Chapter 113 – The Elven Country, Borodin
Skor’s face turned bright red and she was shaking and trembling. Since introducing me as her ‘husband’ earlier, she had become like a broken doll. She’s too shaken up…!
“Sh-shall we have a vow of kiss, Rasty-san?”
“C-calm down, Skor! This is not a wedding hall!”
I was also panicking and put my hand on Skor’s shoulder. But this looks like we’re really going to kiss.
―― No, calm down, me.
Anyway, it seems that the misunderstanding has been resolved. The hostility from the elves has also disappeared. The attacks on the ship have stopped, and it seems that Strelka and Havamar are safe too. For now, we were able to enter the country ――I guess.
When I looked around again, the elves were looking at us with somewhat suspicious looks. …Huh?
“Isn’t the distance between them a bit strange?” “Yeah, you’re right. The husband seems lacking in love.” “Are they really in love?” “A fake marriage…?” “Fake love?” “No way!!” “It’s suspicious, let’s see them hug each other!”
Having made up my mind, I pulled Skoll into an embrace. I hugged her tightly and shouted, “I love you!!” so that the other elves could hear. How about that!
“…… (glancing around)”
When I looked at the reaction of the crowd――
“What, so they really are that close?” “From the looks of it, their marriage seems to be real.” “Darn, I guess there was no chance for me.” “I guess all we can do is congratulate them.” “Let’s wish for Skor-sama’s happiness.” “Mm-hmm.”
――Phew, we made it through this time.
“That was close, Skor. Now we can relax—wait…Skor!?”
“A-a-a~u… Rasty-san, I, I… I’m so happy that I feel like I could die.”
“Wh-what’s wrong? Smoke is coming out of your face!?”
“Ehehe…♡”
This is not good.
Skor is clinging to me and won’t let go. Well, she looks so happy. I guess I’ll leave her like this.
◆
Havamar and Strelka came down from the ship.
“We managed to bluff our way through, big brother.”
“Yeah… I’m exhausted, thanks to that.”
“But why is Skor so obsessed with you, big brother… it’s not fair!”
Havamar also jumps up and sticks close to me, and Strelka follows suit, riding the waves1“Riding the wave” is a phrase that means to take advantage of a situation or trend. It can also mean to go along with something that is happening, similar to the phrase “going with the flow.”.
“Hey, Strelka, you too!”
“I-isn’t it fine. The elf country seems to have a ‘polygamous’ system, you know?”
Seriously? If that’s the law here, then there’s no problem. No, it’s not okay! …Anyway, I finally set foot on Borodin’s land.
“So this is Borodin. I feel a nostalgic atmosphere.”
Ten years ago, I was brought here by my father. It was apparently to receive the World Scripture, and my older brothers and I headed to the Humoresque Palace. That’s where I met Skor.
However, the landscape has changed considerably over time. As I was gazing absentmindedly at the streets of Borodin, someone called out to me.
“Are you the boy who brought the Holy Maiden Skor with you?”
” ―― Yeah?”
When I turned around, there was a blond-haired young elf. He had a sword at his waist and was dressed like a noble. He seems to be of high status.
“Of course, you are. That girl you’re holding is Holy Maiden Skor, isn’t she? Let go!!”
Suddenly, a sword was pointed at me, and I retreated while protecting Havamar and Strelka. This guy is dangerous.
“Claude…!”
“Do you know him, Skor?”
“Yes… Well, um…”
Somehow, her response is a bit hesitant.
Is it something difficult to say?
As I was wondering, Claude raised his voice.
“Skor-sama! Why did you run away? You promised to marry me, didn’t you?”
” ―― Wha-“
I was surprised. I never expected that there would be such a person…
“N-No! Rasty-san, it’s not what you think. Please don’t misunderstand. There’s nothing between Claude and me. We haven’t even made an engagement, we’re just friends… that’s all.”
Skor emphasized the “just friends” part very strongly. I see, so that’s the kind of relationship they have. In that case, I have the right to protect her too.
“Now, please step back, Skor-sama. That man is from the Empire! You can’t get involved with such a despicable human… Think about what other elves will think.”
“Don’t speak about Rasty-san like that when you know nothing! Besides, I hate such discriminatory remarks like that. Claude, aren’t you influenced by the First and Second Princes even though you make such statements?”
“W-Why would you say that!”
Wait, wait. Even though this Claude is hostile to the Empire, he seems to be friends with those darn brothers. …Ah, I see now. It is also possible that this guy incited the elves to become so aggressive earlier. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have become so hostile.
“I know you’ve been secretly meeting and receiving support.”
“Ugh…”
He’s no good.
Skor is on my side, and even Havamar and Strelka were also looking at Claude with suspicion.
“Big brother, I hate the Empire too… but this doesn’t sit well with me!”
“I’m also extremely displeased.”
“Yes. Let’s ignore him and go to the city.”
I started walking while protecting everyone.
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