Chapter 65: Diverse Friendships Part 5

Darion who had neither brothers nor children joyfully told me that meeting me—a possible descendant of the ancient elves—in such a foreign land was a revelation and guidance from the twelve gods.

Were elves always this gullible?

No, from what I encountered in the game, they were not just intelligent; they were cunning and hypocritical.

Maybe this Darion is just the gullible one.

The other two looked uncertain and bewildered. Perhaps they didn't know about the ancient elf mythology.

It seems that ordinary elves only know that they are descendants of flowers.

Darion personally poured me a glass of premium mead and said,

"I never expected to meet someone of such noble lineage here. Let's relax and unburden ourselves."

"Thank you… I mean, thanks, Darion."

I started to use formal language, but Darion's sharp look made me switch to informal speech hastily.

Is it a complex for him not having any siblings?

"As we talk more about each other, you'll come to know your origins. I'm curious to see which great soul you descend from."

…This guy, is he going to kill me if I'm not of ancient elf descent?

"Look, Darion. Even if, just maybe, my ancestors were ancient elves, their blood has probably become quite diluted over the generations."

"Don't worry, little brother. Even if the blood has diluted, the bond of the soul is never broken."

Communication is failing here.

Maybe I should fully exploit this misunderstanding.

After all, there's no such thing as DNA testing in this damned world.

-Gulp, gulp.

I swallowed the fragrant and sweet mead and gave a broad smile.

"I've been lonely all my life having no family… Thank you, Darion."

No family my ass. Back on Earth, in Asia, in South Korea, and on the outskirts of Seoul, my family lived perfectly well.

From our perspective here, Earth might as well be "another world" so maybe my parents could be considered something like ancient elves.

So this is definitely not anything like a scam. I looked at Darion with the most trustworthy smile I could muster.

Now that my throat was moistened with mead, it was time for some sweet lies.

"For some reason, I've always missed the forest."

"That's characteristic of elves. The forest is where we were born."

"That might be why I became a druid."

"It's a very plausible story. You must have been following the call of your soul."

He's buying it all. Darion, are you really elf enough to be this naive? Tsk, tsk. I clicked my tongue inwardly.

"…Darion, what is Lysette like?"

"It's beautiful and peaceful. The land closest to heaven."

"I might want to see Lysette, where my parents might have been from."

I tossed out the bait in a wistful tone, and Darion splendidly met my expectations. His face was flushed with emotion when he pulled me into a tight hug and patted my back as if he truly were my brother.

"I'll show you!"

"Thank you, Darion."

Does this mean I've just secured my free pass to Lysette? I struggled to control my twitching lips as I shared a warm "brotherly" hug with Darion.

***

After chatting with Darion and the other elves for a while, it seemed Darion was quite fond of me as he appeared reluctant to let me go. However, I made a suitable excuse and slipped away from the group.

Now that I became acquainted with Darion, the grandnephew of the Elf Queen, I felt like I didn't really need any other connections. Perhaps only if the President of the Echaits Union had shown up… But contrary to Katharina's expectations, the President did not make an appearance, and the banquet was swiftly drawing to a close.

"Are you really a half-elf?"

Katharina asked me incredulously. I responded with a mysterious smile while looking at her.

"Who knows? I haven't met my parents to ask them…"

"How shameless…"

"Perhaps I am truly a descendant of the ancient elves."

"Ha! Elves have a unique scent, you know. Like green foliage, rain-soaked earth, cool breezes…"

"Is that so? Maybe it's because you're a cat that you're good at picking up scents…"

Katharina bristled at the mention of a cat and narrowed her eyes, so I shifted my gaze slightly.

"…. Anyway, the truth is unknown. Maybe Darion's interest in me was only momentary."

"Elves…"

Katharina shook her head in disapproval. I patted her shoulder and offered some words of comfort.

"We need to take advantage of Darion's kindness now. It's really difficult to gain the favor of an elf after all."

"It took me a full ten years just to start a conversation with Darion."

"Ah, was that what you found so unfair?"

"Isn't it absurd? They don't even treat you as a person if you're not one of their own elves, yet here they are, calling you a brother at first sight!"

Katharina's ears and tail shot up in indignation. Would she scratch my face if I told her she was acting like a cat again? I suppressed a laugh with a needless cough.

"Ahem, ahem… I'll speak well of you to Darion, so don't worry too much."

