We live in the foothills of Dragon Peak.
The Future Path
Today marks the third day of discussions between the elders from each tribe of the Great Forest and the giant king Gouo.
The elders of the Mimicho Race, who have no experience interacting with giants, harbored strong wariness towards them. However, this was something we anticipated. We would mediate and act as intermediaries.
Each side surely had their reservations. Nevertheless, the discussion didn’t devolve into an exchange of sharp, resentful words or an aggressive atmosphere, perhaps due to the sheer willpower and spirit of King Gouo.
Having decided to discuss matters, King Gouo abandoned his previously aggressive stance and earnestly engaged with the Mimicho Race, showing a willingness to communicate.
While still cautious, the elders, representing the Mimicho Race living in the Great Forest, also sincerely responded to King Gouo’s open approach.
For many years, the Mimicho Race had their forest continuously invaded, and many of their kin were killed by giants.
The giants, meanwhile, had been fighting to survive in land they had hoped would be a new frontier, only to find it barren and harsh.
They likely had much they wanted to say and assert, but we asked them to hold back. First, we had them explain their respective racial situations.
The elders were deeply hurt witnessing the Burning Plains and the devastated Treacherous Forest. They stated they desired no more sacrifices of forests, people, or spirits.
I then recounted the history to the giants, a history I had also heard.
Long ago, the giants were driven from the Western Plains and arrived in the Great Forest. At that time, the Mimicho Race allowed them passage through the forest, enabling them to reach the new lands in the East. However, it was a harsh land.
The giants had targeted the fertile forest to survive. Around three hundred years ago, upon learning that the western lands had recovered, they had continued to fight to reach them.
“Whether people in the past knew the Eastern Plains were a barren land, we cannot say. However, why target the forest? Surely the world extends north and further east and south?”
“Those are the words of those who know nothing. The further east you go, the harsher it becomes, and the north is not a place for people to live. To the south lies the country of the Divine Race.”
“…And that leaves the Western Forest.”
“There was also the hope that by forging a path to the west, we could return to our ancestral lands.”
“But that is where we Humans live now. So if the giants managed to pass through the forest, it would only lead to conflict with Humans.”
“It seems so. Hearing the story of the west from you, we learned that the place we were aiming for no longer exists.”
“Then, the giants’ objective of passing through the forest is gone.”
“However, in that case, wouldn’t you still target the forest?”
“That is when I, Elnea, have a proposal for the Mimicho Race and the giants!”
The Mimicho Race came to understand the giants’ plight and the reasons for their invasion.
The giants came to understand the Mimicho Race’s deep affection for their forest and their position.
To move the discussions forward, it was crucial to first deepen their understanding of each other’s circumstances. Of the three days of talks, two were dedicated to discussing each other’s history and current situations.
During the talks, the Mimicho Race and the giants shared meals from the same pot and slept together.
Perhaps because of this, when I presented my proposal for the future on the third day, both the Mimicho Race and the giants listened without any significant resistance.
“In short, if the giants’ living conditions improve, there will be no more conflict, right?”
“If our lands become bountiful, there’s no need to invade the forest.”
“As long as the giants don’t invade, we will simply live peacefully in the forest.”
“Yes. So, I’ve been thinking.”
I then presented a vision for the future.
“The land where the giants live is not only barren but also seems to be overrun by yōma and monsters. Let us all hunt them down. Not just the warriors of the Mimicho Race. How about dispatching the Wyvern Knight Order and other Dragon Knight Orders from the Human Kingdom of Yorttenitos? As Ruiseine also mentioned, if Humans get involved, healers like Miko and clerics will also be dispatched, significantly reducing casualties.”
“We, for the sake of the giants…?”
“Are you saying that not only the Mimicho Race but also Humans and Dragons will be involved?”
“Yes. How about my plan for a joint force of multiple races to hunt down difficult enemies like yōma and monsters?”
I had been granted a certain degree of authority by Prince Grave. However, I had gone ahead and promised the dispatch of the Dragon Knight Order without explicit permission, but it seemed to be well-received.
Observing them, the captain of the Wyvern Knight Order, who was watching the meeting, nodded in agreement with my opinion.
“Stationing permanently would be difficult. However, if we were to regularly formulate plans and organize hunting parties, there would be no problem. Our Wyvern Knight Order prides itself on its wide operational range.”
Gathering at a mutually convenient time for each race to hunt yōma and monsters simultaneously. This would be far more efficient and advantageous than the giants fighting alone.
“Also, I would like to ask the spirits to help improve the barren lands. Once the dangerous monsters and yōma are gone, you can work safely, right?”
“Elnea-kun seems to know a great deal about spirits. Until now, we had considered the Eastern lands where the giants live as their territory and hadn’t even paid attention to them as anything relevant to the Mimicho Race. However, you are right. If the Eastern lands become prosperous with the spirits’ cooperation, the giants will not invade the forest. Therefore, improving the giants’ land would lead to our own peace.”
