Volume 4 Chapter 109 Welcome to the Elf Forest
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Tifi, one of my wives, was drawing closer to her day of delivery. Lifia was already carrying a child as well. To ensure I could face their childbirths with a perfect Status¹, I had been searching for a midwife. However, finding a person trustworthy enough to let into the secrets of the Love Hotel² was proving to be a difficult task.
Amidst this, a certain plan was brought to the table. According to the elf Rozmiaque, his elder sister was capable of serving as a midwife. His sister—meaning she would be Lifia’s aunt.
It sounded like a perfect arrangement. Effectively, she was family. I certainly wanted to rely on her, but…
For some reason, Rozmiaque’s expression was dismal. He seemed incredibly reluctant to seek help from his own sister. His eyes had been darting around nervously ever since the subject of his sister was raised.
I wondered what the issue was. Was there a problem with her skill, or perhaps her personality?
”I have attended nearly every birth among the village youth… I have experienced over a dozen such events. By now, the number may have grown even higher,” Rozmiaque said.
So her track record was sufficient. Then what was the catch?
”Master,” Lifia interjected.
”This foolish father of mine sired a child in the outside world and then left her neglected, entirely unaware of her existence. He is simply terrified of his sister discovering his mistake,” Lifia explained.
I see. Lifia was born to a human mother and Rozmiaque, an elf. While her mother had been serious about the relationship, for Rozmiaque, it had been nothing more than a passing fling.
By the time the pregnancy was discovered, Rozmiaque had already abandoned Lifia’s mother. He hadn’t even known of Lifia’s existence. As a result, he had left her neglected until quite recently, never knowing he had a daughter.
If his sister found out about that… well, he’d likely have to brace himself for more than just a stern lecture.
”…I have no excuse,” Rozmiaque muttered, his shoulders slumping as he shriveled up in shame. Seeing an elder elf cower so pathetically, his sister must be truly terrifying.
Regardless, there didn’t seem to be any issues with her ability or character. Furthermore, since she was an elf, the trust issue would be easy to navigate. By demonstrating my power, I could secure her loyalty. There was little risk of information leaking, especially given she was family.
”It’s settled then,” I declared.
”Yes!” Lifia replied with vigor.
”I… understand, itashimashita…” Rozmiaque added, sighing as if he had finally accepted his fate.
With that, we began our journey toward the elven forest.
* * *
Endless greenery stretched before us. Beneath our eyes, a deep forest extended all the way to the horizon, thick with trees that looked dozens of meters tall. It was a Veritable Sea of Trees.
We voyaged through the sky above it. We were traveling by air aboard a Steiner airship. The elven village lay somewhere ahead.
Traversing the ground would likely have been a nightmare, blocked by the dense, impenetrable woods. But we had this Steiner, the Kamadeva³. Crafted using the finest materials and technology this world had to offer, this vessel could fly over the vast, perilous forest in a single breath.
Rozmiaque acted as our guide. I held the helm, steering in the direction he pointed.
As expected, he seemed restless. Occasionally, he would cast a wary eye toward the depths of the woods—into the heart of that infinite green sea where the village lay hidden.
”An elven village… I wonder what it’s actually like,” I mused.
”I’ve heard they live in harmony with the trees deep within the forest,” Tifi explained, responding to my murmur.
”They build their dwellings upon the branches, converse with the spirits, and synchronize their very breathing with nature… or so the stories go,” she said.
Just imagining it felt like picturing another world entirely.
”However…” Tifi paused, her expression hardening slightly.
”I have also heard that they are extremely insular and rarely ever welcome humans,” Tifi warned.
”Will we be able to enter without trouble?” I asked. Rozmiaque puffed out his chest and declared with absolute conviction.
”If it is my Lord, there shall be no issue! Any elf, no matter who they may be, will surely prostrate themselves before my Lord’s might!” Rozmiaque exclaimed.
He was certainly confident. Still, considering how he and Lifia treated me, it might not be much of an exaggeration.
The Steiner accelerated. Eventually, an incredibly strange sight appeared in the distance. Was it a mountain covered in greenery? No—it was a tree.
A single tree of an entirely different scale towered at the forest’s center. Its base swallowed the surrounding woodland, and its crown seemed high enough to brush the clouds. It gave the illusion that the forest itself was surging upward toward the heavens.
”…Just how many hundreds of meters tall is that thing?” I muttered.
”That… is the World Tree⁴…” Yomi whispered.
The elven village was said to flourish around the perimeter of that gargantuan tree.
”That is the symbol of our village,” Rozmiaque said, his voice brimming with a touch of pride. I see. It certainly possessed a presence worthy of an elven capital.
It was then.
