Chapter 51 – Elf and Kanp (1)
The eating habits of the elves were, of course, a natural result that had been passed down over a long period of time, adapted to their situations and environments. Since it was not something someone decided at a certain moment, it was impossible to get a clear answer when asked why they ate the way they did.
Even the eldest Elder Elnar could not properly explain why the elves’ eating habits had solidified in this way since ancient times.
The loss of many histories and records contributed to this ignorance. It was merely what had been taught by their ancestors, and after repeating it for a very long time, it had become tradition and custom.
‘Yes, after all, traditions and customs are always like that.’
The outraged Iriliana twitched her lips and squeezed her eyes shut.
Somewhere in the extensive history that even the elves themselves did not know, there must have been a turning point that led them to become vegetarians.
“Is this for sure? You’re telling me that the High Elves from a long time ago ate like this? Not a diet-conscious group but ordinary people who had three meals a day?”
“Well, according to the remnants of the records, we can’t be sure if that’s accurate…”
The elves glanced nervously at Iriliana. It was a moment that shattered the bias they held against the High Elves.
Iriliana did not consume raw food. She wasn’t a vegetarian who only ate grass. Instead, she looked at the elves with eyes that could not understand their adherence to tradition and custom.
“Who said elves are herbivores? Do you guys get stomach aches if you eat meat? I certainly don’t!”
She chuckled at the bewildered elves. She had vowed not to interfere with their culture and civilization, which had developed independently over a long time, but this was a line that had been crossed.
‘That’s not right, but…’
‘Meat is delicious, after all.’
A few elves rolled their eyes at Iriliana’s words. In fact, it was out of etiquette and tradition that they practiced vegetarianism, not because they were biologically incapable of carnivory.
Even now, many elves had been secretly consuming meat. They just couldn’t do it openly, fearing being labeled ignorant and barbaric by others.
“O High Elf. Are you saying that we elves can eat meat?”
One of those elves was Arisa, a warrior. While training, one could become exhausted and fatigued, and eating meat would help recover more quickly.
Arisa, who was somewhat closer to Iriliana, took the lead to expand the topic further. If any words different from the existing tradition came from Iriliana, the impact could be significant.
‘After all, our origin is tied to this!’
At that moment, some of the elves instinctively recognized how significant it was for a real High Elf to visit their village.
Perhaps every word Iriliana said could change everything they had taken for granted until now.
“…Eat. You can eat. There may be situations where you can’t due to circumstances or inherent issues. But don’t force yourself not to eat.”
Iriliana, who had been keeping silent about this, could no longer hold back.
Finally, with her lips bitten down, she let slip that elves were allowed to eat meat.
“Oh no, this is not good, Iriliana! The ban on meat-eating is a long-standing tradition!”
“What does that even matter?”
“As time goes by, we need to bond more closely. To face the greater enemies in the outside world. We cannot shake the customs that lie at the center of this…”
There were opposing voices. Among them were Elder Elnar and relatively older elves in the Eldership.
They were political leaders of elven society as well as elders. They viewed this situation as more than just a debate over whether to eat meat or not.
“I understand what you’re saying, but isn’t that a bit too convenient?”
Iriliana noticed the sarcasm in their tone and chuckled. It was a sneer that suggested there were more ways to lead the elves than just that.
“You should be able to change and adapt. And you clearly said it yourself. You would listen to the words of the elders.”
“But…”
“Is that really all there is? Are the rules of modern elves so flimsy that they could collapse over something as trivial as eating meat?”
Elnar could not effectively refute Iriliana’s argument, which held the same authority he had upheld for so long.
Every time the younger elves had raised concerns, they had oppressed them in the name of tradition and custom, and now they were facing the same treatment from their ancient ancestors.
‘The situation has already escalated. I should have just stuck to eating salad.’
Even Iriliana herself was taken aback by the chaotic atmosphere around her. For a moment, she thought of just munching on grass, but having drawn her sword, she decided to chop some vegetables instead.
“If you plan to serve, make it properly again. This is a flawed tradition.”
Iriliana cleared the dish placed before her and crossed her arms defiantly.
As a result, even her companions, who had been enjoying their meals beside her, had to return their dishes, feeling uneasy.
Ultimately, they could eat properly only after the elves hastily prepared a meal consisting of fish and meat.
‘This is pitifully inadequate.’
Iriliana forced herself to eat it. There was no way those who had been secretly consuming meat could cook well.
For someone like Iriliana, who had feasted on luxurious dishes developed by humans who never spared a dime of Ethan’s money, a dish made without proper seasonings was something she wouldn’t even touch if offered.
*
“I never thought this would happen. What’s the big deal if I can’t eat meat…”
“Hey! Didn’t you see what they served me!? Just some unprocessed vegetables thrown at me in the name of tradition!”
Patrick’s mention of the disrupted banquet atmosphere in the elf’s accommodation made me glare at him. While he consumed proper meals, it seemed he felt guilty about my salad-only meal, avoiding eye contact.
“I didn’t expect it to be that severe.”
“I understand why they’ve become vegetarian. It’s not like there weren’t people who considered eating meat a luxury. But there should be limits.”
I believed that the distinction between right and wrong was fluid and could change depending on the situation. So, perhaps there would come a day when that way of eating might be the right answer.
However, at least not now. The splendid city and developed civilization were quite different from the arduous times they reminisced about.
Most importantly, the political exploitation of such naturally developed traditions and customs was infuriating.
In fact, nearly everyone in power would do the same, but in this place, treated like living fossils, I wanted to exert some influence.
I didn’t particularly like the idea of insisting on isolationism either.
Elnar and the elders advocated for the scattered elves to unite against outside forces to protect their identity and traditions, but it seemed to me that was an exceedingly arrogant stance.
I knew from my experience outside that elves could never stand against the outside world. Yet they persisted because not everyone outside was bad.
There were indeed those who opposed and committed wicked deeds against the elves, but they did not control the entire world.
“Still, we have to stop Kanp from acting…”
“Kanp?”
“Such a thing exists.”
As Rina tilted her head, I mumbled my words. Of course, I still had no intention of directly interfering in the modern elven society.
I merely hoped the current leaders would expand their thinking a bit due to my presence.
However, if they remained obstinate until the end, I wouldn’t just stay quiet. I would have to deliver a stronger shock to force some awakening.
“Everyone, get some rest. Tomorrow, I plan to do nothing and head straight to the site of the erosion.”
After telling my companions to rest, I sent them to their respective rooms. Though there had been many events since arriving in the elf village, our objective from the beginning was to stop the erosion occurring nearby.
According to the elves’ testimonies, it was difficult to approach that area, but nothing had happened yet. However, I was certain that a battle would break out, so I prepared my companions.
“Why are you bringing that out?”
“Because the traditions and customs they believed to be absolute are not really absolute. I want to provoke them to develop further. And it will also make it easier to commune with the spirits, so it can be used as combat gear.”
Rina, having changed into her pajamas, stared in confusion at the items I pulled out from my luggage, but I had already made up my mind.
Since I had exposed my appearance and identity, I intended to make the most of it.
