I decided to rest at an inn that Philiana and Nina had found for me.
“You’re saying something convenient like it’s a treat, so it must be useful information, right?” As soon as we entered the shop and took our seats, I asked.
“So, what’s the information?”
“Oh dear, if you’re so impatient, you won’t be popular. First, you have to order a drink. I’d like wine, but I’ll settle for water.”
“Oh, how mature of you.”
“Well,” she said, as if to say “you know it,” and ordered a steak. It’s not like it’s okay because you don’t drink alcohol.
“Now, according to the information I’ve gathered, there’s a Dark Elf town nearby. It’s a relatively large place. But there seems to be no activity. There’s no sign of them searching for anyone.”
“They’d keep that a secret, of course.”
“It’s not that. We should head towards the Land of Satyrs. A group of Sages are visiting there now.”
Sages? I don’t know who they’re referring to, but is that why the Dark Elves are so quiet?
“Are we safe if that Sage is there?”
“They’re connected to the Light Elves. If that’s the case, the Werewolves shouldn’t be able to chase us.”
Hmm, it seems this information isn’t entirely useless.
“I see. Thank you very much.”
“The story isn’t over yet, big brother. The reason seems to be related to Bicorn. It seems they are apparently aiding the Dark Elves.”
Bicorn… that means Sen no Tsurugi. If so, her family might be there too. I wonder if I can somehow meet this Sage they’re talking about.
“By the way, why do you know such a thing?”
“Well, big brother. I drank with the Dark Elves.”
I almost spat out the water I had just taken into my mouth. Wait, wait a minute! Did this person drink with the enemy?
“Don’t worry. Actually, it seems only the Upper Echelon are engrossed in world conquest. The ordinary people below don’t think of it as anything more than gossip.”
“B-But still. Please have a little more sense of crisis!”
Karubene was eating the steak that had been served to him with a cool expression. What would happen if they knew about us?
“But, I just thought about it. Isn’t it more dangerous that they’re connected to the Light Elves?”
If she says so, then yes. But what should we do? In the end, we’ve become fugitives from both sides.
“Then should we stop going to the Land of Satyrs?”
“Hmm, even though I said it myself, this is a gamble.”
She said that while wolfing down the meat. It’s quite a difficult choice. To be caught by the Light Elves, or to fight the Dark Elves.
“Still, I think we should go.”
Karubene finished the last piece and drank the water in one gulp. If I had to say which was better, it would be the Light Elves. Besides, if I meet the Sage, the problem with Sen no Tsurugi might be resolved.
After that, she returned to the inn. Or rather, was she drinking alcohol all along? Come to think of it, I was on my way to the public bath. I was late because we were talking, but I wonder if it’s still open.
As expected, the light from the shopfront had gone out. But the light inside was still on, so maybe someone was there. I gently opened the door.
“Um, excuse me, are you still open?”
Then, a man, presumably a shop employee, peeked out from the side. He had horns of different lengths growing from his head.
“Oh, a customer. We’re closing soon, but is that okay?”
“Yes, thank you very much.”
Good, it looks like I can get in somehow. I’ll just quickly wash off the sweat and go home. It would be a bother if I took a long bath.
I quickly headed to the changing room and opened the door. And there was a figure. I was surprised, I thought I was alone, but someone else was here. It was a very tall Harpy. Could this be the same person from the neighborhood watch I met during the day?
The man turned around when he heard me enter. Amazing, as expected of a Hunter Harpy, the width of his body was different. His chest was twice as wide as mine, and the muscles in his shoulders were like sculptures. I know it’s rude, but I can’t help but look. Ugh, as a man, I’m reminded of how feeble I am. No, I’m normal, this person is just special. I tell myself that.
His abs were clearly defined, his legs were well-trained, and as a man, my eyes were drawn to… a sword in his crotch area… Wait, there’s no sword. Is… is it my imagination?!
“O-Oh, you were at the coffee shop earlier.”
“Eh? Ah, hello.”
The man quickly covered himself with a towel. Was I mistaken after all? No way, no matter how I look at it, he’s a man. Could it be that he doesn’t have… no way…
There was a strange pause, and he laughed shamefully.
“H-ha ha, you noticed, huh? I never thought anyone would come in. It’s creepy, isn’t it?”
“N-no, I didn’t see anything.”
“It’s fine, it’s too late to hide it now. Sexually speaking, I am a woman.”
This world is truly full of people beyond my imagination.