”Something is approaching,” Lifia murmured softly. It was a detection through Spirit Magic⁵. Looking ahead, I saw several black shadows in the sky, rapidly closing the distance.
”A welcoming party,” Rozmiaque answered instantly.
Gradually, the three shadows took clear shape. They were beasts, not birds. With sharp beaks, massive wings, the bodies of lions, and the heads of eagles—they were Griffons. Riding upon their backs were humans… no, individuals with refined features and pointed ears. Elves.
Griffon Riders⁶. It seemed they were the knight-like guardians of the elven forest.
The three Griffons approached without even attempting to hide their vigilance. Rozmiaque stepped forward, waving his hand broadly.
”It is I! Do not attack!” Rozmiaque shouted.
We brought the Steiner to a halt in mid-air. An elf who recognized Rozmiaque raised his voice in disbelief.
”You… Rozmiaque!? What is the meaning of this!” the elf rider shouted.
One Griffon landed on the Steiner’s deck, and its rider leapt down. The remaining two took up positions on the ship’s flanks, hovering with blatant hostility.
”Approaching the village in such a vessel, and bringing humans along!? What are you thinking!?” the man demanded.
Sharp glares pierced us. Their enmity and suspicion were laid bare. It was only natural; invading from the sky in an unidentified ship was a flagrant violation of their airspace for such an insular people.
I didn’t know exactly what Rozmiaque’s status was, but bringing other races here like this was clearly forbidden. However, the man himself remained perfectly composed.
”I have brought my Lord,” Rozmiaque stated plainly.
”Lord? …What are you talking about?” The elven man furrowed his brow. Well, there was no way he could understand. We had to show them in a way they could comprehend.
”Lifia, show them,” I said.
”Yes,” she replied, stepping forward.
”Hmm? That girl… she isn’t pure-blooded, is she?” the rider noted. He saw through her lineage immediately. As expected of an elf.
Lifia quietly steadied her breathing and spoke.
”My spirit, my power, manifest your form. Thy name is… Mooluumventas⁷.”
At that moment, light began to overflow from her. Faint, soft particles of radiance danced in the air, swaying like a gentle breeze.
”What…!?”
”N-Nine letters…” the elves gasped.
A torrent of light swirled around Lifia, dancing joyfully as if celebrating and praising her. Captivated by the sight, the elves forgot to even blink.
Users of Spirit Magic call upon the names of their Guardian Spirit⁸ to borrow their strength. The more letters the name possesses, the stronger the bond. Knowing nine letters of a spirit’s name was said to be the realm of the High Elf⁹.
In the past, Lifia had only known a single letter. With such a Status, her power was limited to stirring a faint breeze. But through my skill, she learned the spirit’s true name and unleashed its full potential. Consequently, she had gained power equivalent to a natural disaster.
Even Rozmiaque only knew seven letters now, having been stuck at six for ages.
For an elf, an existence capable of bestowing a spirit’s name was beyond abnormal. The result was instantaneous. Before the light-enveloped Lifia, the elves dropped to their knees one after another.
”One who knows the spirit’s name…” they whispered, some shedding tears as they offered prayer-like gestures.
”It is not I to whom you should kneel. My power was granted by my Master here,” Lifia declared.
”Eh…? H-Hahaa!” In a mix of confusion and awe, they bowed their heads toward me. Their minds certainly hadn’t caught up with reality yet, but they followed blindly regardless. For a spirit user, knowing a spirit’s name was an event of that much significance.
And so, we were granted permission to visit the elven village.
* * *
Led by the Griffon Riders, the airship proceeded toward the village. It circled the massive tree, slowly losing altitude. As we approached, the full scale of the place came into focus.
”Wow…”
”It’s incredible de arimasu!” Kéa and Korukona couldn’t help but cry out, their eyes sparkling with wonder.
The giant tree known as the World Tree was magnificent. Along its trunk and thick branches, multiple layers of wooden corridors were intricately woven. Bridges spanning the gaps between limbs were so harmonized with the environment they looked like natural extensions of vines and roots. Dwellings and workshops were nestled in the shade of the leaves. Though man-made, they didn’t destroy nature; they existed as an integral part of it.
Despite being deep in the forest, the village wasn’t dark. The canopy allowed sunlight to filter through gently, bathing the area in a soft glow. Faint particles of light drifted between the swaying branches. Were they spirits? The presence of spirits, usually hidden from view, permeated the entire space. The village was breathing in unison with them.
It was beautiful, but that word wasn’t enough. It was a sight that inspired both reverence and a sense of the sacred. Eventually, a circular plaza at the base of the World Tree came into view. In the center of the wood-and-stone space sat a large pedestal engraved with spirit patterns. It was clearly the heart of the village, likely used for rituals and assemblies.
The leading Griffon Rider signaled to us.
