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chapter 24
Two days had passed since Eldmir reached an agreement with Irian.
During that time, Eldmir and his companions were treated well by the Chitael Sentinels, enjoying a comfortable stay.
Thanks to that, Eldmir had time to heal his wounds, and at last, he could feel the moment when he realized he was completely recovered.
He rolled each of his shoulders back in turn, then nodded.
“Feels like I’m all healed now.”
“Really?”
Eshiria smiled with relief, and the four catfolk sisters also beamed and congratulated him.
“Wow, then does that mean Big Brother El can go hunting with us now?”
“Hunting? We don’t have time for that. We should set out right away.”
“Eh? Why? We could rest just one more day before leaving!”
“No. We don’t have that kind of time. If we’re planning to deal with the dark elves, our schedule’s already tight.”
“What schedule?”
At Esrin’s grumbling, Eldmir answered firmly. But just as he was about to elaborate, he closed his lips and fell into thought.
On second thought, nothing was really urgent.
The coming-of-age ceremony didn’t need to be performed in the village—didn’t the system naturally recognize it anyway?
A wry smile touched Eldmir’s lips.
“No, you’re right. There’s nothing particularly urgent.”
Was he unconsciously expecting to undergo the ceremony among the village elves? Or had his mindset as Eldmir the elf taken root deeper than his days as a human?
Shaking his head, he cast aside such lingering thoughts.
“Then today, does that mean Big Brother El is going to show us a hunting demonstration?”
Ersie, who had learned to smile often lately, asked brightly.
Before answering, Eldmir frowned.
“By the way, why do you all keep changing how you call people’s names? Is it too much effort to say them properly?”
“Why not? Nicknames are fine. Besides, Sister said it was the punishment you got for losing a bet.”
“…That was serious?”
Remembering that night, Eldmir fell silent. Images of Keris’s mischievous side and what had followed after flashed through his mind.
“And Mother also calls you ‘Er.’ If she can, why can’t we? Don’t be so cold, Brother.”
“…You lot never know when to quit.”
By now, Eldmir was too used to these catfolk girls to win against them in words.
That meant they were close—but at times, Eldmir wondered if this was really acceptable for his dignity as their “big brother.”
Knock, knock.
At that moment, there was a knock at the door.
As soon as the sound came, the catfolk sisters exchanged awkward glances and tried to slip into the back room.
Seeing this, Eldmir sighed.
“Why are you hiding?”
“But, El… we’re still not exactly welcomed among elves.”
“I’m an elf too, aren’t I? Sure, this isn’t our village or our home, but this place was given for us to rest. If you can’t even hold your head up here, then when will you ever be able to face things with pride?”
Without leaving room for debate, Eldmir strode to the door.
“Who is it?”
When he swung it open, Irian stood there.
With a bright smile, he greeted him.
“May the smile of the forest dwell upon your path. Did you sleep well, Eldmir?”
At the grandiose morning greeting, Eldmir smirked and welcomed him.
“Good morning, Irian. What’s the matter?”
“I came to check on your condition…”
He stepped forward, raising the item he carried.
“…and to bring you a gift.”
In his hands was a bow of graceful design.
The bow’s arc bore the emblem of El R’darel—the mark of elves.
It was formed of two overlapping circles, with a sharp triangular peak drawn at the top inside the smaller circle. Eldmir knew this meant the outer circle represented the continent, the inner circle the elves, and the triangle the World Tree.
“Oh…”
It was a masterfully crafted bow, gleaming with a luster that only true works of art and weapons of precision could boast.
Eldmir reached for it instinctively, but then noticed Irian’s hand still gripping it tightly.
His brow furrowed as he looked at him.
“Irian? Are you playing a—”
At that moment, Eldmir realized Irian’s gaze wasn’t on him.
It was fixed on the catfolk sisters gathered with Eshiria.
Relaxing his frown, Eldmir raised an eyebrow and snorted.
“Hmph. Irian, still not over it, are you?”
“…Excuse me? What did you say?”
Irian reacted a beat late, then, meeting Eldmir’s eyes, closed his mouth.
After a brief silence, he sighed.
“My apologies. I thought I was prepared in mind, but it seems I’m still not ready enough.”
Eldmir shrugged.
“I get it. Feelings like that don’t disappear overnight. But don’t let it show in front of them. They don’t deserve that kind of treatment.”
“…I’ll keep that in mind.”
Irian forced his stiff lips into a smile.
“Come in. You’re not just here to deliver a gift, are you? You came to talk about that matter.”
Eldmir tugged the bow free and gestured him inside. At the same time, he fixed the sisters with a look that pinned them to their seats despite their attempt to slip away.
The catfolk girls sat uneasily, their tails twitching nervously.
“Sit still. Don’t be rude to the guest.”
“Meow!”
When Eldmir grabbed Keris’s tail to still it, she yelped sharply.
“W-What do you think you’re doing!”
“Why so dramatic? I just told you to keep still.”
“Fine! But don’t touch a lady’s tail like that again!”
Her face flushed red as she clutched her tail, smoothing its fur.
Eldmir only shrugged.
“Sit, Irian. Ah, seems we’re short on chairs.”
“No need. I won’t stay long anyway.”
His tone suggested he’d get straight to the point.
Eshiria interjected politely.
“Oh dear, at least stay for some tea.”
