Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

"A Dark Elf requested an audience with me?" "Yeah." Fienne panicking. Rona seemed to understand why she was panicking. "Strange, isn't it? A Dark Elf?" "...You, by any chance!?" "Yeah?" "You didn't act rudely to that Dark Elf, did you!?" Fienne, who had been lost in thought for a moment, said in horror. Rona let out a small chuckle at Fienne's appearance. "Hey. Fienne. What do you take me for? I'm still officially a Saint, a noble gentleman of high society- would someone like me lose their dignity just because I'm in front of a Dark Elf?" Rona explained how dignified and politely he had treated the Dark Elf. "It must have been a woman." "Well, yeah. If it had been a man, I might have made a mistake like you said?" "Anyway, your handling of it is certainly praiseworthy. Acting politely even when seeing a Dark Elf isn't an easy thing to do." 'Why is she suddenly acting like this?' It was an awkward moment where praise and respect for each other felt embarrassing. Rona noticed something was off from Fienne's unnatural attitude. "By any chance, is it someone you know?" "You said it was a Dark Elf who knows Risir, right?" "That's right." "Such Dark Elves wouldn't be common." "...Is that so?" Rona tilted his head. "Do you know what that guy does outside the city? Honestly, I'm confident I wouldn't be surprised at all if he suddenly showed up one day riding on a giant's back and then flying in on a dragon." Even so, that's a bit- Fienne, who was about to say that, closed her mouth. Not long ago. When she thought of Risir, she remembered how she had temporarily confused him with a dragon. "...You're right. I was being reckless." "Haha, well, reckless is going too far. So. Fienne. What's the big deal? Who were you thinking of?" "Ah, come to think of it, you didn't know yet, did you?" "What?" "About Risir...The story about that man's master." "...He had a master too?" Rona blinked his eyes, genuinely surprised. "Wasn't he someone who suddenly hatched from an egg one day and was an adult from the start, able to use magic and swordsmanship?" "Certainly. That's more realistic. But surprisingly- yes, well. That man has a teacher too." "Are you talking about Master Meltas or Frozen Breath?" "No. Not those who 'want to become' Risir's master. There's someone else that Risir truly, uniquely, considers as his genuine master." "...My goodness. That's incredibly interesting? So interesting that I'll completely forget my complaint about why you're only telling me this now." Rona thought for a moment, then shook his head with a serious expression. "That guy's master... what kind of monster could it be?" "Ah, well- they're more ordinary than you might think." "Ordinary?" "I mean, for being that man's master. You could say they're realistically extraordinary." "Ah, I understand." Fienne gazed into the distance. Her red eyes traced back past memories. To tell the story about that master, she had to recall her first meeting with that man. "..." And so that elegant expression was tainted with humiliation. Even while tainted with humiliation, it was an expression that somehow looked pleased. Fienne told Rona the story about a Dark Elf that started from that first meeting. "...A master, you say?" "Yes." "...But they abandoned their disciple in less than a week after taking them in?" "...Yes." "Can such a relationship really be considered a master-disciple relationship?" "..." Rona presented a differing opinion, and Fienne had to accept it. Pamon. That Dark Elf was indeed a possessor of extraordinary qualities befitting Risir's master. In quite various ways, that is... "Anyway. For that man, she's a benefactor who provided a crucial turning point in his life. If it hadn't been for her... who knows. Risir might still be rotting in that family even now. From that perspective, you could say she fulfilled her duty as a master." "True. Just because you hold onto someone and teach them for a long time doesn't make you a good master." "That's right." "But still, one week is a bit..." "...That's right." Clap! The reminiscing ends here. Rona clapped his hands to refresh the atmosphere. "So, that's it? The Dark Elf I met is Risir's master?" "Yes." "...I can definitely see why you made such a fuss. If I had been rude to that Dark Elf, it would have become a very troublesome and annoying situation." A dynamically moving posture. The nobleman swept back his flowing bangs. "Blessed be the