Chapter 226
Chapter 226
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Translator: crow
Chapter Title: Elves' City (2)
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"Aigoo-"
Rishir recoiled in horror.
To some, it was the endearing gesture of a divine beast cautiously approaching and seeking affection.
To others, it could look like an aggressive attack, lunging to peck out their eyes with its massive beak.
Rishir generally respected others' words, so he remembered the previous elf's warning.
"Th-this guy—it's coming at me with its beak even when I'm just standing still! Why are you doing this!? Did I do something wrong without realizing it!?"
Rishir trembled like a human facing a giant eagle.
Even without spreading its wings, the eagle's body was as big as his own, staring intently with an expression that seemed to say, 'Run?'
Especially after hearing the elf's warning: 'If you don't want your eyes pecked out, go away, quick!'
"..."
The elf Latsil watched the human and divine beast in shock.
The scene in her eyes was utterly different from what it looked like to human eyes.
"Burnedal is following a human...?"
The elf's shock didn't last long.
Soon, it was overlaid with another emotion.
"No, that's not the point. Burnedal is... following someone other than me like that!?"
"Um, excuse me...?"
Rishir cautiously gauged Latsil's expression.
He was about to ask her to get the eagle away, but she looked hurt.
Rishir didn't know.
How much effort she had put into bonding with the divine beast.
Or how much pride she took in the relationship she had earned.
Right now.
The elf was recalling the moment she first met the divine beast.
The way it had eyed her warily yet with curiosity!
-Latsil! Impressive! That divine beast showing curiosity!
It was a look the divine beast had shown only to Latsil.
Thanks to that memory, she had reached her current relationship with it.
The belief that she was the most special being to the divine beast!
But now.
That belief was shaken by this sudden human.
'Wh-what did Burnedal do when we first met? R-right—it came right up without hesitation, just like now...!'
The elf, in her shock, was even revising her memories.
But the accompanying sense of inferiority was all hers—
"Uh, ugh...!"
As a result.
The elf's face twisted horribly.
I can't accept it!
I don't like you!
It was like the outburst of misplaced resentment.
But her natural impression made it seem pitiful rather than vicious.
"..."
Rishir thought as he watched Latsil.
This pathetic look suited her better than the awkward contempt she had shown toward humans earlier.
Separately.
Rishir found the current situation utterly bewildering.
Why was the 'insane giant eagle' suddenly lunging at him—
And why was the elf, presumably its owner, suddenly expressing displeasure at him?
'Huh?'
Then.
Rishir sensed something off.
As he backed away, the eagle no longer advanced.
In fact, it backed away too, hunching as if trying to calm a startled opponent.
Perhaps even pleading not to hate it.
'What? It's not trying to attack me?'
Just as Rishir's wariness toward the eagle visibly eased.
"W-we can't dawdle!!! Hurry and move!!!"
Latsil panicked and urged Rishir on.
Fearful of what might happen if the human spent more time with her divine beast.
"Burnedal! Thanks for bringing him! You can go back now!"
Unlike her tone, her attitude seemed to desperately wish the divine beast would flee (?).
The divine beast tilted its head in dissatisfaction but obediently followed its master's command.
After one last glance at Rishir, it spread its wings and soared into the sky.
"J-just so you don't get the wrong idea—Burnedal isn't like a carriage! If multiple people ride it, it could strain Burnedal!"
"Ah, ha."
Rishir nodded along appropriately to the elf's excuse disguised as a clarification.
From the circumstances, she was the proxy sent by Karoa, who couldn't guide him personally for some reason.
In other words.
The person guaranteeing his safety as a human in the elves' city.
Forming unnecessary tension with her would do him no good—that was Rishir's conclusion.
'The insane giant eagle followed me surprisingly well, and that stimulated the elf's unique pride?'
Having roughly grasped the situation, Rishir realized what he needed to do.
"Prioritizing your familiar's condition over your own convenience. I can vaguely understand why such a mystical spirit follows you."
Rishir looked at the elf with respect in his eyes.
'She handles that insane giant eagle so well.'
Sincere respect from the heart.
"..."
Latsil had braced herself after making a fool of herself in front of a human.
Humans wouldn't just stand by seeing an elf humiliated.
She expected him to mock her using his unflappable vibe and status as Lady Karoa's guest—
But this.
Sudden respect.
'Flattery...'
Latsil glared, thinking it insincere.
"A-hem."
But what came out was an awkward cough.
Her lips twitched uncontrollably.
The anxiety from the divine beast's sudden behavior had been greater than she thought.
The elf unwittingly disarmed herself at the human kindly soothing that anxiety.
"It's not a... familiar. Nor a pet, obviously. Humans might not understand, but... Burnedal is my precious friend. A reliable comrade too."
"A precious friend and reliable comrade... Indeed, that's a foreign approach for us humans. To us, animals are usually divided into pets and livestock."
"They too have souls... It's tragic."
"Truth be told, I quite like animals myself. Yet the fact that I've never approached them from your perspective is a huge shock to me."
"Hm."
"Treating them as equal personalities... Surely, it requires the unique humility of acknowledging oneself as merely part of nature."