“Really, I’m fine, Lady Eshiria. I’ll say what I came to say and leave.”
Clearing his throat, Irian began, though his eyes betrayed his discomfort at the sisters’ presence.
“Eldmir, we’ve identified the movements of the dark elves.”
Eldmir waited silently.
“We haven’t pinpointed everything, but some of them were seen leaving Dragon’s Head Road on wyverns. The direction was northwest, but we couldn’t confirm their exact destination.”
That made sense.
Tracking wyverns was nearly impossible, and the dark elves were too swift and cunning—pursuing recklessly risked exposure.
At that moment, Eldmir felt Keris’s hand grip his tightly under the table.
Puzzled, he glanced at her, but she only stared at Irian with unwavering eyes, refusing to let go.
Suppressing his questions, Eldmir focused back on Irian’s words.
“We believe now, with some of their numbers away, is the best opportunity to strike. We were already planning to act tomorrow, so this only strengthens the case. I came to ask you and Lady Eshiria to prepare accordingly.”
“And this bow is your bribe for that?”
Eldmir grinned, lifting the weapon.
“You see right through me.”
“I appreciate the honesty.”
With an awkward smile, Irian continued, “As I’ve said before, tomorrow.”
“Yes, tomorrow.”
Eldmir moved to stroke his chin but stopped, remembering Keris was still holding his hand. He simply lifted the bow instead.
“Then I’ll need to get familiar with this beauty before tomorrow.”
“Sorry to rush you.”
“Don’t apologize. You saved my life, Irian. If you keep apologizing for little things, I’ll be the one embarrassed.”
“…Ha.”
Irian’s expression twisted strangely, making Eldmir smirk faintly in return.
“Then I’ll take my leave.”
“Leaving already? Stay a little longer.”
“Your kindness is enough. I’ve much to prepare for tomorrow.”
“Fair enough. See you then.”
With a bow, Irian departed.
As soon as he was gone, the sisters exhaled all at once. Eldmir stared at them incredulously.
“…What, did you commit a crime or something?”
“Brother El, don’t make us do that again,” Ersie muttered with a shiver.
Their reaction was stronger than he expected.
There were plenty of things he could say—don’t be afraid, you did nothing wrong.
But looking at their drooping ears and tails, he realized they’d spent more spirit in that short time than his reassurances could mend.
“Brother… thank you, but we’re not ready yet,” said Ketrit softly.
Irian’s words came back to Eldmir. Not ready enough.
It applied to Irian—and to the sisters.
Eldmir realized his mistake.
Though they’d promised to stand by his ideals, the emotional gulf between them was deeper than he’d admitted.
Understanding and acceptance were not the same.
“I’m sorry. My stubbornness made things harder for you,” he said, unusually subdued.
His beliefs might be noble, even lofty, but to others, they were a heavy burden.
It struck him again why he had always been called a heretic. His path was still a long way off.
“It’s not your fault, El. We just don’t have the courage yet,” Keris said. She squeezed his hand, stroking it gently.
“At first, I couldn’t even look straight without fear. But holding your hand gave me courage. By the middle of it, I wasn’t afraid anymore. One day, we’ll be able to face it with true courage.”
She smiled softly.
Ah… so that’s what she meant.
Eldmir chuckled.
“But you’re starting to drop words here and there.”
“Should I just drop all formalities, then?” she shot back playfully.
“…What.”
Her boldness left him dumbfounded.
“You realize I’ve lived far more meals than you lot—”
“Wow, what a boomer.”
“….”
“Bragging about your age is one of the ugliest things in the world, and yet here you are.”
“…Sorry.”
His hollow apology made Keris burst into laughter.
Being called a boomer dealt a crushing blow to his pride.
Me? A boomer…
He couldn’t help but sigh.
Thinking about it, he had to admit his age. Counting his past life, his mental age was already around fifty.
But why do I feel so immature? Maybe that saying about stuffing your age up your backside applies to me after all…
There was no helping it.
In his past life, he had never truly made friends. And in this one, the people he bonded with were all his peers. His mental age naturally aligned with those he spent time with.
So he tried to console himself with that thought.
Shoving down his self-loathing, Eldmir stood.
“I’ll go try out the bow. Need to get used to it before tomorrow.”
“Ah, I’ll come too!”
“Don’t forget me, Brother El! I’d be upset if you went hunting without Ersie.”
Esrin and Ersie eagerly joined him.
“Me too!” Keris called, slipping out from behind Eshiria, and Ketrit reluctantly rose as well, though it was clear she wasn’t keen.
At that moment, their mother, who had been listening quietly, spoke.
“Ket, why don’t you stay with me and keep the house?”
Ketrit’s face lit up.
“Really?”
“Of course. Go on, give your siblings a proper send-off.”
Eshiria hugged her kindly from behind, and Ketrit smiled as she waved.
“Have fun, sisters. …And be careful, Brother.”
Her small hand waved adorably. Eldmir returned the smile.
Under his breath, he muttered, “What mischief are these little rascals planning now…”
“Oh my, don’t be rude to young ladies.”
“Brother, forget the nonsense, let’s just go hunting!”
“Yes! Finally, we get to see Brother’s archery!”
Their cheerful, boundless energy dragged Eldmir along before he could protest.
“Hey, hey, slow down. You’ll trip.”
“A man shouldn’t say such weak things!”
Eldmir decided to just keep his mouth shut.
