Chapter 5: Peaceful Times

The next morning, we had the same stuff for breakfast before heading back. I've investigated the car and found nothing. No clue at all as to how I got here. Who was at the car with me before the moment I disappeared? There were too many things I don't understand. Based on what Selana said, I have inferred that this world's civilization is equivalent to the medieval eras of my world. Which would mean war and conflict. Considering I have no money, no connections, couldn't fight nor use magic, needless to say, that I'd be taken as a slave as I soon as I walk out here. Since I can't speak nor understand any of this world's language, even a slave would be worth more than me. My mind is made up. I gestured towards Moro to open up a telepathic link and told him to set up a meeting with the Princess. I'm gonna develop the hell out of this place.

-Two years later-

I woke up in the morning, getting out of the futon whilst walking unsteadily. I headed out my room, made my way to the dining table, and sat down. Breakfast was sausages, mashed potatoes, and some sauteed vegetables. Not very Asian of me, I know.

Finished with my breakfast, I sat on the chair facing the courtyard where the garden resides. I sipped my tea and enjoyed the serenity of the moment. Done with my morning routine, I changed into my Minister clothing and set out for my daily inspections.

As usual, we headed sites where experimentations are being carried out. Such as crop-cultivation methods, construction designs, culinary arts. Basically, everything that has to do with the improvement of the quality of life and the prosperity of the Kingdom. I've been given plenty of freedom to implement knowledge from my world as I see fit. Though nothing super-revolutionary. The elves seemed to have no interest in conquering the entire planet with their new-found-bonafide-transcender. In the past, I've been prepared to share everything I know to them. Including knowledge regarding weapon-building and war-mongering. Not having magic and diverse races didn't stop us from killing each other, I guess. But to my surprise, they didn't even ask for it, much less mentioned it. And I respected that.

Living together with them for two years, I've learned that Arthuri could be considered a haven of the Elven kind. A retirement home for the old and nurseries for the young. I wasn't able to notice at first because of their unchanging youthfulness despite their age. I once asked the Princess about her true age, only to be rewarded with a death glare. The sacred rule of never asking a maiden's age seems to exist even in here. Upon reaching a certain age, the youngsters would leave Arthuri. Going out to experience the world. Seeking adventure, knowledge, fortune, maybe even their destiny. Though some eventually returned to settle down and have an offspring or two. Such are the ways of the elves. As a result, Arthuri is considered to be backward in terms of technology and magic compared to most Kingdoms in the world. But I'll take what I have. Before accepting the position I have right now, I had previously negotiated some of the terms with the Princess. One, I must be taught the Elvish language and the common tongue. Two, I must be allowed to learn how to defend myself - that includes magic and martial arts. Three, I must be allowed to leave anytime I want. The Princess quickly accepted my first two conditions but had difficulty agreeing with the third. In order to change her mind, I promised that I would not withhold any knowledge I have and swore that I will never disclose the location of Arthuri. I even threw in a bonus and said I would stay for at least a year. With that, the deal is sealed and thus begins my life as an elven official.

I finished my inspections, gave out some ideas of improvement, and proceeded to my martial art routine. In the dojo, sat an old man. Well, he looks young, but he's actually old. Some warm-ups later, I challenged him to a weaponless combat - feeling confident I'd get him this time but was proven wrong soon after. I was beaten by Yama so quickly, I didn't even realize I was on the ground until all the other students laughed at me. They were all younglings who had barely lived for forty years. Children, by the standards of the elves. But ironically older than me by at least a decade.

"Hey, don't laugh at me. I've only started this one year ago!", I grumbled.

"Yeah, but I don't I recalled anyone being actually that bad", they laughed again.

Suddenly a thunderous voice rang, "Enough!", and all the laughter immediately died out.

"We do not make fun of anyone genuinely practicing the arts of Elshido! Even if he is completely inept at it!", said Yama authoritatively.

"Yes, Master! We humbly apologize to Mike-sama for laughing at his failures!", they shouted in unison.

Those damn kids. I got up again and once again challenged Yama. This time with the fire in my soul renewed.

"Here I go, sensei!"

"Come!"

I ended up on the floor again. Well, I guess I shouldn't feel too bad considering Yama has been a practitioner for at least what? A few hundred years? Now that I think about it, it's stupid for me to even think merely one year of effort could compete with centuries of intense practice and hard-work. But what choice do I have? A few weeks after being appointed as the Minister of Development, I requested Moro to teach me magic.

"What do you mean telepathy is not magic?", I complained.

"Exactly, Mike-sama. It's an ability possessed by those who have faerie blood in the lineage. A rare ability even amongst us elves. It's also more prevalent in royal blood."

"Wait, does that mean that you're actually a Prince, Moro?"

I noticed Moro looking a bit uneasy, reluctant to answer.

"Never mind that question. I won't push you any further. So telepathy isn't magic, eh? Who can ask to teach me magic?", I tried diverting the topic.

Relieved, Moro gratefully replied "There are quite a few people who can use magic. I'll introduce you to them at a later date. They might not be mages, they can still easily teach you some basic spells. But if you want to learn more, I'm afraid you would have to find a full-mage and apprentice with them."

"Okay! Set me up!", I replied happily. Finally! My lifelong dream of using magic was about to come true. Being an adult doesn't change the fact that the prospect of using magic isn't cool. Regarding the details of apprenticing, full-mage, and what-not, I was so excited I didn't even think about it. For god's sake, I was about to learn magic!

Unfortunately, I soon found my dreams crushed. Turns out I can't use magic. I tried and tried for an entire year, but still, find it unable to cast a single spell and nobody knows why.

"It's okay, Mike-sama. In this world, it's uncommon for people to use magic in the first place. And for those who can, most would only know a spell or two and cast them sparingly. Not even the Arthuri Kingdom has one residing here right now", Moro comforted me.

"I see. Thanks, Moro, I feel better now", only slightly though.

Since I can't use magic to defend myself, I decided to settle for second-best: elven martial arts.

I sparred with some of the younglings before calling it a day, losing each time. But not as badly as with Yama. Elshido involves many flowing moves. Quick, concise strikes, using the enemy momentum to turn the tables. Perfect for stronger opponents. It even has grappling moves. I say my goodbyes to Yama before heading to the bathhouse. Nothing like a nice bath after a hard day's work. I rinsed the sweat off and dipped myself in the water-spring. Aaaah! So heavenly! I contemplated my life here. A steady job, a nice routine, respectful peers, and grateful citizens. I'm actually living a fulfilling life here. Though it's kinda sad how I can't use magic at all. Seems like not everyone who ends up in another world becomes the main character.  Maybe staying here for the rest of my life isn't so bad after all. But as history has taught us time and time again: Peaceful times never last.