178 Encounter and reunion (2/2)

Apparently she's noticed.

'Kroki!　It's not Kuroki!　Why are you here!

Tess flutters happily and comes over to me and hugs me.

I can feel her slender body through her clothes.

You can feel the amazement of those around you when they see this.

'It's been a while, hasn't it, Tess?　What are you the one who is here?

'I am the princess's attendant!　My lady!　Guys!　This swordsman is Kroki!　I know him.

Tess introduces herself.

The elven princess looks a little relieved when Tess introduces her.

Does she hate being rescued by a dwarven acquaintance so much?

'Thank you for your help. You know Tess. My name is Lucien. I was on my way as an envoy to the dwarven village. On the way there, I was attacked by some foul fanged men.

The elven princess Lucien thanked me gracefully.

I feel embarrassed to be thanked by a beautiful woman.

But you should also thank the dwarves.

They also helped to save the day.

'An elf princess is an emissary?　What do you mean?

Even if the other party is an elf princess, the dwarves don't shy away from it.

That's probably how the relationship was originally formed.

''Oh?　Didn't they listen to me?　We were told by the heavenly host that we must cooperate with you. Well, now that you've figured it out, can you show us around?

The dwarves look at each other as Rousien says provocatively.

They don't get along, but they aren't hostile.

They will have to be guided eventually.

”Hm. Even if we don't have to show you the way, you know where our village is. Sir. Let us return.

He nodded at the words.

Koona and the others would be on their way to the land of the elves by now.

They're dressed to be replaced by these elves.

'Hey, Kroki. Kuroki would like to go with us?　Isn't that right, Princess?

Yeah. No problem, Oleola. How's the car?

Lucien sees a broken deer car.

There, an elf who looks like Oleiad is repairing the deer car.

It seems that if we take first aid measures, there's no reason why we can't run.

But let's refrain from doing that here.

I'm just going to be a guest of the dwarves.

I'm sorry, Tess. I'm going to be back with the dwarves.

Tess looks a little disappointed when she says that.

''Yes, it's a shame. But if you're in a dwarven village, you can ask a lot of questions. As I asked earlier, why are you here in the first place?　You are, I believe, ....... No, it's nothing.

Tess cuts off her words, almost saying something.

Why is that?

Tess feels like she's aware of her identity.

But I can't be sure.

I turn my back on myself and try to run.

'Wait!'

As I was about to run, I was suddenly approached by a voice.

It was a small child who was with the elf.

What is it?

He looks at himself with serious eyes.

'Please!　Give yourself a sword!　Tell me about it!　I just want to be strong!

The little one says that and bows her head.

His desperate words somehow capture my heart.

When I get to the front of the child, I kneel on the ground.

His eyes dropped as he got on his knees, but the little one was still low.

'Why do you want to be strong?'

The little one looks up when he hears that.

Their gazes cross over.

It's a serious look.

She has the beautiful face of a girl, but I'm sure it's a boy.

It feels like that.

'I promised!　With your mother!　He's going to be a great knight!

The little one says with determination and strength.

To be honest, I'm not very good at this sort of thing.

I glance at Lucien.

He doesn't seem to mind if I tell him.

'My name is Kroki. Hey, can you tell me your name?

'Yes!　My name is Koki!

It's called Kouki, a name you don't hear in this world very often.

Or is it just something I don't know?

But it doesn't matter.

”That's fine, Kouki-kun. I can't do it all the time, but as long as you and I are in the dwarven village, I will teach you the sword. Is that okay with you?

Then he holds out his hand.

Kouki's eyes are moist. He looks very happy.

''Ha, yes!　That's fine!　Oh, thank you, sir!

Kouki puts his hand on his own hand.

It's a very small hand.

But it doesn't matter if it's a child or an adult.

This is a promise between a man and a man.

Dahak, the Serpent Prince

An abandoned mine in the land of Kauff.

We are still there.

The temporary palace I had the serpent men (Eag) build.

I can't help but notice Botis's face.

”What's the matter?　Botis?　What's going on?

When I called out to him, Botis looked at me with a surprised look on his face.

He seemed to be thinking about it.

''Oh, it was you, young man? 'No, it's not really a big deal, but ....... It seems that the wolves have engaged with someone.''

Botis says, looking around.

There are dozens of small, monocular snakes mawing around Botis.

This snake is a messenger of Botis and can tell Botis what she sees.

She releases these snakes all over the forest to gather information.

The one who tells her is probably the one the wolves were following.

'Wolves?　Are you talking about Yasab and his crew?　It shouldn't be strange for them to fight in the woods, though.

I nod my head.

Headhunter Yasab.

He was a red-haired werewolf (wolfman), a lowly one, but a moderately impressive one.

But they always fight elves in the forest.

There was no need to worry about it.

So what is there to worry about?

''It is true, but I'm a little concerned about that opponent: ......

Do you mind?

'Yes. Maybe I'm paying too much attention to it.

Botis says with a laugh.

He's probably tense in the face of executing his plan.

That's why the little things bother him.

'Don't worry about every little thing, Botis. More importantly, when are we going to get out of here? I'm bored and no match for you.

So far it's been all skirmishes and not a proper fight.

My mouche-feet look bored too.

It's almost there, young master. The day when you can fight to your heart's content is almost here.