“This will be everyone’s new home.” Otuha declared, addressing the slave elves gathered from across the continent. Among them were half-elves and dark elves, most wearing expressions of anxiety.
“The roster says 69 people, no mistake,” Helen said, finishing her final check. Above, a dragon soared, while behind them, high kelpies bathed in water. Yes, this was a floating island, located in former Angel Race territory within the Empire.
(So many elves are staying close together.)
Some were mother and child, others like a grandmother and grandchild. There were also groups of children, perhaps due to a hunt, and dignified-looking elves. And a large-breasted female elf, clearly hunted for her appearance, a sight that was a little painful.
“Otuha, how did you manage to gather so many?”
“Yes, I used all the spoils from the subjugation of two of the Seven Great Demon Lords.”
“Many of them were quite expensive, weren’t they?”
“But we were able to purchase them, thanks to Eishin-san.”
Indeed, they had also secured them from the monster slave trader Eishin-san. He had agreed to sell all the elves he possessed. Otuha had hesitated about the rough criminal slaves but decided to buy them, saying, “I want to save every elf I can.” They would deal with any further trouble if it arose.
“Hey Otuha, what should we do?”
“Whoa!”
“Derus-san, it’s alright. She’s my only acquaintance.”
“Then it’s okay to speak casually,” Derus said.
“That will make things go more smoothly.”
An elf bowed her head, or perhaps a half-elf?
“Nice to meet you, my name is Ranene. I’m from the village next to Otuha’s.”
“Ah, hello. I’m Derus. I’m going to marry Otuha.”
“Me too. In the elf forest, we were terribly discriminated against… I’m happy to be reunited like this.”
Her name sounded like someone who would be good at singing, and she looked the part. Otuha then addressed the elves, with Ranene at the center.
“Please live your lives as you did when you were living normally in the elf forest. This is, in a sense, an experimental ground to create a ‘discrimination-free elf forest.’ I’ve made this possible with my own pocket money. There will be hardships, but you’ll have to manage on your own.”
However, this floating island was incredibly large. It had been the lair of a large dragon. Even after so many had relocated, many still remained. Furthermore, all the animals and monsters here had been tamed, thanks to Helen’s new magic, “Area Taming.”
(Oh, at this point, Helen-san had a message.)
Ranene also assumed a subservient posture, as befitting a slave.
“First, please do not hunt the tamed creatures here. Of course, river fish, small animals, and ordinary birds are fine, but please don’t overhunt due to the ecosystem. And as for dragon eggs, please negotiate directly with the dragons. You may take as many fruits as you like.”
At the part where she said “don’t overhunt,” an elf muttered “only birds,” which was quite amusing! Ah, it’s my turn to speak next. Well, there are two main things I need to explain to them.
“First, you can build your homes however you like. I’m sure you all want to build them. Also, the cave on the mountain peak is basically the dragon’s home, but you can enter it. You all came through it, right? Please don’t arbitrarily enter the nests on the side paths. At the end of one of those paths is the teleportation magic circle that brought you here, and any elf with magic power can use it.”
Yes, it was the latest improved teleportation magic circle. The one I created anew could only go to one destination, but anyone with even a little magic power could use it – quite revolutionary.
“The Great Tree that is connected as the teleportation destination is our ‘Nina Starlights’ hideout. As long as you recognize yourselves as slaves of the ‘Nina Starlights’ and act accordingly, you may use it as you wish.”
Well, if they said they wanted to live there, that would be a bit much. But they could be useful for upgrading the Great Tree later. If they started using that cafeteria for every meal just because the fruit was delicious… well, that would be fine too.
(If that happens, I’ll make them employees then.)
I hope they don’t end up preferring the tree over me.
“Also, if you absolutely must go out to human villages, there is Lurs Village at the foot of the Great Tree. You can buy farming tools, some clothes, and food, but money…”
I warned them to be careful, as it was a worker’s village with mostly men. Apparently, the village chief had been casually informed that elves might be descending.
“…So, those are all my points of caution. Ah, one last thing. Leader Nina is fearsome, so please exercise extreme caution and show her respect. I am often brought to tears by her, yes.”
An elf who just exclaimed “In bed?!” was spot on! Finally, from Otuha, the master of the elves.
“This will be a hidden village for elves who were unjustly exiled or sold from their elf villages. Therefore, even if you go to the outside world, do not speak of this place. If there are others you wish to save, bring me information. And if you cause trouble despite being able to live freely, I will not hesitate to strangle you.”
The elves fell silent at this.
“We might be busy and won’t be able to come here often, but if you’re in trouble, someone will be at the Great Tree. Also, in this place… Helen-sama.”
“Yes, summon ‘Prison Dragon,’ over here!”
It descended with a swish!
“YOU ALL, DON’T CAUSE TROUBLE.”
“This dragon will not stand for any fights or disturbances.”
“WHEN YOU’RE SLEEPING, THE NAMAHAGE DRAGON WILL COME!”
Yes, it was a dragon that looked incredibly strong and scary. The child elves were trembling, but this level of fear was just right. Otuha continued.
“Also, even as slaves, you are free to love, but please don’t cause trouble because of it. I don’t want to have to strangle my own slaves, especially those with elven blood. Unless there’s a dire reason… If you have any questions, please raise your hand.”
Oh, a large-breasted elf did!
“Yes, first your name, then your question.”
“My name is Adud Lop. You said love is free, so, I, too, could have… Gyaaa!!!”
She strangled her!
“…Let’s just say that was a joke.”
“Haa, haa… Yes, I understand.”
“Good.”
Incidentally, Helen was also brandishing a whip.
