Chapter 35

“Wha? Murakane? Yacon-style, is it? I think he’s heading somewhere temporarily.”

“Uh, hmm… You have a rather unique accent for someone speaking the Empire’s language.”

The man thought.

Judging by appearance alone, he seemed to be in his mid-teens?

Skin as white as snow, and silver hair that emits light so bright it makes even that seem pale.

Then there were two eyes that glinted like emeralds embedded, tilting their head curiously. The pointed ears of the girl were unmistakably elven.

…I wonder if touching them would hurt?

“You haven’t answered yet?!”

“Teacher.”

At this moment, the blonde green-eyed girl sitting beside him referred to her as a teacher and poked her side.

Elves have various ear shapes, huh.

One side looked sharp enough to prick, while the other was smooth and elongated without issue.

“Huh?”

“How about just using magic?”

“Ma, if you don’t share a single dry point with me, will hypnosis work on you?”

“…If it’s that bad, I can’t understand it. Even within Rutania, we’ve long since passed the stage where it could be considered a regional dialect.”

“So what about you?”

“I’m perfect. There’s no problem either in using or understanding it.”

“Great for you! What are these brats doing… tch! Never mind! I hate it! Not doing it!”

“As you wish.”

Haha…

Stagecoaches carry all sorts of people regardless of age, gender, or even race.

But these two elves, who appear to be in a master-disciple relationship, stood out peculiarly.

One clearly looked like a mage, while the other appeared ready for anything—a perfect adventurer.

However, what truly caught attention wasn’t their attire.

Their faces were so stunning it felt like your eyeballs might pop out? Beautiful?

Well, this is characteristic of their race, but still…

‘High Elves, probably.’

The man’s guess had some basis.

While regular elves are known to be beautiful, High Elves take it to another level—so much so that they’re often mistaken for deities instead of mere mortals. That’s why most assume they’re High Elves when seeing such divine beauty.

Indeed, everyone on the coach, regardless of age or background, kept sneaking glances at the two elves.

Even though Rutania has plenty of stunning men and women, those who reach god-tier beauty are exceedingly rare.

“What nonsense. Hmph!”

Stagecoaches come in many types, but ones allowing anyone to board regardless of status usually require five horses.

Naturally, the passenger compartment could seat around ten if not carrying luggage, and compromises were often made depending on the load.

“Please continue.”

“Uh, hmm. Well…”

Blushing slightly under the apprentice’s request, the middle-aged man cleared his throat awkwardly.

Damn, she’s gorgeous.

If I keep staring into her eyes, I’ll likely lose sleep for days.

Not only that.

In my imagination, we already have six kids together.

“Ahem! So, it’s not an annulment but a postponement. They say Lord Ruelde’s son went off for some self-reflection through a pilgrimage.”

“So mixing royal matters with yacon-style language?”

“That’s why rumors spread. But… whether he actually went on a pilgrimage or not, we don’t really know.”

As if sharing a secret, he brought his hand to his mouth.

Unsurprisingly, all passengers’ attention followed suit.

“He apparently caused quite a ruckus.”

“What kind of trouble?”

“There was violence against royalty within the academy, assaults on fellow students, teachers too, rebellion, property damage—it was massive. Though I don’t know all the details….”

“If you don’t know, then stop spreading baseless rumors, right?”

“Hmm…”

“The teacher says it’s not good practice to embellish uncertain rumors purely for entertainment.”

Nope.

That’s not exactly what he said, though.

“Would he really do that? Haven’t seen it, but it sounds believable, right? Is there any such sage nearby?”

With a melodious voice.

Her pretty face spouting such bizarre language creates an overwhelming sense of dissonance.

And yet, it’s not entirely incomprehensible.

Confusing, to say the least.

“…”

For heaven’s sake, teacher. Just use translation magic already…

Why go through all the trouble of developing it if you won’t use it? What’s the point?!

Why does all the embarrassment fall on me?

She, one among many disciples of hers, sighed lightly while resting her modest chest against her gray cloak and leather jerkin.

====

“Hey, what’s up with you? Gather information.”

“Do we really need to resort to such uncouth language between ourselves?”

