68 – Competent vs. Neat
“Have you made a detailed plan?”
“I’ve set it up, but I don’t know if it’s feasible.”
After feeling awkward around each other, we went to have a meal to freshen up the mood.
As we entered the warm room and chatted for a while, the family members of the mansion presented us with generous prizes one by one.
The menu was, as usual, a table of wild vegetables with delicious meat.
The dinner table began with a full-fledged conversation as the guests left the room and we were the only ones in the room.
[Shizuya. Shouldn’t we first tell you about the elf who likes Ghaul?]
“…… “I don’t want to tell you.”
As for Shizu, she just tried to bury the previous story by glossing over it.
It may have been a somewhat impulsive comment on her part, but she now seemed to regret her words and actions.
It wouldn’t be polite to force something out even if you don’t want to talk about it.
I naturally turned the topic of conversation in a different direction.
“Shizu. I think Eldennor’s defense system can be applied to Qingqing Yongwol as well. “As the high elf hunting leader, if you have any good opinions, please let me know.”
Shizu, who was chewing the meat with her small mouth, put down the chopsticks she was holding like her fork.
She then opened her mouth with a sigh, as if she was reluctant to do so.
“First of all, know this. Eldennor’s defense line is formed by connecting numerous elven villages. An alliance was formed by dispatching the High Elves of Eldennor to the existing elf tribe. “This was possible because there was a central point called the World Tree.”
This was something I knew from the last time I heard it.
It was said that it was easy for elves to form bonds due to the nature of elves worshiping the same god, and that they naturally came together as one race under the overwhelming presence of the World Tree.
Then I didn’t know that it would be possible for beastmen to unite like elves.
Although there was no overwhelming central point like the World Tree in Qingqing Yingyue, the Beast People also had a bond of worshiping the same god.
As she nodded with such positive thoughts, Shizu looked at Kaa and continued her words.
“And there are several tribes of the beastmen spread throughout the forest. Even if we just continue exchanges between tribes, borders will naturally be created and military power will be strengthened. “It’s just that Qingqing Yingyue was strangely weak and fell out, but that doesn’t mean the entire Beast Race is weak.”
“Ugh….”
After finishing her words, Shizu snorted slightly and withdrew her gaze from Kaa.
Seeing that she emphasized the fact that Qingqing Yeongwol’s power was weak, it seemed like she was planning to make Kaa feel defeated by pointing out his incompetence.
It was a speech and action that could be considered quite rude, but Kaa just shook her head and could not refute anything.
This is because, from her objective perspective, it was true that Kaa was incompetent compared to her abilities.
‘I can’t get out of this.’
I wanted to say something to the two of us, but it was difficult to do so because our relationship was a bit special.
If I stepped forward and was misunderstood as only taking one person’s side, I, who was caught in the middle, could end up in trouble.
I resumed the conversation, pecking Piyi’s cheek as she rolled around on my lap.
“Then what should we do to unite with other tribes? “For the beast people, there is no symbol that can serve as a central point like the World Tree.”
To bring other tribes under your command, a certain amount of charisma was essential.
Just as the High Elves of Eldennor held up the World Tree as a landmark, the Beast People of Blue and Green Moon also needed something to show off.
Of course, there were ley lakes and wild temples, but compared to the world tree, they seemed infinitely inadequate.
Isn’t there a charismatic figure who can become a focal point?
As she was playing with Piyi, thinking about that, Shizu tsked, clicked her tongue, and responded by pointing at me.
“Isn’t there your guy?”
I tilted my head, pointing at myself with Piyi’s hand.
Seeing me like that, Shizu responded with a reluctant expression.
“Okay. The Druid’s reputation will be a focal point, even if it is not as good as the World Tree. “I don’t like it when you put yourself out there.”
Use the reputation of the Druids to unite the beast people of the Great Forest.
It didn’t seem unlikely, but it was a plan that felt a little disappointing.
I expressed honest concerns about the plan.
“I think just being a druid isn’t enough. “Isn’t there something that can give it more presence?”
[That’s right. Do you know what kind of talk he is?]
Piya nodded and agreed with my concerns.
I think I heard some strange words, but I’ll have to listen to Shizu’s answer first.
I looked at Shizu, ignoring the suspicious tree spirit.
Shizu took a piece of her meat and ate it, and she answered curtly.
“Don’t worry about not having enough presence. “Our high elves will actively help.”
“You guys?”
“Okay. You probably know the perception of high elves. “The perception is that they are violent and belligerent and will never give in.”
Of course I know. I know it very well. It’s a bit surprising that you guys are aware of that, too.
“Just the fact that such high elves are cooperating will be powerfully persuasive. Most weak tribes would want to cooperate, even if it meant fearing repercussions. “It would be scary to turn our High Elves into enemies.”
After finishing her explanation, Shizu looked at me with an expression that said, ‘Do you understand?’
Seeing Shizu like that, I enthusiastically nodded my head and showed my admiration.
I had known for a long time that Shizu was capable, but I had no idea that she was this smart and meticulous.
By combining the characteristics of druids and high elves, I never thought they would try to create the image of ‘the legendary druid that even high elves with bad personalities follow’.
‘What, why is he so reliable?’
Suddenly, Shizu started to look like a cool and capable career woman.
I adjusted my posture and asked Shizu additional questions.
“How will I deal with the fact that I am human? Wouldn’t this act as an obstacle? “The male god of the wild said he would turn me into a beastman. Wouldn’t it be better to go and get plastic surgery at this point?”
