Chapter 23

The elf girl, who had fallen over with her eyes rolled back, returned to her original kneeling position a few seconds later.

"I'm sorry. I lost my composure."

"…Yeah."

"It's fine. I just forgot to breathe."

…Forgot to breathe?

"Then, Lady Reni, let's go. …Forgive my presumption… I will touch your hand."

"Please."

I placed my hand on the hand she offered reverently. Then, the elf girl, after gulping, closed her eyes.

"Try hard. Try hard, me. Calm down… inhale, exhale. That's deep breathing… that, …deep breathing…"

She seemed to be desperately trying to take deep breaths, but by the second attempt, her breathing was already ragged. This is probably not going to work.

Realizing this, I lowered the hood with my free hand.

"Is this better?"

When I called out, the elf girl opened her eyes.

With the hood of the [Hermit's Robe] on, I would be invisible to her.

"Lady Reni's form has become invisible again… Is it the effect of the equipment, just like before?"

"Yeah. Is this okay?"

"…Yes, that's right. For me, touching your hand while seeing your form was too much of a stimulus."

The elf girl drooped her shoulders dejectedly.

But at least her breathing seemed to have normalized.

"I've caused you trouble, Lady Reni, but even if you ignore me, I think it's better not to see your form. Let's return in this state."

"Yeah."

"Then let's start."

"Okay."

The elf girl, after waiting for my response, began to walk slowly. I followed her, taking small steps.

"How do we get back?"

We stepped out onto the street from the building of the Slanita Finance, which had been renovated and was now empty of people and the roof. To leave the city, we would have to pass through the gate, but I wondered if the elf girl could go out at night.

When I asked, she nodded and said it was fine.

"Originally, I entered this city by climbing over the wall, so I plan to return the same way."

"Eh, not through the gate?"

"Yes. If I could make myself invisible like Lady Reni, it would be fine, but I don't have that ability…"

"Climb the wall?"

"Yes."

The elf girl answered my question nonchalantly.

But the wall, built to defend against monster attacks, was quite high and difficult to climb.

Despite my doubts, I followed her as she led the way. She stopped in front of a wall that was about 5 meters high.

"Let's climb it."

No way, that's impossible?

"It's really high, you know?"

"Lady Reni, do you know what elves are called in the city?"

"Um… wise ones of the forest?"

Wise ones of the forest. That's what elves were called in the game, I think.

"Yes, that's correct. Elves rarely interact with humans and live in deep forests. They are skilled in manipulating magic, have long lifespans, and are rich in knowledge. They are called this because of their leisurely way of life."

That's how it was in the game too. Elves didn't live in human settlements but in villages of their own in the primitive forest, which was full of huge trees. They were strong in magic, especially in healing and knowledge of herbs and history.

I chose the elf race, but I mostly focused on item crafting…

As I recalled this, I nodded, and the girl smiled softly.

"But there is another name for them."

It's a special one, she said with a cute smile—

"That's the forest hunter."

"Forest hunter?"

"I'll show you why they are called that. …So, …can I pick you up?"

"Of course!"

Excited by the very thrilling proposal, I quickly placed my hands on both of her upper arms. Yes, the carrying position. This way, even if I'm invisible, I should be able to sense where her body is.

The elf girl, apparently able to estimate my position from the feel of my hands, held me around the waist and lifted me up.

"…This is Lady Reni's weight… I only feel love… It's too much… But I can't, I have to stay calm, stay calm, I… If I fall now, Lady Reni will be affected too. I must avoid that at all costs… Try hard. Inhale, exhale… inhale…"

"Are you okay?"

"Ugh…"

I gently called out to the elf girl, who was repeatedly taking deep breaths while holding me.

She stopped moving abruptly.

"Voice in my ear."

Then, her knees began to shake, and her breathing was so ragged that she seemed about to collapse—

"No… I can't… I can't fall…!!"

—Final boss tension.

Now is not the time to talk!