Chapter 19
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 19
Chapter Title: I'm an Elf, Though (1)
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Indeed, the village chief kept his promise.
He settled everything—from the commission fee for the wild boar hunt to the average cost of subjugating a Woodhorn.
Even Rina's father didn't demand any more than that.
There were limits to what a small village could pay, and considering their position was necessary if they wanted to maintain long-term trade relations going forward.
And so, the accidental incident with the giant deer concluded without major issues, aside from a slight dent to the village chief's pride.
As for Asha...
It was her first time touching "gold coins."
"Oh..."
She looked so innocently delighted that Logan, who was nearby, chuckled and spoke up.
"That good, huh?"
"Of course! Why wouldn't it be?"
She fiddled with them.
"I really didn't expect to get this much."
"Well, you took down a Woodhorn."
A massive deer monster that would normally take a dozen mercenaries banding together just to handle.
It was a high-difficulty job that usually took two days, or nearly three at the longest.
Yet Asha had dealt with it in half a day—by herself, no less.
The mercenaries, having some conscience, didn't claim any share of the Woodhorn.
The guild naturally took care of the processing and disposal, and in turn, Asha received her rightful portion.
The result was the handful of gold coins she was toying with.
"You're heading to the Raglain Count's territory, right? What do you plan to do there?"
"What else?"
Asha flashed a bright smile.
"I've worked hard and earned it, so this time, I get to enjoy spending it!"
"Haha, I see!"
What a silly question! Logan added with a laugh, joining in.
Then, a sudden curiosity popped into his mind.
Humans enjoyed spending their hard-earned money just as much, but he'd heard elves took it to another level.
Most of them were nobles, after all. They lived in luxury befitting their status.
But...
...Asha indulging in luxury?
This refined, cultured girl?
It was hard to picture, yet he couldn't help thinking she might have that side to her too.
Elves were elves, after all.
What would it be like? How did she plan to enjoy spending money?
He was terribly curious, but it was a scene he wouldn't get to witness.
He had to swallow his regret.
With that, Asha bid a warm farewell to the mercenaries.
They even exchanged well-wishes about working together again if the chance arose.
The last to say goodbye was the merchant's daughter, Rina.
"Asha! Stay healthy and take care..."
She said, then suddenly blinked her eyes.
Is telling an elf to 'stay healthy' the right blessing? Or not? Elves get sick too, right?
Like how chickens can fly!
Ah, got it!
Rina beamed, having come up with the perfect line.
"From now on, may you only see good things, learn only good things, and be influenced only by good things!"
"?"
Asha tilted her head quizzically.
The way she emphasized each part made it sound like there was some deep meaning behind it.
But...
What could it be?
She couldn't figure it out no matter how she thought about it.
Maybe it was just Rina being Rina.
Recalling all the quirky moments from their time together, Asha responded with a quiet smile.
They shared a deep embrace. Then the village children gathered, handing her a pretty bouquet of flowers.
Asha sniffed the fragrance, her eyes crinkling beautifully at the corners, and the excited kids bounced around her in delight.
This fluffy memory from their brief connection adorned a corner of Asha's heart.
The central city of the Raglain Count's territory—and a fortified city—Hiragart.
It had started as a single manor, but with trade routes converging, it prospered into a grand metropolis now housing tens of thousands within its walls.
A massive fortress sprawled across terrain where mountains met plains.
The inner citadel sat atop a strategic hill, with barracks, residential districts, and commercial areas layered below in a vast stronghold.
This classic strategic hub, built in a flat-topped mountain fortress style, was Hiragart.
"Wow..."
Asha crossed the moat and stepped into the outer walls, letting out an involuntary gasp of admiration.
People everywhere—here, there, the whole world was teeming with them.
Beck Village almost didn't qualify as one in comparison.
Elysia glanced at the stunned Asha and gave a small smile.
"Asha, you said you'd make this your first base, right? Have you found a place to stay?"
"Hmm... I was thinking of finding a decent inn?"
Asha cocked her head as if to say Why?, and Elysia smiled brightly.
"If it's alright with you, I'd like to invite you to my home. We have spare guest rooms, so you could stay until you find your own place."
"R-Really?!"
"Of course. It's my way of properly repaying you for saving me in the mountains and letting me stay the night."
"That was just a rundown log cabin, though..."
Saying that, Asha still grinned broadly, her face lighting up.
Finally, I get to rest properly in a real house!
Not some drafty old inn room, but a knight's house in the city!
Sure, she'd gotten used to shabby places living in the mountains, but good was good.
And it saved money too.
She planned to spend when she needed to, but save steadily as well.
She had to diligently gather gold to afford a comfy "home" of her own.
After all, nothing beat the comfort of your own place.
Yep, living kindly really pays off.
Savoring her connection with Elysia anew, Asha stepped forward happily.
Deep into the city center, she arrived at a rather elegant residence.
Was this what knights' homes were like?
It was far nicer than she'd imagined, so Asha tiptoed inside without thinking.
"Pardon the intrusion..."
Even her voice came out soft as she cautiously looked around the interior.
That was when she entered the living room.
"Oh my. You're back, miss?"
A maid who had been cleaning greeted Elysia.
Her gaze then turned to the unfamiliar guest, Asha.
