20. Home of Mercy (4)
Before suggesting to Ian that he leave Mercy behind.
When Ian went outside for a while, Mercy was talking to his father, Miserie, alone.
“Mercy.”
“… yes.”
“Do you remember what your father said before you left?”
“… … .”
can’t remember
It wasn’t just before Mercy left for human society.
Miseri, as was her habit, used to say that to Mercy.
– Mercy. Elves are not supposed to love humans.
It was a word I had heard so much that it stuck in my ears.
Occasionally, it was a drunken Mercy to Ian.
‘Ian. do you know Elves can’t love humans.’
It’s a little different, but Mercy often said that.
He didn’t answer Ian’s question why.
However, her father, who was in front of her, always told the reason without exception.
“They give up too soon. Like a flower in one season.”
Elves live by obsessing over something in order to endure a time close to eternal life.
Cooking, witchcraft, scribes, gardening, farming, and more.
Something you can dedicate your whole life to.
However, there are no humans as targets.
Of course.
A human’s life is brutally short to appease the elf’s time.
“Didn’t it be said that we elves should live remembering that pitiful withering away for the rest of our lives?”
Elves have good memories.
If it’s something quite special, you can even remember it hundreds of years ago.
In that way, elves create special memories and endure time through something they cling to.
But if the target is human.
Nothing in an elf’s life is as intense and stimulating as the short time spent with that human.
Seeing them burn their lives as if they were going to die tomorrow is enough to be an elf’s play, so it overflows.
However, problems arise after the person dies.
Because of their good memory, elves suffer from pain for hundreds of years, thinking of only a few years together with humans.
There were not one or two elves who became ruined and died miserably like that.
“I don’t know anything else, but I hoped you wouldn’t… . At least you… .”
Miserie could not raise her head, so she rested her clasped hands on her forehead.
Mercy looked at his father with pity.
Why elves shouldn’t love humans.
There was a person in front of him who personally experienced how long an elf must suffer if he loves a human.
Still, he wanted to live because he was a king.
had to live
his heart to his wife.
After his wife died, it was passed on to his daughter.
Mercy was too free-spirited to follow her father’s words.
Miserie’s cage was too small for her.
“Mercy… . It’s been 2 years. Even now, it is not too late.”
“… … .”
“Stay here… .”
Misery raised her head.
It was too pathetic and dangerously shaken expression for a person called father.
Mercy did not tell him what he had been through in human society.
However, just because you don’t say it doesn’t mean you can’t know.
At that time, Mercy was not the only elf rescued by Ian.
Some of the elves returned to the forest and told Miserie what had happened there.
Mercy lied to Ian.
‘I didn’t want him to feel responsible… . In case you find out my true feelings, I must be afraid of my true intentions… .’
The elves who escaped from the Liberal League said they would survive on their own, but most likely all of them will return to this forest.
In the past, like all the elves who survived along with Mercy thanks to Ian.
Elves who have gone through such a thing can’t stand being among humans.
Unless you’re like yourself.
So, it was obvious why Mercy still remained in human society after going through that.
“I’m saying it all for you… .”
Mercy’s breathing slowed down.
In the past, I just ignored my father’s words, but these days it’s hard to do that.
What happens when an elf loves a human?
These days, I am closely imagining what kind of future awaits me.
Especially after seeing Kati, who got to know the Main couple.
‘Isn’t it too late… .’
Ian’s colleagues are thoroughly formed out of necessity.
Fruit warriors to kill the demon king.
Not only can she protect Ian from various dangers, but also Kati can do things that are difficult for Ian to do.
And even Galatea and Malion, who recently joined, can function to make that Kati grow stronger.
On the other hand, Mercy has nothing.
Anything she can do, Ian can do, as well as Marion.
It wasn’t that difficult to send correspondence easily and to set up a site for camp.
‘More and more, I will only be a hindrance to Ian… .’
There is no law saying that the day when Ian almost died because of him shouldn’t be repeated.
Mercy made up her mind.
From the beginning, I came with this determination.
Because of the dungeon, it was surprisingly easy to solve the curse, but there are still some things left.
“I will.”
“Really… ?”
“instead. There are conditions.”
Ian said as if he was hoping for help from a few elves.
Most of the elves remaining in the forest are indifferent to human society.
Those who are interested have already left.
After leaving, it will be difficult to take him back because he will be in hiding.
So Ian has no choice but to ask his father, the king of the elves, Miseri.
However, he, who is extremely reluctant to contact human society, cannot accept Ian’s request.
‘If I ask, it will be different.’
Even that would be possible only if there was an elf who wanted it.
At least, the odds are higher than Ian’s.
“Instead, Ian wanted a few elves… .”
Mercy first offered a deal in exchange for her remaining.
*
“Regardless of Mercy’s wishes, this means that I will refuse.”
To Ian’s words, Mercy reacted.
“… It is what I have decided.”
Mercy turned her head to face Ian directly.
“I decided to stay here.”
“… … .”
Ian rubbed the corners of his eyebrows and looked back and forth between Mercy and Miseri before speaking.
