The horse's hooves tread on the grass, and I sigh lightly as I feel the swaying of the reins. I couldn't deny that I hadn't slept well. It was only natural that I hadn't slept at all last night.

　I should not have offered to be a scout just because of that hexenbiest.

...... but sir. But, brave sir, wasn't there some other way?

　In the event that you've got a lot more than one, you'll be able to take a look at a few of the best ways to get the most out of your home.

　He didn't say it in a rude way. It was a genuine question, I guess. About how to deal with ape-shaped hexenbiests.

　As I wet my lips, wondering how to answer, he added, as if to repeat the question.

New wine is expensive. Rather than giving it to a hexenbiest, wouldn't it have been better to kill it so as not to cause more damage?

　That's the way to think, I thought honestly. Although he was a knight of the heraldry, he must have studied chivalry and polished his sword and spear. His way of being is straightforward and sharp to any extent. You can see this from the fact that he volunteered to be a scout on horseback, just like me.

　The ape-shaped Hexenbiest, after pouring a barrel of wine into its mouth, snored and immediately let go of its consciousness into a dream. In this day and age, they probably did not have a high tolerance for alcohol. It would have cost me a few more kegs, so I thought I had saved my life.

　But I see. It is indeed against the pride of chivalry to raise a hexenbiest with an object and let it off the hook, so to speak. He stroked his chin, rubbing it with his fingers.

"I suppose so. That's the way it should be. As long as we're not going to negotiate with the elves.

　The knight seemed to have a strange look on his face. He was wearing a deep helmet, so I couldn't see his face, but he tilted his head as if to ask why the elves were mentioned at this point.

　He slowly pulled on the reins to keep the horse's hooves from gouging the grass.

We're here to talk to the elves. We're here to talk to the elves, and the most important thing to do is to show them respect.

　It is inevitable that we will step on trees and grass as we go. But give credit where credit is due. There will be times when you step on the soil. Show courtesy to them. I'll tell you that as I form words in my mouth.

Elves are a race. If you want to make an alliance with them, you need to look at your feet before you worry about bad manners. ...... Even if they are Hexenbiests, you can't just stain this forest with blood without permission. I wouldn't be surprised if they attacked me without question.

　The knight in charge of the guard raised his voice strangely, as if to say, "This is ridiculous.

　When I first heard it, my face twisted in disbelief that such a thing was possible. But the fact is. They are no longer human, but a different species altogether.

　They have language, two eyes, one mouth, one nose, and two ears, and there are some people who would equate them with us just because they have those things, but I can tell you now that it's a stupid idea.

　They have no sense of reason, morality, or common sense whatsoever.

　So, to be honest, I still think it's insane to make an alliance with the elves. Anne said that the heraldists had a history of making alliances with elves. To be honest, knowing those people, I find that hard to believe.

After all, they're holed up in this forest and the Hanging Gardens of Mount Ghazalia. I'm sure they have narrow-minded values--

"Yes, that's exactly what I think. You're right. I agree with you. It's disgusting.

　My ears perk up. A sharp voice, like a breeze coming in. A sharp voice, like a wind blowing in, yet caressing the depths of my earholes. My heart shuddered. My heart palpitated violently, as if my whole body was shaking.

So it's best not to talk about it too loudly. After all, they're so narrow-minded that they can't even see themselves in front of the clear water. It's disgusting.

　It was as if I had become one with the forest. One moment the leaves were flying, the next they were right in front of me.

　It's a technique I'm familiar with. It's a trick the elves often use. In their realm, the forest is their friend and their own. It's not exactly instantaneous, but it could easily blind a person.

　The owner of the voice shifted in my eyes. Next to him was a stunned and speechless guard knight.

"You're not welcome here, humans. But I have my vows. That's why I've come before you in shame.

　It was a man with a seemingly thin, yet too well-rounded figure.

　At first glance, it appears to be a man with a thin, but very well-shaped figure. He looks as if he could have been sculpted by a spirit, not an elf. Even the word "well-dressed" does not seem to fully describe his appearance.

　Her hair was tucked into the hat on her head, and at first glance it looked short. The position of the saber at his waist and the way he was dressed in long pants made him look like a man. Yes, perhaps that's what the guard knights would assume.

"You've shown respect for us elves. Now that you have shown respect for us elves, I will follow my vow and give you a piece of advice.



　His voice is like the caress of the wind. If you were to let your guard down, your expression would become debauched. I can even feel it tickling me deep in my earholes.

　But my emotions are not shaken by such sensations, they have stopped moving as if they were frozen.

　My brain was clearly in a state of confusion as to what and how I was supposed to understand at this moment.

　I had expected it. I was prepared for it. I thought so. But now, it's as if my guts have frozen and won't respond.

　I thought I had conquered my overflowing passions by taking Kalia as my friend and Fialat's hand. I thought I had.

"You should never have gone to the Hanging Gardens of Gaza. It would be a tragedy. Especially if you're a heraldic man. Here's some advice. Good. Don't go near it.

　The man's disguise is impressive, perhaps even disguised with the help of spirits. He's not the same man he used to be. He seems like a different person. But don't forget that voice. The voice that trampled people so easily.

　Oh, I'm just an ordinary man. A dwarf. I stood with the geniuses, I once made the hero Herd Stanley fall back, and I thought I had risen to the top.

　But, but... If you're a hero, if you're a brave man, you don't still have these petty emotions etched deep in your heart.

"Oh, I'll just say my name. I guess this is just politeness. It's disgusting. My name is...

　My name is..." My lips twitched as I looked at the elf in front of me, who spoke as if a song was playing from his lips. Yes, your name is...

"Erdis. It could be a woman's name or a man's name, but there are many elves with such names.

　--Erdis. Princess of the elves and companion on the quest for salvation. And the worst destroyer of all.