touched. His gaze toward me was filled with deep gratitude. “If Karami assists, it might make resolving things easier. Very well then, I'll entrust this matter to Karami.” *** The quiet winter wind brought snow to the forest. Snowflakes danced as they gently descended. The trees in the forest appeared as if covered in a thin white blanket, quietly embracing the accumulating snow. The winter forest was cold, but having withstood the northern winds of Aisengaard, I only perceived it as a brisk autumn. “Rami… where is this place…?” Beside me. Ashies walked alongside me through the forest. Thanks to the pendant, the distance between us was not a mere arm's length but a single step. Without any words exchanged, Ashies naturally found her place by my side. “This is the Silver Fringe Forest. According to Urg'dal, this is where an acquaintance of his resides.” “Ah, I see…” Ashies nodded as if she understood, but I wasn’t convinced. I'd told her when we set off, and again when we arrived. This was the third time now. Such was her nature. Even if she says, ‘I fully understand,’ in reality, she doesn’t comprehend a thing. Yet it's this innocence that adds to Ashies’ charm. Exhaling into the snowy sky, I watched as my breath appeared in white puffs. ‘Another Christmas is coming.’ To me, it was just another ordinary holiday. While the world was bustling with Christmas preparations, I’d read novels and play games while munching on tangerines under my blanket. Possessing this world hadn't changed much. Enjoying Christmas was a luxury. I was preoccupied with preparing for the upcoming main storyline. Walking through a snow-filled forest with someone was a special change from the past. It might have its enchanting side. As I mused over my thoughts, I wondered how Ashies felt. “Ashies, what goes through your mind when you walk with me?” “…?” “I'm asking for your thoughts. Do you not have any?” Ashies tilted her head, seemingly not understanding the question. I realized I might've posed a pointless query to her again… But then she replied. “It just feels… natural?” “What’s natural?” “This.” “…?” This time, I was the one tilting my head. I couldn’t grasp what she meant by natural. ‘Does she mean it’s natural to walk with me?’ But that’s not natural. It shouldn’t be considered as such. For it’s something that never should have happened in the first place. What must naturally happen is Ashies freeing herself from Skadia, reclaiming her own identity. “Rami, there's light. People.” Pointing with her finger, Ashies indicated a spot in the forest. In the moonlit and starlit woods, an unfamiliar light was visible. “It looks like we’ve found the right place.” We moved directly toward the light. Crunch. “Ah! Who, who’s there?!” Startled by our sudden appearance in the woods, the man by the campfire quickly stood up. A round, jolly man with a thick white beard and dressed in red—a figure straight out of a storybook, resembling none other than Santa Claus himself. Remarkably, it wasn't just the appearance; this was indeed the real Santa Claus. “Good day. I'm Karami, sent by Urg'dal from Doomhaim. Are you Nicholaus?” “Oh-ho! So Urg'dal sent you? I was just wondering how to resolve my issue, and you've come at the perfect time!” Any apprehension the man had melted away like snow, replaced with a hearty welcome fit for honored guests. “The name's Nicholaus Snowsong. I hadn’t expected you so soon after sending the letter.” “Given the urgency, I had to hurry. But I hear there's a problem. What might that be?” Nicholaus launched into a lengthy explanation. “Since long ago, our Snowsong clan has given gifts to children at Christmas. This year, we must do the same, but there's an issue with Rudolph pulling the sleigh.” Nicholaus glanced at the sleigh across the campfire. A red sleigh stacked with a mountain of presents. In front of it sat Rudolph, his red nose glowing faintly as he rested, clearly fatigued. “He doesn’t look well.” “He’s caught a cold, sadly…” A Rudolph with a cold. Talk about disqualification. Honestly, from the first time I