In the room where Princess Azura brought me, I met a young Dark Elf.
He was alone, but there was a possibility that others were hiding. Or perhaps this was a tactic to wait until I was alone.
“Um, what’s wrong? Huh?”
The young man looked behind him with a blank expression.
“There’s no one here. Don’t worry, the Princess won’t be back for a while.”
The young Dark Elf began tidying the room, ignoring my wary gaze.
“Ah, they’ve made such a mess again. A cushion’s fallen over.”
What’s going on? Is this a strategy to make me lower my guard? The young man continued to clean, muttering complaints.
“Um, is something wrong? Is there something on my face?”
He tilted his head, looking at me, who was sweating coldly. Could it be that he really had no intention of doing anything? Was he just here to clean? But I couldn’t imagine Dragonkin accepting Dark Elves. For the time being, I let go of my sword and straightened up.
“N-no, um, who are you?”
“Huh? Me? I’m someone who works here.”
“No way?! Ah, well, just normally?”
I accidentally asked a strange question. He replied, “Yes, normally.” But a Dark Elf? Come to think of it, Karubene had said that most people don’t know what’s really happening. Could he be like that too, just an ordinary person?
“Do you have a fever? If so, I have medicine.”
“I’m fine. Why are you working here?”
“Well, my home is nearby. I happened to get an introduction, so I was lucky.”
He laughed. He was different from any Dark Elf I had ever met. He didn’t attack me with a weapon, nor did he hold any grudge against me. Well, there was one person, Dr. Kirat, the Magical Girl researcher. Despite being the same race, he was trying to stop the rampages of the Dark Elves.
Anyway, putting the Doctor aside, this might be my first time meeting one as an ordinary person.
“Um, um, can I ask you something?”
“Yes, what is it?”
“Um, what do you think about the current situation of our races?”
I wonder if he understood what I meant. He thought for a moment.
“Hmm, by the current situation, do you mean the circumstances we find ourselves in?”
“Yes, exactly.”
“It might not be right to say this to you, a Light Elf, but I feel a bit out of place. It’s not a problem in my hometown, but I can tell everyone looks at me with suspicion when they see my face.”
Ah, right. I was supposed to be an Elf somehow. I might have asked something very rude.
“I understand what my race has done in the past. But I wish people knew that not all of us are like that.”
“I see, thank you. I’m sorry for asking such a strange question.”
When I saw him, I had automatically judged him as an enemy. That’s right, I had only dealt with a portion of the Dark Elves. The vast majority of people don’t even know what’s going on. Every time I go into town, I hear whispers of “Dark Elf,” and Light Elves glare at me. There are people who feel such painful things.
If I had been born a Dark Elf, I would have hated the world. What did I do to deserve this? Even if our appearances are different, inside we are just normal young men. That’s why I must stop the man named Auroa who is leading them.
“No, no, you don’t seem like a Light Elf at all. Ah, excuse me.”
“Likewise. I hope the day will come when we can get along.”
“Really. We were originally one, after all.”
What did he mean by that? Light and shadow? For now, I’ll leave that aside and just wish for all races to live in peace.
“Speaking of which, have you seen my companions? They’re girls of various races.”
“Hmm, I don’t know. I’ve been working here the whole time.”
After that, I asked him about the Dragonkin. Apparently, they don’t suddenly marry outsiders. I also learned that there are various types of Dragonkin. There are those skilled at flying, and types with dragon heads like Beastmen. And they generally don’t live in crowded places, but in secluded areas. They are a very mysterious race.
“Thank you for telling me so much.”
“Well, it’s actually my first time talking properly with a Light Elf. I was surprised; I thought you’d be more formal.”
That’s because I’m human, right? Just as we were talking, Azura returned.
“Hm? What, you’re here? That’s enough. Now, Hiroaki, I’ll have you meet my parents.”
Will they meet me? I was surprisingly expecting to be turned away at the door. I have to persuade them properly to stop their daughter’s rampage. As I followed Azura out of the room, the young Dark Elf clenched his fist and cheered me on.
