Chapter 511 - Episode 5: The Feast in the Forest of the Southwestern Royal Capital Area ②
The Dragonewt, urged by Salamander to sit, quietly sat cross-legged on the spot.
Gnome to the front right. Salamander to the right. Dune to the front left. Mel to the left. The Four Great Spirits sat down as if surrounding the Dragonewt in a semi-circle. Perhaps wary of each other's interference, the front was open.
Behind the spirits, various races including humans stood scattered. Everyone had gathered.
Perhaps because the opponent was a Dragonewt, everyone seemed uniformly on guard. For the Beastmen, the carnivores; for the spirits, the Dryads; for the humans, Henry-sama, Eleanor-sama, and Magdalena-sama lined up, and beside them, the Paratroop Jaegers stood in front as if to protect Miana and Mary. Violet came to my side.
"Jeanne should be in front. Sit down quickly."
It was Salamander. What on earth was he saying?
"That's right. Sit down quickly."
Even the Gnome started saying it. Moreover, he spoke as if it were my duty to sit in front of the Dragonewt.
When I looked at Mel and Dune, they nodded.
This is bad.
"Are you Jeanne-dono? I have heard of you from the Gnome. I look forward to working with you."
For some reason, even the Dragonewt asked me...
Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama stepped forward. After all, they are former heroes. They are much more suitable for the front of the Dragonewt than someone like me.
Or so I thought, but they handed bowls to the spirits, pouring wine for those who drink and honey water for Mel.
"Jeanne. Here, hold this."
"Yes. Please have one."
Henry-sama handed me a bowl, and Eleanor-sama poured wine.
"Then, excuse us."
"Please take care of Jeanne."
After greeting the Gnome, they quickly retreated.
Magdalena-sama was thanking them for their hard work.
"Jeanne, sit down quickly. If the Four Great ones get in a bad mood, there's no telling what will happen around here."
Even Alex behind me said so.
Even so, it's not something I can do so easily. Even though the Dragonewt is sitting, his head is high, and being looked at with those golden eyes is scary. Besides, I haven't even given my first greeting yet.
They say a fifth Great Spirit will be born in the future, but that's because my spirit of coexistence and co-prosperity takes shape, and that's not me...
"Hurry up!"
I was finally scolded by the Gnome.
I timidly sat in front of the Dragonewt.
Violet sat beside me.
"An Arachne?"
"That's right."
"Why are you there?"
Whether he was dissatisfied, the Dragonewt glared.
"It's fine. I approve."
"Yes. I think so too."
As a result of Mel and Dune approving, the Dragonewt also fell silent.
"It is a pleasure to meet you for the first time."
"A-Ah, yes. Nice to meet you."
Since he thrust out a bowl, I toasted and took a sip.
"It seems you wish to go to the Dragonewt Village, my birthplace."
"Ah, yes. I was also requested by the Gnome."
"I have heard. However, I think you should stop."
Um, could you please say that to the Gnome?
According to the Dragonewt, the evaluation of humans in the Dragonewt Village is extremely low.
They are, after all, monsters, and might makes right. In contrast, humans are weak and not at all a presence they would consider an equal. Despite that, they increase their numbers one after another and settle here and there before they know it, cutting down forests. They must be a very annoying presence.
Still, it was better when the number of dragons was a bit higher. Humans couldn't approach the habitat of dragons, who possessed overwhelming power, and lived in the plains centered around the coasts of seas and rivers. Of course, there were those who lived around rivers flowing between mountains and forests, but they weren't many.
As long as dragons were there, humans couldn't do as they pleased.
That situation changed at some point.
In individual combat, dragons are strong. However, when the opponent is a group that has prepared weapons and armor and devised tactics, even a dragon would sometimes lose.
Dragonewts, said to be of dragon blood, can talk to dragons. And those capable of that besides the Four Great Spirits were Dragonewts, Elves (the great spirits of the forest), and Dwarves (the great spirits of the mines). Among them, Elves living in forests and Dwarves living in mines do not contact dragons. Generally, only Dragonewts contacted dragons on a regular basis. Because of that connection, they also acted as mediators between dragons and humans, but humans gradually became annoying. Eventually, they effectively cut ties with humans. It's sad, but the Dragonewts likely had their own reasons for it becoming that way.
