Chapter 14, Behind the Scenes

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

 

The audience remained in a frenzy following the unexpected turn of events as Kousuke and Collete made their exit from the stage. They had accomplished their part; the rest could be left to Shiomala. Whatever came next would be for the Elves of Sewri Village to resolve.

 

The following afternoon, Romana, the village representative, arrived at Shiomala’s mansion. Though Elves were known for their unhurried approach to matters, this particular issue demanded immediate attention. In just half a day, they had managed to make considerable progress.

 

Shiomala escorted Romana to where Kousuke and the others were seated. Upon entering, Romana bowed deeply to Kousuke, having clearly been informed of his identity beforehand.

 

Feeling somewhat embarrassed by such formality, Kousuke responded with a slight nod.

 

“I truly didn’t do anything special,” Kousuke said. “If anyone deserves thanks, it would be Collete, who managed to call upon Spica.”

 

The representative shifted her attention to Collete, offering another bow. “I extend our village’s gratitude to you.”

 

Collete acknowledged this with a modest nod. “I merely performed the ritual as instructed. This outcome is simply the result of that.”

 

“Thanks to Goddess Spica’s gift, we’ve largely resolved the situation, haven’t we?” Sensing the discomfort from the continued formalities, Kousuke steered the conversation toward more pressing matters.

 

Romana picked up on his cue and began sharing what they had learned. “According to those captured by the Living God’s companions yesterday, they were responsible for guiding villagers who wished to leave.”

 

“Guiding…” Kousuke tilted his head. “You mean they were slave traders?”

 

Romana’s expression darkened. “At first, they genuinely believed they were dealing with legitimate traders working directly with the country.”

 

“What exactly do you mean?”

 

“From our interrogations, we learned that the forest guard initially made contact with the country’s border patrol. Through these connections, they were introduced to individuals who promised to help villagers find employment outside the forest.”

 

Kousuke’s jaw dropped at this revelation, while Collete pressed her right hand to her forehead, visibly distressed.

 

“That’s an astounding level of naivety!” In this world, even children were taught not to blindly trust others, including national soldiers.

 

Romana nodded grimly. “We can’t simply excuse this as ignorance of the outside world.”

 

“I understood this much before I left the village.” Collete remarked incredulously. “How could they fall for such obvious lies!?”

 

Romana heaved a deep sigh. “They had apparently met with these guards in the forest several times and developed what they believed to be a friendship.”

 

“Ah, I see,” Kousuke nodded, understanding dawning. The village Elves were purebreds, for better or worse. A few friendly interactions might have been enough to earn their trust. However, while Kousuke seemed convinced, the three Elves present shook their heads in dismay.

 

“The forest guards are supposed to be our most disciplined Elves.” Shiomala pointed out. “They shouldn’t engage with outsiders so casually.”

 

“Even I found it challenging to slip past the guards during my time here.” Collete added quietly.

 

Romana sighed again. “That, as it happens, was part of the problem.”

 

Collete’s eyes widened at this unexpected connection.

 

“Your successful escape led to criticism of the guards,” Romana explained, then quickly added, “Please don’t misunderstand – I’m not suggesting this is your fault.”

 

Kousuke’s reproachful look prompted Romana to elaborate further. “Most villagers weren’t actually troubled by your departure, Collete. If anything, many were relieved to see a ‘troublesome person’ leave.”

 

Though Kousuke bristled at this characterization, Collete’s easy acceptance of it kept him silent.

 

“The guards’ criticism was mostly in jest – a few villagers making light of their failure to track down a single girl. However, some guards took these comments to heart.”

 

The forest guards, meant to be the elite among Elves, had apparently suffered a blow to their pride. By the time they realized they had been deceived by the traders, they were already too deeply entangled in the scheme to extract themselves.

 

Kousuke sighed heavily at this revelation. “It’s like falling prey to a criminal organization – getting recruited and then being unable to escape.”

 

“Kousuke,” Collete interjected, “that’s exactly what happened.”

 

Romana nodded solemnly. “Whether it was truly a national organization or not, those who were deceived were foolish. And we were equally foolish for failing to notice.”

 

“I’m at a loss for words,” Kousuke admitted.

 

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“What do they know about the country’s involvement?” Kousuke inquired.

 

Romana shook her head. “Only that the guards are involved. Nothing beyond that.”

 

“What about the investigation team currently in the forest?”

 

“I have no direct contact with them, and I can’t definitively say we have no connection either.”

 

Kousuke contemplated Romana’s measured response for a moment before turning to Kouhi. “Take out the communication device.”

 

Without changing her expression, Kouhi retrieved a communication device from her item box and handed it to Kousuke, who immediately initiated a call. The other party answered promptly.

 

“Is there a problem, Living God?”

 

The communication device Kousuke had created was designed to identify its caller, so the recipient knew who was contacting them. While Romana and Shiomala wondered about the caller’s identity, they were startled when Kousuke revealed it.

 

“Yes, I’m reaching out with some information, King Ernest.”

 

Kousuke proceeded to brief the King of the Tausen Kingdom about his findings from the surrounding towns and villages, as well as the current situation in the Elf village.

 

“Well…” King Ernest remarked, “you certainly have a knack for finding trouble, Living God.”

 

Kousuke’s expression soured while Kouhi, Mitsuki, and Collete shared knowing smiles.

 

“Is there something specific you need from me?” the King asked.

 

Kousuke shook his head, though the gesture would not be seen through the communication device. “I simply wanted to confirm if I could use that item you gave me in this situation.”

 

“Ah, I see. Feel free to use it as a show of my trust.”

 

Kousuke was referring to the “King’s Medal” he had received as a reward. Though Sewri Forest didn’t border the Tausen Kingdom, the medal could help establish credibility. However, since it would be used outside the kingdom’s borders, Kousuke had wanted the King’s explicit permission.

 

“Thank you, that’s helpful.”

 

“Living God,” King Ernest cautioned, “please try not to let this escalate.”

 

All Kousuke could offer in response was a wry smile.

 

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