Elfaria Chapter 55

055. Yin and Yang

　Although I was disturbed by the unexpected intrusion of someone, I can summarize what Luia told me afterward about the story and "real purpose".

「――So you want us to investigate the Elves and Spirits who have not been seen for about six months now?」

　When I confirmed this while sipping the herbal tea Barbara had brewed, Luia affirmed in a slightly racy tone, "That's right♪".

「As you know, Hanaria is a "mixed race country". Although the majority of the population is human, there are also many Dwarves, Elves, Spirits, and Beastman living here. In addition, a well-developed transportation network and the accompanying distribution of people and goods have improved people's lives at an unprecedented speed, and trade with other countries by ship has made Hanaria an economic powerhouse unparalleled anywhere in the world in recent years, but it is also a country with a large number of enemies」

「――That is why there are not a few "enemies'' and "problems''.」

「Yeah. Especially when looking at the domestic market, the biggest problem is caused by "environmental destruction"」

「The problem of "deforestation", in particular, can lead directly to life-and-death problems for the Elves and Spirits, and many of them are very proud people to begin with.」

「Of course, not all of them are involved in deforestation, and they are actively engaged in afforestation and conservation activities. However, it has been difficult to gain their understanding, and the problem of the increasing number of demonic beasts has become more and more apparent.」

「So, that's why some Elves and Spirits have disappeared.」

　Sluurpp――Osada-kun concluded while drinking a cup of tea.

「What's the matter? Yuuto. You have such a difficult face―If you have any questions, I'll answer them to the best of my ability.」

　Seeing my face as I think about it, Luia says in a light tone of voice

　I went through with it for a while.

「......Just to confirm, our job is only 'investigation and reporting only,' right?」

　I said with a light glare, and Luia clearly affirmed, "Yes, that's right".

「This may sound a little irresponsible, but it all started with a political problem between the upper echelons and the Elves. The reason why they stopped showing up is because they no longer agree with King Hanaria's administration―It is quite possible that this is the case」

「In the first place, it is said that the reason why all the proud Elves and Spirits cooperated with us for a long period of time is because of the power of the first king about 150 years ago.」

「Hou?」

　Barbara's words caught me by surprise.

「But the first king had already passed away, and those who had been with him to some extent, whether out of obligation or gratitude, had also disappeared...」

「Yeah. And it pains me to say this after making the request, though ― in the end, I don't think it would matter if we didn't get any results.」

「You mean because you think that getting 'confirmation that nothing happened' is one possible outcome?」

　When I pointed this out, Luia whistled "hyuu♪" and then affirmed, "As expected of you. That's correct".

「Incidentally, as for the reward, I will prepare it according to the results, but I promise you at least 10,000 wens (one million yen). In some cases, I'm willing to offer something else commensurate with the results.」

「Hmmm ......」

　Not bad―It's not bad at all, but...

(As expected, I have a bad feeling about this.)

　There's definitely something "behind the scenes" going on.

　And Luia has already sensed that I would think so ― that I have my doubts.

　He's not just the second-in-command of General Jean for nothing, and he's a very unpleasant person to deal with.

「One more thing. How is the Felician Church involved in this matter?」

　The girl who suddenly appeared on the scene also needs to be mentioned.

「From the looks of it, she seems to be an acquaintance of Luia's ― and what is the story behind the sudden decision to have the healers accompany the various units on this mission?」

「Regarding that area, I can't talk about that because it involves political issues between the tops―Is what I would like to say, but..」

「Is it possible that General Jean is saying something to you?」

　Suddenly, Osada-kun said something like that, and I reflexively asked him "Why?"

「「Eehh!?」」

　Not only Osada-kun but also Lilyza and Nora were surprised.

「Yuuto――Could it be, you haven't noticed?」

「Barbara-san is quite a famous person in Hanaria, though?」

　I replied, "I-Is she?".

