Chapter 72

As the horse's hooves trampled the grass, I lightly yawned, feeling the swaying sensation through the reins. Indeed, I couldn't deny my lack of sleep. After all, I hadn't slept at all last night.

It wasn't because of the beast that I volunteered to be a scout.

"However, Sir Hero, wasn't there another way?"

In response to that question, I made a slight sound in my throat and, still gripping the reins, glanced at the guard knight who had also become a scout.

His tone wasn't particularly harsh. It was a pure, genuine question, about how to deal with the ape-like beast.

As I moistened my lips, trying to formulate a response, he added another question.

"The new wine is indeed expensive. Rather than giving it to a mere beast, wouldn't it have been better to prevent further damage by slaying it?"

Indeed, that was a logical way of thinking, I thought honestly. Even as a knight of the Emblem Church, he had studied chivalry and honed his sword and spear. His approach was always straightforward and sharp. From the moment he volunteered to be a scout, riding his horse, I could see that.

The ape-like beast, if given a barrel of wine, would have snored and quickly lost consciousness. In this era, it hadn't yet developed a tolerance for alcohol. Normally, several barrels would have been sacrificed, but I was relieved that it didn't come to that.

However, I see. Indeed, using objects to lure the beast and, in a sense, letting it go, would go against the pride of chivalry. I stroked my chin thoughtfully.

"Sure, in a normal situation, that would be fine. But we're here to negotiate with the elves, aren't we?"

The knight seemed puzzled. Though his deep helmet obscured his face, he tilted his head as if to ask why the elves were mentioned.

We came here to talk to the elves. Therefore, the most important thing is to show respect to them.

Sometimes, it's inevitable to trample the grass and trees as we move forward. But show gratitude even for that. You might step on the soil, so show courtesy there as well. I formed my words in my mouth and continued.

"Elves are a race like that. If you want to form an alliance with them, you need to pay attention to the basics before worrying about elaborate etiquette. Even if it's a beast, defiling this forest with blood without permission could lead to an attack without warning."

The guard knight made a strange sound, as if to say it was ridiculous.

I, too, once thought such things were absurd. But it's the truth. They are a completely different species from humans.

Some people might see them as the same because they have two eyes, one mouth, one nose, and two ears, but now I can say that's a foolish idea.

Their sense of right and wrong, morality, and common sense are almost entirely different from ours.

Honestly, I still think forming an alliance with the elves is insane. Anja, the Emblem Church, claims to have formed an alliance with them, but I find it hard to believe.

"Anyway, these are the people who live in this forest and the aerial gardens built on Mount Gazaria. They have a narrow-minded worldview—"

"—Yes, exactly. I completely agree with you. I feel the same way. It's frustrating."

My ears trembled. A sharp voice, like a gust of wind, yet it caressed the depths of my ear. My heart shuddered violently, as if my entire body was shaking.

"That's why it's best not to talk about such things loudly. After all, they are extremely narrow-minded. Even in front of a clear pond, they can't see themselves. It's frustrating."

It was as if he had become one with the forest. The moment the leaves danced, he appeared before us.

I knew that technique well. It's a common trick used by elves. In their territory, the forest is their friend and part of them. While they can't teleport, it's easy for them to obscure human eyes.

I saw the owner of the voice in my eyes. The guard knight stood beside me, speechless and stunned.

"I don't welcome you, humans. But I have my own vow. So, I've endured the shame to appear before you."

He appeared to be a slender, perfectly formed man.

The elves truly look as if the spirits themselves shaped their forms. The word "perfect" doesn't even begin to describe it.

His hair was hidden under a hat, making him look like he had short hair at first glance. The position of the saber at his waist and the length of his pants clearly indicated he was a man. The guard knight probably believed that as well.

"You have shown respect to us elves. In accordance with my vow, I will give you one warning."

His voice was like a gentle breeze. If I let my guard down, my expression might have melted. It felt as if he was tickling the depths of my ear.

But my emotions were frozen, unmoving.

At this moment, my brain was clearly in a state of utter confusion.

I had expected it. I had braced myself. Or so I thought. But now, it felt as if every organ in my body had frozen, showing no reaction.

I had thought, or rather, convinced myself, that by befriending Karia and taking Fiala's hand, I had overcome my overwhelming emotions.

"You should not approach the aerial gardens of Gazaria. It will only lead to tragedy, especially for a human of the Emblem Church. This is my warning. Understand? Don't get too close."

His disguise was remarkable, likely enhanced by the power of the spirits. He looked entirely different from how he used to. He seemed like a different person. But I could never forget that voice, the voice that so easily trampled on people.

Ah, I am just an ordinary person, a small man. I once existed among geniuses, once made the hero Helt Stanley retreat, and even had the illusion that I had risen to a higher level.

But, but. If I were a hero, a true hero, would I still carry such petty emotions deep in my heart?

"Ah, by the way, let me introduce myself. It's a matter of courtesy, even if it's frustrating. My name is—"

Seeing the elf speak as if singing from his lips, my lips twitched. Ah, your name is.

"—Eldis. It's a name that can be either male or female, but many elves have such names."

—Eldis. The elf princess and companion on the journey to save the world. And, the worst destroyer.