Chapter 65
Chapter 65
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 65
Chapter Title: Various Friendships (5)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Darion spoke of how he had no brothers or children yet, and he was thrilled that encountering me—a potential descendant of the ancient elves—in this foreign land was a revelation and guidance from the Twelve Gods.
‘Were elves originally this dumb?’
No, from what I knew from games, they were not just smart but cunning and hypocritical to boot.
‘Maybe this Darion guy is the only idiot among them.’
The other two looked skeptical and dazed. Perhaps because they didn’t know the ancient elf myths.
‘Ordinary elves only know they’re descendants of flowers, it seems.’
Darion personally poured me some premium honey mead and said,
“I never imagined meeting noble blood like yours in a place like this. Come, let’s catch up comfortably.”
“Thank you… no, thanks, Darion.”
I started to use formal speech, but his eyes sharpened, so I hurriedly switched to casual.
No, was not having siblings a complex for him?
“Once we share our stories, I’ll learn about your origins. I’m curious what great soul you descend from.”
…This bastard, is he going to kill me if I’m not ancient elf blood?
“Hey, Darion. Even if, hypothetically, my ancestors were ancient elves, that blood would’ve thinned out over generations.”
“Don’t worry, little brother. Even if the blood thins, the soul’s bond never breaks.”
This guy doesn’t get it.
Maybe I should just milk this misunderstanding for all it’s worth.
‘There’s no DNA test in this damn otherworld anyway.’
-Gulp, gulp.
I tossed back the fragrant, sweet honey mead and smiled faintly.
“I’ve been lonely my whole life without family… Thanks, Darion.”
Lonely my ass. They’re alive and well back on Earth, Asia, South Korea, Seoul suburbs.
Earth is an ‘otherworld’ from this side’s perspective, so my parents could kinda count as ancient elves too.
So this isn’t really lying. I gave him my most trustworthy smile.
With my throat wetted by the mead, it was time for some sweet lies.
“For some reason, I’ve always missed the forest.”
“That’s an elf trait. The forest is where we’re born.”
“That’s probably why I became a druid.”
“That makes perfect sense. You had no choice but to follow the call of your soul.”
It flowed so smoothly. Darion, is it okay for an elf like you to be this naive? Tsk tsk. I clicked my tongue inwardly.
“…Darion, what’s Lüset like?”
“A beautiful, peaceful place. The sacred land closest to heaven.”
“I want to see Lüset someday. The place where… maybe our parents were.”
I tossed the bait in a wistful tone, and Darion exceeded my expectations. His face full of emotion, he pulled me into a tight hug and patted my back like a real brother.
“I’ll show you!”
“Thanks, Darion.”
Lüset free pass secured. I fought to keep my twitching lips in check and returned his hot brotherly embrace.
* * *
After chatting with Darion and the other elves for a good while, he seemed to like me so much he didn’t want to let me go, but I made an excuse and slipped away.
Having gotten familiar with Darion—the queen’s nephew’s grandson—I didn’t need other connections. Unless it was Ekaitz Republic’s president… But unlike Katarina’s hopes, the president didn’t show, so the party was winding down.
“…You’re really elf blood?”
Katarina asked in disbelief. I gave her a mysterious smile.
“Who knows? I can’t ask my parents since I haven’t seen them…”
“Shameless…”
“I might really be a descendant of ancient elves.”
“Ha! Elves have a distinct scent. Fresh green leaves, rain-soaked earth, cool breeze…”
“Really? Must be the cat in you sniffing well…”
She bristled at “cat” and glared, so I averted my eyes slightly.
“…Anyway, the truth’s unknowable. Darion’s interest might fade soon.”
“Elves…”
Katarina shook her head. I patted her shoulder and said,
“We should use Darion’s goodwill now. Gaining an elf’s favor is incredibly hard.”
“It took me ten whole years to get casual with Darion.”
“Oh, so that’s what bugged you.”
“Those snobs who don’t treat non-elves like people are calling a total stranger ‘brother’? Isn’t that ridiculous?!”
Her ears and tail shot up and poofed out. Say “cat” again and she’ll claw my face? I coughed to stifle a laugh.
“Ahem. I’ll put in a good word with Darion, so no worries.”
“Really?”
“Of course.”
Her mood lifted, and her white tail swished happily.
Can’t miss this opening.
“I have a small favor to ask.”
“What?”
“It’s about Roshanak.”
“That slave… no, little mermaid?”
“Yeah. I promised to free him once this is over.”
“You bought him and now take the loss? Why…”
“Because I promised.”
“…Owners here don’t keep promises.”
“Maybe. But I always do.”
Freeing Roshanak was decided the moment I met him. No backing out now like a coward.
“Hmph, lucky kid. Captured mermaids usually end up dying in some noble’s tank.”
“That’s why—once I free him and leave Ekaitz…”
“Someone might recapture and sell him again. That’s the worry?”
“Yes, exactly. He’s… still young.”
In this pseudo-medieval otherworld with slavery, human trafficking thrived.
Even if I freed him, he’d be at risk until he grew up.
“Katarina, I’d like you to be Roshanak’s guardian.”
“…”
She crossed her arms, tilted her head, one cat ear twitching. Thinking it over.
“Not hard. My caravan has all sorts. But…”
“…But?”
“What about the slave—no, Roshanak? His wishes?”
“Huh…?”
“He might want to stay with you.”
She pointed to Roshanak bickering with Elle in the corner.
“…No way.”
He’d confirmed the freedom promise a dozen times. Would he choose staying with me?
‘Sure, Roshanak’s valuable. Mermaid hybrid perks, and he’s learned magic here—pulls his weight…’
He’d stabilize the party.
But his will mattered most.
‘Don’t get hopes up.’
I sorted my thoughts and told Katarina,
“If he wants to come, we’ll figure it out then. But he wants freedom… so likely staying. Be his guardian then.”
“Fine. But not free. Tell him he works for the caravan or no deal.”
“Got it.”
With Katarina’s caravan backing him, Roshanak’s position would stabilize.
“Guess I owe you thanks.”
“After he decides.”
With that, she left to wrap up the party.
I returned to Lloyd, Elle, and Roshanak.
“Master!”
Elle greeted me, plate piled like she’d emptied a cake onto it.
“Having fun?”
“Yes! Finished dinner, now desserts!”
Hours into the party and still eating… I marveled at her iron stomach. Kids eat like champs. Our food budget’s no joke.
We waited till Elle and Roshanak demolished the dessert table, then headed to the inn. Kids crashed with full bellies; Lloyd and I drank downstairs.
“Next destination’s set.”
“I see.”
“Not curious where?”
Lloyd downed his drink, face saying “why would I be?” Geez, zero interest. You’d think I’m going solo.
“Lüset.”
“Lüset, huh.”
“Yeah. Been?”
“…”
He went quiet, like remembering.
“…Once.”
“Once?”
“Not a great experience.”
“Too bad.”
“What?”
“Returning to a place with bad memories.”
“…Doesn’t matter.”
“Hmm. Alright.”
Not spilling details, huh. I didn’t pry, just drank my mead. No objections, so Lüset it is.
Tipsy enough, we retired. Room was dark, but moonlight faintly lit Roshanak’s face.
‘Tomorrow, goodbye to this kid…’
He craved freedom so much, no way he’d come. Feelings built up, so yeah, I’d miss him. But can’t force it. Respect his choice.
‘…Just don’t turn pirate again.’
Stay out of trouble and grow healthy. I stroked his sleeping head. Felt vaguely like a parent.
“Sigh…”
Partings follow meetings. I pushed down regret, lay down, closed eyes.
That night, I think I had a sad dream.