Chapter 97: The Return of the Exploration Team

After speaking with Father, I waited in Northernford for the exploration team’s return. I had a rough idea of their location based on reports from towns they passed along the way. Unlike traveling on horseback, carriages move slowly, and since they were pacing themselves out of consideration for the rescued people, the return trip took longer than when we went south.

I spent the time until their return leisurely. On sunny days, I went to the Elf Forest to borrow a hammock or went river fishing with Theo. On rainy days, I read books or played the piano at home, or made things for my room at the workshop.

Eventually, the exploration team finally returned to Northernford. Upon receiving a report from the guards at the city gate, I waited in front of the Margrave’s mansion with Father and Mother. Although the knights had formally taken a vacation, Father believed we should welcome them just as we would the Order returning from an expedition, since they had actually fulfilled an important mission.

The exploration team came into view. When they arrived in front of the mansion, James and Aulasneal dismounted and gave their return greetings representing the knights and Elves respectively. “Your Excellency, the 15 knights of the Fairchild family have returned.” “Lord Margrave, Lord William, the 14 members of the Elf exploration team have returned.” The Elf team was down one person due to injury, but I heard the injured Erenruel had recovered, so everyone made it back safely.

Father and I offered them words of appreciation. “Everyone, you did well to find the Leyline Crosspoint. I heard from William that there were hardships, but you accomplished it well.” “Everyone, truly, good work. I am happy that you overcame difficulties to achieve the objective and that everyone returned safely.”

Father also spoke to the people rescued by the exploration team. “I imagine it has been difficult for those captured by the slave traders, but the Fairchild family will protect you from now on, so please be at ease.” The captured people showed expressions of relief.

The knights who accompanied the exploration all wore proud expressions. The other knights who came out to welcome them shook hands and patted the shoulders of the returnees to show their appreciation. Although James and the others were formally on vacation, Father said he would give them a bonus. I intend to gift them something made at the workshop as well.

Once the return greetings were over, the human women and children captured by the slave traders headed to the town inn. The steward, Smith, had contacted the inn in advance. The knights headed to the knight dormitories. And the Elves headed to the Elf Forest with their liberated brethren.

I jumped to the Elf Forest using Teleportation Magic. I had just welcomed them as a member of the Margrave family, but Lucelina and the Elder had asked me to welcome the exploration team together with them as the Savior. It feels a bit strange, but I suppose formality is important to honor those who worked hard to fulfill their mission.

In the square of the Elf Village, I welcomed the Elf exploration team again, this time with Chieftain Lucelina and the Elder. Aulasneal gave a greeting as the representative. “Lady Lucelina, Elder, and Lord Savior. We managed to fulfill our duty.” “Aulasneal, you did well to find the Leyline Crosspoint. With this, the path to restoring the World Tree is visible. It is also a joyous thing that we could liberate our brethren.”

“Thank you, Lady Lucelina. The discovery of the Crosspoint was realized precisely because of the Lord Savior‘s Teleportation Magic. And the knights of the Fairchild family lent their strength to liberate our brethren.” “No, my magic was just the final push. Everyone worked very hard.” “We have lived keeping our distance from humans, but the Lord Savior‘s family and the knights have shown us that there are good humans. From now on, we shall cooperate with good humans to protect the World Tree.” That is how the Elder felt. It is a happy thing that Elves and humans are coming to trust each other.

Then, with Theo‘s help, I built new houses in the Hidden Village of the Elves. The Elves liberated from the slave traders were surprised that houses were built in the blink of an eye by the Production Skill, and they thanked me. It seems Erenruel‘s sister will live together with her sister in the same house again.

And for the captured human women and children, I built houses in a vacant lot near the workshop. I considered asking carpenters, but among those who went through such a terrible ordeal, some had become afraid of adult men. So, we decided to build houses quickly so they could move out of the inn, and Theo and I built them.

I hope the people who were captured can rest their minds and bodies in Northernford and get well soon.