“From our side, if the land becomes fertile, we have no complaints. Rather, it would be a dream come true.”
The elders and King Gouo nodded.
“Ah, but! Giants, you cannot just be on the receiving end of these benefits!”
“Hmm, you mean?”
Participating in the hunting force. Improving the land. These were all benefits the giants would receive. However, it would be unfair if the Mimicho Race, Humans, and Dragon Race worked without any reward.
Hunting parties, in some cases, could even result in casualties.
“We will demand proper compensation from the giants!”
“Do you desire monetary payment?”
“No, not money or jewels, or such items. I would like you to provide labor.”
The giants’ large bodies and powerful physiques. I had a wonderful use in mind for them.
“Uh, you see… The Royal Castle of the Yorttenitos Kingdom was destroyed for various reasons. So, it’s currently in the process of reconstruction…”
“It’s your fault, Elnea-kun.”
“Elnea destroyed it.”
“You two Twin Princesses, shush! Uh, so, it seems there’s a lot of heavy lifting involved in the reconstruction of the royal palace, such as transporting stone materials…”
“Hmph, I see. So you want us giants to undertake this heavy lifting? However, don’t you have the Dragon Knight Order?”
“The dragons of the Dragon Knight Order are busy with the security of the land and are rather capricious.”
“If meat is involved, we’ll help a bit.”
“If it’s a cave I like, I’ll dig it.”
“We prefer destruction.”
“…B-but, with the cooperation of the giants, I believe the reconstruction will be much faster!”
“However, is it acceptable for us to go to your country? The Mimicho Race would also not want to allow giants through, would they?”
“In the Human country, we welcome the passage of races with whom we have friendly relations. Look, even demons come and go.”
“We… Well, as long as they don’t harm the forest and inform us of their passage in advance…”
“Yes, I would appreciate cooperation from the Mimicho Race here as well. But there are benefits for you too. The Great Forest’s Bewildering Technique has recently been broken, hasn’t it? Because of that, I believe great yōma like Baridura, who previously did not invade, have appeared in the forest. And as the warriors who fought Baridura probably felt, that yōma seems resistant to Spirit Arts. If that’s the case, and if Baridura appears again in the future, the Mimicho Race alone won’t be able to handle it. Even if it’s by permit, if the giants establish a precedent for entering the forest, I believe we can rely on them in times of need without confusion.”
“I see the point.”
We and the Wyvern Knight Order cannot always rush to the Great Forest. If a formidable enemy like the great yōma Baridura were to appear in the forest again, the Mimicho Race alone would not be able to deal with it.
“Restoring the forest’s blessing might be a bit difficult. The divine jewel has been broken.”
Ran said with a dejected look, as if apologizing.
It’s not Ran’s fault. It’s Rin’s fault!
“In that case, from now on, the forest will also be under the shadow of yōma…”
“Right, there’s something I wanted to ask. What do the Mimicho Race think of the western part of the Great Forest? The western part of the Great Forest is currently being developed by Humans, isn’t it?”
“The western forest, you say… That is an abandoned forest. Once, there were settlements in that area, and Mimicho Race lived there. However, it has become a cursed forest overrun by monsters.”
“Why did monsters begin to proliferate?”
“We don’t know the exact reason. It is said to be because of contact with the corrupted earth over many years, or the curse of ancient ruins.”
Speaking of which, there are ancient ruins in the western part of the Great Forest, near the eastern border of the Yorttenitos Kingdom.
Is it because of their influence?
“Then, is it alright for Humans to proceed with development?”
“It would be appreciated if you went easy on us. But, well, it is a place we have already relinquished. If you develop it through your own efforts, we have nothing to say.”
“I see. Then, let’s do this. Let’s develop the western forest of the Great Forest together! Let’s make it a place where the Yorttenitos Kingdom and the Mimicho Race can interact!”
It would be wonderful to have towns where Humans and Mimicho Race could live together.
Having a buffer zone where their cultural spheres directly collide would be less stressful than direct confrontation.
“Alright, alright. The giants will have to work hard here too! Hunting monsters in the western part of the forest. Building towns. Wow. We can repay our favors in so many ways! Oh, and once the land becomes fertile, it might be good to trade by importing Earthbulls. The dragons seem to have taken a liking to them because they are satisfying to eat. If trade becomes active, we can send various things from the Human side in exchange for receiving Earthbulls and other eastern specialties or labor. This is amazing! The Yorttenitos Kingdom will expand its range of interaction all at once!”
“E-Elnea-kun, please exercise some restraint…”
“Elnea has entered a grand delusion.”
“Elnea-kun is collapsing the barriers of culture.”
“Elnea-kun is destroying racial isolation.”
Uh, to what extent is the authority I’ve been granted?
Oh well. If all my plans go well, Humans, Mimicho Race, and Giants will all be happy!
The giants and elders listened to my ambitious plans with wry smiles, appearing to enjoy themselves.
