Ever since Layla had taken up cleaning the time in the dwarf village had been peaceful.

Layla had even started to treat other people as equals. She hadn’t dropped her haughty attitude or way of speaking but overall, she was much more pleasant to be around.

Nick who they had come to the village with was currently trying to court Layla. His offers had steadily increasing in size.

At first, he was offering Layla a home to raise a family. Then he started promising a mansion. Then he started promising outrageous things like the whole world or all the gold in the world.

Nick was very inexperienced with love.

He also had quite a few competitors. Unlike Umi who would harshly turn down every person who came to request her hand in marriage. Layla was much more muted. She mostly turned suitor down by telling them she was still considering offers Making it seems as if she was genuinely considering her.

As a result of this the offers Layla was getting were steadily growing to an unsustainable rate. Layla was a premier potential bride among all the men in the village.

“Layla you know you can reject them, right?” Kotori asked her as she politely turned away another boy.

“Eh? Aren’t I supposed to treat them nicely.” Layla asked her face turning into an expression of confusion.

[It seems I’ve given her the wrong idea] Kotori thought. When she had taught Layla to be more considerate of her actions towards other she didn’t expect Layla to follow the advice so diligently. Layla was truly an honest girl when it came to these sort of things.

“Layla” Kotori began to say

“It’s better to reject the offer outright. You know it will hurt them more if you continue to lead them on. You aren’t truly considering their offers are you?”

Layla shook her head

“Not in particular” She said

“What do you mean by hurting their feelings more.” She asked cocking her head to the side.

[This dumb fox!] Kotori thought

Layla who had never interacted with mortals before had no conception of proper etiquette and being considerate of other’s feeling would obviously not understand what would happen if she continued to get the men’s hopes up.

“Layla it’s better if you reject them sooner because it will only make their disappointment worse if they believe they have a chance.” Kotori explained

“I see” Layla said her face bunching up into a thoughtful expression.

“I reject their offers” She said

“Good girl” Kotori said patting Layla’s head.

“Eek!” Layla yelped in surprise. She started blushing her fox ears twitching slightly.

Kotori had been Petting Layla’s head more and more. Although Layla was taller than Kotori, Layla would pull her head down so Kotori could pet it. It always seemed to surprise Layla but she seemed to like it.

Kotori also had a motive for patting Layla’s head.

[Her ears are soft!]

Layla took after her mother and looked very much like a fox beast person.

Since Kotori was unable to get permission to pet Layla’s tail. Kotori would take every opportunity to pat her head for Mofu Mofu times. Umi would stare daggers at Layla afterwards but Kotori didn’t pay it any mind.

“Kotori please…” Layla said softly

** ** **

The very next day Layla went into the village courtyard and announced that she was going to give her final decision.

It was an uproarious affair. Almost every villager had come out to see the news. In all honesty, it was a little difficult to take seriously especially since all the dwarves all looked like bishounen. Apparently, several Dwarf girls had also asked for Layla to marry them. Kotori herself thought it was interesting that same-sex marriage was not look that down upon in the village. In the human kingdoms it was taboo but it seemed in this secluded dwarf village no one seemed to mind all that much.

There were several betting stands set up. Kotori was not allowed to participate since she already knew the decision. Apparently, it was a toss up between Nick who was first met Layla and Gottfried who was the son of the most successful blacksmith in town. The total amount offered up to Layla included enough money to raise a castle with plenty of servants. The dwarves were apparently very rich but liked to live modestly.

Kotori saw Winry frantically placing bets. She was a strong believer that Nick was going to win. Many people took her advising considering the fact that she worked with Kotori who was the “master” of Layla.

Kotori was standing off from the crowd with Amelie by her side. Both of them had not gone to the dungeon today to witness the spectacle. Both were smirking in smug satisfaction.

“Amelie did you get a chance to bet?” Kotori asked lazily

“Of course, they banned me from it” Amelie said sighing. Their party wasn’t really in need of money selling Manatanium, but Amelie enjoy having extra pocket change. It seemed she was looking for a new sword to duel wield with her current one which was an heirloom from her mother

The time for Layla to give her decision had been reached. And everybody was waiting with bated breaths.

Layla slowly took a deep breath

Collecting herself she then shouted.

“I REJECT ALL OFFERS. I LOVE KOTORI!”

The clearing was silent. Which was then followed by another sound

“EHHHHHH?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?”

Kitsura

I feel like I'm starting to sound like a broken record when I say this but we hit trending again! Right as I post chapter 69 ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

I recently learned my web novel will likely never get traditionally published. Apparently, I'm "used goods" the moment I post on here :(

I'm sorry. Looks like my dreams of an adaptation are crushed.

Thank you for still being my readers. My chapters have been coming out late because I'm basically nocturnal at this point, but I do sincerely love you all. I don't ask for payment because I don't feel comfortable asking for any money of you all when you already happily read this story I write.