第６８７堀：たのしいさとがえり (Part1)
**Chapter 687: A Joyful Homecoming**
**Side: Eris, Yuki’s Wife (and other titles are basically just bonuses)**
It had been a long time since I last returned home.
The reason for this visit was to act as a bridge to the High Elf nation, but I was genuinely looking forward to bringing Yuki-san to my hometown and seeing the faces of everyone in the village again.
During the journey, Yuki-san would occasionally deal with monsters—likely out of kindness, though it was quite taxing for Kagura and the others—and as I watched the nostalgic scenery pass by from the car, I realized that, in many ways, nothing had changed.
"Come to think of it, Eris, how long has it been since you left the village?" Yuki-san asked suddenly from the driver's seat.
"Let me see... it’s been nearly five years since I settled in Weed, so I suppose it’s been about eight or nine years total."
"So you spent three or four years traveling, and then got caught up in the war."
"Yes. The village I was staying in was attacked. Well, I owe who I am today to that incident, so while I feel bad for the people of that village, I’m actually grateful for it."
"I suppose that’s not a happy memory for the people of the village. But it was the catalyst for our meeting. It wasn't just a bad event; it’s a fact that it led to this happiness we have now."
"Yes."
It was true. The villagers had suffered a great misfortune, and at the time, I thought that was the end for me. But everyone in Weed knows how my life changed completely after that.
The Saintess Elju, who founded the city and the nation, and the War Princess Seraria, who discovered the talented women—we were the first nine. Eris, Ratz, Milly, Tori, Riel, Kaya, Labyris, Aslin, and Firia. Though, in truth, it was Yuki-san pulling the strings behind the scenes.
I had expected to become a slave, to be toyed with, and to die. But then, Mauve-san and the others appeared. I thought that by being taken in by top-tier adventurers, I might eventually be returned to my village. Instead, I was taken to a quiet, unknown dungeon.
And there, I met the person of my destiny.
My first impression was that he was just an ordinary man—a thin, frail-looking person who I doubted could even fight. But when I learned he was a Dungeon Master, I was terrified. Yet, after hearing his circumstances—that an ordinary man had become a Dungeon Master—I decided to cooperate with his realistic ideals.
After much hardship, I became Yuki-san’s wife and even had his child. There are still many problems, but I can say with certainty that I am at the peak of happiness. I will continue to support Yuki-san and walk by his side, no matter where the path leads.
As I was lost in these thoughts, chatting with Kagura and the others—who were exhausted from the conversation and the monster battles—I suddenly saw the gate of my nostalgic village.
It would have taken three days to a week on foot or by horse. I wish I could have taken it a little slower... but no, I mustn't dwell on that. If I don't take the lead, nothing will start.
"Well then, Yuki-san. I’ll go ahead and speak with them."
"Got it. We’ll wait here in the car."
"Yes. Please wait just a moment."
I stepped out of the car and approached the gate. The elf warriors, bows drawn, watched me with sharp, vigilant eyes.
"Long time no see, everyone!!"
When I called out, the elf warriors clearly recognized me, and their hostility vanished.
"Hm? Hmm!? Is that Eris!?"
"That’s right. I sent a letter, didn't I? You gatekeepers look well."
"Man, you’re earlier than we thought. We only heard from the Elder two days ago. And it hasn't even been ten years since you left, has it?"
"Yeah. We thought you wouldn't be back for another thirty years."
"Actually, before we celebrate your return, can you tell us what that strange vehicle is? It’s moving without any horses. And it looks like a lump of iron."
"Ah, right."
As expected, everyone was surprised by the car. I suppose a vehicle that isn't pulled by a living creature is beyond their imagination.
"Well, the vehicle itself isn't dangerous. But before I explain in detail, could you let me see the Elder? The person who came with me is the Prince Consort of Weed; I need to greet him properly."
"Oh, I see. So the partner of the much-talked-about Queen of Weed is inside."
"I see. If he’s inside that lump of iron, he shouldn't be easily harmed."
I doubt even if all of you ganged up on him, you could leave a single scratch on Yuki-san—or the car, for that matter. Well, we’d stop you before it came to that anyway.
"We understand. Go ahead and speak to the Elder. Do you need an escort?"
"No, I’m fine. Oh, one thing—make sure no one causes any harm to those people, okay?"
"Who would turn this into an international incident? If you're that worried, hurry up and bring the Elder."
"Understood."
After settling that, I waved to Yuki-san and headed into the village to fetch the Elder.
"Wow... nothing has changed."
That was my first thought upon entering. For better or worse, my hometown remained exactly the same. Old, weathered wooden houses stood in rows, and women were bathing at the well in the center of the village.
"Right, midday is women's time."
Thanks to my life in Weed, the culture of bathing had become second nature to me. Seeing my friends bathing in the open, with men occasionally glancing over, made me feel a mix of pity, embarrassment, and rising anger.
As I approached the well with these thoughts...
"Hm? Who are you? You look familiar..."
"What? Have you gone senile in less than ten years?"
"Ah, Eris!?"
"That’s right, Kie."
When Kie, my closest friend, said that, the others seemed to remember me and started talking while still completely naked.
"Wow, Eris! Long time no see!! Or is it? It’s been ten years, hasn't it!!"
"We heard there was a war, so we were worried about you!"
"As always, your chest is unbelievably huge. Actually, I knew it was you the moment I saw your chest."
"Yeah, yeah!"
For some reason, our emotional reunion turned into a rude conversation about how they recognized me by my chest size, but I suppose it couldn't be helped. The others were all as flat as boards. Aside from the fact that Yuki-san likes them and they’re necessary for nursing my child, they’re just a burden that makes my shoulders ache and makes it hard to see my own feet.
Well, never mind that.
"Everyone, sorry, but could you stop bathing and put on some clothes? I’m about to bring the Prince Consort of Weed here. It’s not that bathing is bad, but it’s a bit much to be walking around naked."
It was a matter of etiquette. Yuki-san would probably ignore it, but Eoid would likely get punched by Amanda. They seemed to understand, as they hurriedly put on their clothes, but since they were still wet, the fabric clung to their skin. Without undergarments, their body lines were clearly visible.
...This is actually even more suggestive, isn't it?
I was wondering if I should dry them with magic when Kie suddenly asked a question.
"Hey, Eris. I heard a rumor that you married the Prince Consort of Weed. Is that true?"
"Eh? It’s true. I even have a child."
"Ehhhh!?"
Surprisingly, everyone was shocked.
"Wait, Eris, you’re 56, right!? Children usually come after you’re 100... *guff!*"
Oh no, I forgot to mention the most important thing. I tightened my grip on Kie’s face.
"Listen, Kie. Everyone. I am 24 years old. I was 18 when I married Yuki-san. Got it?"
When I said that with a smile, everyone nodded in unison. I let go of Kie.
"...Ah, so you’re the same age as your husband. I see. But it’s amazing you had a child. They say it’s hard for elves to conceive."
"The power of love."
Mainly, the power of love that involves being with him all day long.
"Actually, it’s hard even between our own kind. Has anyone had a child since then?"
"No. Not at all."
"I see."
No children in ten years—that would be a serious problem in Weed. But elves have long lifespans, so they don't take it too seriously. Or perhaps it’s because the whole village feels like one big family, and there’s so much inbreeding—or rather, everything is contained within the village—that it leads to a lot of close-kin marriages.
I wonder if that has something to do with it?