Chapter 24: Cure
"Hero?"
After hearing such words uttered, Mary who was quietly watching quickly subdued the knife pointed at the man's neck. Perhaps she was the most prepared since she probably had heard much earlier than us of what was happening.
—Crash!
Swiftly, the knife was thrown.
Instead of being surprised however the man kept staring at me even though the knife had disappeared.
"Father, please, don't do this. You're scaring me," Only when Arianna spoke did he flinch and seem to come back to his senses.
Slowly, the man looked at his daughter as his face crumpled.
"I...I—I'm s-so sorry for being such a burden," he stammered, tears streaming down his face as he collapsed to his knees, overcome with emotion.
Mary who was closer quickly assisted the frail man while I was left with questions. However, I soon quickly shook my thoughts away and assisted Mary in placing the disgusting frail man on the bed. Not like she needed assistance she's strong enough so I just made way for her.
While I gazed into Arianna who was still weeping.
Slowly, I bent my knees to meet her gaze as I slowly handed her my handkerchief.
Her eyes seemed surprised but since it would be rude to reject an offer, she accepted and used my handkerchief to wipe her tears away.
Which I won't take back since it's tainted by a peasant.
After pausing briefly, I found my voice.
"You, who led us to Miss Analeigh—"
Rising swiftly to my feet, I continued with a tone of deep respect.
"Your actions have preserved my life, and it is only right that you be duly rewarded. What boon might you seek, commoner—no, Arianna?"
Upon hearing my voice, the little girl I had been gazing down at, abruptly ceased her crying, her eyes widening in a brief flash of surprise as she looked up into mine.
Behind her previously dull pupils, which had seemed lifeless since our first meeting, a slow resurgence of light began to emerge.
Perhaps it was hope... A hope to save her father from his illness.
"I...uuhm..."
Before she could continue I then followed.
"Anything, as long as it doesn't harm anyone and it's under my capability"
After a brief tremble on her part, she finally mustered the voice she wanted to say.
"Please... Save my Father"
With that, I concluded, "I then shall grant your wish"
[Ding!]
[Arianna's image of you changed +500 points]
[Arianna's Affection for you increased +100 points]
‹ What's with the sudden high points? And... Affection? ›
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After promising to cure Arianna's father, I spoke with Analeigh, the herbalist, about treating his illness. In return, I agreed to invest in her future.
My father—or rather, this body's parent, Antelmo—is unaware of this arrangement. Of course, I won't be using his gold for the investment, but my own.
Upon hearing my proposal, Analeigh seemed happy and quickly accepted it.
If this were the future Analeigh, she would have been much more expensive. However, since she is not yet wealthy, I can take advantage of this opportunity. Having a rich noble invest in her is a significant win from her perspective.
Along the way, however, as Analeigh examined the ill man's condition, she informed me that to cure him, she needed a specific medicine—no, certain ingredients—that could only be found in the elven kingdom.
"But that place lies at a considerable distance; the journey would span several days, and there is no guarantee the peasant's father won't succumb to his illness or take his own life in the interim."
I commented while touching my chin. We were currently on the second floor of Analeigh's house, having brought Arianna's father here to better treat his illness.
"Well... there is a way for us to go there, and that's by using teleportation... though it would be expensive," replied Analeigh. Hearing her response, I called Mary and asked how much gold we had left.
This money was given to us for travel and hunting by my father—this body's father. Given the wealth of this body, I wouldn't be surprised if it exceeds the amount needed for the journey.
"300 Golds Young Lord"
Mary who approached whispered in my ears, her voice calm and collected as always.
"Hmm" Thinking deeply I soon decided.
"Then the three of us should just be enough. How much is the fee per person?"
"35 golds per person" the red head quickly responded.
"..."
It's truly expensive asfuck... I am now keenly aware, having observed during our travels, that a single gold coin equates to the wages of three months' labor for some peasants in these lands.
Since 1 gold coin = 100 silver coins while 1 silver coin = 100 bronze coins.
This time, I'm truly grateful that I'm rich... This body is rich!
But In the midst of my musing Analeigh abruptly intercepted.
"Well, if it's expensive, I can always just go alone. Only the ingredients what's needed"
Hearing her offer, I thought that it was reasonable to do so. However, I had plans in my mind to go in the elven kingdom.
