Chapter 17, Conclusion

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

 

The Elves of Sewri Forest stood bewildered at the scene unfolding before them in Shiomala’s mansion.

 

They had gathered to discuss the installation of a teleportation gate connecting their village to Amamiya Village—the Elf village in the South Tower. Though technically located in the South Tower rather than Amamiya Tower, the village had adopted this name to distinguish it from Sewri Village.

 

This naming convention aligned with the Central Continent’s practice of referring to all Towers as part of the Amamiya Tower – as a whole group.

 

The source of the Elves’ confusion was Collete’s unexpected behavior toward Kousuke.

 

While Shiomala and Romana, having grown accustomed to these displays, merely watched with resignation, the other Elves struggled to reconcile this sight with their memories of the formerly reserved Collete. The woman who had once strived to remain unnoticed now openly displayed affection toward a member of the opposite sex.

 

“Collete, couldn’t you refrain from doing this while we’re conducting our discussion?” One of the gathered Elves ventured.

 

Though the others remained silent, their expressions conveyed similar sentiments.

 

Collete, still clinging to Kousuke’s neck, responded with a sharp “Why?”

 

Her blunt response left the Elves momentarily speechless, and Collete seized the opportunity to press her advantage. “Have you forgotten why this village, which has remained isolated since ancient times, finally opened its doors to the outside world? Even if it was initially due to the teleportation gate?”

 

The assembled Elves flinched at her words.

 

“You all claim that ‘true connection lies in the heart, not the body,’ but isn’t that just cowardice?” Collete continued. “You’re so concerned with others’ opinions that you can’t focus on what truly matters, even within your own homes. That’s why I, as a leader, am setting an example.”

 

Her declaration, delivered while skillfully maintaining her hold on Kousuke, left the Elves thoroughly defeated. Even Shiomala and Romana averted their eyes, suggesting they understood the deeper implications of Collete’s words.

 

Though the declining birth rate among Elves could not be attributed to such a simple cause, they found themselves overwhelmed by Collete’s conviction and forceful delivery.

 

Kousuke observed the exchange with amusement before gently tapping Collete’s forehead. “You’ve made your point, but shouldn’t we focus on the task at hand?” he asked, ignoring the Elves who seemed ready to protest against such displays of affection. “We’re departing tomorrow, remember? We need to establish a basic plan before then.”

 

Collete’s expression soured at his words. “Why rush? We could stay here for longer.”

 

Despite having previously declared her separation from the village, she spoke as though she were in her own home. None of the villagers dared to challenge her on it, not after she had successfully summoned the Spirit Goddess during the <Ritual of Activating Spirits>.

 

Only Shiomala, a fellow shrine maiden of the World Tree, could match her authority, but she had no objections to Kousuke’s continued presence.

 

Kousuke shook his head. “We’ve already spent a week here. Once we install the gate today, it’s time for us to resume our journey.”

 

The decision to connect Sewri Village and Amamiya Village via teleportation gate had created considerable bustle, but things had finally settled. Kousuke believed the villagers could handle the remaining practical matters themselves. The installation of the teleportation gate would mark their final contribution before departure.

 

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The following day, after successfully installing the teleportation gate, Kousuke’s group prepared to depart. As with their arrival, village Elves guided them to the highway. A significant crowd gathered to bid farewell to Kousuke, now known to them as a Living God. Most were representatives who had participated in the inter-village connection discussions.

 

Though some appeared relieved at their departure, Kousuke suspected their relief stemmed not from his leaving but from the end of Collete’s public displays of affection.

 

Their furtive glances toward her dissatisfied expression confirmed his theory. He found humor in the peculiar nature of their send-off but maintained a neutral expression.

 

Turning to Collete, he said, “I’ll leave things in your hands from here.”

 

“Fine,” she replied, her displeasure evident.

 

Kousuke placed his palm on her head. “If you’re that concerned, I could always call Sylvia.”

 

The mention of Sylvia’s name immediately restored Collete’s usual serious demeanor. “That won’t be necessary.”

 

“Very well then. We’re off.”

 

“Yes, take care.”

 

“I will.”

 

As the Elves watched in amazement at Collete’s sudden transformation, Kousuke’s group departed with their guides. Shiomala, observing their departure, turned to Collete with curiosity.

 

“Who is Sylvia?” she inquired.

 

“One of our friends, and like me, one of Kousuke-sama’s women.” Collete explained.

 

Though Shiomala found nothing unusual about Kousuke having multiple partners, she remained puzzled by Collete’s dramatic shift in attitude. “Would Sylvia’s presence cause problems?”

 

“Not for me but for her. Sylvia is extremely busy right now.”

 

Indeed, with her rapidly growing children demanding attention, Sylvia’s schedule was far more demanding than Collete’s. She could not even spare time to assist Collete in the village.

 

However, Kousuke had mentioned her knowing that if he truly requested her presence, she would come without hesitation. Collete, unwilling to burden Sylvia with her personal desires, had fallen perfectly into Kousuke’s strategic scheme.

 

Seeing through the slight frustration on Collete’s face, Shiomala nodded. “I see. I had thought him rather passive, but he knows when to be firm.”

 

“Naturally,” Collete replied. “He wouldn’t be capable of traveling with Kouhi and Mitsuki otherwise.”

 

Shiomala nodded in agreement, recognizing the truth in Collete’s words.

 

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