Chapter 519 - Chapter 12: The Dragonewt Village
The Dragonewt Village was overflowing with light.
As I thought, it's underground.
Looking up at the ceiling, there is a massive skylight, and light is pouring down from there.
It's hard to believe it's actually underground.
The hole for the entrance/exit is likely in the center of the settlement. It's in the middle of a circular plaza. Built much like a central plaza in a human town, passages extend in all four directions from the hole, which is surrounded by a single-tier stone wall. Buildings line both sides of the passages.
The settlement itself isn't much different from a human one. However, the ground and buildings are all made of stone. Not a single piece of trash is lying around; it's clean. The difference is that it's tucked away inside a large hole, so it's surrounded by stone walls, but depending on how you look at it, it's the same as being along a city wall.
The buildings are all single-story; there are no buildings with two or more floors. Because they are tall, the first floor is higher compared to human houses, but that's the only difference. They are uniformly rectangular, and all the houses are the same shape. The houses have wooden doors, but no windows. There might be a skylight in the ceiling, or perhaps there's no roof at all. Since it doesn't rain, it probably wouldn't be a problem even without one.
Whether they knew we were coming or not, there are about a dozen Dragonewts. Their facial features and physiques all look somewhat similar. Their hair and wings are yellowish-green. While you can distinguish between male and female, you can't tell from a distance.
"It's because they are pure-blooded. They must all be closely related by blood."
Eleanor-sama whispered secretly.
Marriage between close relatives is prohibited even among humans. I believe first cousins were okay. In a small settlement, unless they bring in grooms or brides from elsewhere, people will inevitably marry those closely related by blood.
"There are no children either. Everyone seems to be around the same age."
It's just as Violet says. The ones who fought us were young men, but the other people are all in their forties or older in human terms. I don't know what the lifespan of a Dragonewt is, but normally, there should be more young people. Though, humans apparently die early due to wars and such, so a simple comparison can't be made.
"I'll guide you to the Chieftain's place. Don't stray from me."
The other Dragonewts are staring.
Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama are acting charming as usual, but they're being ignored. In fact, they're being given blatantly disgusted looks and then ignored. It's clear we are unwelcome guests. Though that probably only applies to the humans.
Even in such a situation, the two of them, who keep smiling and acting charming, are quite something.
"This is considered kind treatment. For example, try going to a hostile country after a war. It wouldn't be strange for your life to be targeted."
Apparently, people normally have stones thrown at them.
Come to think of it, during the departure ceremony for the Demon Lord subjugation unit, there was a storm of intense heckling and shouting during the Engrio ambassador's greeting. I couldn't tell because I was in the back, but apparently a Wind Barrier had been secretly deployed around the ambassador. It surrounded his body like a box, and he was speaking with only his face sticking out.
"Humans really are pathetic creatures. Can't you at least get along with your own kind?"
The guiding Dragonewt sneers at us.
"It is an embarrassing story. Since there are so many of us, there are various differences in interests and policies."
"Cannibalism because there are many of you? You're no different from lower animals."
"That's true. Perhaps the Goddess created humans that way. We are not particularly superior beings."
"Hmph, at least you're better off for having some self-awareness."
That's quite a thing to say, but Eleanor-sama didn't offer any rebuttal.
While bathed in the cold gazes of the Dragonewts, we walk down one of the passages. At the end of the passage, there is a long house that wasn't on the other three passages. That is likely the Chieftain's house.
Only the guiding Dragonewt went inside, and after being made to wait for a while, we were allowed in.
The Chieftain was a man with a white loach beard, like a dragon from a fairy tale, growing longer than his chin. His hair was also pure white, so you couldn't tell his attribute from that alone, but his wings were a solid yellowish-green.
The person beside him must be his wife. With a gentle atmosphere, she guided us to a back room. It seems we aren't being treated poorly.
In the back room, there is a stone table and a long bench. It's just like the underground base Alex made. He must have made it with Curve magic.
"Are these the ones? The ones requested by Gnome to come to the Dragonewt Village?"
He says while stroking the beard he pinched with his right fingers. His eyes are gentle, and he has a somewhat god-like atmosphere.
"Yes, that is correct. At Gnome's request, we must meet with the Chieftain of the Dragonewt Village and convey Gnome's concerns."
"Gnome's concerns? What on earth are they?"
"I am sorry. As for us, we cannot speak unless you promise to let us meet the Chieftain."