Even though it's not immediately necessary, preparing well in advance is much better. So, I'll take this opportunity to travel with her.
"Hmm... I'll have to go with you"
Finally, I spoke.
"Eh? Do you know how elves treat humans though?"
Analeigh who was confused about my decision blatantly asked.
"I know, I just have something to check there" I slowly followed.
"Check? Have you been there?"
"No" I solemnly denied.
"What?... Uh... Tsk! Well, if you insist." Confused but without any other option, she finally agreed, likely because she didn't want to be on my bad side.
Sighing deeply, she soon followed.
"I have also something to include "
Gazing into her eyes, I nodded as a sign of giving her permission to continue.
"The man's illness was most likely caused by someone—inflicted either through food or interaction—because a worm is growing inside him, consuming his energy. Such a worm could not naturally exist inside someone unless it was intentionally placed there or in their food. These worms are native to the distant [RED FOREST]."
Hearing her, I gently furrowed my brows.
‹ Worm? The fuck... ›
Soon, "Hmmm... I'll ask and inform Arianna then..." I said as I deeply contemplated. Arianna and her father were below us so she is currently not present here.
‹ Could it be that he provoked someone? Truthfully, I hardly know him; my help is merely driven by a sense of guilt. Let's not dwell on it any longer; after all, there's nothing more I can do about the situation. ›
Gazing through the window,
I noticed the sun still shining brightly, prompting me to swiftly decide on our immediate departure.
"Shall we proceed, then?" I asked.
I rose from my seat, my voice carrying an air of authority.
"Got it, Young Lord. It's smack in the middle of town, Jaszla." Analeigh replied.
With a nod, I summoned Mary.
"Let's go."
Afterward, we stationed some of the knights to watch over Arianna's father, should he attempt suicide again, while the rest accompanied us through the heart of town.
As we journeyed, though, I pondered silently on Analeigh's words.
‹ Red Forest... Isn't that place close to where the protagonist resides? ›
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It didn't take long for the six to arrive in the middle of the town.
Alfonso, Analeigh, and Mary. While the other three... Were-
Valentina, Kevin, and Christine.
"May I accompany your party as well?" Valentina spoke first.
"You do know that elves are warry of visitors?" Analeigh who heard the blonde noble girl then responded. Her expression conveys dissatisfaction.
"Ah... I forgot to mention... I shall cover all expenses for myself, I'll try to be as not a burden as much as possible. I'm just going to view the splendor of the elven kingdom," Valentina muttered but Analeigh only raised her left eyebrow as silence descended.
"..."
Suddenly, a boy's cold voice pierced through the silence.
"That's too mundane of an excuse Valentina"
It was none other than Alfonso who spoke, his presence radiating dignity, his eyes as always revealing a lifeless and cold gaze.
Upon hearing Alfonso's words, however, Analeigh considered his response hypocritical, especially since he himself was planning to journey to the elven kingdom without a clear goal or reason.
‹ Check you say? Maybe it's just an excuse to go there because elves are rarely spotted or seen... ›
The redhead quietly murmured to herself upon remembering how Alfonso had brazenly stated he would check the elven kingdom as if he had already been there.
Can you blame her? Alfonso abruptly suggested accompanying her without further explanation, which seemed absurd. It gave the impression that he was feigning preparedness.
"I'm curious about the workings of their knights, especially since they are predominantly female," Valentina responded, her head held high.
Analeigh nodded in acknowledgment.
‹ At least you're straightforward, unlike this noble boy... But why the interest in knights? ›
She silently mused before sarcastically adding, "Simply curious about elves, I suppose?"
Alfonso then interrupted.
"That would be troublesome..."
Having knowledge about elves from his past life in the game, Alfonso understood the challenges they would face traveling there if many visitors—humans—suddenly arrived.
Moreover, how could they appease the elves to obtain ingredients if they brought not just one or two, but five humans who displeased them?
"Don't worry, I'll remain outside the gate. I'll simply keep an eye on the knights there," Valentina responded, noticing Alfonso's furrowed brows.
As a noble, Valentina was not ignorant of elves; her upbringing had taught her to be knowledgeable and prepared for the responsibilities that nobility entails from a young age.