encountered the Christmas episode, I couldn’t help but think Rudolph was unqualified. “The problem is that Rudolph is the leader of the reindeer pack. Without him, the other eight won't listen.” There's a singular reason why Nicholaus employs such a lackluster Rudolph. Rudolph happens to be the most beautiful doe among the reindeer, and the remaining eight reindeer are smitten, trailing after her. With Rudolph unable to move due to injury, the rest of the reindeer refuse to budge either. The quintessential queen bee. Or rather, the queen reindeer. “I beg you. Please help deliver the gifts. If we don’t do it on time, it’ll break the children’s hearts. They might stop believing in Santa…” [A Merry Christmas! Christmas isn't complete without gifts. The Snowsong clan draws strength from gifting and children’s innocence, but Rudolph is out with a cold, leaving the reindeer uncontrollable. Help Nicholaus deliver the gifts successfully and ensure a Happy Christmas!] If this were a game, such a quest would pop up. There's no [Penalty for Failure: Death], but there's no reason to refuse it either. “Understood. Let’s help out.” “Truly? Thank you! Really, thank you!” Turning away from Nicholaus's gratitude, I asked Ashies to use her magic. Ashies worked her magic, and reindeer began to form. They had bodies as clear as ice. Antlers as pristine as crystal. And eyes shining a brilliant blue. Like majestic orchestras, the eight ice reindeer bowed to Ashies as if pledging loyalty to their master. “Impressive and beautiful reindeer!” Much like their master, they exuded beauty even as reindeer. The reindeer attending to Rudolph couldn't tear their eyes away. But sorry, there’s no turn for you lot. Charmed by a lady and shirking duties—utterly disgraceful. Well, their foolishness does hand us this opportunity. “Looks like the ice reindeer will heed your words, not mine. I suppose I'll have to hand over the Santa role this year.” Nicholaus said this without the slightest hint of regret. Perhaps he was just relieved or excited at the thought of a paid vacation. Either way, he happily fumbled with his gift bag, swaying his hips cheerfully. “Lovely benefactor! Wear this, please! It’s a Santa outfit!” Nicholaus handed Ashies a red Santa-girl costume. She blankly stared at the outfit in her hands. “Santa…?” “Yes. Today, Ashies, you'll become Santa Claus, delivering gifts for the day.” “Hm… Alright…” Ashies nodded, seemingly grasping the concept, then started to change clothes right there in the middle of the forest, which I had to stop. “Hold on. We agreed to change clothes where no one could see us, remember?” Ashies, devoid of emotions, also lacked any sense of shame. It wasn’t the first time she’d done something like this. The initial time had quite the shocking reaction. Though she again exhibited cluelessness, she now glanced at me, creating an improvised fitting room with ice walls. Rustling sounds teased the imagination as she changed. Soon, the ice wall came down, revealing Ashies in an adorable Santa-girl attire. “Ah, wonderful! I've never seen a Santa as beautiful as you!” “Indeed. You look splendid, Ashies.” The red Santa outfit was a refreshing change from her usual blue-white shorts dress. Not that there could be an outfit that didn’t suit her face. ‘Definitely not a waste splurging on skins.’ Once again, I realized. While Ashies was changing, Nicholaus attached the reins to the ice reindeer and completed the departure preparations. I settled down next to the campfire. “Well, have a safe trip. I’ll wait here while taking care of Rudolph.” “…? Rami, you’re not coming…?” “Haha, there’s no way I’d go up there. I’m afraid of heights.” Good luck. *** In the early morning skies brushed by cold winds. Shadows slid across the moon's surface as the ice reindeer pulled the sleigh, scattering icy patterns like winter memories. A pair of Santa-clad figures set out to bring Christmas cheer. “Why exactly do I have to go with you…?” Instead of the usual Santa grandfather, it was Santa boy and Santa girl on the sleigh. Karami, unexpectedly