”Should we land there?” I asked. Following the guide, the Steiner moved over the plaza. Suppressing the downdraft, it descended slowly and touched down quietly.
Immediately, the area began to bustle as people gathered to see what was happening. Everyone there possessed remarkably refined features. Translucent skin, flowing hair, and supple, well-proportioned limbs that transcended gender. Every gaze and every step was efficient and beautiful. Naturally, they were all elves.
Their eyes held the quiet intelligence of a long-lived race and the deep composure of those who live as one with the forest. However, the looks they directed at us were a mix of caution and curiosity. Since the Griffon Riders were leading us, they understood we weren’t enemies, but an unidentified vessel like a Steiner landing in their center with humans aboard was an unprecedented anomaly.
”What is the meaning of this! Rozmiaque!? You have returned!” a vibrant voice echoed across the plaza. The bustling elves all turned toward the source.
Looking up, I saw a particularly large and dignified building high upon the World Tree’s trunk. A woman stood by its window. In the next instant, she leapt from the heights without a moment’s hesitation.
She fell—but she didn’t hit the ground. Twisting her body as if wrapped in the wind, she landed softly before us with the grace of a falling leaf. Her twin spheres swayed with a soft thump.
In human terms, she appeared to be in her late teens. But as an elf, her actual age was unknown. Her long blonde hair was tied up perfectly, and her porcelain-like skin and sharp blue eyes held a powerful will as she glared at us.
Her back was straight, and her fluid movements carried a weight that spoke of many passing years. Though slender, her feminine curves were lush, and the swell of her chest was particularly striking. Even beneath her loose-fitting attire, her excellent figure was undeniable.
She looked just like Lifia. The thought struck me suddenly. Her features, the color of her eyes, the very atmosphere she carried. But she was taller and more developed than Lifia. Looking at her, I could see what Lifia might become in the future.
”That is my sister,” Rozmiaque murmured.
I see. So this was his elder sister. Meaning she was Lifia’s aunt. Rozmiaque was over a hundred; if she was his older sister, her actual age must be staggering.
”I thought you had suddenly returned, but to bring such a ship and even humans… noja,” she said, turning her gaze toward us. Rozmiaque shrank back.
”…Hmm?” Her eyes traced over our group and stopped dead on Lifia.
”That little girl is… noja,” her brow twitched slightly. Her gaze darted back and forth between Lifia and Rozmiaque. Finally, she leveled a look of pure scorn at her brother.
”It seems an explanation is required, noja. You foolish little brother,” she said.
”Th-There are many reasons…” Rozmiaque stammered. A man who had lived over a century was cowering like a child caught in a prank. The power dynamic between them was crystal clear.
At that moment, the Griffon Rider who had been standing by stepped forward and whispered something into her ear.
”Wh-What!? Is that the truth!? noja,” she exclaimed. Her expression shifted instantly. Her blue eyes went wide with shock as she stared directly at me.
Chief? I turned the word over in my mind. Rozmiaque’s sister and Lifia’s aunt… this woman was the leader of the entire elven village.
—
Summary:
Master and his group journey to the elven forest to find Rozmiaque’s sister, a renowned midwife, for Tifi and Lifia’s pregnancies. Upon arrival, Lifia demonstrates her High Elf-tier power by revealing nine letters of her spirit’s name, instantly subduing the wary elven guardians. They finally meet the village Chief, who turns out to be Rozmiaque’s formidable sister and Lifia’s aunt. The Chief is left in shock after learning the truth of Lifia’s power and Master’s identity.
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Character Insight:
This chapter highlights Rozmiaque’s complex family dynamics; despite being a century-old elf, he is completely subordinate to his sister, adding a layer of humor to his character. Lifia’s growth is showcased as she effectively uses her newfound status to navigate elven politics, demonstrating that her loyalty to Master now defines her identity. The introduction of the Village Chief—who is essentially a more ‘developed’ version of Lifia—sets up a potential mentor-student or family-reunion dynamic that challenges the protagonist’s influence over the elven race.
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Behind the Scene:
The ‘nine letters’ concept is a classic fantasy power-scaling device, used here to show that Lifia has surpassed her father’s traditional elven limitations. The name ‘Kamadeva’ links the airship to themes of desire and love, reinforcing the protagonist’s core power source.
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T/L:
Notes:
• Rozmiaque – High-ranking elf investigating large-scale Spirit Magic usage. Condescending, believes a High Elf is involved. Uses 6-letter Spirit Magic to trap targets. Displays contempt for half-elves and humans. Aggressive interrogator, possibly capable of sensing hidden information.
• Korukona – A cat-eared girl with amber eyes. She is brave but vulnerable, showing honesty and gratitude. Taro rescues her from the pirate and plans to send her to her village.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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