Chapter 38

Chapter 38: Frieren, Super Vengeful

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Although Frieren still seemed a bit slow when it came to understanding human emotions, there were still many things she didn't fully grasp.

But when she touched Ash's head, she could clearly see the wary expression on his face.

It reminded her of their days studying together. She smiled, a hint of nostalgia in her expression, and shook her head. "What are you thinking? Aren't we friends? How could I really do anything to hurt you?"

"..."

This girl. When did she learn to say such sappy things? Just moments ago, she was hurling insults at me. Now she's saying this? Where does she get the nerve? Did she learn this from me? — Just thinking this, Ash felt something was off.

Even he couldn't lie that boldly!

This made him start to wonder if Frieren was sick. He couldn't help but place his hand on her forehead.

"...What are you doing?" Frieren was speechless.

"You don't seem to have a fever. Did you eat something strange this morning? Or were you cursed? Do you want to go to the church?"

"..."

This is really troublesome. Maybe I should just punch this guy,? — Seeing Ash's worried face, Frieren, who had just considered being gentle with him, clenched her fist again.

But after a deep sigh, she barely suppressed her displeasure and forced a smile. "By the way, how did you even know I was here?"

"...Changing the subject all of a sudden?"

"You don't really want me to punch you, do you?"

"Of course not..." He didn't particularly want to get punched; he just thought he could take it.

But if he were to get hit just for the sake of it, that wouldn't be right either, so he quickly shook his head. Under Frieren's curious gaze, he hesitated before saying, "You might not believe me, but I didn't even know you were here before I arrived."

"No... I believe you."

It's impossible. He's probably just trying to hide how long he's been searching for me. Ah, he sometimes has this side to him. — Frieren's eyes grew inexplicably gentle.

"...Is that true?"

"Of course! Aren't you my elder?"

"Uh, that's the first time you've ever called me your elder, but please stop. I'm not used to it."

"Alright, alright. What do you want to eat? My treat."

"It doesn't matter. I'll eat whatever you're having."

...

A thousand years had passed. Even the most stubborn elves change. Could it be that Frieren had grown gentle too?

With this thought, Ash followed the silver-haired elf, feeling a twinge of regret for the time that had passed. He figured he'd hang around for a while, enjoying some food and drink.

...

In contrast to Ash, who had been living a luxurious life with two extraordinary figures, Frieren seemed like a true ascetic.

Behind the mountain, she lived in a small wooden house she had built herself.

The cabin's frame was built from thick logs, with the surface covered in mottled moss and the visible marks of time.

The interior walls were just as rustic, maintaining the natural appearance of the wood. Upon stepping inside, a fresh, slightly woody scent greeted him.

Though the space inside wasn't large, everything was arranged neatly, and each piece of furniture reflected simplicity and practicality.

On the wooden table, which had been cut and polished from a single log, there were candles and an abundance of books. Not far away, the dining table—also made of wood—held several clay bowls and plates, some filled with wild fruits picked from the forest.

In the corner, a wooden bed covered with soft animal skins sat quietly. Next to the bed, a simple wooden cabinet contained a few basic clothes and daily necessities.

"You're obviously quite powerful. Why live such a... primitive life?" Ash asked as he surveyed the room. Picking up a grape-like wild fruit from the table, he tossed it into his mouth. The moment he bit down, his face twisted in disgust. "—So sour! Disgusting!"

"You need to mix it with other wild fruits. Besides, I'm not interested in wealth," Frieren replied calmly.

"...But wouldn't it be better to live more comfortably?" Ash countered.

"Speaking of which," Frieren said as she crouched by the stove, lighting a fire, "You're human, so by now, shouldn't you be married? I'd like to see your child."

"...Though I also want to have kids, the only normal women I've been around are the emperor's concubines. A wife isn't exactly—"

"Wait, did you really go in there on purpose?"

"No, that was a misunderstanding!" Ash quickly defended himself, feeling the need to clarify his preferences.

Frieren sighed helplessly. "Alright, alright. The empire's gone anyway, so it's fine to admit it, right?"

"No, really. I prefer normal, pretty girls."

"...You're getting old, and you still want to go after young women?"

"But men always like beautiful, Twenty-year-old girls."

"That's really bad."

"What? Is there something wrong with that? Or... are you just feeling a bit too old, so—"

"—This is your second warning. There won't be a third," Frieren cut him off sternly. A moment ago, she had been joking with him, but as soon as age was brought up, her expression turned serious, and she raised two fingers in warning. Ash was dumbfounded once again.

"No...? You still keep count?!"

"Of course."

"—That's such a grudge! It's been a thousand years! Can't we just reset it?"

"No. There won't be a next time. Remember that," she said firmly.

Although Frieren had been lighthearted just moments earlier, she wasn't willing to compromise on the issue of age. With a stern face, she made sure he understood the seriousness of it.

Seeing her resolve, Ash had no choice but to raise his hands in surrender, conceding to her warning.

With that, Frieren's serious expression softened. A small, satisfied smile appeared on her face as she returned to preparing lunch.

Despite the slightly awkward exchange, their meal consisted only of wild vegetables, mushrooms, and simple smoked meat.

However, during lunch, the two of them chatted and laughed in a way they hadn't in a long time.

It was as if the thousand years that had passed hadn't caused any real rift between them. In that moment, everything felt as though it had returned to the way it was a millennium ago.

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T/N: Some power stones would be great help to rise in rankings.