𝐄𝐥𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧
After Dragburn disappeared, we entered the half-destroyed Elf Village, overwhelmed by a sense of futility.
Despite risking our lives in such intense battles, we gained nothing. However, let’s take solace in the fact that we at least managed to wipe out the dragon horde and protect Elf Village.
The Elves will surely become a significant force when we confront Dragburn again.
Even setting aside such calculations of loss and gain, I’m genuinely relieved that the Elves, who are Auntie Elle’s kin, are safe.
ㅤ
The Elves welcomed us warmly.
We were introduced by Auntie Elle, who is their former chieftain. Plus, we are heroes fighting against their sworn enemy, the Demon King’s Army, and the saviors who rescued Elf Village.
There’s really no reason for them not to welcome us.
ㅤ
Elf Village was in chaos due to the Divine Tree breaking, but surprisingly, the damage was not that extensive.
The area crushed under the fallen Divine Tree was devastated, but no other damage was apparent.
According to Auntie Elle,
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“Defensive battles in the village rely on the Divine Tree Protection and a magical barrier created by hundreds of people.
The enemy is usually annihilated before they can do any damage to the village.
This time, too, since we arrived before the dragons invaded, the casualties were minimal.”
ㅤ
That’s what she said.
In other words, unless you can break through magical bombardments and a barrier formed by hundreds of people, you can’t defeat even a single Elf soldier.
Dragburn had broken the barrier, but the target of that attack was solely the Divine Tree, so there was almost no damage to the village.
ㅤ
I feel like I’ve gained another reason to say why Elves are considered a strong race.
Moreover, I later heard that many residents under the fallen Divine Tree were able to quickly dig deep holes with earth magic and take shelter, resulting in fewer than double-digit deaths.
Even non-combatant Elf children can perform such magic if guided by their guardians.
Elves are too strong.
ㅤ
“Ernesta-sama, brave adventurers,
I apologize for troubling you when you’re exhausted, but the chief would like to speak with you.
He wishes to discuss preparations for the next battle against the Four Heavenly Kings.”
“Understood. Tell him we’ll be right there.”
“Yes.”
ㅤ
One of the Elves relayed the message to Auntie Elle and left.
The chief is calling us, huh.
Elf Chieftain.
I recall he’s Auntie Elle’s successor and one of the Holy Warriors possessing the Sage 『divine protection』.
ㅤ
“So, I’ll go to the chieftain for a bit.
Would you like to come with me?
If you’re tired from the fierce battle, I can go alone.”
“I’m fine. I have confidence in my stamina.”
“I’m also okay. I was just providing support during the last fight.”
ㅤ
Blade and Rin immediately responded to Auntie Elle’s words.
Stella also, just a beat later,
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“I’m fine too. Let’s go right away.”
ㅤ
She replied.
Ah, this is. . . . . .
ㅤ
“What about you, Al-boy?”
“. . . . . .I’m also fine. Let’s get this discussion over with quickly.”
ㅤ
For now, the meeting with the chieftain takes priority.
It’s best to take care of such matters sooner rather than later.
ㅤ
ㅤ
So, led by Auntie Elle, we made our way to the Elf Chieftain’s home.
In the Elf Village, where most of the buildings look like they were created with earth magic or something, his house was relatively luxurious.
In a bed within that house, he lay.
A handsome elf, who appeared to be in his late 20s, was sitting up in bed with a pale face.
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“It’s been a long time, former chief. And to the heroes accompanying her, nice to meet you. I am the Elf Chieftain, 『Sage』 Eltrait Yggdrasil. I look forward to your acquaintance.”
ㅤ
With that said, Elf Chieftain Eltrait-san bowed his head slightly.
Even that small action seemed quite difficult for him.
His pallid complexion told of his poor health.
. . . . . . It’s understandable that he’s not feeling well.
After all, he was the one who fended off Dragburn to protect this village until we arrived.
No matter the protection from the Divine Tree, it’s easy to imagine how much he must have overexerted himself.
Yet, even in such dire conditions, he retains a dignity worthy of an Elf Chieftain.
A strong man.
I genuinely respect him.
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“It’s been a while, Eltrait.”
