Chapter 13

"I'm really sorry for attacking you, my savior."

Putting on the dried clothes, the elf demonstrated a perfect dogeza (a form of deep bowing on one's knees).

I didn't know this world had a culture of dogeza.

"I'm sorry too for causing a misunderstanding. Please get up."

"But..."

"It's fine as long as we're both safe."

"Thank you. Uh..."

The elf finally raised her head after giving thanks but then hesitated.

Come to think of it, we still don't know each other's names.

"I'm Tree Pillar. Feel free to call me Pillar."

"Then I'll call you Hashira. My name is Leidia. By the way, I'm often mistaken for an elf, but I'm actually a high elf."

"Huh? You're different from an elf?"

In games, I've heard of such races, but I wonder what their characteristics are in this world.

"Basically the same, but high elves have a longer lifespan and more magical power than regular elves. Still, even with that, I couldn't stand a chance against the Armored Bear or the Gaia Note in the Forest of Death..."

Leidia puffed out her chest proudly but quickly became weak.

I want to comfort her, who had confidence in her combat abilities, but there are a few keywords that catch my attention.

"Wait a moment. The Forest of Death is this place?"

"Yes, it's a vast forest that covers a quarter of the Demon Kingdom Belgios. The monsters living there are all incredibly strong, and no one would dare approach unless they were reckless. On the other hand, because no one has touched it, the materials are abundant."

What? Hold on. I did ask for a place rich in nature, but I didn't expect it to be this dangerous.

From Leidia's explanation, this place seems quite dangerous.

By the way, it's impressive that you've been able to survive here for over a month. You must be really lucky.

"Even though I live in such a place, why are you here, Leidia?"

Perhaps she has some kind of mission or came here to obtain rare materials from the forest.

Since she came to such a dangerous place, there must be some reason.

"No, as a high elf, I was curious about a place with such abundant nature."

That's different. It's much lighter than I imagined.

"So, Leidia, you're a daredevil, then?"

That's why you were attacked by monsters and nearly died. I hope you take better care of yourself.

"It can't be helped! Living for a long time gets boring!"

Leidia said, sounding exasperated, and then protested.

According to the information I heard from Elphira, elves live for about three hundred years.

High elves, who live even longer than elves, must have it tough.

You look young and beautiful, but you must have lived for a considerable amount of time.

"Hey, you must have thought I'm quite old, right?"

Leidia's piercing gaze hit me.

"That's right. You figured it out."

"People always think the same thing when we talk about time."

"Anyway, I understand that the Armored Bear is a bear monster, but what's a Gaia Note?"

I can imagine one from its name, but I can't picture the other at all.

This forest is said to be full of violent monsters, so I need to know about them.

"No, it's right behind you, Hashira."

What, there's such a dangerous creature right behind me!?

I quickly turned around, but only Rent was standing there, waiting.

"Huh? It's just Rent."

"Yes, it's definitely him."

"Rent is a wooden golem I created."

It's definitely not the kind of dangerous monster Leidia is worried about.

"It doesn't look like a Gaia Note at all! Besides, a golem can't move that agilely!"

Leidia shouted, perhaps remembering how she was instantly neutralized.

It seems that a Gaia Note is a kind of spirit that appears in large forests or tree seas, acting as a guardian of natural areas.

Although I was told about Rent's amazing abilities, I don't really feel it because I'm not familiar with the world's common sense.

But I suspect that the cause is the blessing of Elphira. If that's the case, many of Rent's mysterious abilities make sense.

"…That's why your archery skills are better than mine."

"I don't understand what you're saying, but I don't think your way of accepting it is right."

Well, whether Rent is an amazing spirit or not, it doesn't really change anything. Rent is Rent.

He will continue to live with me as part of my family, as always.

"Hey, Hashira, why do you live in such a place?"

Leidia came here knowing it was a dangerous place. It's natural for her to be curious about someone living in such a place.

But if I tell her about my past life or that I was transferred by a god, she probably won't believe me.

"I just wanted to live a quiet, self-sufficient life in a place with few people."

"…So you're a daredevil too, living in the Forest of Death."

Perhaps because I gave her a look of exasperation earlier, Leidia returned a sarcastic gaze.

It's not like I chose this life, so I can't really argue with her.

"But so far, I haven't encountered any violent monsters."

"But isn't that green deer fur? This monster can extend its horns to attack, making it a tough opponent."

Leidia picked up the fur she was using as a blanket.

What? That was a monster? I thought it was just a deer that blended into the forest.

I've never fought it properly because Rent usually hits it physically or I grow trees to restrain it.

"Is that so? Hashira and I hunt them all the time..."

"...I see. Living in such a place, and with a Gaia Note, it's no wonder it's not a problem for you. Not like me."

Perhaps because she almost died in the forest, Leidia has been a bit dejected since then.

As a high elf, she must have been confident in her abilities.

I can't comfort her since I'm living here without any problems. I hope she recovers gradually.

To break the awkward silence, I changed the subject.

"By the way, what are you going to do now?"

Your wounds are healed, but your blood won't increase, so it's better to stay for a while. But she probably has her own plans, so I can't force her.

I'll respect Leidia's wishes.

"Sorry, but can I stay here for a while? I can see the forest with you. In return, I'll do anything I can to help."

Leidia clasped her hands and asked anxiously.

It's a bit concerning when a woman says she'll do anything.

But I've been thinking that I need more help around here, so I'm happy that Leidia offered to help.

Also, I want to talk to someone from this world for the first time. I know too little about this world.

"Alright. We have extra rooms, so you can stay."

"Thank you, Hashira!"

And so, a high elf came to stay at my house.

Thank you for reading.

If you think:

'Looking forward to the future!'

'Can't wait for the next part!'

'Keep up the good work!'

Please bookmark and press the star at the bottom. I would be very happy. Thank you!