第６８８堀：たのしいおはなし (Part2)
"Yes. So, in the beginning, he might not have shown much emotion on his face or in his words."
"It’s true, he was smiling and kind, but he was an enigma."
Everyone nodded again at Eris’s words. Well, he was a man living in a dungeon, a dangerous territory. It was only natural to be wary. Though, I suppose that applies to me as well.
"That certainly wasn't a romantic start. But to think you were a slave... it’s a miracle you stayed safe."
"It was destiny. I—we—were meant to meet Yuki-san."
"...I see. It’s clear that Eris truly loves Yuki-sama. But to think that Eris, of all people, would become this love-struck."
There was no denying that. Eris turns into a carnivore once night falls.
"Well, it’s not a bad thing. It seems you’ve had a child, and the elves will likely prosper alongside many other races in this new place called Weed. Oh, that’s right, we’ve strayed quite far from the topic, but if you are offering support, I have an idea. May I speak it?"
"Of course. Though I can’t promise it can be realized without asking him first."
"That goes without saying. Well, I don’t think it’s such a difficult request. What I would like to ask is for you to take those who wish to go to Weed from this village."
Not understanding the intent behind the request, I tilted my head.
"Elder, I don’t understand the purpose of your request. If they follow the proper procedures, anyone can visit Weed. There aren't any strict screenings, and while there is a fair distance between Weed and this village, I don’t recall any part of the road being so dangerous that one would have to prepare for death."
Exactly. Even if we don't personally escort them, they could just come on their own. Those who "wish to go" are people who have the desire to visit Weed. Surely, those types would just come of their own accord.
Perhaps understanding what I was thinking, the Elder and the other elderly elves twisted their faces into subtle, awkward expressions. Is there something going on behind the scenes? As I wondered this, Eris explained with a wry smile.
"Er, how should I put this... Elves with a disposition like mine are rare. Of course, many elves live in Weed, but even then, I doubt they make up even a tenth of the total number of elves living on the Rogari continent. Most of the rest spend their time gathered in clans, just like in this village."
Ah, I’m starting to see what they mean.
"It is embarrassing to admit, but as Eris says, we are homebodies. We have a fair amount of knowledge, but we fear the possibility of becoming slaves, or we are terrified of bandits and monsters. There are very few who would risk leaving the village to travel."
An elderly male elf with wrinkles around his eyes said this, looking quite uncomfortable. So, it turns out... elves are just shut-ins. No, I suppose that’s just the nature of their race.
"Although this village was built under secret instructions from the High Elf nation, one of our goals is to ensure the prosperity of the elven race. If children aren't born, the village will eventually become deserted. But now, children are rarely born, and we were just discussing the idea of welcoming elves and other races from elsewhere. However, it’s not easy to find men willing to come to a remote village as studs, and because we are elves, we have to be suspicious of potential slave-related motives. There are many other problems, too..."
That makes sense. An elven harem for stud purposes. Any man would be happy to hear that, but you can't exactly put out a public advertisement for it, and it’s hard to find someone you can truly trust. Plus, when it comes to relationships between men and women, there’s no guarantee things will go well, and friction with the male elves already in the village would surely arise.
"So, you want to take them to Weed with us, where their safety can be guaranteed?"
"Exactly. If they are lucky, they might find a good partner in Weed and bring them back, like Eris did—that would be ideal. Well, it wouldn't be a problem if they just increased the elven population in Weed, either. There is much to be learned from meeting various races and living together. Much more than staying in a village like this. Honestly, I never imagined elves were such creatures who refused to leave their homes."
When the Elder said that, the other elderly elves in attendance gave wry smiles. It made me feel a bit sad, realizing that everyone has their own set of problems. In my world, elves are a popular fantasy race, but on the Rogari continent, they feel like a dying community struggling with social integration...
Well, with that, our objective was achieved, and the night deepened.
Oh, by the way, the "tourist visits" to Weed were quickly organized by the capable Eris and Ratz, and they were established as one of the tourism businesses—but that is a story for another time. Eris had a complicated look on her face when she saw many elven villages happily signing up for the travel plans.
"Those stuck-up, cowardly elves should just go extinct!!"
"Yes, yes. Eris. Calm down, calm down."
"Ratz, don't you think so too? Instead of having this weak-willed idea of finding their 'destined one' through a tourist trip, they should be going in with the momentum to pin them down..."
"Well, the relationship between you, us, and Yuki-san is special, after all..."
"Right? Destiny is something you have to find yourself..."
And so, Eris was frequently seen drinking and venting her frustrations like this.
What were the secrets of the High Elf nation? And, as it turns out, elves are fundamentally homebodies.