Chapter 94

My name is Elron.

I am the leader of the proud Elven Thieves' Guild, the "Thunderstorm Stone Carvers."

The guild I lead is quite well-known and feared in both the territories of the demons and the humans. To put it bluntly, we are "infamous."

However, our bold thievery has led to us being wanted by both humans and demons alike. Thus, we are now living a life on the run, barely escaping with our lives. We can't settle down in places where there are people, so we ventured into uncharted territories where no one dares to tread, and several weeks have passed.

If we hide this deep, even the bounty hunters won't come after us.

Originally, camping in the forests and mountains is what elves excel at. Even in harsh environments where frail demons and humans would die within three days, we can live comfortably for years.

Our current plan is to camp here and wait for the heat to die down. Well, we'll probably return to our thieving ways within half a year.

As I was thinking about this, one of my subordinates, who was on patrol, came back out of breath.

"Boss! Boss, it's bad!"

Even in the forest, I always tell them not to make unnecessary noise during their thieving work. What's with this panic?

"I found a village!"

A village?

Don't be ridiculous.

We are wanted by both humans and demons and have deliberately ventured into the remote wilderness to escape our pursuers. There's no way a village, let alone a single person, could be living in such a place.

"However, Boss—"

Ah, it's Maerga, the deputy leader.

I always rely on your calm and rational advice. Speak your mind freely.

"Our elven sense of direction is far superior to that of humans and demons, but there's always a small chance of error."

That's true.

If we unknowingly returned to a populated area, there's a risk of being discovered by bounty hunters.

"We should verify the scout's report with our own eyes. If this place is indeed close to a populated area, we should move immediately."

As expected, Deputy Leader.

Your advice is calm and precise.

Hey, scout, lead us to the location of this village. I, the boss, will personally verify if your eyes are as good as a glass bead.

* * *

We set out with high spirits...

But why is the entire guild here?

"Hehe...!"

"It's fine, Boss."

It's not fine!

For a mere reconnaissance, this large group is too conspicuous and hard to move.

"It can't be helped, Boss. Even though we are elves, the people of the forest, we are a guild accustomed to city life. We miss the smell of a distant village after a while."

Even the deputy leader!?

...Well, I can't say I'm not excited too.

But it could be a mistake, right?

Don't get your hopes up too much.

Despite these thoughts, when we arrived at the location, it was indeed there.

A field.

It was clearly cultivated and tended by human hands. Moreover, the crops growing there were magnificent and lush!

"There's no sign of people. They might be working in another field, perhaps?"

Oh!

That's right, Deputy Leader!

Just because the field is here doesn't mean people are around. We don't know if this is in the human or demon territory. Everyone, be extremely cautious!

"Boss! Come here! The vegetables in this field!"

"Super delicious! Just picking and eating them makes my cheeks fall off!"

You guys, what the hell!

I told you to be cautious, and you're already stealing vegetables!?

Well, we are a thieves' guild, so it's only natural to eat a few vegetables.

"Boss, they really are delicious."

Even you, the calm deputy leader!?

"These crops, which I've never seen before, are all more delicious than anything we've ever eaten! What is this? The fruit of the gods!?"

The calm deputy leader is getting excited!?

No, no, it's just vegetables. It can't be that impressive.

Want to try it?

Fine, I was hungry anyway. I'll eat it without being asked.

It's a bright red color.

Here goes...

*crunch*.

So good...!

What!?

What is this? What is it!?

It's so delicious, fresh, and sweet-salty!

Compared to this, the wild herbs we've been eating are just bitter!

"Boss, the scouts who were watching the surroundings have returned with information."

Ah, right, when did they come back? They're always so prepared.

"This area is filled with similar fields, but there are no signs of a residential area. The only thing is a large mansion right in the center of the fields."

So, all these fields belong to someone living in that mansion.

"It's more like a farm. It seems to be the retreat of some noble."

I see.

That makes sense why there are so many fields in such a remote area.

A noble, huh...

A perfect target for our guild!

"What do you think, Boss? We are currently on the run and have decided to take a break from thieving, but—"

Whether we're on a break or not, we can't let such a delicious target go to waste!

"Then, shall we do it?"

The calm deputy leader and I lock eyes.

A noble who cultivates and monopolizes such delicious vegetables. There must be plenty of treasure in that mansion!

The "Thunderstorm Stone Carvers" are hereby temporarily resuming operations! We will raid the mansion and take everything we can!

"YEAH!!"

With the decision made, we won't hesitate for a moment.

This farmland is now our territory, "Thunderstorm Stone Carvers"!

Just as we were getting hyped up...

We encountered a dog.