dignity that permeates this body." "Ah. Yes. May you receive much of it." "And one more thing, lastly." "What else is it?" "Are you sure? That the Dark Elf I met is Risir's master?" "...Yes?" "It's just- the impression seems so different. Between that legendary master and the Dark Elf I met. The Dark Elf I met was- how should I put it. Too refined, I guess? Dignity? I felt that kind of thing from her." "...By any chance, what did that Dark Elf's appearance and attire look like?" *** "I heard that if one wants to meet Risir, they should look for you. I wonder if I came to the right place?" "Ah..." "...Excuse me?" "Ah! I'm sorry. For a moment, I was thinking about something else-" The Acting City Councilor and secretary exchanged glances. Right? No. Huh? "If it's not impolite, may I ask for what reason you're looking for Lord Risir?" Fienne pulled herself together and showed the utmost courtesy. A Dark Elf with pale pink hair who exuded dignity even while sitting demurely. The figures in dark clothing standing silently behind her. The atmosphere was clearly not ordinary. "I made a promise to him." "...A promise?" "The kindness he showed me. And the things he did for us Dark Elves. I promised that all of that would be repaid." "Things he did for the Dark Elves...-" "Oh, my introduction is late." She rose from her seat. "I am Cartria of House Sahila." Sahila. They brought down the Sand Mountain that Blocks the Sun and built the city of the Dark Elves there. All Dark Elves were equal under their house. The legitimate ruler and sovereign that all Dark Elves serve. Sahila Ye Cartria. The clan's princess placed her hand on her chest and bowed politely. "..." "..." Fienne and Rona were stunned. The clan's princess? The clan's benefactor? Suddenly? 'This human. What did he do now...?' *** Cartria ye Sahila. Having formally organized an envoy to pay respects to Risir on behalf of the Dark Elves, she entered Bondaless essentially alone. This was in consideration of Bondaless's chaotic political situation related to the Elf expedition. This was why the Dark Elves' camp was secretly positioned away from Bondaless. -Aren't they your kinfolk? Around such a camp, some uninvited guests were wandering about. -But why aren't you mingling with them and instead hiding like this to observe them? As if you were some kind of criminal- The man expressed doubt in his one eye. Then, the Dark Elf tried to answer with her characteristically lively smile. <What if she is a criminal!?> However, the talking book intercepted that. "Duran, calling me a criminal~" The criminal Pamon groaned as she looked around the group. "By the way, what brings the people of House Sahila here?" Then, she turned her gaze toward the city beyond the horizon. "Elves, Dark Elves... We came all this way to meet our Risir, but what's all this commotion-" Pamon let out a deep sigh. "I don't know what it is, but something tremendous seems to be happening. Our Risir- he's not caught up in this, is he?" *** "Is that the end?" This was Risir's reaction after attending Professor Delron's lecture on 'What Kind of City is Ifrien'. "What do you mean, is that the end..." Delron was quite flustered. Was there a part in his lecture just now that would warrant such a reaction? He thought he had consistently emphasized how huge and powerful a metropolis Ifrien was? "...Ah!" And then he immediately realized. "Certainly, no matter how powerful a city it is, it would look small in Lord Risir's eyes!" -This vermin, look at what he's saying!!! "Wh, wha, you are- Lord Risir's spirit...!" -You vermin!!! You possess an insight too good for a vermin to carry around!!! As you said, no matter how wide a city built by vermin might be, it's merely petty to contain the vast vessel that is Master!!! "Y, yes! Exactly as you say!!! What city could contain Lord Risir! Even this world as a vessel would be inadequate for Lord Risir!" -A vermin daring to show a fragment of wisdom? How regrettable!!! If only I weren't bound to serve Master, I would have taken in your insignificant existence!!! "It's an honor!!!" "..." 