"Really?"

"Of course."

Katharina's white tail swayed gently as if she was feeling better.

I couldn't miss this opportunity.

"I have a small favor to ask."

"What is it?"

"It's about Roshanak."

"That slave… no, the mermaid kid?"

"Yes. Once this is over, I've agreed to set her free."

"Why take such a loss if you paid for her…"

"Because I promised."

"…. The owners here don't keep their promises."

"Is that so? Well, I always keep my promises."

Freeing Roshanak had been a decision I made the moment I met her; there was no way I would cowardly go back on it now.

"Lucky kid, that mermaid. Captured mermaids usually end their lives in the aquariums of nobles."

"That's why when I give Roshanak her freedom and leave Echaits…"

"You're worried that someone might capture and sell the kid again, right?"

"Right. Roshanak ….is still very young."

In this pseudo-medieval other world, slavery and human trafficking were rampant.

This meant that even if I freed Roshanak, she could still be in danger until she grew up a bit.

"Katharina, I would like you to become Roshanak's guardian."

"...."

Katharina crossed her arms and tilted her head to one side; her cat ear twitched in sync. She seemed deep in thought.

"Well, it's not a difficult task. My merchant guild includes many different races. But…"

"…. But?"

"The slave, no, Roshanak, what does she want?"

"Huh…?"

"She might want to stay with you, you know?"

Katharina pointed to Roshanak who was bickering with El at one corner of the banquet hall.

"...Surely not."

She was the one who had confirmed several times the promise of her freedom. Would she really choose to stay with me after all that?

Of course, Roshanak is a valuable asset. The advantage of being a half-mermaid and the magic she learned here means she can definitely hold her own…

With Roshanak, our party would certainly be more stable.

But the most important thing was her will.

Let's not get our hopes up.

I quickly organized my thoughts and spoke again to Katharina.

"If Roshanak wants to come along, we'll think about it then. But she always wanted to be free … so it's likely she'll choose to stay here. In that case, please take on the role of her guardian."

"Alright. But it won't be for free. Make sure you tell her that she has to work for the guild in exchange for our support."

"I will do that."

If Roshanak had the backing of Katharina's merchant guild, her position here would certainly be more secure.

"I guess I should offer my thanks then."

"I'll wait to hear your thanks once Roshanak has made her decision."

With those words, Katharina left to conclude the banquet.

I returned to where Lloyd, El, and Roshanak were.

"Master!"

El who appeared to have transferred an entire cake onto her plate greeted me.

"Are you having a good time?"

"Yes! I just finished eating and was starting on dessert!"

It had been several hours since the banquet began, yet she was still eating… I marveled at El's formidable stomach. Children really do eat a lot. No wonder our food expenses are no joke.

We waited until El and Roshanak had nearly ravaged the dessert section before returning to the inn. The children fell asleep with full bellies, and I had a drink with Lloyd in the dining hall on the first floor.

"The next destination is set."

"Is that so?"

"Aren't you curious where?"

Lloyd continued sipping his drink with a look of indifference. Really, how can he be so uninterested? Anyone would think I was going on this journey alone.

"It's Lysette."

"Lysette, huh."

"Yes. Have you been there before?"

"..."

Lloyd was silent for a moment as if he were recalling something.

"...Once."

"Once?"

"It wasn't a very good experience."

"That's too bad."

"What is?"

"Going back to a place you don't have any good memories of."

"...It doesn't matter."

"Hmm. Is that so?"

He seemed unwilling to discuss what had happened. I drank my mead without asking any more questions. Anyway, now that I knew he had no objections, it was clear that Lysette would be our next destination.

When the alcohol took effect, we each returned to our rooms. The room was dark, but Roshanak's face was faintly visible in the dim moonlight.

Will we be saying goodbye to her tomorrow…?

She had always longed for freedom, so naturally, she wouldn't choose to come with me. There was a bond over time, and to say there was no regret would be a lie. However, I couldn't keep her against her own will. I had to respect her wishes.

...Just, please don't become a pirate again.

Grow up healthy and stay out of trouble. I stroked her head as she slept soundly. Being here, I felt I could somewhat understand how parents must feel.

"Phew…"

Where there are meetings, there are partings. I pushed aside my regrets, laid down, and closed my eyes.

That night, I think I might have dreamt a sad dream.