第３４２堀：変わりすぎていると気が付かない (Part2)
As for the "Hunters," that is merely an alternative name for Elves, specific to the Weed continent; on this continent, they are known simply as Elves or the Magic-User race.
"Thank you for your long journey! My apologies, but for the sake of national defense, we must perform a baggage inspection. I realize it may be discourteous to the envoys of the Roday and Lancer Magic Academies, but I ask for your understanding!"
The soldier, a Wolf Beastman who appeared to be the leader of the current shift, gave a sharp salute as he spoke. The other soldiers followed suit.
Having no particular reason to refuse, I stepped out of the vehicle to show them our cargo. If I didn't, the soldiers—unfamiliar with the vehicle's construction—wouldn't know how to proceed.
"They are good soldiers."
"Indeed. Steve and his lot don't have that sharp, disciplined air about them, do they?"
"I am honored by your praise! Alright, men! We cannot keep the envoys waiting. Be quick, but thorough!"
"Yes, sir!"
Indeed. Jessica and Ria are right. Honestly, I’d like to force Steve to drink some of their discipline. I wouldn't say that goblin doesn't work, but he’s developed this cynical attitude—I have no idea who he picked it up from.
While I was thinking this, the soldiers finished the inspection in no time. Of course, I had already stashed any items they wouldn't understand into my Item Box. Explaining them one by one would be a massive headache.
"Alright. How is it on your end?"
"Finished. No issues found!"
"Same here!"
"Apologies for the wait. The inspection is complete, and there were no problems. Please, proceed—"
Just as he began to say that, an elderly Elf came running from deep within the city gates. He was a hulking, muscular man—quite the departure from the typical image of an Elf. Well, that’s just me projecting my own biases; I suppose there’s no reason an Elf can’t be pure muscle.
"It seems the inspection is finished. I shall take over the escort from here. You men, return to your posts."
"Yes, sir! Please, enjoy your stay in White Forest. Excuse us!"
They really are diligent. Is it because they’re city guards? That’s different from the military, isn't it? Still, couldn't Steve and the others adopt some of that refreshing professionalism?
"My apologies for the late introduction. I am Strong Arm, a General here in White Forest. You have done well to arrive through such a blizzard. I see there are many young women among you. I shall have you warmed up immediately..."
The muscular Elf, Strong Arm, suddenly froze mid-sentence, his gaze fixed on something. When I turned to look, I saw Claudia and Kaya.
"It’s been about a hundred years since I last visited secretly, but it hasn't changed at all."
"Back then, we were just here to evaluate what to do with this place. Well, it’s not like things change all that much in a century."
Actually, if an industrial revolution or modernization hits, things can change drastically in just fifty years. Those fifty years were incredibly dizzying, with constant technological updates. Black-and-white TVs turned into color, then higher resolution, then thinner; the "Three Sacred Treasures" changed; and before you knew it, a network was created that allowed for instant communication across the globe. Yeah, when you think about it, Earth is amazing. Though, it takes time to get there.
But that’s beside the point. For some reason, Strong Arm was trembling as he looked at the two of them, tears welling up in his eyes.
...Wait, tears?
"Oh...! You have finally returned! Lady Claudia! Lady Kaya!"
Ah, I see. They’re acquaintances. Well, since they’re Elves, they live a long time, so it’s not impossible for them to have old friends here. However, as the muscular Elf raised his voice in joy and wept, the two women he addressed...
"Who might you be?"
"We don't know any muscular Elves like you."
Oh, they don't know him?
"Ah, it is no wonder you do not recognize me in this form. I am Strong, the one who gathered the children who had been burned out of their homes during the war with the Demon King!"
"Oh! You’re that boy from back then!?"
"Wow, that’s amazing. You were so scrawny back then."
"At that time, we were merely waiting for death. But then, the Holy Sword wielders brought us here to White Forest. I am truly, truly grateful! Thanks to you, I trained my body to protect everyone here, and to try and catch up to the Holy Sword wielders, even if only a little... Hmph!"
He flexed his arms, showing off muscles that looked ready to burst.
"Th-that’s wonderful."
"...Gross."
Both of them had stiff expressions. It’s one of those things where an acquaintance you haven't seen in ages has changed too much. You know, like when a guy who was a handsome, full-haired youth shows up at a reunion completely bald, and you can't even tell who he is without asking his name?
Well, regardless, it looks like we’re off to a good start. Younger people might not understand, but even for me, seeing a guy with a receding hairline at a reunion when I was twenty-three or four made me feel sad. Besides, women change so much that I can't even tell who they are—not that I’m interested!