I taught Ryoku how to communicate through gestures.
After that, we returned to the camp and decided to eat steamed buns together by the stream.
“What kind of flavor did you buy?”
When I broke it in half, it seemed to be meat. It was small enough to eat in one bite. Yes, the taste was ordinarily delicious.
“I wonder what kind of meat this is. Is it beef?”
Ryoku shook his head, indicating it was not. I put my hands on my hips and mimicked a chicken.
“A bird? Then, is it a boar or something?”
He shook his head again, saying “No, no.” Perhaps amused by my movements, he showed a small smile.
“You smiled for the first time. So, what’s the answer? Try to do it with gestures like I did.”
Ryoku thought for a moment and then placed his thumb on his head like horns.
“Is that a deer?”
He nodded, saying “That’s right.” Then we tried to guess various things with gestures. Harpies basically only have one finger, their thumb. So, it’s more difficult to express themselves than humans. Still, there must be a way. After all, they have lived for a long time with their bodies as they are.
“You’ve thought of a lot. You can talk too. We’re friends, you and I.”
Ryoku tilted his head, asking what I meant. I intertwined my thumb with his.
“Friend. Companion. A greeting for ‘thank you’. Let’s make it a useful word.”
It’s a word with many meanings. He still looked confused, tilting his head. But that’s fine, having just one of these can convey feelings.
“Well then, shall we go meet the Chieftain? I have this diary. There’s something I want to ask. Do you know where she is?”
He then pointed to the sky. Floating there, as if waiting, was a Bird spirit. I believe that’s one of the Chieftain’s spirits. It probably means “Follow me.” I followed the bird along with Ryoku.
As we walked through the forest, we came to a slightly open area where the Chieftain stood with a spirit. Her husband, who was with her before, was nowhere to be seen.
“You’ve brought someone who can talk to trees this time as well.”
“Thank you. I was planning to visit you myself.”
I showed her the man from Ryoku’s diary.
“We will help too. So, please tell us what you know. Who is this man? Is it Auroa?”
The Chieftain shook her head after looking at Ryoku’s drawing.
“No. This man… he is the village chief of a Dark Elf village in this vicinity. I myself have never seen him clearly. This is the first time I’ve seen such a distinct face.”
“So you’ve never met him directly?”
Apparently, Dark Elves avoid direct attacks as much as possible. They make it seem like they live quietly, but they are gradually extending their influence. And recently, their activities have become more active. The reason for this is likely Auroa. He rallied the whole world to search for the door to Heaven.
Perhaps he knew the location from the beginning. To make things seem more dramatic, he deliberately sent letters to another continent. Auroa intends to take over this entire world. He is breaking the taboo of contact with humans and intends to wage war even against them.
If that happens, nobody will be unscathed. If the existence of our continent becomes known, humans will surely come to invade. Perhaps some people already know. It’s just that peace is maintained because they are few in number.
“This man’s name is Nigpyura. Nigpyura Victor. And Auroa is his brother.”
I see, I’m finally getting a clearer picture. His brother, then he must be connected to Auroa. He should have Vampire blood, if I recall correctly. The son of a mother, a high-ranking Dark Elf magician, and a Vampire father.
“Is that Nigpyura also a Vampire?”
“A Vampire? Ah, you mean a blood-sucking creature. I don’t know, I haven’t heard any such rumors.”
Is that not true, or is there simply no information? It’s a mystery for now.
“But we can’t act until they make a move. Are you asking us to go to them?”
“No, no, that’s not it. There are many things we need your help with. First, please head to the clinic. There are many people there who have been poisoned.”
Is that all? For the time being, I decided to get Cecilia’s cooperation. Her magic can help the weakened.
The Chieftain’s spirit, a small bird, guided us. Peeking through a window, I saw nurses rushing around inside.
“It seems there are quite a few injured people.”
“Yeah, are the Dark Elves already attacking?”
I slightly opened the sliding door. They seemed too busy to notice us, outsiders.
“Excuse me, hello. Sorry… Sorry!”
“Kya!”
I spoke to a nurse who happened to be passing by. She was startled and dropped the towel she was holding.
“I’m sorry for surprising you.”
“Are you injured? Or sick? If it’s just medicine, please go to the pharmacy. You can get the usual stuff.”
“No, that’s not it. I’m here to help at the Chieftain’s request.”
“Help?! Thank goodness, then please take this over there. By the way, who are you?”
Finally, that question. I briefly explained that I came from outside to help.