However, that wasn't the only reason she knew about elves. It was also because she was intrigued by the fact that elves mainly consisted of female knights, unlike humans—where female knights are rare and often looked down upon.
"Please, I promise to simply observe and learn from the elves."
Valentina continued with a slight bow. Her usual proud demeanor now appeared to falter.
Observing the noble girl's desperation, Alfonso quietly reminisced.
‹ Hmm... I didn't expect she would be this desperate... ›
It might seem he looks clueless, but, the noble boy knew full well why Valentina wanted to visit the elven kingdom.
It was supposed to happen also in the game near future where Valentina visits the elven kingdom.
In that timeline, Valentina became close with the female elves, especially the knight ones because of her confidence and determination to prove that she could also become a female knight.
Not only that, but because she was also genuinely interested in the elves.
She learned about their cultures and respected them a lot.
‹ I guess she'll get along with them naturally... Somehow... Probably... ›
With his last thoughts, Alfonso who was momentarily silent nodded at Valentina in response.
Meanwhile, catching a fleeting reaction from Alfonso, the blonde girl found herself lost in the depths of his eyes. She reflected on how much he had changed in a short period and realized how greatly she had misjudged him.
But then, where they stood, the large magic circle etched into the ground began to emit a brilliant white light. Its vast expanse could easily encompass hundreds, setting the stage for what was to come. Together, the six of them stepped onto the circle and, in the blink of an eye, it flared up like a radiant sun, enveloping them in its luminescence.
—Kwang!
Their vision that was in the middle town of Jaszla surrounded by houses instantly changed into that of a forest.
The effect of teleportation didn't unfold as depicted in most fantasies, where people often experience dizziness. Instead, it was as though nothing had occurred at all; one moment they were in one place, and, the next, they found themselves in another.
In the dense forest, Elven buildings are integrated seamlessly into the landscape, with structures built around the natural elements rather than replacing them. Tree houses and elves appeared, mostly humans and other races like dwarves, and demi-humans who were making trades with the elves.
The place was no other but the trading place of elves to other races. Just near the gate entrance of the elven kingdom.
Analeigh, cloaked in green that concealed her entire face and body, led the group as she was the most knowledgeable about the area.
As for Alfonso, he had also memorized the place because of playing the game too much. The only difference, however, is how beautiful and how the place of the elven kingdom is still not in ruins.
‹ As in the game, this realm appears predominantly inhabited by women. So, this is the semblance of the elven kingdom... I had not imagined its devastation would resemble this. ›
Thought the raven-head boy as the six of them strode towards a road filled with stores, merchants, and elves selling different products.
From the scene, various races could be observed engaged in trade: humans, demi-humans—predominantly beastkin—and dwarves.
A pertinent question arises: why do other races trade with elves? It's because elves produce the finest medicine in the world, crafted from rare ingredients found only in their lands. They are renowned as the foremost healers among all races.
In this world, being treated by an elf is exorbitantly expensive, potentially costing a fortune. Despite their renown as the best healers, humans, and dwarves seldom seek out elven treatment. Why? Because elves are perceived as arrogant and seldom leave their enclaves. It is a stroke of exceptional luck if a pure-blood elf agrees to heal a human or dwarf.
Elves harbor a deep-seated animosity toward humans due to their destructive impact on nature, a sentiment rooted in their role as nature's protectors. They also hold similar disdain for dwarves. However, demi-humans are more tolerated due to their reverence for nature and harmonious way of life, akin to elves, though they dwell in caves and wooden structures rather than among trees.
As the six of them continued to walk. Slowly, a workplace integrated with a huge tree emerged. "Eldertree Weaponry" A sign visible on the rooftop is written.
Analeigh then approached a female elf dressed in shades of deep green and brown, wearing a tunic and pants. She sported a leather belt adorned with various pouches and small tools, complemented by sturdy knee-high leather boots that were both practical and elegant.
Slowly, Analeigh revealed her face under the hood.
"Oh, Ana? What brings you here so early?"
The female elf gasped in surprise. Her appearance exuded a beauty accentuated by her black hair, pointed ears, and form-fitting green attire that hugged her voluptuous figure. However, if it's in the standard of elf beauty, she's considered average at best.