“Let’s talk for a moment, the two of us.”
“If you want to do it, do it here as I see it.”
Misery said firmly.
Ian let go of Mercy’s wrist, which he was holding onto, and bent down toward Miseri.
“sorry. It only takes a moment, so please give me time to talk to Mercy.”
Ian also understands Miseri’s feelings.
I don’t know if he knows what Mercy went through outside.
However, I think I know that elves are extremely wary of human society even though they are curious about it.
As a father, he would hope not to get entangled with humans.
Still, Ian felt the need to talk to Mercy alone.
He even thought he could ask for that much.
“Huh… .”
Seeing this man ask to speak with his daughter alone, Miseri’s mind became more complicated.
However, I couldn’t say no even though it was so polite.
Miseri swallowed once and struggled to answer.
“… like that.”
In the end, I had no choice but to give Ian some time.
Mercy followed Ian, who left first like a criminal.
*
The place Ian and Mercy went to was the top of the wooden stairs.
It was high enough to overlook the entire landscape of the forest.
Looking down from above, this place seemed to be a green sea.
There, Ian realized that this elven forest was an island off the continent.
Beyond the green sea, the blue waves swayed, the real sea spread out.
The enhanced eyesight showed the far end of the continent.
Aside from accepting that information, he was silent in front of Mercy.
Silence ensued between the two of them.
Mercy, who could not stand it, spoke first.
“Why are you not talking… .”
“Even though I brought it out. I wonder if it’s right that you should speak first.”
“… What did you mean?”
“What were you talking about when I wasn’t there?”
“I said I would stay first.”
“Hmm.”
Crossing his arms, he met Mercy’s eyes straight as if trying to see her heart.
However, unlike Kati, Mercy’s thoughts were hard to read.
“… okay. If that’s what you mean, I can respect you.”
Mercy averted her gaze at that calm recognition.
It was selfish.
Deep down, I wanted you to hold on to my words.
“By the way. It’s a bit sudden.”
Mercy knows what to do here.
If he reveals his true intentions, Ian will surely come up with another method.
I’ll convince you that it’s okay if Mercy doesn’t stay here.
And maybe, that’s really true.
I hated that.
So in the end, it means that even the deal that Mercy won with the option to stay here isn’t worth much to Ian.
So you have to lie.
No reason.
When I came back to my hometown, I wanted to stay here.
If that doesn’t work, I have to say that Ian hates him.
I have to say at least something I don’t want to say about being uncomfortable with Ian.
“I… .”
I raised my lowered gaze, opened my mouth, and faced Ian.
Hell, I couldn’t lie like that.
In particular, he had to listen to such harsh words about Sylvia’s play, and he couldn’t do anything similar himself.
Even if it’s for Ian.
In the end, you know very well that it is all for yourself.
It’s a very selfish, one-sided breakup.
“I… I wanted to help you.”
So, Mercy couldn’t lie this time.
“Because this is the only thing I can do… .”
Even though I tried to smile with the corners of my mouth raised, my eyes were slightly watery.
“It feels like I’m becoming more and more unnecessary to you… .”
“ha… ”
“I’m back to you… . I’m afraid I’ll only do damage… .”
Mercy couldn’t finish his words and kept his mouth shut.
Ian looked at her lowered head, brushed his bangs, and took out a sugar cane and asked.
“… Mercy.”
She responded with a slight nod of her head.
“Do you remember what I said when I was kicked out?”
nod
“They said I didn’t need it. They are.”
oh oh oh oh
Ian took a few bites of the sugar bar and said.
“How about you? If you no longer need me, will you?”
dory dory.
Mercy lowered her head and shook her head vigorously.
“then. Do you think I’ll throw you out just because I don’t need you? like them?”
At those words, Mercy raised her head.
Ian put the half-missing sugar in his mouth and looked at her calmly.
“Oh, no… . I didn’t mean it that way… .”
Seeing her anxiously denying it, Ian smiled.
“Yes, admit it. That everyone I take with me is being selected for my needs.”
said Ian, leaning against the railing.
“Still, even if I no longer need those people, I have no intention of throwing them out once I have them.”
“Ian… .”
“And man. Didn’t I say I could afford to feed you alone?”
Once in Agnes Monastery.
When Mercy complained that he had nothing to do, Ian had said so.
“And again, this party manager is me, not you. It’s a portal to scout, and everything I seek is my decision and my ability. It’s not a big deal if I can’t find it here.”
It was true.
Not as much as the elves, but Ian knows some pretty good cavalry to use as scouts.
Also, even if he doesn’t take the elves, eventually Iris will invent a warp portal.
In any case, what I hoped for here is Lucia’s Haeju.
The rest is good if it is, or not, it was just about that.
“It’s not something you have to earn by making you the price of a deal.”
“… … .”
“I am asking you one last time. Do you really want to stay here?”
Mercy lowered her head again and shook it.
“That’s enough. Negotiations break down. I’ll just take it and leave.”
Ian bit off the remaining sugar cane and swallowed it.
“Just follow along.”
