Chapter 44 (2/2)
The place was silent before the historic discovery.
And the briefing ended like this.
”Yes, this is the elves' specialty, potato mochi wrapped in herbs.”
I was given a bowl with a bunch of potatoes wrapped in leaves.
I wonder how I should eat it.
Do I have to bite the whole sheet?
Then Alusha, who is in front of me, picks up a potato and bites right into it.
After all, it seems that it is not necessary to peel the leaves.
”It's so good and chewy.”
”Slightly sweet, but salty and sticky.”
”This is really delicious.”
The great banquet was being held in the great hall, many men and women were eating and drinking.
Although it was our welcome party, it is actually a festival to rejoice in the treasure found in the tower.
But thanks to finding the scrolls, there's no one to mess with us.
Some of them approached me favorably, and I was able to meet some of the villagers.
”Kyui! Kyui!”
”Would you like some?”
Panda flies everywhere.
Unlike Rosuke, this boy eats, and eats a lot.
Anything in its path, it can devour it.
The hole that appeared under his eye swallowed the offered potato in one bite.
Panda squirmed half-heartedly, then opened his eye and spun around happily.
He seems to like it.
”Buha!”
It feels good to drink the homemade elven sake.
It's a high grade drink, but that's good.
”Hmm. Must be fun out there.”
”What, you've never been out of the woods?”
”I am in charge of protecting the village. Above all, elves are meant to be born, live, and die in the forest. There is no need to leave in the first place.”
”Hm”
They are even called the guardians of the forest.
A race that has chosen to live with nature.
Still, she is curious about the outside world.
”But in legends, there are often elves, why?”
”The Demon King distrusts the spiritual magic of the elves. Therefore, there is a history that several villages have been attacked many times. It is troublesome for us to have to form alliances with humans, but one cannot help but consider the future of the elves. I wonder if that is the case. ”
”Still, you guys are powerful, since you can use chantless magic.”
”I don't want to hear that from the guy who knocked my spirit away.”
Incidentally, the spirit I had struck with the handle of my sword returned to Alusha.
Although it has never appeared in front of me since.
”If you have an interest in the outside world, you can join us.”
”I am pleased with the invitation, but I will refrain from accepting it. I love this village. I will not leave.”
Alusha takes a sip of her drink.
I felt a little depressed, I thought I could get an elf to join the party.
But it's not good to be pushy, right?
”However, I will take care of you while you are in this village. If you want to go hunting, I'll go out with you as much as you want.”
”So, is there a place where you can see interesting things near here? I've already seen the tower, so I'd like to see something else next time.”
”I think I know a place you might like.”
She says there are places near town that are good to visit.
Moreover, ones that even the elves do not know. This arouses my interest a lot.
”It's a dangerous place. If I decide it's too dangerous a place for you, we'll turn back. Do you understand?”
”You know how strong we are. You worry too much.”
”That should be for me to say.”
Alusha smiles and brushes aside the braid hanging over her shoulder with one hand.
Once you get to know her, she's a very cool woman.
But in my mind, I still see that elf I had defeated in the forest and was scared after losing her spirit.
No, let's forget it.
Best to spare her dignity.
”Are you making fun of me in your head, Toru-Sama?”
”Impossible, hahaha.”
Alusha had tears in her eyes.