Tsuyokute New Saga (LN)

Book 8: Chapter 13

During the afternoon of the same day, one of the main reasons why this whole meeting came to place was finally upon the participants—the discussion between Garadoff and Rifuaro.

“You okay?” Urza asked Kyle, who had started going pale.

“Yeah…I have to watch it unfold, there’s no going around it.”

Kyle actually cared deeply for his family, so he was happy to be given the chance to meet them like that. However, he still carried the weight of having avoided them for most of his youth, as well as the fact that he couldn’t save Konrad despite promising it to his mother. He wouldn’t mind spending more time with them, but he definitely could not miss out on the meeting. In fact, Kyle and Urza were already waiting in the room. Shortly after, Garadoff and his aides plus his guard Bogune appeared, as well as the elves from the Evenro forest, Rifuaro and Nirua, accompanied by Solace. Kyle and Sakira were present as the mediators, but since neither side was willing to even say anything, there wasn’t much mediate. That said, right as Kyle wanted to take the first step, Nirua opened her mouth.

“…You really resemble each other.”

“…Who?”

“You look just like that dwarven king that saved us hundreds of years ago. You even have the same name.”

Understanding that she was referring to Garadoff the 1st made the current Garadoff’s face soften up a bit.

“Is that so? He is an ancestor I deeply respect, so it makes me happy to hear that.”

It might have just been politeness, but it helped ease the tension.

“First of all, we have no intention of sharing bonds with any race, not just the dwarves. However, if the demons are related, then that changes things,” said Rifuaro with a heavy tone, and Garadoff nodded.

“Our land is close to the demon territory. If we end up at war with them, we will be the first ones to be attacked,” he said.

“…Then we promise to send you aid. If we are prepared and can send forces your way immediately, they will reach you within a day.”

Bogune and his soldiers said that they would not need help from elves, but in Sakira’s presence, they couldn’t afford to overstep their boundaries.

“…And if we need it, we will also request it from you.”

There, the two representatives looked over at Kyle, who took out three papers.

“Then, please sign this view…Sakira, if you could.”

“Y-Yes.”

The vow stated that, in the event of a demon attack, they would send each other aid. The contracts were then signed by Garadoff, Rifuaro, and Sakira. Each of them then took one copy with them.

“Then, we will meet again for the next meeting three years from now, for which we will provide the venue. If you would excuse me…” Garadoff said and stood up.

Rifuaro also only nodded slightly, declaring that the meeting had ended. Kyle had worked a great deal for this meeting to even take place, and yet it pretty much ended in an instant. It was, from beginning to end, purely professional and surface level, making it evident that neither Garadoff nor Rifuaro could see eye to eye. But even that alone was more than enough for Kyle. If it came to war with the demons, they would protect this promise and help each other in a time of need. It was a lot better now already, than what was the case in the previous timeline Kyle had lived through.

“Could I have a moment of your time, your Majesty Garadoff?”

Garadoff attempted to leave the room on quick feet, but Kyle called out to him. He guessed that this wasn’t going to be a conversation that could be heard by others, so he had Bogune and the others leave them alone.

“First, let me thank you. It was thanks to your graciousness that this meeting could take place, after all.”

“It was for the sake of my country, so you have no reason to thank me. That said…Did you tell the elves about us by any chance?”

Despite carrying the same name, unlike his predecessor Garadoff the 1st, who fought in the war against demons, Garadoff the 5th had no such experience. It created a strong sense of inferiority within him because of that, and this might be the reason he aggressively gathered weapons at every chance. But that was also the reason that all the dwarves, including Garadoff, relaxed a bit when Nirua said that he resembled his ancestor. That said, Kyle just answered with a vague smile.

“Well, it must be thanks to my reliable allies…But more importantly, let me give you a reminder.”

“A reminder?”

“Being coordinating and regulating is fine and all, and as a king, it might be hard to get over…But if you go too far, you’ll kill yourself. Don’t lose sight of what’s important just because you’re too cautious of the gazes around you.”

Naturally, this originally wasn’t something you should be telling a king. However, Garadoff showed an expression like he understood.

“…So you knew? That I had no quarrel to pick with the elves this whole time?”

He might have phrased it like a question, but he already knew the answer. To Kyle, it had always felt like Garadoff was being held back from crossing the line and talking with the elves. So if he were to create a location where he wouldn’t have to be wary of other people’s eyes, the meeting itself would succeed. Basically, he realized that Garadoff himself didn’t despise the elves. But he could not tell a soul about that, not even his aides. However, as he came from the future, Kyle heard about Garadoff regretting the fact that he didn’t form a more amicable relationship with the elves. And Kyle didn’t want a repeat of that.