"A friend I met on a mission. She'll be staying here for a while, so make sure she's comfortable."
"Ah, understood, miss."
The maid bowed politely and excused herself to prepare the guest room.
Asha watched the scene with wide-eyed wonder.
She'd sensed from Elysia's usual demeanor that she wasn't common-born, but seeing her handle servants so naturally made it sink in.
She was a real knight with a title.
Knight... a knight, huh...
Asha quietly touched her lips.
At that moment, Elysia spoke in a calm tone.
"The maid just now is Selma. She's been with us a long time, so tell her if you need anything."
"Ah, yes! I will. Thanks for thinking of me."
"It's nothing. I'll go change quickly, so relax."
Asha nodded, and Elysia left the room.
Left alone in the living room, Asha curiously explored the space with her eyes.
Elysia's home exuded refined elegance everywhere—neat and restrained.
To Asha, who had spent her whole life in the mountains, this building and atmosphere felt like an alien, mystical world.
Asha sat on a long chair in one corner of the living room. Her eyes widened round, and she bounced her hips, jiggling on the spot.
The thick cushion was so plush she could keep going forever without tiring.
Might be some magical treatment on it.
As she poked around the chair, slipping her fingers into the cushion seams, Asha's long ears perked up.
Footsteps approaching.
Asha straightened her posture.
Selma, the maid who had gone to prepare the guest room, came over.
"Miss, the room is ready. I've also laid out some comfortable clothes for you to change into. Let me show you."
Asha nodded and followed the maid to the room.
She was told Selma would wait in the hall and to call if needed, then entered.
Up to this point, Asha hadn't thought much of it.
Just that she'd change into something comfy and take a nice, long rest.
As she admired the room, her gaze fell on the bed.
A neatly folded outfit caught her eye.
Right then.
"!!!"
The clothes to change into are...
A dress?!
Ding—!
A bell rang in Asha's shocked mind.
Her pupils shook as if she'd been struck on the head.
With trembling steps, she approached the bed one foot at a time.
She gingerly touched the pristine garment.
The soft linen texture sent a smooth sensation through her fingertips.
A long skirt that flared gently from the waist, hugging the upper body snugly.
It was a kirtle, the quintessential women's attire of this era.
Asha, who had lived alone in the mountains since childhood mending her late parents' clothes and always wearing pants, had never worn anything like this.
This was truly her first time.
...Do I have to wear this?
Asha touched her lips, lost in thought.
She didn't hate pretty, bright things.
The issue was having to wear it herself, not just admire it...
"...Alright, I'll wear it."
In the end, Asha made up her mind.
She'd always thought her biggest lacks were common sense and knowledge.
It was apparently common sense here to offer guests something like this without a second thought.
With awkward movements, Asha picked up the dress.
She flipped it around, turning it this way and that, wondering how it went on.
"Hmm..."
Just pull it over her head?
Once she'd roughly figured out the design and structure, Asha put her resolve into action.
She carefully placed the dress back on the bed.
Then she began removing her current clothes one by one.
Swish, swish...
The garments slipped down her body like silk. As they piled at her feet, the pale, flawless skin beneath was revealed.
When she took off her top, her hair fluttered briefly, softly tickling her back.
Once undressed, Asha pulled the dress over her head from the bed.
In the process...
"...Huh?"
A strange sensation at her chest.
She paused briefly but pushed through with a little force.
Successfully dressed, Asha reached for her waist.
To grab the laces she'd noticed earlier while inspecting the design.
Laces at the back to cinch the dress to her body.
The moment she pulled them...
Asha's shoulders twitched.
Her chest felt... excessively tight.
It pushed upward, fixing into an awkward, unnatural position.
Even the armholes tugged, making it uncomfortable to move her arms.
Without realizing, Asha looked down at her chest.
Unnatural wrinkles formed at the bustline. The silhouette was unmistakably ruined.
"..."
What in the world.
Why this trial for me?
Asha sighed deeply, released the laces, and headed to the door.
She cracked it open, peeking out to see if the maid was there.
"Do you need something?"
"Um, well..."
Her face flushed, Asha cautiously stepped out.
She forced the words out.
"D-Do you... have any other clothes besides this?"
No sooner had she spoken than Selma's eyes went straight to Asha's chest.
"Ah."
A short exclamation.
Selma bowed politely and hurried off.
Soon, she returned with new clothes, looking apologetic.
"I'm truly sorry. I didn't consider your build. Please change into this one."
"Y-Yes, th-thank you..."
Selma was so courteous that Asha felt even more embarrassed and bowed her head.
Her ears red to the tips, she closed the door.
The new outfit was also a dress, but this one seemed tailored with Asha's figure in mind.
It fit without being too tight.
Asha clumsily changed and adjusted it.
The unfamiliar feel of the fabric clinging to her curves, combined with the skirt brushing her ankles, kept unsettling her composure.
Striving not to show it, Asha left the room.
She glanced at Selma, who showed no particular reaction, and headed to the living room.
Elysia, already changed, was leisurely sipping tea there.
Sensing her presence, she looked up.
"Asha, as we discussed, tomorrow I'll take you to the Knight Order..."
She meant to say she'd introduce her to the elf knights as promised.
But Elysia's eyes widened hugely, and the hand holding the teacup froze.