I helped the village chief’s son with his work in the stable.
By the time we finally reached the village chief’s house, it was already completely dark outside. Orange light was spilling from the windows.
“You’re finally back. Did you take care of the horses properly?”
“I did.”
On a high table, like one you’d find in a bar, a large portion of potatoes and bread, along with soup, had been prepared. The rest of our companions were already there. The village chief’s son washed his hands lethargily and took his seat. Philiana, sitting diagonally across from me, waved a small hand and blushed, turning her face away.
“It’s been a while since we’ve had such a lively meal. This is my daughter, Menia.”
“Hello.”
The village chief’s daughter, Menia, had an indifferent attitude, just like his teenage son. At this age, she probably found even talking to her parents a chore. I know how that feels; I’ve been there. Sometimes, I even felt embarrassed by these family gatherings. As you get older, you start to realize how important these times are.
The village chief’s wife ladled out some soup for me into a large bowl.
“It’s nothing fancy, but please eat as much as you like. Stamina is important for traveling, you know!”
“Mom, can you get some for me too?”
“Do it yourself.”
The village chief, Jihyun Lee, sighed and slumped his shoulders.
“I’ll get it for him.”
“My apologies. You know, when we first got married, she was as delicate as a spring deer. Now she’s turned into a stubborn old horse.”
The daughter and son, each serving themselves, began eating without a second thought. They’d probably finish quickly and head back to their rooms. By the way, Piyo and Pauline were sitting on boxes because they couldn’t reach the table. Even then, it was hard to reach; in fact, even for me, it was just barely enough. I had to stretch to see the edge of the table.
“I’m sorry. Should I prepare a lower table?”
“No, it’s fine. But isn’t it difficult for the children to eat? How about sitting down very low to eat?”
“The thing is, we’re quite heavy, and once we sit down, we’re too lazy to get up.”
That must be tough. I heard that some racehorses spend their entire lives standing, never sitting down. Perhaps it’s easier for them to stand.
“It’s no good getting old. If your legs give out, it’s game over.”
So that’s it. They’re too heavy to support their own weight. Even to build a large wheelchair, there isn’t enough material to support such huge bodies.
“We have two hearts. But that’s not all; our legs also act as pumps to send blood. Walking helps our blood circulate.”
“I see. Being big must have its drawbacks.”
“When you’re young, you admire big men. But as you get older, you end up resenting the parents who gave you this size. If only I were about that big… ah, they live nearby… they have horns.”
Is he perhaps talking about Bicorns? I heard they don’t interact with others.
“Are you talking about Bicorns? Are you on good terms with them?”
“No, it seems there used to be some exchange, but lately, they’ve gone mad and stopped coming near. Well, we basically never leave this forest either.”
So, it was the Bicorns who were keeping their distance. They’re generous enough to invite outsiders into their homes, so I’m sure they could restore their old relationship. While we were talking, the two children finished their meals and went off somewhere.
“Um, I heard that spirits live in this forest. Is that true?”
“What? Ah, yes, it is true. But what exactly did you come here for? What are you trying to obtain?”
It makes sense that they’re suspicious. At this point, I should be upfront. I told them I had followed the Dark Elves here. Jihyun Lee fell silent for a moment, his fork still in his hand.
“…I see. But do you understand what Dark Elves are?”
“Yes. We borrowed the power of Bicorns to fly here.”
Jihyun Lee’s gaze fell to my hands. The burn marks from battles were still visible. My body is covered in scars from past fights. I’m like a completely different person from before I came to this world. He seemed to realize something and let out a short sigh.
“I see. So you aren’t just tourists. I don’t know why your group consists of such varied races, and all women, but you intend to enter this forest, whether I stop you or not.”
“That’s why, if possible, we’d like some information to help us survive.”
“Deep in this forest lies a region that we must not know.”
And now, we are about to step into that forbidden territory.
“The forest is inhabited by terrifying Dark Elves. Long ago, they were driven into the depths of this forest by the Light Elves and sealed away. They’ve been waiting for ages for the right moment.”
Dark Elves live here… Hmm, wait a minute. He said they’ve lived here for a long time. Then wouldn’t they have already encountered Hummingbird Harpies and figured out how to get to heaven? Why are they only starting to search now?
“The trouble began about half a year ago. The spirits started becoming corrupted by Dark Power. The spirits protecting the forest began attacking indiscriminately.”