"Hmph, flattery."
Even as she said it, Latsil was twirling the ends of her hair around her finger.
Had she ever met a human who spoke so nicely?
Perhaps not even among the entire race.
"Anyway. This brief conversation has made one thing clear."
"May I know what that is?"
"That you're not an arrogant ignoramus like other humans. I can somewhat understand why Lady Karoa brought someone like you to Ilatdein."
Rishir smiled faintly and bowed his head lightly.
"I too can somewhat understand why Lady Karoa trusts you with my safety. Come to think of it, I haven't thanked you yet. If you hadn't extended a helping hand at the right moment, I'd have been in quite a pickle."
"...A-hem."
Latsil coughed seriously, or so she intended.
But unwittingly, her face was grinning.
The extraordinary human who had elicited a special reaction from her divine beast.
Her defenses crumbled moment by moment under his indiscriminate, merciless assault(?).
"Our conversation is dragging on unnecessarily."
Latsil didn't realize.
That her attitude toward the other had already changed.
She was finally treating Rishir with the friendly demeanor that suited her impression.
Not the attitude toward humans, but toward her own kind.
Of course.
Her puffed-up shoulders and smug expression were rare even among her kin.
"You're suddenly thrown into a foreign land, so you must be confused, right?"
"Still. Talking with you like this eases the tension somewhat."
"...Does that mean I'm a pushover?"
"Pardon?"
Ha!
She waved her hand and burst into hearty laughter.
"Joking. Don't look so scared. I was trying to loosen you up, not frighten you."
I wasn't scared?
Rishir swallowed the retort rising to his throat.
Her face looked so delighted.
"Anyway. No need to worry."
Latsil clenched her fist confidently and thumped her chest.
"Since I'm in charge of your safety. You can handle your business without issue."
Then she shouted at the watchers still lingering nearby.
"Everyone! You're dismissed now!"
Her comrades followed the order.
With bitter smiles or sighs after observing the situation.
Unaware of that, the elf looked at Rishir with a triumphant smile.
As if showing off her influence.
How's that?
How's that?
Her face seemed to say.
"So reliable...!!!"
Rishir was genuinely impressed, albeit for different reasons.
"Hehe."
The elf infused her smug smile with a sense of duty.
She vowed to care well for this pathetic human who couldn't survive without her help.
'Good friend.'
Unaware the human was looking at her with an odd expression.
Rishir walked through the forest with Latsil, hearing various stories.
"So, as I was saying~"
The stories followed this pattern.
1. Great and amazing Watcher Latsil's self-praise.
2. Situation explanations.
In truth, flattering her and listening to her boasts earned him information in return.
"Then! Burnedal appeared just in time. Can you imagine? The looks on people's faces?"
"Whoa. Just imagining it gives me chills."
"Ehehe~ Chills? You're overreacting~"
Rishir humored her appropriately while sorting the new information.
Thus—
'This person's more impressive than I thought?'
He confirmed Latsil was a key figure among the forest watchers—
Holding a respectable position and status in elf society.
Also—
'But is this really okay?'
He learned that a human taking the seed of nature magic was far more significant than expected.
The reason Lady Karoa couldn't greet him personally.
According to Latsil, Karoa was currently racking her brains in Ilatdein preparing the groundwork to hand over the seed of nature magic to a human.
"I still can't believe it. Lady Karoa permitting nature's blood to a human like you. What magic did you work?"
"Well—"
"Ah!"
Latsil urgently raised a finger.
"Stop there! Lady Karoa ordered me not to ask for details!"
"How trustworthy. As expected of Latsil."
"Hehe."
Rishir had to admit Latsil was an excellent conversationalist.
"Oh!? We're already here!?"
As Latsil said.
Absorbed in her boasts, their destination was suddenly before them.
Leaving the vast forest, a well-maintained road appeared—
And beyond it, a massive tree reaching the sky.
'Insane giant eagle followed by insane giant tree... Is that the World Tree?'
Called the heart of the elves, it proudly stood at the center of their city, Ilatdein.
"Halt!"
It was Latsil grabbing Rishir as he naturally stepped onto the road.
She rummaged in her bosom and pulled something out.
A turquoise robe similar to what she wore.
"Put this on!"
Latsil suddenly thrust the robe at him.
"In broad daylight! A human brazenly showing up at Ilatdein's main gate for inspection would cause a huge commotion!"
"True enough."
"Ah! Don't misunderstand! This isn't because I find you humans unclean or anything!"
"Understood."
"...Ah! Nor does it mean other elves definitely see you that way!"
"Got it."
"...You're not hurt, right?"
"I almost was, but Latsil explained so well it's fine."
"Phew. As expected of me."
Thus, robed Rishir pulled the hood low.
"How's this?"
"Hm..."
Latsil eyed him carefully, then slowly nodded.
"It suits you. If you were an elf, you might be my type?"
"Pardon?"
"Joking!"
Ha!
Latsil laughed heartily and patted Rishir's shoulder.
"Knew that face would help! You look just like an elf now."
'Covering your face with a hood makes you look elven?'
Rishir tried not to take her words to heart.
