Chapter 225: Going to the Elf Forest

“Hello, this is Lucerina.”

“Ah, Luna. Sorry for calling you so suddenly. Actually, there’s a classmate in my school club who is lamenting that her magic isn’t improving. Would it be alright if you took a look at her sometime?”

“That is fine. By the way, what exactly is a ‘club’?”

Ah, so that’s the part that caught her attention.

“Um, it’s something where people with the same hobbies or interests gather and do activities after classes.”

“So human schools have such things. What kind of activities do you do, by the way?”

“Our activities involve researching the development of the undeveloped lands and actually going there to see it. That’s why the club is called the Southern Development Research Society.”

“Fufu, that feels more like William-san’s job rather than a hobby activity. You are quite diligent, William-san.”

It’s true that my sister-in-law just casually slapped that name on it, and I feel like we could do more student-like activities in the club besides developing the undeveloped lands.

But what kind of activities should we do?

I’ve heard there’s a cultural festival coming up eventually, so maybe I’ll consult with everyone about it next time.

The day after I called Luna, we gathered in the clubroom after school.

“Can we truly intrude upon the Elf Forest?”

“Yeah. I got permission from the clan chief, Luna, so it’s fine, El.”

“I feel somewhat nervous. I’ve heard that Elves don’t like to associate with humans, after all. Since Col has a scary face, I wonder if we will frighten them.”

“W-wa—Kate, what the heck are you suddenly saying?”

“Fufu, it will be fine.”

“That’s right. By interacting with the Fairchild family knights, the atmosphere of avoiding humans has faded.”

“Yeah. As long as you act normally, it will be fine. Well then, let’s go.”

When I activated Teleportation Magic, the next instant, we were just outside the Elf Forest.

Because we had a large number of people this time, I decided to visit from the outside rather than suddenly teleporting directly into the Elf village.

Even if they have gotten used to humans, having a large group of humans suddenly appear in their village would probably startle them.

“So this is the Elf Forest?”

“That’s right, El. The Elf village is inside here.”

“I don’t sense any presence of people, though.”

“It’s exactly as Col says. Actually, a magic called the Forest of Illusion has been cast on it. Uninvited guests will end up wandering aimlessly through the woods, and it’s designed so that presences inside the forest don’t leak outside.”

“As I thought, the Elves are wary of humans, aren’t they.”

“Yes, Kate. We cannot erase the history of slave traders capturing Elves and putting them through terrible experiences.”

“As a member of the Royal Family, I regret that we were unable to crack down on those illegal slave traders.”

“As a member of a Ducal family that has borne a part of this country’s governance, I also feel deeply apologetic to the Elves.”

Just as everyone fell into a slightly somber mood…

“However, we now know that there are good humans out there as well.”

We were suddenly called out to from behind.

Turning around, Luna was standing there with a smile.

“Luna, did you come all the way out of the forest for us?”

“Yes, I heard that you were being considerate and teleporting outside the forest, William-san, so I came to welcome you.”

There were a few other Elves behind Luna as well.

“Thank you. I hope I didn’t make you go out of your way.”

“Fufu, I don’t think showing consideration for one another is a bad relationship to have.”

“If you say so, then I’m glad.”

From there, guided by Luna and the others, we made our way through the forest to the Elf village.

“Wow, there are houses on top of the trees too.”

“Both the men and the women are truly slender and beautiful.”

Kate and Col were walking while looking around restlessly.

“Haa, to think I have truly entered an Elf village. Even my brother hasn’t experienced this.”

Come to think of it, I’ve never brought young Lord Luke here with me.

“If I go back home during the summer vacation and tell my father and mother about this, they will surely be surprised.”

Is it really that big of a deal? I started to say, but then I realized something.

I shouldn’t take being able to speak intimately with Elves for granted.

Even though they were put through terrible experiences, they are still trying to trust humans. I need to cherish my relationship with them.

I think it’s important to go back to basics.

Being able to realize this is all thanks to El, Kate, and Col.

“I’ve gotten quite used to coming to this forest, but I want to cherish this relationship where we can talk normally with the Elves, El.”

“Yes, William-san. I believe you should.”

“That’s right, we have to make sure this relationship continues into the future.”

Flora nodded in agreement with Letty‘s words.

After walking for a while, we reached the center of the Elf village, where the Elder welcomed us.

“Welcome, everyone.”

“I apologize for intruding so suddenly. A friend of mine was troubled about magic, you see.”

“Yes, I heard from Luna. Is she the one?”

“Yes. It is an honor to meet you, Elder of the Elves. I am Elva, a daughter of the Sheffield Ducal family. No matter how hard I try, my Water Magic doesn’t improve, so William-san suggested I have an Elf look at me at least once.”

El then looked down, seemingly pained.

“I am sure it is just that I lack talent, but holding onto a glimmer of hope, I came to intrude upon you, fully aware of my own impudence.”

El raised her head.

“If it doesn’t work out even after having an Elf look at it, I intend to give up on magic and do my best in agriculture or other fields.”

Yeah, El is admirable. Magic isn’t everything in life.

“Yes, it’s true that there are important things besides magic. We Elves haven’t lived relying solely on magic either. We also value learning about the forest and plants.”

The Elder smiled.

“However, in your case… Luna, do you understand?”

“Yes, Grandmother. I understand it too.”

Luna stepped forward in front of El.

“Elva-san, the reason you are poor at Water Magic is because you have a high aptitude for Fire Magic. You are a Di-Magia who can use two attribute magics: Fire and Water.”