Chapter Five: My Ralts Can't Possibly Be This Cute

A large glass of milk was quickly gulped down, and Larulass, looking thoroughly satisfied, couldn’t help but let out a loud burp. Suddenly realizing that someone was staring at her like a lovesick fool, she blushed deeply once again.

“Larula-laru!”

“All right, all right, I won’t look. If you’re tired, just take a nap.” Tang Yi raised his hands in surrender; this little girl was far too easily embarrassed.

As he stood up to leave the room, the little girl called out again, “Larula-laru!” Her voice carried urgency.

Tang Yi pondered—did she not want him to leave? Newly born, she didn’t wish to stay alone in a closed space? He tried sitting down again, and Larulass finally fell silent. Her delicate, pale hands timidly reached out, only to quickly withdraw.

This time, Tang Yi understood. He took the initiative to extend his hand and gently grasped Larulass’s smooth, soft little hand. It was warm and tender.

Larulass instinctively tightened her grip in return.

Tang Yi secretly chuckled. What a shy yet proud little girl she was.

Having eaten and drunk her fill, Larulass gradually grew quiet, holding Tang Yi’s large hand. Beneath her lowered locks, her crimson, misty eyes flickered, struggling to stay open—she truly was exhausted.

“If you sleep here, you’ll catch a cold.” Tang Yi frowned slightly, then scooped her up from her small legs and stood, cradling her in his arms.

Now that she had hatched, Larulass no longer needed to stay in the incubator; there was a special bed in the room for her. She was light—much lighter than a human girl of the same age. Embarrassed yet again, she blushed fiercely, her big eyes retreating behind her green hair.

But this time, she didn’t resist. The red horn atop her head must have sensed Tang Yi’s heartfelt affection.

Tang Yi placed Larulass on the bed and covered her with a thin blanket; springtime could easily bring chills.

His hand, however, remained trapped. Larulass, falling quickly asleep, rested her cheek on his hand, perhaps finding the plump palm a more comfortable pillow.

Tang Yi carefully pulled up a small chair and quietly sat beside the bed.

Outside, the spring sun was warm and bright.

Inside, dappled light played through the room, enveloping it in tranquil silence.

…

That evening, when Tang’s father and mother returned from work, they were somewhat shocked by Larulass’s sudden arrival.

Tang’s mother said, “You should have called me this afternoon. I’m not very busy lately and could have helped out.”

Tang Yi shook his head. “Mom, it’s fine. The handbook says trainers should personally care for their Elf Princess—it helps strengthen the bond. Oh, and just make anything for my dinner, I still need to prepare milk.”

Watching their son bustling about, Tang’s father suddenly laughed, relieved, “This kid—he’s starting to grow up! Not easy!”

The country set the age for adopting Elf Princesses at eighteen, precisely so trainers would shoulder more responsibility. Younger children couldn’t even care for themselves, let alone an Elf Princess.

Tang’s mother, a little sour, said, “If only you were this diligent in your studies. You’ll have to find a job, marry, and raise a family one day. Or do you plan to spend your whole life with just the Elf Princess?”

Tang Yi was startled—was that really an option?

“Mom, is that actually possible?” Tang Yi asked, full of anticipation.

“No, it’s not, your mother didn’t say that!” Tang’s father quickly denied it.

Tang Yi, disappointed, went off to make more milk.

After her nap, Larulass was introduced to his parents. At first, facing strangers, she seemed timid, but her red horn sensed the warmth and sincerity of the family, and soon she was no longer shy.

Tang’s parents naturally accepted this new member of the household; compared to their troublesome son, the adorable Elf Princess was practically an angel.

In the days that followed, Tang Yi’s daily life became busier. Thankfully, caring for a young Elf Princess was easier than tending to a human infant; as long as she got enough nutrition and sleep, there were few problems.

During his free time, Tang Yi would snap beautiful photos of Larulass with his phone.

Her shyness remained unchanged—whenever the camera was pointed at her, she would unconsciously let her green bangs fall to cover the right side of her face.

If I can’t see you, there’s nothing to fear?

Tang Yi tried to correct this habit a few times, but when it proved futile, he let it be. Her hairstyle reminded him of certain anime characters named Rem or Ram.

Technology in this world was no different from reality—there were smartphones and WeChat.

After taking a few photos, Tang Yi, feeling a hint of pride, posted them to his social feed.

Title: My Larulass can’t possibly be this cute.

…

After crossing over, apart from shifts in the Elf Princess worldline, the people around him had changed little.

A minute later, someone liked the post and left a comment.

Tang Yi opened it.

It was from his mother, already at work: “Son, why aren’t you reading again? Don’t get too obsessed. Remember, you still have to take the university entrance exam. Read more, do more practice!”

Ah, caught slacking at home—he’d forgotten to block his mother from seeing his posts.

Still, she had a point. Even to legally adopt more Elf Princesses, he had to work hard for university, aiming for a mid-level trainer’s license.

Newborn Larulass was very sleepy, but she had developed a habit—good or bad—of holding Tang Yi’s hand while sleeping; otherwise, she couldn’t settle.

No problem.

Tang Yi simply brought his books into Larulass’s room, sat beside the bed, left hand under her cheek as a pillow, right hand holding the book.

The elf textbooks weren’t difficult—Tang Yi, with years of experience in elf anime and games, had most of the knowledge ingrained in his mind. Reading was just a review, or to supplement other areas.

By afternoon, his post had garnered over a dozen likes and several comments from classmates.

“No wonder you disappear during holidays, never speak in the group—turns out you were adopting an Elf Princess!”

“Damn, we agreed to stay lonely until graduation, how could you betray us first? Not cool! [crying.jpg]”

“This Larulass seems pretty shy.”

“Such a cute girl, and yet your photos are so awkward—classic guy style. [sigh.jpg]”

“She’s nice, but I still think my little Rattata is cuter [doge.jpg]”

“Judging by her age, she’s about a week old, right? Remember to register her for preschool!”

…

After reading all the replies, Tang Yi clicked on the suggestion about preschool and started a private chat.