Chapter 25: New Visitors from the Sea of Trees

Rai, a small town located near the Sea of Trees.

“There was a huge commotion last year, wasn’t there?”

“Really, though. I heard the Dwarves settled in the Territorial Capital, but since the first place they appeared was Rai, we suddenly became famous.”

“Exactly. When I went to the Summer Solstice Festival in the Territorial Capital, people asked me, ‘Did you come from that Rai?'”

“But well, something like that probably won’t happen again.”

“True. Eventually, everyone will forget, and we’ll go back to being an unknown country town.”

However, new visitors from the Sea of Trees were about to appear in that very town of Rai.

“Have we finally made it out of the Sea of Trees?”

“Yes, we should be safe once we’ve come this far.”

“Is everyone safe?”

“Yes, although there are some injured. Somehow, everyone managed to survive the Sea of Trees. I am worried about the Chieftain and his wife, whom we got separated from along the way, though.”

“The fact that everyone is safe is what matters most. This is also thanks to the Goddess. Everyone, let us pray.”

The group began to pray. Both the men and women were beautiful and characterized by their long ears.

“Princess, let us proceed to a nearby town.”

“Yes, let’s. This is the land governed by the good lord we heard about from the Dwarves. Surely it will be fine to ask for aid.”

“However, so as not to invite unwanted trouble on the way, everyone must wear their hoods. Even if it is hot, please endure it.”

“Master, this is serious!”

While we were having breakfast as a family, Smith, the steward, rushed in in a panic. We had been spending our time leisurely since the Summer Solstice Festival ended. I wonder what happened?

“What is the matter, Smith?”

“Well, it seems visitors have appeared from the Sea of Trees again.”

Visitors? A Dwarf clan again, maybe?

“Hoh, what kind of people are they this time?”

“Yes, according to the messenger from the town of Rai, they are beautiful in appearance and have long ears. They keep their faces hidden with hoods at all times except when they took them off in front of the Town Mayor. There is no mistake that they are likely Elves.”

“What did you say! Those Elves who avoid the Human Race?”

“Yes. According to the messenger, they desire the protection of our house.”

Since Elves are beautiful, they are easily targeted by villains who try to kidnap and sell them. That is why they avoid the Human Race and rarely appear in the countries of the Human Race.

Having reincarnated into a world of swords and magic, I had expected that I might be able to meet Elves, so I was disappointed when I learned from books that Elves avoid people. To think that they would come relying on our house.

“That is surprising. It is a happy thing to be asked for protection by Elves, but I wonder why it is our house?”

“Yes, it seems the story of us protecting the Dwarves has been passed on to them.”

“I see, so they are in contact with each other. In any case, since they have relied on us, we must help them.”

A few days later, the Elves came to the mansion. By Father‘s instruction, I am also present. Those who entered the reception room removed the hoods they were wearing and showed their faces. It has entered July, and the heat is becoming severe. To be wearing hoods despite that, they must have really not wanted to show their faces.

The Elves had blonde hair and blue eyes, and only one had silver hair and deep green eyes. Just as I had heard, their ears are long. And unlike Dwarves, they are slender with long limbs. Their features are symmetrical; they are certainly a beautiful race.

“I am Theodore Fairchild, the one entrusted with this land. Since you came through the Sea of Trees, it must have been a difficult journey.”

“I am Lucelina, the daughter of the Chieftain. Thank you very much for accepting us on this occasion.”

The Elf with silver hair was the daughter of the Chieftain.

According to Lucelina, the number of monsters increased in the Elf village deep in the Sea of Trees as well, and they could no longer defend against them, so they were forced to abandon their village just like the Dwarves.

“I see, it seems you have suffered hardships. I am happy that Elves, who avoid the Human Race, have relied on us. We will do everything we can so that you can live in this land with peace of mind.”

“We are deeply grateful.”

“By the way, Lady Lucelina, you said you are the daughter of the Chieftain, but what happened to the Chieftain?”

“We got separated when escaping from the depths of the Sea of Trees.”

“Is that so… It seems it was a terrible journey from the depths of the Sea of Trees to here. I apologize for asking about something painful.”

“No, thank you for your concern.”

“Now then, this is the West frontier of the Kingdom of Albion. Therefore, there is plenty of land. If you tell us your hopes regarding where you want to live, we will look for a place that matches that. Fortunately, my son Will can build houses with his Production Skill, so I think we can prepare dwellings without making you wait too long.”

“Thank you for your various considerations. Then, may I take advantage of your kindness and make one request regarding the place where we will live?”

According to Lucelina, there are those among the Human Race who try to kidnap and sell Elves, so there are those in her clan who are afraid of the Human Race. Therefore, the Elves’ wish was to build a hidden village in the forest at a location slightly distant from the town.

“I am terribly afraid to make a selfish request despite you accepting us after we fled from the Sea of Trees, but…”

“No, I have also heard that there are those among the Human Race who kidnap and sell Elves. This territory is relatively safe, but if rumors spread that there are Elves here, there is no guarantee that bad people won’t come from the outside. Let us do as you wish.”

“Thank you very much.”