Chapter 36
Chapter 36
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 36
Chapter Title: The Elf and the Coffee Farm (13)
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Leaving behind the emperor's incomprehensible attitude, I toured the farm under Eli's guidance. It looked no different from a massive greenhouse wrapped in plastic sheeting.
Sure enough, there was something different about a master of nature magic. Even without proper barriers or ceilings, the humidity and temperature in specific zones were being precisely controlled.
Honestly, it was beyond amazing—it was awe-inspiring. The farm operated with one section mimicking a natural seasonal environment and three others with adjusted climates based on the four seasons. Without blocking sunlight or air, the temperature and humidity were regulated with surprising accuracy.
Eli seemed pleased by my admiration, humming a tune as she watched my reaction.
Her long light-green hair hung loose, tied only at the very end, swaying as she strolled through the farm. She picked an apple and handed it to me.
Managed by her familiars, the apple was pristine, free of pests or blemishes. By my past life's standards, it tasted similar to a Fuji or Mutsu apple.
I should buy fruit here too. Delicious.
As I pondered whether to bid farewell to the fruit vendor in Astraea while devouring the apple, one of Eli's familiars approached her, moving in a way that almost looked like it was dancing.
Eli's expression darkened slightly as she spoke.
"I'll head down for a bit."
"Something wrong?"
"Those kin I mentioned before showed up. Things must be tough for them lately—they're asking me for food."
"The south is mostly plains and grasslands. I wouldn't think there'd be much change there."
"No idea. Even when I ask them to explain, they clam up and dodge the question."
Hmm. The south. During Ermina's third year. If it's related to the original story, what events happened down south? I'd been avoiding deep thoughts for a while, and my notes were locked away in the cafe safe with security magic, so exact memories weren't surfacing.
The south. An incident originating from the south of the Imir Kingdom. Or something advancing from the south northward...
"Ah."
"...You know something?"
"First, can I ask? What's the name of the tribe for these elves who showed up?"
"Spiegel..."
"And Spiegel's territory reaches the south of the Imir Kingdom?"
"Probably?"
Then the sudden troubles make sense—likely a demon god worship cult settled in the south of the Imir Kingdom. Among them, the one active at this time was probably the Butcher Karsis.
True to his name, he butchered people, dividing them by cuts for human sacrifices to the demon god. It was the kind of brutality that made you question if it belonged in a romance fantasy novel.
He'd meticulously dismantle bodies, muttering about tenderloin this and ribs that. After the ritual, he'd grill them well-done over charcoal and eat. One of the bad endings involving the Butcher had him devouring a capture target while Ermina was bound and forced to watch.
What can I say? I was one of those capture targets, after all.
"I think I have a rough idea of the situation. Mind if I tag along?"
"...You know what's going on?"
"It's a bit sensitive to discuss, but I'm from the kingdom, so I know a fair bit about the south. I might be able to help."
"In that case, uh..."
"Julius."
"Right. Julius. Let's head down together for now."
I rode in the back seat of the wooden horse-like mount, just as steep on the descent as the ascent, jolting wildly all the way down. Having experienced it once, my diligently trained body handled it well enough.
Rubbing my slightly sore butt as I dismounted, I spotted my carriage horse—tended by Eli's familiars—and gave it a few pats before reaching the entrance at the base of the ridge.
A brown-haired elf with slightly tanned skin, mounted on a horse, greeted me and Eli.
"What's this? Why's a human here?"
"He's a guest interested in the farm. Kis, what do you need this time?"
"Same as usual. Potatoes, cabbage—stuff that's filling and nutritious."
"Payment?"
"...Later."
With a deep sigh, Eli instructed one of her familiars. Then she turned to me.
"This is Julius. He says he might know what's going on with you all, so he came down with me."
"What?"
"Trouble in the south of the kingdom, right? That's why you've been raiding territories in the south of the empire."
"Tch. Where'd you hear that?"
"I'm from the kingdom, so I have ways to know about local geography."
"Mind your own business. You don't seem weak, but no need to meddle in tribal affairs."
Her stubborn expression showed clan pride, self-respect, and wariness toward outsiders. She wouldn't divulge deep secrets just because I was a guest of Eli, whom she often visited.
I had my talk with the emperor, a request on the way here, and wanted to help Eli—who'd listened to my outlandish story—so I aimed to assist in resolving it as much as possible.
"This might sound off-putting, but many are concerned about the recent actions of southern elves."
"Concerned? Who?"
"Nobles in the south of the empire, and even His Majesty the Emperor of the Pallan Empire sees it as a serious issue."
"You connected to the emperor?"
"Yes."
Strangely, Eli reacted more than Kis. Supplying food to raiders colluding with southern elves—even if not full collusion—was problematic.
"I don't plan to report details, but safely passing this southern anomaly is an important goal."
"Does this concern Eli's safety?"
"No. Even if you refuse, I won't report or tattle. But if it's resolved cleanly, I'll speak positively about it."
"...Then I refuse. Elf problems are for elves to solve."
This was trickier than expected. With internal issues, they wouldn't want friction with the Pallan Empire, yet refusing meant something grave they couldn't accept.
What was needed was qualification and ability. She'd likely gauged my ability from my mana and poise, so qualification remained.
After a moment's thought, I recalled the bracelet I'd hidden to avoid notice.
"Miss Kis."
"Human brat. Don't call me that."
"How should I address you, then?"
"Kis—wait, no. Kis is fine. What is it?"
"Actually, I received this."
I rolled up my sleeve, which had fallen to my wrist, revealing an ornate bracelet.
"Huh? Wha—huh? What?"
"...Is it that surprising?"
"Of course! See, these gems are the Elcart tribe's symbol."
Come to think of it, Big Sis Mina's full name was Mina Elcart.
Though I'd never had occasion to call her that.
"This is the chieftain's mark. And this engraving is for the eldest child. So, this means it's the bracelet of the Elcart tribe chieftain's eldest daughter."
"Ah, got it."
No wonder Big Sis Mina seemed so well-educated—she was the chieftain's firstborn daughter.
Learned something new.
"And giving this away signifies trust akin to marriage. Refusing your help is like refusing the Elcarts' request..."
"Then."
"Argh, damn it. Fine. Fine. But don't spread weird rumors. And if you're coming along, I need to see your skills properly. Be prepared."
"How will you test my skills?"
"I'd love to spar directly, but injuring one of us would ruin everything. Southern monsters are huge due to the flat terrain—no mobility drawbacks. I'll judge based on how you hunt one."
"Yes. Proving I'm not baggage on the journey—that's the best way."
"You seem confident. It won't be that easy."
Dealing with giant monsters required specific tactics. Fortunately, I had experience fighting massive beasts at the eastern border that troubled even giants and demons.
Even grotesque forms far from humans or beasts—I'd learned to find weaknesses, how to finish off those without brains or hearts. Varied experiences had taught me much.
Leveraging that without getting complacent should be fine.
"Once the supplies are loaded, I'll pack my gear for departure, and we can head out."
"...Hey, Eli. What is this guy?"
"Coffee enthusiast."
"The one chomping those beans by the handful?"
"...Never mind. You wouldn't get it even if I explained."
Pretending not to hear their bizarre exchange, I turned to fetch my things but realized I needed Eli's help and headed back.
"I'll prepare a familiar mount for you when you return."
So I'd get one of those wooden horse-like rides too.
Looking forward to it.