Powerless Boy is reborn as Lustful Elf
Chapter 16: Flashbacks 2

Chapter 16: Flashbacks 2

The cushions were plush, the kind that pulled you in and made it difficult to get back up, but Alex wasn’t thinking about comfort.

The moment he settled in, his mind drifted elsewhere.

Flashbacks from the previous midnight surfaced, playing in his mind like fragments of a half-remembered dream.

Lyriel.

And then... everything that had happened after.

His fingers unconsciously clenched against the fabric of the couch.

It hadn’t been a normal meeting, not by any means.

There was something about Lyriel—something otherworldly, even in a place already filled with magic and mystery.

He exhaled slowly, rubbing his forehead as if trying to push away the thoughts.

Whatever last night had been, it wasn’t something he could dwell on right now.

The last thing he needed was to be bricked up while walking outside—especially in the middle of an elven marketplace.

That would be a disaster.

He ran a hand down his face, forcing himself to focus on the present.

There were more important things to worry about, like getting through the day without looking like a complete fool in this strange new world.

With a sigh, he leaned back into the couch, staring at the ceiling. "Come on, Syrla," he muttered. "How long does it take to get ready?"

Syrla finally came downstairs, and the moment Alex caught sight of her, whatever sarcastic remark he had been preparing about her taking too long completely disappeared from his mind.

She was dressed in a flowing pink gown that shimmered with every step she took, as if woven from the light itself.

The fabric clung gracefully to her frame before flaring slightly at the bottom, creating an effortless, regal movement.

Her usually untamed hair was now styled with care, held up by an intricately designed crest, with soft waves cascading down the sides of her face.

She looked absolutely breathtaking—like a competitor in a beauty pageant, except instead of a crown, she carried an air of confidence and elegance that made it seem like she had already won.

Alex blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Well... you certainly took your time, but I guess I can see why, cause wow!"

"What?" Syrla asked, her tone slightly unsure as she tilted her head, studying his expression.

Alex stood up slowly, stepping closer to her. He hadn’t meant to say it out loud, but now that he had, he saw no reason to take it back.

"Nothing," he said at first, then hesitated before adding, "You just look so... majestic."

Syrla blinked, and for the first time, Alex saw a flicker of something unguarded in her eyes—surprise, maybe even a little flustered.

It was rare for her to be caught off guard. She was usually the one making him feel out of place, not the other way around.

Alex bent down, gently cupping Syrla’s face in his hands, and pressed a long, lingering kiss to her lips.

She melted into it for a brief moment, her hands resting lightly on his arms before they finally pulled apart.

Syrla giggled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Thank you," she said, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "But this is actually an old outfit. I’m only wearing it because we don’t have to dress fancy for the market."

Alex stared at her, incredulous. "Wait, this isn’t fancy? What do elves consider fancy, then? Literal gold-plated robes?"

She laughed, nudging him playfully. "You’ll see when we attend a real event. Trust me, Alex, this is nothing."

Alex blinked in surprise, staring at her as if she had just told him the sky was green.

Back on Earth, with the way she was dolled up. her shimmering gown, the elegant crest in her hair, the effortless grace she carried, it would seem like she was heading to a high-class party or some kind of gala.

But here, in the elven world? This was casual dressing?

He ran a hand through his hair, trying to wrap his head around it. "So let me really get this straight... this outfit, which looks like something out of a royal fashion catalog, is what you wear when you don’t have to dress up?"

Syrla smirked, clearly enjoying his reaction. "Exactly."

Alex exhaled, shaking his head. "Yeah, okay. I’m definitely underdressed, then." He tugged at the ridiculous yellow cuffs of his green top. "You set me up, didn’t you?"

She let out a soft laugh, looping her arm through his. "Not at all! I think you look charming. Very...."

"Right. That’s a polite way of saying I look like a lost tourist."

She grinned, giving his arm a reassuring squeeze. "Relax, Alex. You’ll blend in soon enough. Now, let’s go before you overthink yourself into turning around."

The elves were strange indeed.

Alex shook his head, biting back a chuckle. No matter how long he stayed in this world, he doubted he would ever fully understand their ways.

Everything was just so... extra.

The way they spoke, the way they dressed, even the way they walked, graceful, poised, as if they were all secretly royalty.

And here he was, standing beside Syrla in what felt like an over-designed costume, while she claimed her dazzling gown was nothing special.

"Why are you laughing?" Syrla asked, tilting her head slightly, her sharp elven eyes studying him with curiosity.

Alex shook his head, still smirking. "Nothing. This world will just take a while to get used to."

It was an understatement, really.

Everything here, from the floating lights that lined the streets at night to the way elves casually walked on impossibly thin bridges without fear of falling, felt like something out of a fantasy novel.

And now, even their idea of casual dressing was something that would put a human red-carpet event to shame.

Syrla narrowed her eyes playfully but didn’t press him further. Instead, she simply nodded. "Alright then. Let’s go."

She turned and pushed the door open, stepping outside.

The moment the door swung wide, a fresh, crisp breeze swept in, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and something faintly sweet, like honey and spice mixed together.

The elven city stretched before them, bathed in the warm morning light.

Tall, elegant structures of stone and wood spiraled upward, their surfaces covered in glowing runes.

The streets were alive with elves moving gracefully through their morning routines, their melodic voices drifting through the air as they chatted, bartered, and prepared for the day ahead.

Alex took a deep breath, adjusting the cuffs of his ridiculous shirt. "Alright. Lead the way, tour guide."

With that, they set off toward the market, weaving into the heart of the elven world.