“Yanma! You must practice to get better! How can you not know this?! It’s disrespectful to elders! Exactly!”

“…”

Feels like he’s deliberately continuing this on purpose.

What is this? Are you subtly mocking me by twisting it like offering poisonous mushrooms?

“To where should I guide you?”

“To the Imperial Palace.”

“Then name yourself and show credentials. If you dare fake it, prepare for consequences.”

“…”

That could cause diplomatic issues.

“You’re blocking everything! Emperors, Empresses—they’re all my disciples in spirit. Let’s play a game of strength, shall we? Or maybe a test?”

“…Fine, let’s hurry.”

Listening to her strange language any longer might make my blood pressure rise and knock me out.

As she naturally blended into the crowd and disappeared.

“Well, well.”

The silver-haired elf swept her gaze over the sprawling landscape of Rutania.

“All things considered, it’s rather murky.”

“At least there’s no stench of excrement everywhere.”

“Don’t you miss that smell sometimes?”

“…”

“These brats nowadays! Tsk tsk tsk tsk tsk!”

“So you were deliberately doing that in front of me. Understood. Anyway, disciple, I’ll move ahead to follow instructions.”

Surely, no matter how playful she might be, she wouldn’t act so absurdly—even before the Emperor and Empress.

…She couldn’t possibly be that unconventional, Hamren firmly believed.

Or rather, he wanted to believe.

====

Humans, as a species, are all basically the same.

To put it nicely, they’re average; less kindly, they lack standout traits.

On the other hand.

Other races display wildly different characteristics even within their own kind, often appearing alien.

This holds true for both elves and yokai.

Some are nocturnal creatures thriving at night, while others prefer basking under the sun.

Most feel at home in forests, but not all do.

There are desert-dwellers, plains-lovers mingling with beasts, and more.

The stereotype of elves being a forest-bound race exists because the majority leans that way.

The first nations practicing theocracy were from the Tribe of the Forest, and they were also granted the privilege of serving and guarding the World Tree.

Naturally, they flourished the most, advanced technologically and culturally, and preserved ancient traditions.

Above all else.

“Wow…”

Even a fleeting glance left a young man awestruck by her radiant beauty.

That their aesthetic appeal resonated with humanity, becoming a continental standard, was crucial.

It became a pivotal driving force for their prominence in the history of the continent.

Thus, most nations boast distant ties to High Elves.

Some kings even claim half or quarter elven heritage, with traces lingering in their features.

But.

The Empire isn’t one of them.

Among the newly established nations following the Demon King’s invasion, several lacked elven lineage.

…Though that’s irrelevant right now.

They firmly believed that anyone, regardless of who, would kneel before their beauty.

And naturally, opportunists seeking to exploit such allure inevitably emerge.

They possess sufficient means to prevent and counter such threats.

…Within their own territory, at least.

In this sense, the Empire offers relatively favorable conditions for elves operating independently compared to other lands.

Slavery exists but applies mainly to serfs, treated almost as legitimate professions.

Unlike other countries where slavery equates to despair, treatment here is far superior.

Moreover, individuals can shed their slave status based on ability.

…Which explains why foreign slaves desperately migrate or seek asylum here.

Furthermore, the Empire actively integrates these individuals into citizenship through its merchants’ legal channels.

Since the Demon King’s invasion, the world has fallen into turmoil.

Taking advantage of this chaos, despicable entities prey on the weak and impoverished.

In its own way, the Empire continues efforts to alleviate suffering domestically and internationally without causing diplomatic friction.

Anyone wishing to belong to the Empire, regardless of origin or race, is welcomed—except for egregious criminals.

Thus, the Empire extends its efforts to aid the powerless both inside and outside its borders.

…However, other nations might view this as unsettling and disruptive.

Had it not been for the Order’s cooperation and tolerance, even the Empire might have struggled under the burden.

‘Still, cultural and racial differences inevitably lead to conflicts.’

Indeed, even the largest capitals and kingdoms across the continent bear shadows of discord.

Take the slaughterhouse district on the outskirts of Rutania, for instance—its unimaginable stench of decay speaks volumes.

And such burdens typically fall on non-native citizens.

Aquarians, or those with unusually red or dark skin, fit this mold.