"What is the current situation in the Dragonewt Village?"
"I cannot answer. As you know, humans and Dragonewts have a history of conflict. We are, so to speak, enemies. Although I am one who fled the Dragonewt Village, I cannot sell out those in the village who took care of me."
No, it's not like we're going to invade.
He's quite wary. After all, he even said that pursuers might come because he broke the laws and left the village. Since he's wary even of his fellow Dragonewts who should be allies, it's natural for him to be wary of humans he's meeting for the first time. I thought I might get him to tell me the location of the village if things went well, but there's no way he'd tell me. It wasn't that easy.
"If possible, we would like to conclude a peace agreement."
"I am sorry, but I do not have such discretionary authority."
"It's no problem for us humans to go to the Dragonewt Village, right?"
"That is for the Elder of the village to decide. If you can reach it, that is. I'll tell you in advance, I will not guide you, nor will I tell you where the village is."
Well, as expected.
"Then, how about a peace agreement with you two as a couple?"
"With us?"
Since they eloped, they probably have no intention of returning to the village. In that case, they should just become friends as one of the Beastmen living in the territory of the Dryad of the Royal Capital area.
"That's right. The Sertoria Royal Family has already concluded a non-aggression pact with the Dryad living here and is simultaneously making arrangements to advance trade with the Beastmen. We will obtain the blessings of the mountains, and the Beastmen will obtain winter food, agricultural technology, and necessary tools. I would very much like you two as a couple to participate."
" I have not taken root in this land."
"But won't you be here for your wife's childbirth and the period until the baby grows up?"
"Well, that is the intention. However, I don't know what will happen with that either."
He glanced at the Gnome.
The Gnome denied it, but the Dragonewt in front of me is wary of pursuers from the village coming. He's likely also considering the possibility of fleeing from this land as well.
"Then, just for the period you are here is fine. You are generally lumped together with Beastmen, but I hear you possess overwhelmingly powerful strength compared to other races. Why not use that strength?"
"What exactly are you telling me to do?"
"It's simple. Protect this land from unscrupulous humans."
"?"
It seems it was an unexpected answer.
"B-Bishop Jeanne. What on earth are you saying?"
A voice came from behind. Apparently, it was unexpected for the Wolf Man leader as well.
In short, a bodyguard. It's the same role as Violet.
The story is a bit complicated, but Violet is the guard for the Goblins who are Royal Army scouts. Therefore, while she defends against the Demon Lord's army, she does not participate in human offensives. She is basically neutral, but if the Demon Lord is resurrected, it's also possible for her to return to the Demon Lord's army. That's the contract.
"In other words, are you telling me to protect this land?"
"Of course, I think you should decide what to do based on your own thoughts as a couple. However, for example, if the Demon Lord is resurrected, this land might be caught up in the battle. Regardless of whether the Dryad sides with the Demon Lord or humans, if she maintains neutrality, wouldn't it be necessary to prevent intervention from both sides? You can do it with the power of a Dragonewt, right?"
The Dragonewt Village might surpass the Demon Lord's army. Even just one person would be a sufficient deterrent against the Demon Lord's army.
When I looked back just in case, Eleanor-sama and Magdalena-sama were nodding with smiles. Henry-sama showed me the scroll for full diplomatic authority. They understand perfectly.
They failed once. Because of that, the Dryad withdrew to the plateau and cut off contact with humans. After a truly long time, peace was finally established, albeit as mutual non-aggression.
"I understand what you are saying. You seem a bit different from the humans I thought. However, regarding what you said earlier, it is premised on me and my wife staying in this land for a long time. And above all, I am currently a guest. I do not know if I can take on such a role."
That's true. However, what about the client...
"I-I'll hire you! Please let me hire you as the bodyguard of my forest. The compensation is the guarantee of your life within my forest. I will keep the existence of you two as a couple secret no matter what, so please..."