"I came earlier than expected Laura cause I'm looking for something" The cute little redhead muttered as she handed a list.
Checking the list, Laura then let out a groan using the elve's language.
"𝕺𝖍? 𝕰𝖜𝖜𝖜, 𝕴𝖘𝖓'𝖙 𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖘... 𝕱𝖔𝖗 𝖜𝖔𝖗𝖒𝖘?"
Nodding understandably, Analeigh followed a response.
"Yeah"
"Anyway, why are humans accompanying you?" Laura finally questioned, as she glanced at the five behind Analeigh.
Taking note of their appearance, "Woah... Handsome... Are the two perhaps nobles?" She enquired.
"Isn't it obvious? Yeah," Analeigh quickly snorted.
"You finally got '𝖑𝖚𝖈𝖐𝖞' huh?" Laura smiled.
"Hopefully, anyway, do you know anyone who have these ingredients right now?"
"If I were to recall... It would be Karina"
"Karina..." Analeigh quietly muttered as she clicked her tongue.
"...That bitch?"
"Language Ana" Laura advised before she continued; "Why did you bring them in the first place? You know how elves are... Humans and dwarves are like an allergy to them. Well I'm also an elf but still..." Her left eyebrow raised.
"I'm just trying to gain their favor. I'll need that list of things to do so. Could you take care of the other ingredients? While I take care of this one rare ingredient" Analeigh responded, her gesture showing she had no choice.
"You're still as crazy for money..." Muttered Laura, her face forming a frown.
"I hope you don't dig yourself enough that you can't get out of that hole" The elf followed before ordering one of her workers to get ingredients.
While the redhead disregarded her words before dragging the five humans to their destination.
"Well, let's all rendezvous at that location once our duties are fulfilled," Analeigh instructed her friend Laura. It was a spot Alfonso had recommended earlier during their journey towards Jaszla's central town. Analeigh was uncertain how Alfonso came to know of such a place, but perhaps his noble status, extensive connections, and wealth had granted him insight into the elven kingdom.
Shortly after, they parted ways, with Laura observing Analeigh's group as they gradually moved further ahead.
Laura's eyes brimmed with sadness, tinged with pity, reflecting her emotions as she watched her friend depart.
Soon, she sighed and resumed gathering the necessary ingredients.
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As they walked, elves who cast their gazes on them naturally followed, disgust and loathing were visible in their eyes.
Even though, not all, most were instantly repulsive of them.
Except for one human.
—Alfonso
Women who gazed at him felt their hearts struck by his beauty. Even an elf could not compare to how extraordinarily handsome he was.
Because of his appearance, elves doubted if he was truly human, leading to a higher evaluation of him than the rest of the humans around him.
Valentina, Analeigh, and Mary could be considered more beautiful than even the most stunning elves. However, since almost all the elves present were female, they didn't bother to glance at the trio.
As for Kevin? Yes, he was also handsome, but that only applied to human society.
After a while, as they got closer at the gate, suddenly the group halted.
"I shall explore this area," Valentina announced, glancing at a place that appeared to host knights and duels.
In response, Alfonso said coldly, "I have already stated where we shall meet, so let us reconvene at that predetermined location." With that, they parted ways.
Valentina went to a place where knights and humans were engaged in what appeared to be an arena, accompanied by Christine and Kevin.
Meanwhile, the three—Alfonso, Mary, and Analeigh neared the huge gate filled with ornaments woven as a design.
It was the gateway leading into the capital of the Elven kingdom. If the area they had arrived in resembled a town, it was because it served as a trading hub and represented only the outskirts of the elven kingdom.
Tap!
Tap!
Tap!
As they approached, suddenly, they were asked by two female elf guards, what were their purpose.