'What are you all doing.' Risir alternately looked at the spirit and the bald man who were excitedly going back and forth. In the case of Delron's subordinates, their expressions were quite troubled. Who is Stone Heart again? Huh? "Of course, that's not what I meant." "Ah, Lord Risir!? Then what did you mean-" "I suppose I had quite elaborate expectations from the tremendous name 'City of Fire'." "...For example, what kind of-" "With a bit of joking added. I even had expectations that perhaps the river flowing through the city might be lava or something like a furnace." "..." -... The gazes of 'reading the room...' directed from around. "Risir has some eccentric aspects from what I, a person of common sense, can see!?" "...!" And on top of that, acknowledgment(?) from none other than Ratsil. Risir had to acknowledge that his modern sensibilities influenced by fantasy games were somewhat excessive. "By the way- it certainly is a tremendous city." Risir reflected on Delron's story while recalling the cities he had encountered so far. The first to come to mind was Illatdein. That City of Elves was indeed more magnificent than any city Risir had encountered so far, but- Because the structure itself was assimilated with nature, it was difficult to grasp its scale. Should one say it felt like using the entire forest area as a city? But Ifrien seemed different. An honestly massive metropolis. Judging from Delron's story, its scale easily reached twice that of Bondaless. The funds and military power that city operates would be beyond words. "Right. I earnestly hope that we can pass through this place without any incidents." Even Karoer showed signs of tension. "I agree. If we get entangled with that thing-" Even Lunadien. Risir felt their tension spreading and spoke carefully. "Lord Lunadien. That thing? By any chance, is there someone we shouldn't get involved with? If so, we should look into another route-" "No. It's not something you need to worry about. It's not a bad relationship or anything, just pure aversion felt between one personality and another." "..." Risir suddenly remembered the Grand Master's benevolent face. It wasn't anything else, but even when Star of the Garden dealt with Night of the Forest, she hadn't shown such distaste. "Just what kind of person could-" "Ash Star." It was a name mentioned from Lunadien's mouth. Lunadien immediately clicked her tongue and shook her head, as if even saying the name was distasteful. 'Ash Star...' Risir mulled over that name internally. It seemed like a name he had heard somewhere- *** "That's-" "Are they elves?" "The rumors must have been true..." "Then there must be the Hero who defeated that Magic Sword-" "Damn. If it weren't for the elves, I would have tried talking to them." From a certain point, the frequency of the expedition encountering groups coming from the opposite side of the road increased dramatically. Whether news from Tormund had already spread, they were wary of the Elf expedition but not afraid. This was a phenomenon arising from that. They moved to the roadside and watched them with curious gazes until the expedition passed. To become a spectacle for humans. Naturally, it was an unpleasant situation for the elves. Considering the elves' temperament, it wouldn't be strange to think it was better when they were objects of fear. "Risir! There are more and more people!" However. The elves didn't mind. No. They rather welcomed it. "They're all coming from Ifrien, right?" As Ratsil said. The clearly increased number of passersby meant the city was that much closer. The expedition was gradually beginning to see its end. Continue like this past Ifrien and travel straight along the main road? With a bit of exaggeration, it was only one step away from Bondaless. Eventually. The expedition left the main road and set up camp. The joy was brief. Now it was a moment of tension. They had to send an envoy to the city to obtain permission to enter. Until now, the small and medium cities on the route had to be mindful of the expedition due to their asymmetric level of military composition, but Ifrien was different. That massive city had no need to be overly mindful of the expedition. Perhaps there was nothing to hesitate about. Even if they casually waved their hands at the courteous envoys and issued an order to leave, the expedition would have no recourse. "What if Ifrien refuses entry!? If we have to turn back after coming this far? Just how many more days will this expedition be extended!?" "Well... wouldn't it be delayed at least two weeks?" "Risir!!! What's with those lonely eyes!!! Is it because of the word 'two weeks'!? Is it because that period of two weeks is like an eternity for humans who live short lives!? Are you afraid of wasting that long time!?" "Do you think humans are mayflies or something?" The expedition