Tsuyokute New Saga (LN)

Book 4: Chapter 17

The negotiations with the dark elves went a lot smoother than anticipated. Of course, the brief time after they reached the village was absolute chaos. The atmosphere was already tense because of the casualties on their end, and yet now a dragon came flying towards their village. It also didnt help that another dragon might come to attack them soon, so the chaos was only to be expected.

Amidst that, the way Paserane desperately tried to convince them, and the presence of another dragon, helped greatly in persuading the other dark elves. Thus, they succeeded in convincing them about the potential attack of another dragon and started preparing to search for them, as well as preparing for the attack.

That night, Kyle and his friends were a bit further away from the dark elf village, preparing to set up camp. Although they were working together, since the dark elves were a secluded race, they couldnt let Kyles group stay inside the village, asking for them to sleep outside, to which they agreed.

Its been a while since you came home, right, Erina? Theres no need for you to stay with us. Kyle tried to be considerate, but the girl just showed a saddened smile.

I left the village a long time ago, soI dont have people Im close with there, let alone friends.

O-Okay Kyles face tightened up after failing his attempt to be considerate.

Thinking about it, Erina may have left the village out of her own desire, but half of that was also due to force by the inhabitants. Erina received some dubious gazes by the dark elves here and there after all.

Ah, but, I do have my memories with Mom and Dad, so I do feel nostalgic. And, a few people still cared for me after all that.

Seeing Kyles dejected reaction, Erina tried to provide a quick follow-up.

Is thatPaserane?

Yes, shes always been kind to me. Even after my father passed away, she recommended I should just leave if it gets too hard for me to live there.

Right as Erina spoke of her, Paserane arrived.

Were having those skilled at searching on the lookout for the dragon right now. The ones who can fight are preparing for a potential battle.

If they find him by the day after tomorrow, well go meet him ourselves, and if not, well wait here for a counterattackright?

I think that would be a good starting point.

Our goal is not to defeat Ghrud, but to bring him homeso I really wish we could approach him ourselves.

That was Kyles goal, but that would mean the one controlling Ghrud would be nearby, and they would have to dispose of them.

Hows it looking inside the village?

Relatively calm, for now. We have a dragon on our side as well, after all. Paserane showed a wry smile, looking over at the sleeping Irumera.

The people in the village were probably expecting the dragon to intercept any incoming attack by another dragon.

I see

In reality, they had not confirmed this with Irumera, but Kyle decided to just stay quiet about it for everyones sake.

Not to mention that we have another reliable partnerthough she wouldnt want to hear that. Paserane showed a somewhat complicated expression as she looked up at a demon woman resting on a tree branch.

After that, Erina struck up a conversation with Paserane, who responded with a smile. However, Paseranes smile felt a bit stiff to Kyle.

Urza was walking around inside the village at that time. Of course, the dark elves werent exactly friendly towards her, but she told them that she wanted to confirm the layout of the village in case the dragon were to attack, so they didnt send her away. Of course, part of that was also because of Urzas curiosity, and she didnt want to waste this chance to see the inside of a dark elf village. This one, in particular, seemed to have several hundreds of inhabitants, and the trees doubled as their houses.

Using magic on the saplings, after a few hundred years, itll grow into a proper house. The elves were doing this in a similar procedure, so it was Urzas impression that their lifestyles werent that different.

I guess elves and dark elvesare fairly similar. She muttered this impression and planned on returning to Kyles camp, and Paserane returned.

Urza, was it? Id like to talk with you about something.

With me? Urza wondered what Paserane would want from Urza, and not Kyle.

You and that humanKyle, yeah? What kind of relationship do you two have?

Urza was at a loss for words.

Um, wellgood question.

It was a bit late, but Urza started thinking. The reason she was traveling with Kyles group even now is that he knew her true name despite them not being familiar. To a spirit user, having your true name is like your soul. Leaving him alone like that would be far too dangerous. But, it had been quite some time since she even thought about that.

Huh? Why am I traveling with Kyle despite it being so dangerous?

Thinking about it, she was actually part of something crazy. She had been in constant danger for her life not only one or two times. They even fought a demon, and now might end up fighting a dragon. It made sense for Seran and Lieze to travel with Kyle because they are Kyles childhood friends. However, Urza should be able to just call it quits whenever. Yet, she never once thought of doing so, and she had no plans of doing so either As Urza was lost in her thoughts, Paserane showed an expression like she had understood everything.

I heard that elves are also very seclusive like us. Yet, why did you end up as lovers with a human?

L-Lovers?! Kyle and I arent in this kind of relationship!

However, she also didnt know how else to explain their relationship, so she just aggressively denied that statement.

Also, why did you even think that we were like that?!

Well, Erina spoke of you two so fondly.

