Chapter 137 (1/2)
We are currently heading to the capital through the Dark Passage.
We are accompanied by Ultina and General Gio.
It seems they both have business in the capital, so they offered to accompany us as we were about to leave.
”Ultina, are you sure you want to do this? You'll get a lot of credit for being the one who solved the mystery of the Dark Passage.”
”I don't mind. If it weren't for the Manyu Brigade, I wouldn't have been able to fulfill this request. I would like you to appear before Her Majesty on their behalf.”
”If you say so, then let's do it. But the name 'Manyu Brigade' sounds familiar. I think I heard it somewhere recently.”
The general, who was leading with the lamp in hand, seemed to be thinking as he scratched his chin.
”Kyui～!”
”Finally outside!”
Frau and Panda passed through the Dark Passage's exit and flew away at high speed.
After a while, we also left the Dark Passage.
The general, who turned off the lamp's light, turned towards us.
”Well, it's time for us to part ways. From here on out, you guys continue on your own.”
I shook the general's hand, and with a flip of his cloak, he headed for the capital.
I made a deal with General Gio to help me find the girls in exchange for him having the lamp for free, and he agreed to do so.
I was very lucky to meet General Gio here.
”It's been a pleasure working with you, be very careful.”
”You too, Ultina.”
I shook Ultina's hand.
She was a really reliable guide.
I had proposed that she accompany us on our trip as a party member, but she refused, saying she likes to travel and work alone.
”Goodbye.”
”Good luck!”
”Kyui!”
After parting with Ultina, we continued heading west.
We arrived at a village near the border.
A high mountain range separates us from the rest of the country, and we are told that it is impossible to go west without crossing that mountain range.
”There are no houses in sight.”
”Hey, maybe that's the town.”
”Kyu.”
”Really?”
We looked up into the large trees and saw lights coming from some houses.
A suspension bridge stretches from house to house, and we could see residents walking nonchalantly up in the air. I wonder if they aren't afraid of falling.
”I've heard that this is a village where people live the old-fashioned way, but it's interesting to see that they live in trees.”
”It's cozy and pretty, and it's nice to see the lights shining like stars.”
We stopped and looked toward the dark elf village.
”My lord, quickly.”
”Kyu～”
Frau seemed somewhat excited.
We climbed the creaky wooden stairs, walked past the inhabitants in the narrow pathway, then went over a suspension bridge made of vines, and finally came to a place like a square.
”It's bigger than it looks from down here. There are lots of tents.”
”What are those shiny things? From below, they look like sails, but looking close, they aren't.”
”Actually, they're a bunch of shiny, round leaves.”
”Kyui.”
I asked a dark elf who seemed to be a resident of this place.
”That's a Morifosi mistletoe. It collects light during the day and emits it at night. It's the only plant in this area and it's the only tourist resource we have.”
Morifosi mistletoe is an unusual plant.
The round clumps of mistletoe attached to the branches of large trees glow a vague orange color.
It's easy to lose track of time when looking at these natural ornaments.
”It looks like it's your first time around here. If you walk with me to the bar, I'll show you around.”
The man invited me to follow him so I could get to know the place, so I decided to do so.
”I love drinking alcohol! It's a good way to lighten up the trip!”
”Kyu, Kyu!”
”Last time? I don't remember anything, did something happen?”
Panda was complaining to Frau about her hangover, but she doesn't seem to remember anything.
On the other hand, Kaede refuses to drink while smiling bitterly.
”I think I'd rather just drink water this time... I won't be drinking for a while.”
”I'm glad to hear that. I'll just have one drink.”
A tavern is a great place to gather information. I want to ask about the white wolf beastkin and the other girls.
When I opened the tavern door, I heard a beautiful sound.
”The minstrel is here.”
The man and I parted at the entrance.
As I took a seat, I took a moment to look around.
I saw a man who caught my attention. He was playing a stringed instrument in the corner of the tavern.
With those ears and tail, he must be of the wolf tribe.
He notices me looking and stops playing.