The Dryad of the Royal Capital area said, almost shouting.
The Beastmen stirred, and the Dragonewt looked at the Dryad of the Royal Capital area with an expression of disbelief.
Life within a Dryad's forest...
Normally, not only humans and monsters but even carnivorous animals like foxes and wolves are not allowed. The exception is the Black Dragon Child living in Renata's tree.
Peace with humans... For her, it must have been a matter of summoning a lifetime's worth of courage.
Anyway, human hearts are fickle. There are those who lie and deceive people without a second thought. Despite that, they keep increasing. Her memories of fear must still be vivid. This peace would not have been established without the existence of Serena and Renata, who had the Four Great ones as backing. Above all, they had no choice. Whether it's the Dryad or the Beastmen, they must have convinced their own hearts half-forcibly, as if driven by life. Even so, they must be half-doubting. However, if the power of a Dragonewt is added there...
"I will cooperate too. What do you think? Sister?"
"That's right. Let's definitely cooperate."
"O-Older sisters... T-Thank you."
At Serena and Renata's words, she was clinging to the two of them while shedding tears.
"We shall cooperate as well. Without the Dryad's forest, our lives would not exist. This migration will be a life-threatening job for us as well."
The Wolf Man Elder also agreed.
Just one more push.
I glanced at the Gnome.
He looked away with a huff. However, I felt like he smiled for a moment.
Salamander winked at me and jerked his chin toward the Gnome.
I think it'll work.
When I kept staring at the Gnome, he finally started laughing. I guess he gave in.
"What do you think? Of this human girl. Interesting, isn't she?"
"Yes. I thought humans were creatures that gathered only the bad parts of various races—unable to accept the way this world is, constantly complaining about their own inconveniences, loving conflict, and lining up sophistry to assert only their own righteousness."
That's quite a thing to say. On what basis do you say that much?
"That is certainly true."
Oh boy, he was affirmed by the Gnome.
"However, that is not all. There are certainly those like Jeanne, and they are not few."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. They are diverse. Even among the same humans, they are varied."
"Hmm."
"For example, look at the old couple sitting behind Jeanne. The two who prepared the sake for us earlier."
When I looked, the old couple was waving amiably.
"You should be able to tell, but they are quite skilled despite how they look."
"Yes. They appeared so to me."
Both of them were doing fist pumps.
"The two of them once defeated the Demon Lord along with several companions."
"I see."
"However, the man cannot use magic at all, and the woman is completely hopeless at fighting with weapons."
He's pointing at the sky. I wonder if he found a weirdly shaped cloud.
"They are different from us."
"Indeed. To survive, they had no choice but to fight as a group. Therefore, they are strong."
"As a group, I see."
"Yes. One could also say as a race."
The Dragonewt's eyes seemed to widen for a moment.
"I heard the reason you fled the Dragonewt Village earlier. However, just running away will lead to nothing. Why not entrust the future of your family, which you could not discard, to this land?"
In the Dragonewt Village, the race is apparently quietly waiting for extinction. However, if there are children, there is a future. You can entrust what you couldn't do to the next generation. And since there are children, I think adults should make an effort to create a future.
"You broke the laws and left the village. That means you are not bound by the laws, right?"
"However, I may become one who brings misfortune to those living in this forest."
There's no such person in this world. As long as you don't call it in yourself.
"If you will become the sword and shield of the Dryad in this land, I shall give you this. If the pursuers from the village you fear come, tell them you were requested by me to bring peace to this land. The reason for the request is to protect a truly neutral land. In other words, if you break that neutrality, that ring will shatter."
The Gnome said so and offered the same ring he had given to Will.
"T-This is... Is it alright?"
"I don't mind. However, when you call me, have sake ready. The fruit wine the Beastmen make is fine."
"I-I am... deeply grateful."
"You exaggerate."
The moment the Gnome placed the ring on the hands of the Dragonewt, who was prostrating himself, the cheers of the Beastmen and the Dryad of the Royal Capital area echoed around.