Chapter 26
Chapter 26
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 26
Chapter Title: Troll Hunter (12)
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“Did you bring it?”
“Here it is. And there’s one more thing I need to tell you.”
“I’m listening. Go ahead.”
Suhyun’s face lit up as he opened the box and confirmed the white crane grass. Finally, the chance to expand his superpower had arrived. And it was the healing ability he’d been hoping for.
He wanted nothing more than to go somewhere else right now and devour it, but there was an elf watching him. Suhyun swallowed his regret and closed the box.
“I can’t just take this herb on my own. I need permission from the others first.”
“What? So? You’ve done everything— you’re not backing out now, are you?”
“Hyung, let’s hear him out first. Keep going.”
“Of course, I’d already gotten approval for the raptor hunt. The elders handle the herb management, so I asked them ahead of time. I told them a human from outside dealt with the raptors and wanted white crane grass in exchange— was that okay?”
After Suhyun woke up, Eida had gone to the elders to explain the situation. She’d been shocked by how he handled the raptors, and the other elves were just as stunned. After hearing the full story, one of the elves spoke up.
- He’s far stronger than we thought. I’m not doubting your judgment, but are you sure? Things could go wrong later.
- I... don’t think he’s the type to act recklessly. He knows manners, at least.
Suhyun had backed off several times when he saw how wary she was. That left a strong impression. Most humans with wants wouldn’t give up so easily. They’d cling stubbornly.
- Then that’s good.
- What do you think? About that human? He seems completely different from the merchants who come to the village.
All eyes turned to the eldest and wisest among them. He lit a long pipe filled with leaves and spoke.
- Did you ask your little sister?
If Eida had cool-headed judgment, Erendil had special eyes. Both sisters were psychics.
- She doesn’t seem to dislike him... But please don’t rely too much on her eyes. She’s still a child. Too young to tell right from wrong.
- Even so, blood is blood. Being young might make her more sensitive to who’s harmful and who isn’t.
With their father, the tribal chief, away, Eida was handling the tribe’s affairs. They all trusted her. The old elf looked at Eida and said.
- You and your sister both think he’s not dangerous. You’re just worried about misjudging.
Eida blushed as her thoughts were read. She still lacked experience. Making this decision alone was burdensome. If Suhyun had brought a group of mercenaries to hunt the raptors, she’d have seen them as decent hires and closed the deal. But he’d handled it solo, throwing her into confusion.
What if he held a grudge later over just one herb and tried something? With that level of skill, it was possible.
- Then why not play it safe?
- ?
- Tell him this: ask if he wants anything else. If he thinks the white crane grass isn’t enough for hunting the raptors, he’ll say so. Give him that, and he won’t leave with bad feelings.
- Is that okay?
- Compared to dealing with those troublesome raptors ourselves, it’s a bargain. Don’t be greedy. Pay fairly for work, or you’ll pay dearly later.
Following the advice, Eida returned. And she told Suhyun.
“The elders heard about the raptor hunt results and said giving just one white crane grass to someone who handled it like that is too stingy. They want to offer something more.”
She didn’t mention drawing a line. Eida figured Suhyun already knew that much. They hadn’t known each other long, but his demeanor inspired trust.
“Wow, isn’t this our chance? What’s the most valuable thing elves can give?”
“Quiet down, hyung. I’m thinking.”
“What’s to think about? Oh. Expensive herbs?”
Suhyun placed a hand on Chang-sik’s shoulder with a sigh.
“?”
“Hyung, to survive long on Cameron Planet, don’t just grab whatever they offer. Especially from other races. Newbies often try to scam them, then end up regretting it.”
Merchants who underestimated other races and played tricks always paid the price. Suhyun, seasoned on this planet, knew how strong and tenacious they were. Humanity had been here less than a century, but they’d lived here forever.
Suhyun pondered. This wasn’t how the deal was supposed to go. Hunting the raptors was overkill for white crane grass, but they’d already agreed. Why offer more now?
He wasn’t close to the elves; this was their first meeting, united by mutual interests. Their sudden kindness had only one reason.
‘Damn. Even after I said that...’
They were scared, clearly.
He knew elves were delicate and wary, but it was a hassle in situations like this. Sure, most humans they met were dangerous, so their caution was wise— but clearing up the misunderstanding fell to him. Suhyun rubbed his forehead. He wanted to unlock magic and return ASAP. With a sigh, he spoke.
“White crane grass is enough. Tell them I don’t need more.”
“What?!”
“?!”
“The original deal was raptors for white crane grass. No reason to take more now. And tell them one more thing: I have zero intention of harassing you. I won’t be back around here after I leave anyway.”
“!”
Eida flinched. Suhyun had realized why they were acting this way. She nodded and stood.
“Got it. I’ll tell them that.”
“Why’d you do that?!”
“I regret it too, so let’s drop it.”
Kim Chang-sik shut his mouth, sensing the ominous tone in Suhyun’s words. Seeing that reminded Suhyun of the past. His old subordinates would chatter endlessly but zip it when he spoke like this...
Getting herbs for magic from elves was ideal. But not like this. Milking scared elves for extras could make future dealings awkward.
‘No need for shortcuts. The magic book’s safe. Take it slow.’
Time was on his side, Suhyun thought. Getting white crane grass for healing magic was profit enough.
“Um... sir.”
“?”
“The elder wants to see you. Is that alright?”
* * *
Leading Suhyun, Eida recalled their recent conversation.
- He said no to more?
- Yes. And to tell you he has no intention of harassing us.
- Huh. Amazing.
- Isn’t that good? He seems unusually polite.
- A young man with that kind of insight won’t cause trouble. Well resolved. Right, elder?
- Can you bring him here?
- ??
- Pardon?
- I want to meet a human with such discernment and manners myself. It’s not too much, is it?
The others were flustered, but he had the most authority. No one could stop him. Eida hesitated, then nodded.
- Understood. I’ll do that.
“Here?”
Suhyun’s voice snapped Eida from her thoughts. He stood in front of the building she’d passed, looking at her like, what are you doing?
“How did you know?!”
“It’s obviously where the elders live. Duh...”
Suhyun took off his shoes and stopped at the entrance. Eida was shocked again. Did he know elven etiquette?
“Sir, why are you doing that?”
“Hm? Oh. Isn’t this how it’s done? I thought you do this before entering.”
“Yes, yes.”
“These elves... even when I’m polite, they’re picky...”
For outsiders, you needed permission from someone inside before entering. Most who interacted with elves didn’t know such fine rules. Elves didn’t enforce them on humans.
Yet Suhyun did it naturally, like second nature. It was astonishing.
“You may enter.”
“Thank you.”
Suhyun stepped inside and looked around. Slightly low ceiling, wooden interior— typical elven home, but with subtle differences. Elves revered elders. Effort showed.
The seated elf looked quite old, but his eyes were sharp. White hair, upright posture, piercing gaze on Suhyun and Eida.
‘Elves age slow, but this is enviable.’
What humans needed surgeries for, elves had naturally.
“You wanted to see me?”
“Yes. I hope it’s not an inconvenience.”
He wanted to eat the white crane grass ASAP, but Suhyun smiled as best he could.
“Not at all.”
“Sir... are you angry?”
“......”
After flashing a smile, hearing her panicked voice beside him made him feel wronged. Suhyun gave up impressing the elf.
“Just get to the point. Why did you call me?”