Chapter 6

Absolutely do not touch Eldmia Ega - Chapter 6 (6/599)

From what I heard, it seems they weren't parents.

The war with the Demon King's army seemed endless, and although it wasn't a daily occurrence, there had been many battles over the past three years.

Ashelie speculated that the guys I beat up and those who were looking for me were probably friends who had run away to seek adventure without understanding the world, causing themselves unnecessary trouble.

In a world where adulthood is reached at 16, they were like chaotic calves who had rushed out without their wits, suffering from hero syndrome in the midst of the tumultuous middle school syndrome.

"Could they be war orphans?"

"There's no way such kids would be in Ogwen."

Ashelie silently conveyed the deeper meaning of her words by staring at me, and I understood.

Indeed. Apart from the destruction of our village, there hadn't been any significant wars in this area. In a normal situation, I would be the only one fitting the special case of a war orphan. Even I wouldn't know what would have happened without Ashelie. Despite being a few years older, the chances of kids in such a situation making it to Ogwen alone without any help were slim.

In other words, they were just pitiful, ignorant fools.

"Actually, a growing city might be a land of opportunity for such kids. There wouldn't be many violent groups, so if they form a gang, they might rule like kings among the vagrants, right?"

"Is that common?"

"Very. It's a war, after all."

It's really the end of the world if even elves, not just humans, know about such trivial opportunities. It's a disgrace to the race.

"So, what are you going to do?"

"I have to meet them."

It was a straightforward and obvious issue, so I answered immediately. Ashelie pressed her temples.

"To be honest, I'm not worried about your skills. Even without aura, you're exceptional among your peers. But real combat always has variables, right?"

"That's why you need to gain experience early. Do you think they'll even draw their knives?"

Apart from being adults, it's a matter of money. Ultimately, they're just kids gathering to cause trouble in the village. They haven't even formed a gang yet, just gathering.

If anyone other than the leader has a dagger, that's impressive. Even if they do draw one, who in their right mind would commit murder in the city?

"Rather, it's an opportunity. A perfectly safe chance for real combat experience."

I called them kids not just because of their mental state but also their physical condition.

We grew up differently. I've been training and preparing since I was 8 to be ready by the age of 16. Three years is not a short time. While there might be taller ones, my body, which has been exercised more as I grew older, is robust and rare. If it were just a matter of numbers, it would be tough, but the chances of losing are almost zero. I don't have a hobby of bullying the weak, but I won't avoid a fight if they start it. That would violate my principles.

No matter how much you practice, your body will stiffen if you're not used to being surrounded or fighting. It's a good experience. I'm not a genius.

So, I was genuinely excited about the opportunity given by heaven when Ashelie sighed deeply and said,

"You're really unpredictable."

"Don't worry, sis. Trust your little brother. I'm not a thug who starts with his fists."

If I can avoid a fight, I will. Once I become an adventurer and live a life of constant battles, why would I mar this peaceful moment with violence? I don't want that.

"Right. I may not know everything about my little brother, but I know that. I heard they usually gather in front of Mr. Yance's blacksmith shop around lunchtime. Go there tomorrow."

She treats me like a kid my age, but she can't help worrying. For her sake, I decided to resolve the issue smoothly and cleaned the fireplace diligently.

◈

I was worried I might wake up early because I went to bed early to prepare for a possible fight, but I ended up sleeping soundly.

After my usual morning routine of exercise and checking the traps in the forest, and after finishing the breakfast Ashelie made, I headed to Ogwen on horseback at the right time.

Riding at a good pace, it took about 20 minutes. I greeted a familiar guard, and he responded.

"Aren't you Eldmia? I saw Ashelie come here yesterday. What brings you here today?"

"Someone said they were looking for me, so I came to check it out."

"Hmm. Don't cause any trouble."

"You worry too much, sir. What trouble could I get into just by meeting someone?"

"Kids your age cause trouble even in their sleep. Be careful, especially with the strange ones around lately."

Many guards had become familiar with our faces over the past three years. I entered the town, joking, and headed straight to Mr. Yance's blacksmith shop. The strange ones must be the ones I beat up, right?

It was approaching lunchtime. As I strolled through the bustling city and reached the blacksmith shop, I saw a group of kids glaring at passersby.

There were six of them, thin and dirty, and their glares were unpleasant. One of them was definitely one of the ones I beat up.

I dismounted and approached them. The one who recognized me glared and started a fight.

"What do you want, kid? Why don't you scram?"

"I came because someone said they were looking for me. Should I go?"

The six of them exchanged glances and then one of them shouted.

"You bastard! I've been waiting for you!"

The others, who had been squatting, stood up and started to surround me. I took a few steps back to avoid being surrounded, and another one shouted.

"Shit, are you running, you idiot?"

"What? It's obvious you're trying to surround me, so I'm moving to avoid it."

I backed up to where my horse was, and they maintained their clumsy formation, glaring at me. When nothing happened for a few seconds, I had to speak first.

"What are you looking at? If you have something to say, say it quickly. I came because you were looking for me, but I have nothing to do with you. I'm busy."

Frustrated, I sighed, and the one with freckles spoke, his eyes hazy, looking a bit deficient.

"Idiot. Are you scared?"

He was exactly as he looked. His illogical thinking made my brow twitch.

"No, if you're stupid, don't speak. Please, let the smartest one among you answer me. Why is he babbling?"

"What, you idiot?"

"You came because you were looking for me, and now you're asking if I'm scared? What are you, a rockhead? Do you have nothing to say? If staring at me is your job, I can leave."

"You bastard!"

He couldn't understand, and with a scowl, he swung his fist. I didn't need to understand.

-Smack!

"Ugh!"

His fist hit my stomach, not my face, so I just took it and then kicked him in the head. As expected, it didn't hurt much, and I just got a bit dusty from his dirty fist. I brushed off the dust and looked at the others.

The five of them were staring at the one who had been kicked and was lying on the ground, unable to get up.

"Alright. Now that the biggest rockhead is quiet, let's have a proper conversation. Why were you looking for me?"

"H, our leader is looking for you. Follow us."

After hesitating, the one I beat up finally spoke, but the content was disappointing.

"Why me?"

"What?"

"Your leader, not mine. Why should I come?"

Because it was true, the kid suddenly started trembling and shouted as if having a seizure. The sight of him shivering from the truth was...

"Shut up and follow us! If you don't want to see that elf bitch die!"

"...What?"

What? Elf what?

I couldn't process it, and my expression must have been very confused. The five of them started laughing, as if it was a sign of their victory.

"Idiot. Did you think we wouldn't know? You live with that elf bitch. We know where she goes. Got it, idiot?"

"That bitch is selling her body to raise you. If you don't want to see her get passed around for free, shut up and follow us."

After standing there for a while, I finally understood what they were saying.

And I finally understood who they were referring to as the "elf bitch," "elf slut," and "fucking bitch."

Ah. So they were calling Ashelie an "elf bitch," "elf slut," and "fucking bitch"!

Did they want to die so badly that they finally snapped?

"I am Eldmia Ega."

"What?"

"What are you saying, you idiot?"

I couldn't bear to look at them, who were still clueless. At such a young age, they shouldn't be like this, but the situation was what it was, and I felt my neck stiffen. I forced myself to calm down and continued.

"Just remember. Never touch Eldmia Ega."

The plan has changed.

I need to use these guys to engrave my principles in Ogwen.