Then she grabbed both his shoulders.
The tall-for-a-woman elf looked up at him from slightly below and said.
"Rishir! Listen well—from now on, I'll handle everything, so just stay quiet. Got it?"
"Of course. I trust only you, Latsil."
"That's right! Trust only me and act natural. No tension."
They ascended the road toward Ilatdein's gate.
The moment they joined the long line at the checkpoint.
"Whoa..."
Rishir was overwhelmed by the surreal sight before him.
Elves.
The mysterious race seen only rarely, lined up literally.
And beyond them, the turquoise city.
Ilatdein, the elves' city.
'I'm about to infiltrate... no, visit that city.'
Thump!
Rishir felt himself truly tensing up.
"Ilatdein's inspections are famously strict. But don't worry. I've got you."
Latsil whispered softly in his ear.
"With me, even a dark elf could pass this gate."
"Oh, then can't I take off the hood?"
"Assuming you're wearing it."
"Ah."
The line slowly shortened.
Just as their turn approached.
"Hm?"
Latsil sidestepped to watch the guards.
A small commotion ahead.
Rishir cautiously peeked too.
That instant.
Their faces twisted simultaneously.
Figures far better armed than the checkpoint guards appeared and took their places.
"The Turquoise Spears...!? Why are they—"
Turquoise Spears.
The elite force protecting Ilatdein's noblest elves, akin to a royal guard.
Latsil panicked at their appearance, far higher authority than forest watchers.
She wasn't alone.
"What? Why'd it stop suddenly?"
"Some issue?"
The line buzzed.
The inspection halted abruptly, causing a backup.
Moments later.
A heavily armored elf knight stepped forward and addressed them.
"Due to an incident inside the city, we're conducting a suspicion check! We seek your understanding!"
"Incident!?"
"What happened? An intruder?"
"Intruder in Ilatdein? Who would dare...!"
Intruder.
While all marveled at that, some focused on 'suspicion check'.
"Oh no...!"
None other than Latsil and Rishir.
-Us!?
-Latsil! We're just attempted intruders!
-Joking!
-Tough one!
The suspicion check had begun.
They panicked watching the knight slowly approach from the front.
-What now!?
Rishir asked with his eyes.
"You there!"
Meanwhile, their turn came quickly—
The knight conducting the check pointed at Rishir.
His hooded figure looked especially suspicious in the situation.
"Lower that hood!"
"Wait!"
"Hm? Watcher Latsil?"
Latsil hurriedly stepped in, blocking between them.
"This one's with me!"
"..."
"I vouch for his identity. So ignore him."
The knight glanced between Latsil and Rishir, then reluctantly left.
-As expected of Latsil!
-Not time to relax!
Latsil pointed to the burliest knight among the group.
-See that rock-like guy!? Don't make eye contact!
-Huh?
-He won't listen to me! Won't consider my situation! With that personality and authority—he'll take interest before we escape!
-...
-But rash moves now will just draw attention! Wait! I'll think of something!
-Latsil. Actually—I think I can handle it?
-Pardon!? You have a plan!?
-I'll persuade that guy.
-What!?
Latsil panicked.
Had this human gotten cocky after befriending her!?
His proposal was absurd.
That hulking knight was far stricter on human matters than her.
The noblest elf—
The knight guarding Princess Rapita directly lived in a different world from ordinary elves, let alone humans.
-...!
Suddenly.
The hulking knight looked their way as if drawn.
Had his feral senses caught the human's incongruity!?
-Oh no!
Before Latsil could react.
The hulking knight strode over with log-like legs, arriving instantly.
Thump thump thump!
Latsil's ears rang from her pounding heart.
-What to do!? Should I draw attention so he can escape!? If caught, I'd have to invoke Lady Karoa's name...!
Latsil thought amid tension like time had stopped.
She desperately hoped.
Please. Don't let the knight see Rishir's face!
Don't let disaster strike!
But contrary to her wishes, the knight stood before Rishir—
And Rishir looked up to meet his gaze.
Thump!
Thump!
Thump!
Latsil braced for catastrophe, nerves on edge.
"Huh?"
Then, a deflating sound escaped Latsil's lips.
"Any problem?"
"All clear! Nothing, so carry on!"
The hulking knight sent away his approaching subordinates.
Afterward, he and Rishir stared silently.
Latsil gaped at Rishir in shock.
As promised, he had persuaded the knight.
'How...?'
As Latsil writhed in confusion, Rishir checked on her and mouthed.
-We know each other.
"?"
Latsil wondered if it was human slang.
An elf among elves, the princess's guard who never left Ilatdein, knowing a human personally? Unlikely.
Then.
The hulking knight spoke to Rishir.
"Why are you here..."
Gondola, Princess Rapita's guard knight.
The moment he reunited with the princess's benefactor in an unexpected place.
"H-how's Princess Rapita?"
Latsil panicked.
Mentioning that name now!?
She urgently checked Gondola's reaction.
A mere human daring to speak the princess's name.
That rock-like guard wouldn't stand for it—
"She's well. Thanks to you."
Latsil's pupils shook violently at the elf smiling wryly at the human.