With the arrangement of the Sphinx King, we were able to make Elana a companion.
Guided by Elana, we were able to reach near the Elf village. Then, as if they knew our movements, the Elf man who had previously cut my shoulder appeared before our eyes on his horse.
“You again. I don’t know what your intentions are, but you must not value your lives.”
The man drew his long sword, about to behead me. At that moment, Elana hurriedly intervened. The man’s eyes widened, and he dismounted.
“What is the meaning of this? You guys, did you possibly lay hands on the Sphinx tribe?!”
“No, they are my friends. They saved my life. The King has acknowledged them.”
But he shook his head, as if unable to believe it.
“No, you are being deceived. These guys are not trustworthy!”
Then, a gentle, elderly voice was heard from behind.
“Now, now, stop it. I told you so much. Are you all injured?”
An Elf man with white hair and a white beard appeared.
“But Lord Rondoral, they are wicked. They are not someone to be trusted.”
The old man, Rondoral, let out a long sigh.
“I’m sorry, young men. It’s been a rough time lately, and he’s on edge. Come, let’s talk inside.”
We were led into the village. The man, keeping his sword in hand, glared at us.
“Now, let’s hear what happened. Tell me everything.”
I explained how I came to enter this forest, or rather, about the Dark Elf.
“Hmm, so it was indeed you. I heard from Fjörd. Are you not injured?”
When I told him about being saved by a Healer, Rondoral frowned and apologized again.
“Fjörd is a good guy, really, but he can be a bit rough. Please wait a moment.”
Saying that, Rondoral left the room. During that time, Fjörd, the man behind him, stood with his sword in hand, watching us without blinking. After a while, Rondoral returned with a young Elf girl.
