New Elves

Thanks to Wheel-san’s detection, we were able to sense the elves’ approach several hours before they arrived.

He said it lacked accuracy compared to Simurg-san’s, but… from our perspective, it was hard to tell any difference.

Either way, the fact remained that his help saved us.

For now, I waited at Guinea’s entrance for the elves to arrive, keeping the extra Wood Golems at my side like attendants.

“Well, I think it’ll probably work out somehow.”

“Because we have Wheel-san’s authority… is that what you mean?”

Those who lived in the elf settlements carried deep feelings about Divine Beasts.

So we already knew that if we revealed Wheel-san—the ultimate trump card—this could be resolved.

“Yeah. Leave it to me.”

“Leave it to me.”

And since it would be bad if the talks got needlessly complicated, Wheel-san stayed beside me.

And on my other side, Rebecca toddled along at a tiny pace.

By the way, Catherine-san stayed behind to look after the children.

“From what I saw of Utena and Miria, I can handle this just fine. If it comes to it, I can also make them listen by physical means.”

“I really don’t want it to come to anything that violent…”

Nadja looked restless—like she wouldn’t mind fighting, or rather, like she wanted to.

It was true that since defeating the Tycoon Wolf, we hadn’t had any real fierce battles lately. Maybe she felt her skills were getting dull.

I decided to keep that in mind.

After waiting for about an hour, just as everyone’s focus started to slip and we began to feel a little dazed, the elves we were expecting arrived.

There were three of them.

One was a laid-back-looking man with a blade of grass in his mouth, and two women followed behind him like attendants.

“Well now… what a truly fascinating town this is.”

“Akabane-sama, this is not the time for remarks like that!”

“No need to rush, no need to rush. As the ancients said, haste brings no success.”

As they drew closer, I could hear their voices.

They were a very different type from Utena-san.

If I tried to force elves into the mold of “all proud like Utena-san,” I might get burned.

I needed to think more flexibly.

“Heeello there!!”

To show we were friendly, I waved both hands and smiled broadly.

Then the male elf at the front strode over.

“Incredible… he’s making absolutely no footstep sounds. He isn’t losing his footing in the sand, and his posture isn’t wavering at all… Watch yourself, Woody. That gentleman looks seriously capable.”

I was a little intimidated by Nadja’s ominous advice from behind, but I had no choice but to speak.

Now that she pointed it out, I could feel it too—an aura of strength, like Nadja’s.

If Nadja was “motion,” he felt like “stillness.”

His weapon was likely the one hanging at his waist—its sheath curved, as if the blade had a bend.

The fittings of the hilt were more beautiful than anything I’d ever seen. It was probably an exceptional piece.

“Nice to meet you. My name is Woody, and I serve as this village’s lord. I’ve already spoken with Utena-san, but… if you don’t mind, could we arrange a proper time to talk?”

“You—how dare you speak to elves in that manner—”

“It is fine. In fact, we should be the ones making the request. I am grateful for your consideration.”

“Akabane-sama!”

And so, new elves arrived in Guinea Village as well—.