Former demons who betrayed their kin to side with humanity also find themselves ostracized despite aligning with human forces.

“Chaos incarnate.”

Hamren scanned the area sharply, lost in thought.

Of course, he hadn’t forgotten the task assigned by his teacher.

“Hamren? Long time no see. How long has it been? Twenty years?”

“…Less than six years.”

“Ah, only that?”

A red-haired elf suddenly revealed herself.

She landed beside Hamren atop the red roof with a casual thud.

Judging by her apron, she’d likely been cutting something.

The brown apron was stained with various substances, indicating as much.

“An elf slicing meat? Surprising.”

“It’s fun once you try it. Flaying, carving flesh, breaking bones—it’s addictive!”

“Last time you were all about hammering metal, weren’t you?”

“That was then.”

While the Tribe of the Forest doesn’t abstain entirely from eating meat, some elves exclusively pursue carnivorous diets.

High Elves, however, avoid cooked food for religious reasons and to maintain spiritual purity, among other motives.

Often, consuming such foods leads to adverse health effects, naturally discouraging the practice.

“So, what’s your inquiry?”

“Carriel. I want to know about his reputation. In as much detail as possible. And wasn’t there talk of an engagement between him and Princess Ellie? Heard it got canceled?”

“I anticipated this and gathered intel accordingly. However, you might be disappointed upon hearing it.”

“Disappointed by whom? The Empire? Carriel? The hero’s family?”

“Judge for yourself.”

After a brief pause, she relayed the pre-collected information.

Though brief, Hamren’s expression grew increasingly perplexed and flustered.

Eventually stiffening his face, Hamren emitted a chilling aura capable of killing and hanging several people with a glance alone.

He muttered softly:

“There’s going to be trouble.”

“Why?”

“Lady Geoffrey is currently at the palace.”

“Eh… Why is she here?”

“Previously, the princess mentioned that Carriel’s alleged intrusion into the treasury didn’t make sense, so she requested an investigation.”

“…Is this visit officially under the guise of celebrating the engagement?”

“Yeah.”

Hamren didn’t deny it.

“And the fact that you’re investigating this comes directly from her orders.”

“Eh… Maybe try arriving as late as possible?”

“Forced teleportation just to upset my stomach?”

“In that case, there’s nothing to be done!”

Since we’re here now.

“Just spill it already!”

“…I wish someone had encouraged me to hear this privately.”

“Considering her nature, she’d likely summon the Emperor, Empress, Lord Ruelde, and a few others for a collective confession. She hates redundant work, after all.”

“Haa~!”

A sigh closer to resignation.

Hamren rose from the red rooftop.

“Are you staying here?”

“Probably?”

“…Alright. If luck holds, we’ll meet again in a few years.”

“You’ll be here for a while, right? Visit often?”

“…Even if I stay for months, it’s ultimately up to my teacher.”

“Isn’t that a mistake? Weeks? Days? Depends on her mood.”

Hamren shook his head weakly.

“Given the new magical theories emerging, I doubt she’ll leave anytime soon—by our ancestors’ names.”

“No filial piety like this exists elsewhere.”

“When hasn’t she been like this?”

Both burst into uncontrollable laughter.

A couple hours of idle chatter flew by unnoticed.

“We’ll discuss the rest later.”

Finally, she moved along rooftops guided by the wind until—

“Hold it right there! Stop!”

“…?”

Whoever stopped her reluctantly appeared to be a guard.

Judging by their attire, they likely spotted her during routine patrols and managed to catch up somehow.

“Come on, how are you supposed to keep stepping on roofs like that?! Even if elves are light, what happens if you damage property?!”

“Uh…”

“Let me see your ID. You’re obviously not an imperial citizen….”

Does it make sense for a mere guard to chase me down?

Is this the level of competence in Rutania?

Still, after some explanation, he narrowly avoided being detained.

Unfortunately, he had to accompany the guard to the palace by carriage, delaying his journey further.

Arriving just as the sun was setting, Hamren finally reached the palace entrance.

“…”

Even navigating here, reaching the emperor, and eventually the teacher will take ages.

I’m sweating bullets already.

Please, for the love of all things holy, no forced teleportation!

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