「That's not like you. If you look at her face closeee~~~~~~ly, you can usually tell, can't you?」

　I knew I was being rude, but I stared at Barbara's face. Then, 

「Wait, that's a little ...... embarrassing」

　She turned her gaze away from me with a blush on her cheeks. And then,

「Then......how about this?」

　Barbara quickly undid her twin tails and tied them together with an elastic band. Immediately.

「Aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!」

　I unintentionally screamed out loud.

「Y-you――By any chance, you're General Jean's ...... little sister?」

　"You finally noticed," Lilyza breathed out.

　◇◆◆◆

　Although nominally "to support" and "to improve one's level and experience," it was obvious that there was an "underlying" reason.

　However, no matter how much I pursued that point, it was brushed aside, and

「If "they want to keep it a secret", why don't we just let them? After all, we are only "fixers" who receive requests and carry them out. We don't need to get into the truth, or what's going on upstairs, or anything like that, do we?」

　I agreed with Osada's words and accepted the investigation for the time being.

　And then...

「――Everyone, do your best♪ [Shining Star]♪」

　When Barbara, who accompanied us, used her folia, not only did my previous fatigue completely disappear, but I could clearly feel a tremendous force welling up from deep within my body. Also, 

(U-Unbelievable!)

　Even though I myself was using [Physical Enhancement], my basic ability improved even more.

　The struggling against [Treants] was reaped as easily as if I was snapping toothpicks, and the [Energy bolts] I released were more than twice as powerful as usual. It was enough to easily blow up the Blue Goblin's body.

　The same was true for the other members, especially for Lilyza, who showed "her element (水を得た魚)," or rather, "her outstandingly active in many fields (八面六臂の大活躍)," and there was still a lot of leeways.

　As a result, we killed several times as many demonic beasts as we did on the first day, and attracted a lot of attention.

(She's a so-called "full support type" ― not only healing but also good at applying various buffs and debuffs, I see.)

　Barbara and Osada-kun were hiding behind Nora, but it seemed that she had been through it all before and showed no signs of agitation or confusion, and she was so thorough that when we were about to be pushed by the numbers, she put up [Ward] and secured our safety more firmly.

　This allowed Nora to shift to an "attack-oriented style," and Lilyza, who is responsible for the overall balance of the party, was able to concentrate on the attack.

「Everyone! Thanks for all your hard work today♪」

　A moment before dinner. As soon as we came back to the camp, Barbara performed a "mini live" concert.

　With many concerned parties watching, she sang and danced as an "idol," as she put it, to boost morale and console the participants.

「What an extraordinary girl」

　From a distance, I was watching Barbara on stage, leaning against a tree and crossing my arms, and I heard that she is tougher and better than her frail and fragile appearance would suggest.

「......So? How long am I supposed to take care of her? Luia.」

　As I said this, Luia, who was a short distance away, walked up to me with a smile on his face.

「Yuuto. Use your words correctly, all right? From what I hear, it sounds like you've helped by her a lot. Wouldn't it be more correct to say, 'I was taken care of'?」

「I don't deny it, but...The fact that the purpose is unknown doesn't seem clear to me, besides,..」

　Maybe it's just my imagination, but it seems like she is putting up a "wall" or keeping a certain distance from me the whole time.

(Well, maybe it's because I'm a guy, though)

　She seems to be getting along well with Nora and Lilyza, and she is also interacting with Osada-kun normally.

　I can talk to her and she responds to my requests for advice. But.....

「Needless to say, but don't touch her, you hear?」

「――Perhaps you're here to give me a warning?」

「Why, of course? I've heard a lot of "rumors" about you. Besides.」

「She must have a lot of fans and stuff. If I do something wrong, I could get stabbed in the back, and some of the bastards are already giving me the cold shoulder.」

　Plus, she is "General Jean's little sister".

　I was sure that if I got into trouble, I would be killed for sure.

「Either way, be careful. The "enemy" is not always out there.」

「Huh? What is that supposed――」

　I tried to question him, but he went to his tent without responding to my question.

「Damn. Even if it's just a matter of time before it's getting troublesome.」

　And you're just adding it――I guess I need to be more "prepared" than ever before.

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