finding himself as Santa Claus, blamed Ashies, who had dragged him along. Ashies tilted her head with an expressionless face. “It just feels… natural.” Karami wasn’t joining, which seemed odd to her. Having Karami by her side was, to Ashies, a given. “Hoo, hoo, hoo…” Below, a cityscape twinkled, viewable at a glance. A beautiful panorama, but Karami had no leisure to appreciate it. He breathed deeply, trying to calm his heart, clutching the sleigh reins like a lifeline, eyes tightly shut. He couldn’t even gaze up at the sky. With the moon looming so close, the situation was unnerving. Karami, overwhelmed by fear and looking utterly ridiculous, flailed about. Right beside him, shoulder to shoulder, Ashies calmly observed. “…….” On her lips was drawn the faintest of lines—a smile so slight that it was barely noticeable to anyone. --- Santa Girl Ashies - 42 Comments - 4.6 / 54 tokieu 2024.12.25 01:11 Report Santa Girl Ashies 0 Mysterious 2024.12.25 01:20 Report Oh... Santa Girl 0 PipyeLover 2024.12.25 01:38 Report Went to Novelpia to check out Santa Girl Ashies illustration, but there's a whole collection of Christmas illustrations, crazy lol 0 MiseryIsLife 2025.01.04 13:54 Report Why... why isn't there an illustration of the loli maid Mirabel in a Santa Girl outfit? Why is there just nothing!? This is discrimination... discrimination, I say!!!! 0 PipyeLover 2025.01.05 12:06 Report Please stop looking for it...!! What exactly is so great about it anyway.... 0 MiseryIsLife 2025.01.05 12:19 Report Want to listen to a two-hour sermon about it? 0 PipyeLover 2025.01.05 12:23 Report No matter how much I think about it, it just doesn't compare....... 0 MiseryIsLife 2025.01.05 12:29 Report Should I... you know, reconsider? 0 PipyeLover 2025.01.05 12:31 Report This is fact...!!! No matter how much I think about it, it never wins... 0 MiseryIsLife 2025.01.05 12:38 Report Private Check Comment Content 0 PipyeLover 2025.01.05 12:40 Report No way, it's seriously scary lol Why is it so detailed...!!! 0 MiseryIsLife 2025.01.05 12:41 Report Respect preferences... 0 PipyeLover 2025.01.05 12:44 Report Respect... I'll try... This isn't going to be easy...... 0 MiseryIsLife 2025.01.05 12:46 Report T-thanks... 0 Hking0848 2025.01.07 02:13 Report So even someone like that had preferences. What was in the secret comment that scared you that much? Tell me. 0 MiseryIsLife 2025.01.07 08:36 Report If you know, you'll be in trouble... 0 Hking0848 2025.01.07 08:46 Report People do things even when they know... tell me. 0 MiseryIsLife 2025.01.07 13:44 Report Private Check Comment Content 0 Hking0848 2025.01.07 22:18 Report Private Check Comment Content 0 Hking0848 2025.01.07 22:19 Report Looks like I underestimated how committed you are. 0 NaYuta 2025.01.10 11:59 Report I want to see it too...!! 0 MiseryIsLife 2025.01.11 09:08 Report Private Check Comment Content 0 IslandWhiteback 2025.01.10 20:15 Report What is it even about, now I'm curious. 0 MiseryIsLife 2025.01.11 09:09 Report Private Check Comment Content 0 IslandWhiteback 2025.01.11 09:21 Report I understand, but the fifth line in the middle... that's a bit much... 0 WhenWeWereOrphans 2025.01.11 09:41 Report What is it .. tell me too 0 MiseryIsLife 2025.01.11 09:55 Report Private Check Comment Content 0 Stripes 2024.12.25 01:39 Report I missed the obsession moments with Ashies, but I'm satisfied with this chapter. 1 FairyHealing 2024.12.25 01:53 Report Cute Karami 0 Karon 2024.12.25 02:05 Report Thinks it's normal to be together?? Can’t wait for what happens after the abandonment 3 PublicResolution 2024.12.25 07:30 Report Wow, signs of obsession are starting... 0 VirginLoliExtruder 2024.12.25 08:25 Report Social butterflies.... ㅠㅜ 1 qhtm 2024.12.25 19:01 Report Santa Girl Ashies... 0 Araish 2024.12.31 11:44 Report To think it's natural because (after breaking free from the seal) they have never been apart, almost like a parent bird. Now, show me all the illustrations you've seen! 0 Oh, Santa cosplay. Members only may comment. 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