“… yes.”
Mercy, who was wiping her tears with both hands, asked cautiously.
“only once… Can I hold you?”
Ian smiled bitterly and nodded.
“… okay.”
Mercy came very slowly and hugged Ian’s waist.
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Just as he always did when suffering from the trauma of the Liberal League in the very old days.
Ian couldn’t help but hug her small shoulders.
It was just pitiful.
No matter how desperately she tried, even if she was an elf princess, what Mercy could do was extremely limited.
There were many times when Ian also felt the wall of incompetence that could not be overcome.
“… I’m sorry.”
“Everything.”
“Still, bear with my incompetence… .”
Ian laughed at that.
“What is incompetence? Who will massage Vivian, Helena, and Lucia without you? Kati will be added now.”
It was something Ian could have done, but Ian said it as if it was Mercy’s duty.
That, in short, informed Mercy of the need.
It was only a word of comfort, and Mercy knew that, but it was a necessary moment.
*
“I don’t need scouting or anything else anymore.”
Ian declared to Misery.
“Do it, but I will take it in return. So, Mercy will not be left here.”
Determined, he was adamant.
There was no room for negotiation.
So, this was a one-sided notice.
My daughter-in-law came back with swollen eyes, probably crying a lot, and a human man who came back after going out with her.
Misery felt that an argument itself was impossible.
More than anything else, he noticed that Mercy’s heart was also hardened.
“… Will you allow me and your daughter to talk?”
Ian was wary of him threatening him with other conditions, but it didn’t seem likely.
His request was rather pathetic.
“Please.”
“… You don’t have to ask me to talk to your daughter.”
“okay… . The elf, knowledgeable about curses, came right below, so you should meet him. We don’t know how long Haeju will take, so we will provide you with a place to stay as long as you need.”
“thank you.”
Ian just said goodbye and left.
Only Mercy and Miseri remained in the cozy space.
“Daughter… .”
Misery looked at her.
I saw the wife in her.
Also, I saw a human woman who had to be buried a long time ago.
Young humans tend to find peace of mind and body by attaching themselves to something other than their parents.
A typical example would be something like a doll.
And in order for that young human to grow, it must become independent of its object of attachment.
When Miseri heard that, she felt that the elf was living her entire life like a young human.
He himself felt that it was time to let go of his obsession with his daughter.
Before Misery, Mercy spoke.
“Whether Ian is by his side or not, I will live with Ian longing for the rest of my life. The child’s place has grown too big to back down.”
Miseri listened quietly.
“If you’re going to do that, if you’re going to regret it anyway… . Just to stay by your side… You will be happier.”
“… … .”
I felt a sense of deja vu.
That was Miserie’s own answer to the ancestors’ words not to love humans.
In the end, your daughter will walk the same path as you.
It was so pitiful and pitiful.
There was only one thing to say to her.
“… Be happy.”
“yes. I will.”
Mercy smiled brightly even though she shed tears.
*
Lucia’s Haeju work went straight ahead.
The elves in charge said it would take about half a day, so Ian’s party decided to stay for a day.
Upon returning, Mercy could not meet Kati’s eyes.
“… … .”
Kati was able to understand the meaning right away.
And Vivian, who watched the awkwardness of the two from afar.
Late at night when everyone else is sleeping.
Ian stayed by Lucia’s side with the elven shamans just in case.
To him, a guest came.
“Human! Please take us!”
“… yes?”
“There are so many things we still don’t know! I think you should learn! So please!”
A few elves volunteered to be workers.
*
-dump… .
The crutches fell.
The body leaning on it also fell.
The hand holding it also fell off his arm and rolled on the floor.
Dry sand rose up.
“ah… .”
Beatrice, who had fallen, groaned a beat late.
After losing her right thigh and below her right elbow, she was adjusting to a prosthetic arm and crutches.
However, it was not easy to use crutches with a prosthetic arm that could not move and was only fixed on the elbow.
She fell and struggled to get up.
It was an unfocused eye.
It’s like a broken doll.
Arya, who was worse than that, sneaked up to me and helped me.
“… … .”
The two didn’t say anything.
Kylie, who lost only her right arm, was far better than Beatrice.
Sylvia looked at them with mixed eyes, then glared at Penny, who was walking behind.
The sleeves of her armless dress fluttered in the wind.
‘If it wasn’t for that, it would have been better… .’
No one was fully responsible.
Still, he needed an offering to blame.
Sylvia soon shook off that selfish heart.
‘ha… . What’s the point? At least I could have done well… .’
Guided by the military police, they made their way to the courthouse.
This is the place where the trial of the 1st warrior party will take place.
The high and spacious court building even felt solemn.
There were not many onlookers because the entrance to the area was restricted.
However, there were a lot of people who came to see even a little of this trial.
It was because I could feel the crowds simmering in the distance.
When the trial begins, they will flock as spectators.
‘I want to see Ian… .’
If he was by my side, I would feel a little better.
Sylvia habitually thought of him and climbed the stairs.
It was the trial day of the 1st Hero Party.