carefully selected personnel with deep concern. Not too intimidating, but also not appearing too weak. They needed to make a definite impression, but it had to be a positive one. Eventually. The composition was decided. Delron of Tormund. Ratsil of the elves. "Will just two people be okay? Ah, this is absolutely not because I don't trust you two." Risir carefully expressed his concern. Then, all eyes at the location turned to Risir at once. -What are you talking about? They all had expressions as if that kind of voice could be heard. "What are you talking about, Risir. It's not two people, it's three people." "Pardon?" "Me, Delron, and Risir too." "..." Throughout the meeting, Risir's name was never mentioned even once. Everyone, with one mind, had taken that as a basic premise. "I, thank you for your complete trust...?" And so. Risir headed to Ifrien's main gate with the two others. It was a distance that could be reached quickly by riding horses for a certain amount of time. "Hm?" Then, when they had traveled exactly half the expected distance. Risir's group discovered a group positioned off to the side of the road, coming from the opposite direction. A sense of déjà vu. It was a posture much like a group watching the Elf expedition. But it was strange. There was no Elf expedition here to watch, nothing at all. Or perhaps they were waiting for the Elf expedition? "Risir!" "...Yes!" The three people exchanged glances simultaneously. As Risir's group approached to a certain degree, the group came up onto the road to face them. The atmosphere was far from ordinary to simply dismiss them as bandits or ruffians. Most notably, the middle-aged man at the center of the group exuded an aura even greater than Delron and Ratsil. And this was Delron, a renowned former mercenary, and Ratsil, an elite of the Great Forest watch. Just as tension was about to form between the three people. "Master of Sacred Sword. We have been waiting for you." The aforementioned middle-aged man bowed politely toward Risir. Risir was drawn in by that peculiar atmosphere. "You were waiting for me?" "That's right. We saw that you would arrive at this exact time, at this exact place." That middle-aged man's eyes held burning flames. "You saw..." Ratsil and Delron were overwhelmed by his mysterious atmosphere and behavior. *** Ash Group. The group that Risir's party encountered called themselves that. According to Delron's explanation, they were a group that formed a massive faction within Ifrien. Their influence was such that even the Red Magic Tower had to yield to them. 'For such people to approach us first...' Risir couldn't let go of his tension, wondering what was going to happen from now on. ...Nothing happened at all. About 30 minutes had passed since the Ash Group welcomed Risir's party as if they had already foreseen everything. They were still in the same place. "..." Subtle bewilderment appeared on their faces, and cracks formed in that untouchable mysterious atmosphere. Just as the overwhelmed Ratsil and Delron were about to feel a strange sense of familiarity- Risir opened his mouth. What are we doing here. What should we do from now on. Risir's voice when addressing the Ash Group contained subtle expectations. If Delron was right, they would have sufficient authority to let the expedition pass through. "...We are currently waiting for someone who carries the same flame as you." "Flame?" "It's the Saint. Do you know nothing about this? According to what we 'saw', the Saint arrived at exactly the same time, at the same place, together with you. Together with you, the Hero. So we thought you and the Saint were traveling together-" Risir recalled. The first Saint. The moment when he fulfilled the Saint's duties in her place. Risir nodded his head, saying he understood. "Ah, that-" "Oh, you have an idea!" "It's probably me." Risir, who had become accustomed to various treatments including being the Mother of World Tree, spoke nonchalantly. "..." What. Is this. The expressions of those looking at each other had somehow reversed. "By any chance, is there any other reference information?" "...Actually, this is not the time for this. We must quickly join up with the Saint! Dark Mages and demons might be watching for an opportunity around here- perhaps the Saint has been attacked by them!" "Ah. I understand clearly." "Do you have an idea!?" "It seems like it's me." "!?" They couldn't understand the flow of the conversation.