GalaxyTL
A new, reliable companion, Fuu-chan, had joined us. But I was still wondering about that means of communication, when Schlie-san began explaining, as if reading my mind. Could he read minds like Shou-chan!? As I was staring at him in astonishment, Shou-chan said, “Master’s easy to read.” That was also a serious problem.
“My first spirit, Nephry, is a rather powerful individual. And she’s a precious partner, bound to me by our souls. So, if you need anything, entrust your message to the Wind Spirit you just named. She’ll relay it to Nephry, and Nephry will relay it to me.”
『Leave it to me, Master!』
『Just say the word! 』
Their dependable words were reassuring. Nephry-chan and Fuu-chan looked like parent and child when they were side by side. So soothing… I wanted to pet them.
Schlie-san explained that this was how elves usually communicated with each other. If they were too far apart, one of them had to have a powerful spirit, or their first spirit, to make it work. And of course, you could do it with spirits other than wind spirits. But you could only communicate with spirits of the same element.
“I sometimes use this method to communicate with my friends back home. But this time, there’s something I need to confirm, so I’m going there directly.”
“Schlie-shan… are you going to the Elven Village?”
The place he was going for work… was the Elven Village! So that’s why he’d be gone for a while. A week or two, so it must be pretty far? Or was it easy to get there? It sounded so… isekai-like! I wonder what it’s like… A secluded sanctuary where incredibly beautiful people reside… That’s scary. What if I got used to being surrounded by beauties, my standards got too high, and I couldn’t find a husband?!
“…Are you interested in the Elven Village?”
“Yesh! I’m curious… about what it’s like. Ah! But I’m not shaying I want to go with you or anyting! It’ll just be a bother.”
“I see…”
Huh? What’s with that sad expression? Did I say something strange? But it was just a fleeting expression. He quickly smiled and said,
“We can’t go this time, but… I’ll take you there someday. The scenery is amazing, so much greenery, unlike here. We’ll visit fields of flowers, a mystical spring, and all sorts of places. ”
“Wow… thank you!”
Schlie-san wasn’t pushing it, so I figured I should just play along. I believed that he wouldn’t lie, so even if it was a hundred years from now, he’d probably take me there someday. I’d just have to wait patiently. I had to grow up too!
“The journey might be dangerous, but the Elven Village itself is a tourist destination. That said, the number of visitors is limited, to preserve its serenity.”
A tourist destination!? The Elven Village? I was expecting something more… sacred, with pure air and a mystical atmosphere. I’d even imagined it to be exclusive, a place that didn’t welcome outsiders!
“It’s not that large, you see. And its pure environment is perfect for restoring magical power. They thought it would be a shame to keep it all to themselves, so they started welcoming visitors. Of course, there are still areas that are off-limits to other races than elves.”
I see. Elves are kind to other races! And they seemed understanding too. I shouldn’t rely on my preconceived notions. My image of them was based on the stories I’d read back in Japan. It was only natural for reality to be different. I had to get rid of my biases!
“Well then, I must be on my way. Meg, I’ll be gone for a while, but I’m looking forward to seeing you again.”
Ooh, the pressure! Uu, but I’ll do my best!
“Okii! Have a shafe twip, Schlie-shan.”
“Yes, thank you.”
He smiled happily, stroking my head gently. I took advantage of my child status and said, “Hug!” reaching out both my arms. He chuckled and then, with a smile that could melt hearts, he obliged. Yay! Ah, I’d miss his scent… sniff, sniff.
“Well then, I’ll take my leave. Gil, I’ll leave the rest to you.”
“Yeah.”
It was hard to say goodbye, but it couldn’t be helped. I said goodbye to Gil-san, and Schlie-san left the infirmary. I felt a little sad, when Shou-chan came over to comfort me.
『We’re here for you, Master! Cheer up! 』
『Call me anytime, even if you don’t need anything! I’ll keep you company! 』
Shou-chan and Fuu-chan are so sweet. Ugh, my spirits are too cute. I couldn’t help but dote on them. Good spirits, good spirits.
“…Ready for breakfast?”
And even Gil-san. A large, warm hand resting on my head was so comforting. They were all trying to cheer me up. I had to stay positive, to repay their kindness!
“Yesh! I’m shtarving! Ah, ow!”
I said this energetically, raising my arms in the air, when my stiff body protested. Ugh, it felt like I had severe muscle pain…! An old lady at this age!
Gil-san chuckled, watching me, and patted my head.
“We’ll have it here. I’ll bring it over.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. But you’ll need to do some rehab after you eat. It’s better for your recovery to move a little, even if it’s tough.”
“I-I’ll do my besht…!”
“Just wait here,” Gil-san said and left the infirmary. I was staring blankly at his retreating figure when Reki’s voice murmured from the back of the room,
“…What a doting parent.”
I mean, he’s not wrong! But can’t you let him pamper me a little, just this once?
“And you’re still acting spoiled. Hmph, you should act your age.”
Nooo! Wh-What’s wrong with that? It might be a problem on the inside, but there’s nothing wrong with it, not with this appearance! Or is he saying… it’s okay for me to be spoiled by Reki too?
As I was groaning, “Gunu, gunu,” Reki glanced at me, a smug look on his face. Hey, stop smirking! I puffed out my cheeks and glared at him, but he just went back to work, as if nothing had happened.
D-Didn’t he just act a little mature?