However, after Analeigh showed the badge, and spoke the elven language,
"𝕴 𝖆𝖒 𝕬𝖓𝖆𝖑𝖊𝖎𝖌𝖍, 𝖉𝖆𝖚𝖌𝖍𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝖔𝖋 𝕬𝖗𝖎𝖆 𝖔𝖋 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝕰𝖑𝖛𝖊𝖓 𝕲𝖑𝖆𝖉𝖊. 𝕿𝖍𝖊𝖘𝖊 𝖆𝖗𝖊 𝖒𝖞 𝖈𝖔𝖒𝖕𝖆𝖓𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖘, 𝖍𝖊𝖗𝖊 𝖇𝖞 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖘𝖔𝖑𝖊 𝖕𝖚𝖗𝖕𝖔𝖘𝖊𝖘 𝖔𝖋 𝖙𝖗𝖆𝖉𝖊"
The gate then was quickly opened for them.
Similarly, within the elves' homes integrated with trees greeted them, though the trees were significantly larger.
Inside, elves with pointed ears donned green capes or tunics, going about their daily lives in a familiar manner. The contrast from outside was stark; there, most elves wore attire tailored to human expectations, whereas inside, it reflected their true customs.
Only a handful of humans, dwarves, and other races were visible, mostly moving with purpose, likely for trade.
Upon their arrival, it became evident how quickly the elves took notice of them.
As before, the gazes directed at them were filled with disdain and contempt. However, now they were sharper, tinged with hostility and caution.
Meanwhile, Alfonso took in his surroundings, carefully observing every corner of the kingdom's landscape.
‹ Hmm... I suppose further exploration isn't necessary. ›
He realized their path toward the elven kingdom coincided with their current direction. Analeigh needed no further persuasion from him.
‹ There you are. ›
After a brief moment, Alfonso's gaze suddenly fixed upon a large, ancient-looking tree.
Before he could even speak to Analeigh about briefly approaching the tree, he was interrupted—
"We're here," Analeigh finally spoke.
Ahead, they spotted a towering tree as tall as a two-story building, its structure seamlessly integrated with the surrounding architecture.
With the store conveniently located next to the tree, Alfonso opted to secure the ingredients before approaching it.
"Let's go in," he nodded in agreement with Analeigh's suggestion, and they promptly entered.
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Ascending the wooden ladder, they were suddenly met with a sight of plants meticulously arranged on shelves and cabinets.
In the center sat a female elf with green hair and pointed ears, clad in a green tunic, her attention drawn to the newcomers as soon as they entered.
"𝕺𝖍... 𝕴𝖙𝖘 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖆𝖌𝖆𝖎𝖓... '𝕳𝖆𝖑𝖋 𝕰𝖑𝖋' 𝖆𝖓𝖉... 𝕳𝖚𝖒𝖆𝖓𝖘?"
The elf with green hair muttered using her proud language whilst her left eyebrow raised.
"Ya got a problem? Anyway, I'm here to make trade"
While Analeigh snorted at her in response. Even with such a cute innocent little figure, her mouth was not the same.
"Even speaking the language of a beast. As brass as ever huh... As expected of a half-human"
Chuckled the elf as she slowly stood up and continued.
"Wellp, let us see what ya want Analeigh"
—Thud
Analeigh then slammed her hand on the table as she met the elve's gaze.
"I need the flower of life"
As silence momentarily descended, "That is a rare ingredient I'm afraid what you are looking for is not under my arsenal," The elf responded in a solemn tone.
"Here, is this enough?"
Suddenly, one gold coin was thrown on the table.
"Huhuhu" a grin then spread across the elf's lips.
"Do you really think I need gold?"
"Don't fuck with me Karina, I know who you are" Analeigh followed as she shrugged.
"Alright! Alright!"
Karina took the gold and continued speaking, "Unfortunately, I don't have what you're looking for, but..."
As she was about to finish, her gaze shifted to Analeigh and the two humans behind her, as if she had noticed someone.
"Speaking of whom you can purchase it from, she is behind you."
Karina finished her sentence just as Analeigh, Alfonso, and Mary turned their heads.
Behind them, two elves came into view: a male elf clad in knight's armor, and in front of him, a female elf in her usual attire, adorned with jewelry.
Her hair and eyes shimmered silver. To behold her was to see a goddess, such was her beauty. Indeed, she could easily be deemed one of the most beautiful elves in the kingdom.
< Sylvia? >
But amidst those thoughts, Alfonso recognized the individual behind them. It was none other than one of the heroines of the game.
Sylvia, a royal female, is the sole princess of the elven kingdom. Yet, she was also a character fated to die.