Reincarnated With A Glitched System: Why Is My MP Not Running Out?

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“But you cried a little!” I teased.

“Aaah, well, yeah…” Aquarina muttered, her cheeks flushing. “Mostly because I was so happy to be with you now…” She gently took my hand.

“Really?” I asked, leaning closer.

“Yes, really~” she whispered with a soft smile.

“Really, really?”

“Really, really~”

We kissed again, and I couldn’t help but play with her a little longer.

Eventually, I brought up Master Felicia.

“I know your first impression of her wasn’t great, but she’s good, I promise,” I said with a small laugh. “Still, I’m sorry if she came off too rude…”

“Yeah, what’s her deal? Is she missing a few screws or something?” Aquarina huffed, a spark of anger returning.

“Probably,” I admitted. “But she’s still kind… I think she’s just lonely.”

“Lonely?” Aquarina tilted her head, looking at me curiously.

“Yeah. Before we arrived, she lived completely alone with her spirits and familiars. They’re not much for conversation,” I explained. “She buried herself in her work, shutting out the world… I think she might have been jealous of us.”

“What?” Aquarina blinked. “She’s a Hero—rich, famous, incredibly strong. What could we possibly have that she’d envy?”

“Well… love?” I suggested softly. “Maybe she feels left out because everyone else has someone… except her.”

“Ah…” Aquarina’s expression softened as understanding dawned.

“So… let’s keep that in mind,” I said, squeezing her hand with a warm smile.

“Okay… I guess that’s fair,” she agreed. “But I’m not apologizing for calling her a cunt.”

“Haha, that’s your call. I’m not your mom—I won’t force you,” I giggled. “Ah, the girls should be up by now…”

“Oh right, they weren’t at breakfast. Did they sleep in?” Aquarina asked.

“Looks like it,” I nodded. “Hm?”

We heard voices approaching. The door swung open, and Celeste, Celica, and Ruby stepped out, carrying their hot cocoa and sandwiches. They joined us on the porch.

“Sylphy! Aquarina! Why weren’t you at the table?” Celica pouted. “I wanted to eat with you two…”

“Sorry, sorry. We ate earlier and came out here to talk alone for a bit,” I explained. “It’s fine now, though. Should we head back inside?”

“Nah, it’s nice out here for once. Not too cold,” Celeste said. “We should do something with this space—maybe build a proper garden. What do you think?”

“Add some wooden benches and a table with chairs,” Ruby suggested. “Good morning, Sylphy, Aquarina.”

“Morning, Ruby,” Aquarina smiled, nodding. “Your idea sounds great, but let’s hold off. I still need to… somehow clear all this snow with Alchemy alone. Ugh, I don’t even know where to start.”

“It’s simple. Just use the Alchemy Spells,” I said. “Well, I can guide you at least. Here, watch.” I paused. “Master Felicia was supposed to help, but she got upset when you called her a cunt. I heard her stomp back to her room and slam the door.”

“Ah, shit…” Aquarina winced with faint regret. “She took it that badly?”

“I mean… despite everything, she’s doing a lot for us, Aquarina. You probably shouldn’t have said that,” I sighed.

“Ugh…” Aquarina rolled her eyes.

The old Aquarina would have stayed stubborn and refused to apologize.

But she had changed.

“I should go say sorry,” she murmured.

Celeste, Celica, and I stared in surprise.

“Who are you, and what did you do with the real Aquarina?!” Celeste teased.

“Heheh, you’ve gotten humbler!” Celica laughed. “It’s kinda weird.”

“W-What?!” Aquarina’s face turned red. “What’s wrong with wanting to apologize? I acted on impulse… and it wasn’t right.”

“I’m more surprised your parents didn’t scold you,” I said. “Maybe they knew you’d come around eventually. Heh, all those adventures without me really helped you grow up! Was the secret to maturity… not having me around? Haha! Maybe I spoil you too much.”

“You definitely do,” Celeste agreed.

“Yeah!” Celica chimed in.

“I don’t know your full history, so I can’t comment…” Ruby said softly. “Ah… maybe I shouldn’t have said anything.” She covered her mouth.

“No, it’s okay!” I reassured her. “Ruby’s joining us soon, so we should all get comfortable with her, right, Aquarina?”

“Yeah, it’s fine. I don’t mind sharing our story,” Aquarina nodded. “I’m glad we found another hero. And she’s adorable too.”

“E-Eh?” Ruby blushed deeply, hiding her face. “A-Aquarina, please… you already have Sylphy…”

“Ah! I-I didn’t mean it like that…!” Aquarina stammered, embarrassed.

“Huh? You’ve gotten really good at flirting, Aquarina,” I said, forcing a smile.

A strange pang twisted inside me.

Is this… jealousy?

My smile felt stiff. Without realizing it, a faint ominous aura of darkness leaked from my body.

It must be my new Spirit Heart reacting to strong emotions.

“I-I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean it that way!” Aquarina apologized quickly. “I-I only love you, Sylphy… I swear!”

She hugged me tightly and kissed my cheek. I kept smiling.

“I see… that’s good. Better keep it that way,” I nodded. “I’ve dedicated everything to you… after all.”

“And I’ll do the same for you. Let’s forget this misunderstanding…” she pleaded, eyes wide with worry.

“Okay, it’s fine. I wasn’t even mad,” I said. “Why do you look so scared?”

I noticed Celeste, Celica, and Ruby had stepped back slightly, sensing my dark aura.

“I was just joking…” I sighed.

The misunderstanding cleared quickly.

Aquarina had only meant to compliment Ruby. I did the same thing all the time, so I had no right to feel that way.

Perhaps it was my elven nature awakening. Elves were known for being possessive.

I was only half-elf, so I could fight it.

I had also read Aquarina’s intent with my new Spirit Heart’s powers. There was only love for me.

I had been foolish.

…Wait.

I can read intent with my Spirit Heart?!

It reacts to strong emotions… and lets me sense the flow of feelings too.

Though not as naturally as Aquarina could detect lies, it felt similar.

After an hour of chatting with my friends and clearing the air, I asked Aquarina about it.

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