In reality, that's not the case. Gnome didn't specify the Chieftain. It's just that the elopement of the Chieftain's daughter is involved. We have to talk to the daughter's family about that point, and that is also part of Gnome's request. If we try to talk about both together, we eventually have to meet the Chieftain. This part is likely a negotiation tactic.
"I cannot promise that. Because I am not the Chieftain. Whether the Chieftain meets you or not is for the Chieftain to decide."
Well, that's true. For us, this village is merely a stepping stone to meet the Chieftain.
"Now, now, now, don't say that. I think you heard from that young one, but why don't you trade with us? Dragonewts make alcohol too, right? I'm sure it's delicious. As a Dwarf, I can't let that pass."
Alex cut in. It's clearly a helping hand. They might have discussed it beforehand.
"We Elves also desire trade with the Dragonewts. We were on the brink of racial extinction, but having overcome various problems, we are just now seeking to rebuild. Dragonewts would be perfect trading partners. What do you say?"
The Elf Prince also started his sales pitch. In the Elf's case, unlike the Dwarf, there's a bit more seriousness.
"Long ago, the Elves tried to gather silver armaments to oppose us and the Demon Race, and caused a magical eruption accident. Do you no longer have such thoughts?"
"N-No, all Elves have sufficiently reflected on that matter. Now, based on the spirit of coexistence and co-prosperity, we are in the middle of exploring trade with various races."
A tremendous check was thrown. The Dragonewts are harsh too.
"And that spirit of coexistence and co-prosperity is something we learned from this Jeanne."
It's Alex. Is that so?
"W-Well, yes. This human girl has mediated our relationship with the Dryad and created opportunities for us to have relationships with the Four Great Spirits; we've been indebted to her in many ways."
Oh my, aren't you being quite meek? I've never had you say things like that normally.
"Is Jeanne your name?"
"Ah, yes. That's me."
I was suddenly spoken to. It's because of Alex and the Elf Prince.
"To you, what is coexistence and co-prosperity?"
He's asking another difficult question. You should ask the Archbishop that kind of thing.
"Isn't it for each to live their daily lives as they are?"
"As they are?"
"Yes. If possible, without doing sad things like fighting others, and by utilizing each other's strengths and compensating for each other's weaknesses, I think we can naturally become friends."
"Becoming friends is coexistence and co-prosperity?"
"Basically, I think so. However, there are times when interests conflict, right? For example, herbivores eat plants, but plants wouldn't want to be eaten either. It's the same with herbivores and the carnivores that eat them. But that is necessary for the cycle of living things. It's necessary for living, right? Therefore, I believe conflicts within such natural livelihoods are unavoidable. But as for other conflicts, they are unnecessary, so I think it's better to consider avoiding them if possible."
"It's easy to say."
"Yes. Unfortunately, humans in particular are always doing nothing but fighting."
"That is exactly right. in such a situation, coexistence and co-prosperity can hardly be achieved."
"It is as you say, but even so, how about giving up entirely? At least, I think all races have the idea of coexistence and co-prosperity to a greater or lesser extent. If herbivores eat all the plants, the herbivores themselves will starve and die. But that doesn't happen. And herbivores probably don't live thinking about such things. That is likely because, without knowing it, they are fulfilling a role in a larger sense. I was taught by the spirits that all living things, not just humans, have a role. At the same time, I was told that we cannot know what our own role is. Therefore, if each living thing behaves naturally, it might resolve itself naturally."
If the population becomes too large and food runs out, they cannibalize. In a sense, if humans always fighting is also cannibalism, then if there is enough food, conflict should disappear. Efforts should be made to ensure food is sufficiently distributed to everyone before conflict occurs. However, there are humans who want more than necessary. Such rascals must be dealt with among humans. If that is the source of the conflict between Engrio and the West Coast nations, then some kind of mediation is necessary. And if that mediation fails, it will lead to war. That is the sad reality.
"Hmm. Each person's role."
"Yes. That's what I was taught."
"Which spirit taught you that?"
"Directly, the Water Spirit and the Flower Spirit. But indirectly, I was also taught by the other Four Great Spirits and other spirits."
I glance at Alex and the Elf Prince.
Alex is nodding with a smirk, and the Elf Prince gave a light fist pump with his right hand. No matter how you look at it, Elves have been getting worldly lately.
"I see, a role..."
The Elder sighed and crossed his arms.