“I simply didn’t wish for you to have any regrets.”

“…Bogune might be an extreme case, but it represents how our country feels. I cannot ignore that.”

“Yes, of course. I’m sure you must have a lot of trouble.”

“Hearing that from you doesn’t help me much. I can’t even get angry at you anymore…That said, there is one thing I should warn you about. I would consider dating that elf woman carefully if I was you. And not for your sake, but hers,” he left these words behind and then walked away.

Kyle bowed once more and watched him walk off, thanking him for the warning.

The elves left behind in the meeting room all sighed in unison. Granted, this was necessary to be protected against the demons, but the mental burden of this meeting with the dwarves was far too great.

“Thank you very much for listening to my request,” Urza said to Nirua.

She asked for her to take the lead in the event that Rifuaro wouldn’t take a step forward.

“I simply said what I was thinking, and created a trigger. What really surprised me is that Rifuaro actually agreed as swiftly as he did,” Nirua showed a bitter smile, but Rifuaro just looked away.

“…Can I ask a question?” Urza turned toward not her father, but the leader of the elves in the forest. “Not limited to the mouth, why must we be so secluded? I believe we should form deeper connections with the other races.”

Elves would usually never get involved with any other humanfolk races. And Urza left the forest because she couldn’t understand this idea. When she got in contact with the outside world, she realized this was a mistake. At this rate, they would be left behind in the times.

“…I understand what you’re trying to say. However, it’s not that easy. This involves all elves, not just our forest,” said Rifuaro with a sad voice.

“There is a historical reason that led to us elves becoming this secluded. The difference between us and other races is too great…Our lifespan, that is,” Nirua tried explaining the reason as calmly as possible.

One of the special characteristics of the elves was that they could live for more than a thousand years.

“This difference is far too great that it blocks us from opening up to others. Just imagine…In a hundred years, you will still be alive, but your allies will have all departed by then.”

“They will be satisfied and pass on. But what about us, who are left behind? Are you going to live the rest of your life lamenting their loss?” Rifuaro spoke with a pained voice.

“I’m not going that far, but…it’s painful to move on while the humans you cared about leave you behind,” Nirua said, most likely remembering one such farewell she had experienced.

The longer elves lived, the deeper the pain they would experience runs. And since they knew they would feel this pain, they decided it would be better to not even take any risks…so this self-isolation was more like self-protection than anything.

“And I could say the same thing to you. If you get involved with humans, the only thing waiting at the end will be a painful farewell. We don’t want you to get hurt.”

“That’s right. The outside world will only scar you, so come back to us, Urza!” said Solace, who apparently couldn’t remain quiet any longer.

But his feelings for Urza were genuine.

“I know that, of course. The day will come when I have to say goodbye to my friends…and to Kyle. I will be left behind…but, I will never regret it,” Urza said without a glimmer of hesitation. “Just now…I carried a human child. It was a child that had barely been born, but I would surely outlive even her…Yet no matter how painful it may be, I will accept it all.”

Hearing Urza’s genuine feelings, Solace dropped his shoulders, while Nirua showed a wry smile.

“So you’ve made up your mind…You know, Rifuaro said all that because he didn’t want you to suffer.”

“Yes, I’m aware. Thank you very much, Father.”

“I realize that, no matter what I say, the result won’t change…I can see that she’s got that stubbornness from you, Rifuaro.”

Yet Rifuaro didn’t answer Nirua, simply looking at his daughter. One day, his daughter would experience great sadness. There was no telling how she’ll feel then. She might be able to overcome it, or falter and return home…But as a parent, it was Rifuaro’s duty to watch over her.

“Even so, I can’t accept that human man.”

“You’re her parent, so that much is expected,” Nirua showed a wry smile.

***

“Seraia-san, does Alessa-chan eat proper food already?”

“Well, grated fruits should be fine.”josei

“I’ll do just that. Kyle, hold her for a moment.”

“H-Huh? Me?”

“Of course. Alessa-chan isn’t so shy with strangers.”

“You sure are used to handling her despite it only having been half a day…”

“Kyle, you don’t have to treat her like she’s made of glass. Human children and elves aren’t all that different. And one day, I might also…”

“Oooh, someone’s flustered. How awkward!”

“Sh-Shut up, Seran.”

“Mhm, she’s looking healthy…But, Kyle, why do you look so pale?” asked Shildonia.

“Well, this scent is…”

“Oh dear, that’s her diaper. Just stay like this, Kyle. If you move, it’ll get on your…Whoops, I guess it’s too late for that.”

“…”

Like this, the night was noisier than anything that happened during the day.