“What? What does that mean? “You don’t have to come forward in the first place, so don’t do anything useless and just stay next to me.”
“I don’t have to do anything?”
“Okay. Now that we have decided to support Qingqing Yue, we plan to utilize Eldennor’s eastern forces to the maximum. High elves will also be in charge of visiting other beastman tribes. “You and the residents here can stay still as usual.”
“Oh….”
I will take care of everything, so you just stay still.
Her heart skipped a beat at Shizu’s confident assertion.
At that time, Kaa, who had been sitting quietly, wiped the corners of her mouth and spoke.
“It’s a matter for our own people, so we can’t just sit still. “Thank you for your help, but I hope you don’t ignore me too much.”
To my ears, she said, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it,’ but to Kaa’s ears, she seemed to say, ‘Don’t show off and stay still.’
Kaa began to express her opinion in a cautious but strong manner.
“The beastman tribe is spread throughout the great forest. They are often hidden to prevent attacks by monsters and monsters. “It will be difficult to find it without the help of fellow prisoners.”
Shizu answered Kaa’s words simply, saying it was no big deal.
“The roots of the World Tree extend evenly throughout the great forest. The location of the beastman tribe has already been identified. “Do not underestimate the information gathering power of high elves.”
“Ugh… However, it is not desirable for high elves to lead exchanges between the beastmen. “It will be difficult if we don’t bring a few people from our side.”
“With just a few people, the gap will only be noticeable. “That kind of choice will actually have a negative effect, so is that okay?”
“Well, that’s…” .”
“Of course, we plan to work while disclosing that we are agents. All you have to do is sit here and play the role of ‘a tribe of beastmen who control high elves.’ “We’ll turn a blind eye to that too, so take advantage of the situation.”
“… ….”
Kaa had a point, but she was no match for Shizu’s answer, which had predicted several moves.
The contrast between Shizu, who puffs out her small chest and looks elated, and Kaa, who lowers her ears and becomes sullen, creates a contrast.
I was so uncomfortable that I started laughing, so I joined the conversation while laughing awkwardly.
“Shizu. Still, I have to show my face to other beastmen often.”
“Hmm? Is there any special reason? If you are too friendly, the symbolism of druids will be weakened. “It could act as an obstacle when returning to Eldennor later.”
“There is nothing we can do to awaken the blessings of the wild. To awaken the blessing, you have to pet the beastman. “You need to pet the other person to make them feel good, so you need to be somewhat friendly.”
“What?! Stroking it feels good? “Why are there conditions that don’t even seem like that?”
Shizu screamed loudly, cursing her god without even realizing it.
I pointed my finger at the sky and gave her a helpless expression.
“Ha… “Did the male god of the wild order you to do that?”
“Okay. “It was a bit of an unusual scene.”
“Then there is nothing we can do. I will instruct you to bring a small number of people whenever you visit the beastman tribe. “It’s up to you to pet him.”
Fortunately, Shizu took my convenience into consideration.
I wanted to save Kaa’s spirit by moving myself, but it seemed like Shizu had me by her side and wouldn’t let her go.
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I didn’t like being arrested a little, but it seemed like things were resolved easily so it wasn’t all that bad.
As I was nodding her head with a satisfied smile, Piyi, who was sitting on my lap, jumped up and shouted at Shizu.
[Shizuya! We have to bring in cute kids!]
“What? “Is there such a condition?”
[No. That’s not true, but it’s not nice to see Ghaul petting a trustworthy man.]
“Umm… It’s not good to pet a cute baby… Well, I’ll consider it first.”
As expected, the only one who thinks of me is Piyi.
I gave Piyi a compliment and smiled brightly.
At that time, Shizu frowned, tilted her head, and asked me.
“Wait a minute. “Haven’t you already awakened the blessing of the wild?”
“Huh? That’s right. “The wild nature of all four races in Qingqing Yingyue has been awakened.”
“…… “Who on earth were you petting?”
“…… Uh?”
Ah. This is a question that should not be answered.
I instinctively felt ominous and hurriedly closed my mouth.
At that time, Piyi smiled brightly and answered instead.
[The fox stroked the little priestess! The rabbit was petting a girl named Evie, whom you have also seen! And the cow stroked the woman with her enormous breasts? It was really big! Well, that’s enough!]
This guy only shows no sense when it’s really important.
I watched Shizu’s reaction as she swallowed her saliva.
Shizu was asking Piyi with her expression completely dead.
“Then who is the wolf?”
Piyi placed her hand on her waist and she answered confidently.
He seemed happy to tell others what he knew.
But as expected, Nunchi was in the state of eating rice.
[Don’t talk about wolves! Kaa and Gaul hugging and stroking under the blanket─ Eup! Ugh?!]
I quickly covered Piyi’s mouth.
But most of the confidential information had already been leaked.
“Ehehehe….”
“Ugh!!”
Kaa is smiling brightly even though he is embarrassed. Shizu is glaring at Kaa and chewing her lip.
Until a little while ago, Shizu’s momentum was weighing down Kaa, but in an instant, her reaction reversed and her mood suddenly changed.
You two really make the worst first impression.
I twisted Piyi’s string with my index finger and prayed for the situation to end.
[Wow!! Mi, miaaan!!!]
Between the two girls who exchanged a score of 1 win and 1 loss, Piyi’s mournful scream rang out loud and long.