They are quietly waiting for the extinction of their race. If that's true, it's a violation of their role. If there is hope for survival, they should make an effort.
"You there, Jeanne."
"Yes."
"In the role you speak of, do you think there is such a thing as a race temporarily prospering only to eventually just perish?"
He really threw a curveball.
"E-Elder! That is..."
Even the guiding Dragonewt is interjecting. That's natural. Even hearing the story of the eloping couple, for the Dragonewts, they are facing exactly that kind of situation right now.
"You, be quiet. I want to hear from this human girl."
"Yes... My apologies."
He wasn't angry. He said it quietly, as if to admonish him.
"Well? Jeanne."
"I don't know. It might exist, or it might not. I think only someone in a position one step above could know what the reality is."
"One step above?"
"Yes. For us humans, it's the Goddess. We don't know. In other words, aren't we just supposed to live as hard as we can? Because the results will surely be known eventually."
No one wants to die, and no one should want to think it's better for their family... and by extension, their tribe or race, to perish. At least, I want to believe that. The eloping couple was the same.
"I see. Just living as hard as one can, huh. It may be as you say."
The Dragonewt who guided us looked up. His eyes are shining.
Most likely, the young Dragonewt has the same thoughts as the eloping couple. No, normally that would be the case.
"Very well. I don't know if he will actually meet you, but I will put in a good word to the Chieftain, saying it wouldn't hurt to meet you."
"Really?"
"Yeah. However, he's our Chieftain. In the current Dragonewt Village as a whole, he would be the Vice-Chieftain."
Dark green wings, huh. Still, it's a step forward.
Together with Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama, I say thank you and bow.
"Also, I want to positively consider trade with the Dwarves and Elves. You, become the contact person."
"Yes. Understood."
The guiding Dragonewt was appointed. He's rough, but he seems kind at heart. He seems quite curious too, so it'll be just right.
"Oh, that's the way it's gotta be!"
"Umu. It seems our coming was worth it."
"I'm counting on you."
Now that the talk was settled, the wife brought out drinks. We've finally become guests.
"Gah! This hits the spot. Dragonewt alcohol is no joke."
Says Alex, who usually drinks only top-shelf stuff from Finis. It seems to be quite strong.
"U-Umu. I can hardly believe this is fruit wine."
Moreover, it seems it wasn't made from grain. How on earth do you make such strong alcohol?
Unlike the brownish alcohol from Finis, it's as transparent as water.
"Fufufu. It's a masterpiece that can only be made because of the high altitude. On top of that, because you drink it at a high altitude, the intoxication hits you all at once."
I can't help but stare at it intently.
"Jeanne, shall I guess what you're thinking right now?"
Alex suddenly started pestering me.
"What is it?"
"You want to get the Water Big Sis drunk, don't you?"
"Unfortunately, Dune isn't coming. She says she hates high places because they make her skin rough."
"What, is that so?"
Furthermore, since it's not directly related to the Demon Lord, Fiona isn't coming either.
I'd like to have those two monster women drink it, but no matter how strong the alcohol is, I can't imagine those two getting drunk.
"It's for a boost of spirits. Let's call the Fire Big Bro."
That's better. Salamander's body gets bigger when he drinks strong alcohol. I'd like to see that a bit. Besides, he also said to call him when there's new alcohol to drink.
"S-Salamander? Of the Fire Spirits? Y-You're calling him?"
The guiding Dragonewt is getting scared. He might have never met him. Since it's Wind and Fire, it shouldn't be super dangerous if mixed.
"Jeanne can call him anytime. After all, she even exterminated a Hydra together with the Fire Dragon, who's a buddy of the Fire Spirit. Oh right, this place is Wind attribute. Let's go Wyvern and boar hunting together next time."
Alex threw that in. The story about being friendly with dragons is the trump card of trump cards. It was decided that Alex would bring it up if we were on the verge of a breakdown. Fortunately, things went well, so we didn't mention it, but he brought it up as a finishing blow.
"W-Wyverns? Jeanne, can you even call out Wyverns!"
No, no matter how you look at it, that's not possible. If I called out something that big, it wouldn't be a banquet anymore.
Alex is also laughing loudly. He might be drunk.
"Could it be, f-from that time... Was that W-Wyvern safe? Jeanne, if you can call it out, please, by all means, call it out!"
The Elder grabbed my arm with incredible strength. I can't help but let out a scream.
Alex! How long are you going to keep laughing! You're the one who said it, so explain it properly!