Erina

As Erina had been traveling with the group for quite some time, she most likely had seen this odd relationship Kyle and Urza shared. On top of that, Erina was an adolescent girl, she most likely was interested in this sort of topic.

B-Being with Kyleis fun, and never boring

Thats all? Is that why you risk your life on this dangerous journey?

T-Thats it.

I seeso youve fallen for him to such an extent?

No! Thats not what this is! This isAhh, jeez! Urza scratched her head with a beet-red face, as Paserane let out a snicker.

Love with someone from a different raceand marriage, huh. I wonder if that person was happy?

M-MarriageAre you talking about Erinas father?

Paserane nodded. Despite being of the dark elf race, he fell in love with a human woman and even made Erina, so he was quite the rarity.

I really respected that personOr rather, admired him. He was my first love, someone who would most likely have risen to become the chief of this villageand yet he threw that aside to marry a human womanI couldnt understand it at alleven now Paserane seemed to be thinking about something, as she showed a weakened expression.

Maybe her near-death experience during the afternoon was still taking a toll on her.

Ive never met Erinas parents, but Im certain that they were definitely happy, Urza spoke up.

H-How can you say that?

Its simple. Just look at Erina, that should tell you enough, right?

Thats

Paserane didnt deny itbecause she couldnt.

Then, that is reality. No matter what I say, nothing will change. You should treasure what you see with your own eyes. Urza declared.

Paserane thought about it for a moment and then showed a refreshed expression.

YeahSorry for bringing up something weird like that, I just started remembering all sorts of things after meeting ErinaI cant tell my fellow dark elves or humans about thisso now Im feeling a bit better.

She could tell Urza, an elf, about this because she is exceptionally close with a human.

What about Roas? Urza asked.

Like hell I could tell a Unicorn about this.

Indeed, as the Unicorn hated all men, this kind of story was not meant for its ears.

Im really bad with this kind of advice, but Urza showed a wry smile.

Im feeling better, so thank youHowever.

However?

I believe you should become more honest with yourself.

Paseranes teasing comment made Urzas face turn as red as a tomato.

So youre backUh, whats wrong?

After Urza returned to the camping ground, Kyle found it dubious for Urza to stare at his face and threw her a question.

No, its nothingI was just thinking that Im fine with the way things are right now.

I dont really get it, butyou walked around right? Anything worth mentioning?

It was quite interesting. Its not too different from my hometown, but it also has a different feeling Urza explained and sat down.

Since Lieze wasnt around then, Urza nonchalantly sat down a lot closer next to Kyle.

At the same time, Yuriga was resting up on a high tree, away from Kyles group. Although they were dark elves, they still belonged to the humanfolk. If a demon like Yuriga was around, it would only cause chaos, so she erased her presence to stay up here, not appearing in front of anybody except Paserane and Roas, who knew the circumstances. Suddenly, Lieze approached Yuriga with a plate in hand.

What do you want? Yuriga didnt bother hiding her annoyance, looking down at Lieze.

I brought you some food. Even demons get hungry, no?

On the plate were bread and soup, as well as a desert. A full-fledged menu as always.

Are you bad with sweet stuff? I have some great honey to put on the bread, and

I told you not to bother with me. Im simply traveling with you, not as one of your allies.

But, you saved me, right? I wanted to thank youSo thanks for today. Lieze finally got to thank Yuriga.

ThatI was just repaying the debt.

Umwhat debt? Lieze tilted her head, having trouble remembering.

Did you forget? At the city you call Callan, after we fought underground, you let me go. Yuriga shook her head, but it helped Lieze remember.

Ahhhhhhyeah, that did happen.

You really are a weird one. Im a demon, youre a human, how can you talk with me so easily? Have you not seen that Kyle humans attitude towards me?

Yuriga was fully aware that Kyle emitted clear hostility towards her, and she didnt blame him for that.

Ah, youre rightSorry about him. I just hope he doesnt start a needless fight with you. Lieze glanced over in Kyles direction, shaking his head.

Yuriga observed this with another sigh.

Normally I would have to challenge you again after my previous loss, butare you not scared of us demons?

HmmmMaybe its because we fought once before, I feel like I understood you quite a lot, Yuriga.

After a single battle? I really dont get humans at all. Yuriga shook her head, showing a puzzled expression.

But, you dont necessarily resent humans, right, Yuriga?

Yuriga tried to throw an argument back at Lieze, but she couldnt. After all, Lieze was completely right. Yuriga didnt really feel much towards the human race. She was born after the great war between humanfolk and demons three hundred years ago, and she served the current Demon Lord, who advocated peace, so she would be lying if she said she resented humanfolk.

If we had to fight, then it wasnt because of your own resentment, but rather because of your position. That much I understood. Lieze spoke with a confident tone, as Yuriga stayed quiet.

