Volume 2, Chapter 31 – The Far North

We finished our final resupply in a village three days’ walk from Silverfield and were now making our way across a sparsely grassed plain toward the center of the island, where the Silver Village was said to be.

The latitude must be quite high, as there were almost no trees in sight.

As a light snow fluttered down, we walked on with our eyes fixed forward. I couldn’t just let those monsters run wild—no, that wasn’t it. I had a noble mission to return the victims who had been enslaved to their own kind.

Oh, and of course, I mustn’t forget my “Operation: Get a Contract Spirit.”

I needed to gain the power to fight and Level Up like crazy.

“But where exactly is this Silver Village? I don’t see any forest that fits the description…”

“Eh?”

I blinked in surprise at Chris-san’s murmur.

“Fiene-sama?”

“I mean, there’s a humongous tree right over there. Surely that’s it, right?”

“Eh?”

This time, it was Chris-san’s turn to be surprised.

Wait, could it be that Chris-san can’t see that massive tree?

“Liera-san, does this mean…?”

“Yes, Saint-sam~. Exactly~ That is the Spirit Tree of the Silver Village~”

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“I knew it! Since Onee-sama is a descendant of High Elves, of course you can see it!”

What was she talking about? I was supposed to be a 100% pure Vampire, though.

Was it because of that “(LOL)”? That bald bastard…

“I’m so happy for you, Onee-sama!”

Lu-chan beamed at me with a radiant smile.

“Well, I mean, I am a Vampire. Maybe I’m seeing it for some other reason?”

“Fiene-sama. Lumia is just trying to cheer you up, you know?”

Ugh, Chris-san actually scolded me.

“U-Uh, yes. You’re right… Lu-chan, thank you.”

“You’re welcome!”

Uuu, Lu-chan’s smile was blinding.

I knew they were worried about me and I appreciated it, really.

But guys, this is all just one big misunderstanding, okay?

◇ ◇ ◇

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“Is there really a forest here?”

While we were talking, we arrived in front of the forest.

Despite the surrounding area being nothing but grass, this specific patch was a dense woodland.

It was clearly unnatural, but apparently Chris-san couldn’t see the forest at all.

“Liera-san, what should we do?”

“It’ll be fine if we hold hands while we walk. Shall I hold yours, Holy Knight-sama~?”

“N-No. I cannot leave Fiene-sama’s side.”

“Oh, what a shame~♪”

Liera-san licked her lips playfully, making Chris-san turn a bit pale.

Yeah, let’s just pretend I didn’t see that. Perish the thought.

I took Chris-san’s hand, and with Liera-san leading the way, we stepped into the forest.

“Wh—?! There really is a forest here! So this is the hidden village of the Elves…”

Chris-san was wide-eyed with shock.

Well, it’s only natural to be surprised when a forest suddenly appears in front of your eyes.

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Personally, I kind of wanted to experience that surprise myself too, but oh well. Let’s keep heading for the village.

Even though we were walking through a pathless forest, it was surprisingly easy going. It was as if the trees and grass were moving out of our way.

“Oh, Onee-sama! This is an ability unique to us Forest Folk. The spirits dwelling in the forest lend us their strength and open a path for us like this!”

Seeing the puzzled look on my face, Lu-chan quickly explained.

I see. As expected of Elves, that’s an amazing ability.

Just as I was marveling at that…

Snap!

I heard a sharp sound, and an arrow thudded into the ground just in front of Liera-san.

In an instant, Chris-san drew her sword and Lu-chan readied her bow.

“Oh my? And what is the meaning of drawing a bow against your own kin?”

Liera-san’s voice was lower than usual.

Hmm, I thought bringing the two of them along would get us in easily, but at this rate, it’s going to turn into a fight.

Right, leave this to me.

I pulled back my hood, revealing my face, and stepped out in front of Liera-san.

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“I apologize for entering without permission, but we have no ill intent. We rescued two Elves who were being held as slaves in a human town. We would like to ask for their protection in this village.”

There was no immediate answer, but I sensed them whispering among themselves.

After a while, a male Elf descended from the branches.

He was a ridiculously handsome pretty-boy with silver hair and red eyes.

I hope he just explodes already!

“Very well. I shall take those two and you, the Half-Elf, with me. However, we cannot allow that human to enter.”

Wait, why was I suddenly being treated as a Half-Elf?

No, that’s not it!

“Why is Chris-san not allowed? Chris-san is a precious companion of mine!”

“She’s right, you know? This Holy Knight-sama is my unde—my daughter’s benefactor.”

Unde…? Liera-san, what were you about to say just now?

“A-A Holy Knight, you say? Then could it be… My apologies. It would be a disgrace to the name of the Silver Village to turn away a benefactor who saved two of our kin. I shall guide you to the village.”

And so, we finally arrived at our destination, the Silver Village.