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Auntie Elle, who spoke to her successor, had eyes filled with pride and kindness.
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“Is that a symptom of magical exhaustion?
You’ve overexerted yourself to the point that even Healing Magic can’t cure you, all for the sake of the village.
You’ve done well.”
“. . . . . . No, I don’t deserve any words of gratitude.
I couldn’t protect the Divine Tree. . . . . . !
The emotional support of all the Elves. . . . . . !”
ㅤ
Spitting out the words like blood, Eltrait-san conveyed them.
In his words, there was so much anger, grief, and regret that it shattered the dignified facade he was keeping up.
It must be because the Divine Tree was something so precious to the Elves.
I know all too well the pain of losing something important.
Eltrait-san was clenching his teeth tightly.
He would likely feel it all: the sensation of clenched teeth breaking, the taste of blood seeping into his mouth, the unpleasant heat carried by anger and frustration, and the chilling coldness caused by sadness and regret, down to the temperature of a heart on the verge of breaking.
Everything was something that could be empathized with.
ㅤ
Gently embracing Eltrait-san’s head to her chest, Auntie Elle comforted him.
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“You’ve done well. Even if you don’t admit it, I do. You protected the village well until I returned.”
“. . . . . .”
ㅤ
In response to Auntie Elle’s words, tears welled up in Eltrait-san’s eyes.
For Eltrait-san, Auntie Elle might have been a special presence.
Even in the deepest and most painful moments, her words had the power to resonate in the heart.
ㅤ
“You did your best, Eltrait.”
“Uh . . . . . . uuh . . . . . . !”
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And so, Eltrait-san began to cry on Auntie Elle’s chest.
He probably couldn’t show his weakness to others as the Elf Chieftain.
He couldn’t afford to complain.
He cried as if to expel all the pent-up pain and sorrow.
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“I’m sorry. . . . . . ! I’m sorry . . . . . . ! Mama~~~!”
“Oh, there, there. You’ve always been a crybaby.”
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .What?
Did I just hear a shocking word?
ㅤ
“””Mama?”””
“Hm? Didn’t I mention it? Eltrait is my son.”
ㅤ
Unconsciously harmonizing our voices, Auntie Elle naturally responded.
. . . . . . I feel like I’ve heard she has a son.
I see.
Is this a parent-child bonding moment?
ㅤ
If so, there’s no problem.
There shouldn’t be any problem.
This is definitely not a scene of a grown man engaging in baby role-play by calling a young girl ‘mama.’
I understand that in my head.
I get it, but . . . . . . the visuals and what was said were too intense, and the image of Eltrait-san as both a momma’s boy and a Lolicon was powerfully imprinted and never faded away.
The image I had of him as a strong man I deeply respected is being overtaken and erased by the image of a momma’s boy and a Lolicon.
What a tragedy.
ㅤ
“Well, with Eltrait like this, we can hardly have a strategy meeting now, can we?
I’d like to comfort my adorable son who has been doing his best for a while now, is that alright?”
“Why not? Such times are important.”
ㅤ
As soon as I say that, everyone else seemed to agree, nodding lightly.
Rin and Blade still seemed to be in shock from the ‘calling mama’ part, though.
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“Good. I’m relieved. Then, let’s disband for now.
Feel free to roam around the village.
If you have any needs, feel free to talk to someone nearby.”
“Understood. Let’s go.”
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To give the parent and child some space, I dragged the still dumbfounded Rin and Blade out of the house.
Stella said she was going to pick some flowers and disappeared somewhere.
After confirming that with a sideways glance, I entrusted the pair of the Sword Saint and the Saint to a nearby Elf.
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“Alright then.”
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After palming off the two, I started to walk, making sure not to make any footsteps.
I’m conscious of taking my time.
Better to have some alone time than to rush, I thought.
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So, I started to search in the direction she had gone, and after an appropriate amount of time had passed.
I found exactly what I had expected.
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“Ah, just as I thought, this is how it turned out.”
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The location was the back of a building that seemed to be unused.
In a place difficult to be discovered by others, camouflaged by the lush green nature of the Elf Village.
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There, I found Stella, hugging her knees and looking down.
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