I simply dont care about humanfolk to be perfectly honest. Yuriga felt like she had lost, as she jumped down from the tree, where Lieze pushed the plate at her with a Here you go smile.

***

The following morning, Paserane and Roas rushed towards Kyles group.

Did you find them? Kyle asked, to which Paserane responded with a bitter tone.

Thatswe found something, but something doesnt add up. Paserane opened the map, pointing at an area near Rinecol. We spotted a dragon and a large number of people in that areabut according to the information, they changed their plans and were heading over to Rinecol.

Huh? Why Rinecol? Kyle asked, confused.

How would I know? Paserane looked at Kyle in disbelief.

If it was a dragon, he should have no trouble destroying a small village of a few hundred people. However, the capital of Eddos, Rinecol, had a drastically larger amount of inhabitants, with several strong adventurers. Of course, if a dragon was to go all out, there wouldnt be much these adventurers could do

Why? Why has the dragon headed for Rinecol?

Kyle couldnt figure out this sudden change of events. Destroying a village of dark elves would make sense from the viewpoint of the Mera cult, even if they didnt directly benefit it. However, Rinecol was a location with lots of human residents. There should be no reason for them to attack it.

Anyway, the best we can do is head over there.

Everyone was already prepared for departure. However, Kyle called out to Erina, who stood up.

You stay here, Erina.

Eh? B-But, Rinecol will!

She was the one most shaken hearing about Ghrud heading towards Rinecol. It was the town she currently lived in, and her mother Luctera lived there as well. As she was sick and bedridden, Erina must be even more worried about her mother.

The chance of Ghrud coming here has lowered, but its not completely zero yet. I want to keep some forces here to protect the village if push comes to shove.

Or so he said, but he truly believed that there was practically no reason for the dragon to come back here again. In reality, she would just slow them down in a fight, so he wanted her to stay behind. After all, they might end up having to fight a dragon and members of the Mera cult.

I understandBut, please be careful.

Erina must have understood Kyles true intention. She showed a perturbed and hurt expression, but didnt reproach Kyle. He attempted to give her some relief, as he gently placed his hand on her head.

Well be back soonIrumera, Im counting on you. Kyle turned towards Irumera.

If its close by, Ill drop you off

As always, Irumera sounded more than hesitant to do as Kyle asked her to, but she still let them hop on her back, opening her large wings to soar into the sky.

Worried? Paserane called out to Erina, who looked after Kyles group.

Come on, these maidens and those useless males are strong enough that I can see them having a chance at winning Roas tried to cheer up Erina as well, but when he saw her face, he suddenly lost his words. Whats wrong? You seem oddly happy.

Its been a while since somebody rubbed my head like thatit reminded me of my father. Erina showed a bashful smile, which led to a sharp pain running through the heart of Paserane.

That sure was rude, dont you think? Lieze spoke up on Irumeras back, clearly sounding displeased.

Huh? W-What are you talking about? Kyle had no idea what she was talking about, but her voice made it very clear she was in a bad mood, sending a shiver down his spine.

You rubbed Erinas head, right? You were clearly treating her like some child.

AhhNo, I actually didnt pack such a hidden meaning behind it.

His hand simply moved subconsciously.

Erina can take care of herself just fine. Treating her like a child in such a way hits close to shaming her.

Shockingly enough, now Urza joined in, agreeing with Lieze as she showed an equally difficult expression.

Hm, but the person in question didnt seem like she disliked it. On the contrary, she looked quite delighted. Shildonia took Kyles side.

Ehhhhh? Yeah, no way. You agree, right, Yuriga?

Dont ask me.

Lieze sought out support with Yuriga, but to no avail.

Hmm, I still think its barely passable. What do you think, Irumera?

Like I care! You take this a bit more seriously, will you?! You might end up fighting a dragon, remember?!

Well, its better than being excessively nervous. Kyle simply convinced himself and looked up ahead.

Almost there. Kyle muttered, as he looked at the map mid-air.

Paserane had marked a small area in the deep forest close to the town of Rinecol. They would arrive there any second.

WeirdI dont feel Ghruds presence at all.

When they got closer, Irumera raised a dubious voice.

Really?

If Ghrud really was at that location you were heading towards, I would have felt him nearby.

Maybe he left for Rinecol already? If so, we should head there right

AwayKyle wanted to say, but he spotted something weird which made him lose his words.

The heck is that?

Seran also tilted his head, letting out a confused voice. Everybody present shared the same sentiment. It was a red dot amidst the endless green below them.

Please get us down nearby.

Huh? But, isnt Ghrud heading over to Rinecol Lieze asked a question, only to swallow her words right away.

She saw Kyles goosebumps running down his neck.

Yeah, if we leave that alonesomething bad will happen, Seran spoke with a heavy tone.

Got it Irumera must have felt something in the air and descended towards the red area.