Chapter 128

After Jereuth and Elly left the room.

I immediately opened the Future Diary and started reading.

'The new recruits' wake-up time is six, so there's not much time.'

Since all I had to do now was check the diary, I had a little time, but not enough to be leisurely.

First, I decided to check the future closest to the present. To know when I should go to Foothill's Rest to get a Gryphon.

…….

After hearing about the 'Gryphons' from Jereuth.

I thought that the Gryphons were the 'game-changer' that could deal with the Gargoyles and lead the war against the monster army to victory.

'I have to get a Gryphon as soon as possible.'

Because of that urgent feeling, I quit the recruit training I was doing and decided to go to Foothill's Rest. With the thought of having to go as quickly as possible, I took only Jereuth with me.

Quitting recruit training was not very complicated. I was the king, so who would say anything if I said I was quitting?

However, there was something a little strange. Something that bothered me.

When I quit the recruit training early, a rumor spread. A rumor that said, 「'The young, blond recruit, he was the king, but he couldn't stand the recruit training and quit.'」

I heard that rumor before leaving for Foothill's Rest. I didn't feel particularly bad about it. A rumor was just a rumor, and I definitely hadn't 'not been able to stand' the training.

But Jereuth was different.

"How dare they spread a rumor about the king, and a bad one at that... I don't know who it is, but I will find them. Since only I, Hagen, and Instructor Max know that Your Highness received recruit training, it will be easy to find them."

Jereuth spoke frighteningly, but the source of that rumor could not be found.

Both Hagen and Max knelt before me and pleaded their innocence, saying it was definitely not them.

As for me, I didn't particularly care about that rumor.

Sometimes, rumors spread without anyone starting them. It just came up in conversation, and as it spread among people, the story got embellished, and that's how rumors are made.

Also, in the army, strange rumors tend to spread over trivial things. Isn't it a very bleak group with not much to talk about?

'I don't know what effect the rumor that I couldn't stand the recruit training and quit will have... but for now, what's important is not to worry about such trivial rumors.'

What was important now was getting a Gryphon.

I headed to Foothill's Rest with Jereuth.

…….

This was the content written on this page so far.

'As expected, my future self decided to go get a Gryphon right away.'

I didn't feel any dissonance with that. The current me also wanted to get a Gryphon right now.

'But the rumor that I gave up on recruit training... will that be okay?'

My future self, perhaps preoccupied with getting a Gryphon, didn't seem to care much about that 'rumor.'

But I was different.

'The reason I decided to receive recruit training was to be recognized by the soldiers. I wanted to prove that I was someone who could give the soldiers faith.'

But for a rumor to spread that I 'gave up on recruit training'—.

'That's a huge disadvantage. It means things are going in the complete opposite direction of what I intended. If such a rumor spreads, it might be worse than not having received recruit training in the first place.'

Let's keep reading for now.

Flip—.

…….

About a month and a half had passed since leaving the royal capital.

Thanks to rushing the horses, I arrived at 'Foothill's Rest' quite quickly.

Throughout the journey, Jereuth's face was overshadowed by a dark cloud.

I didn't ask why he had that expression, but I could roughly guess. He was probably still bothered by the 'bad rumor' about me.

I was also bothered by that rumor, but for now, I tried hard not to think about it.

"Then shall we go in—."

As I spoke, the moment I set foot in Foothill's Rest.

Poof—!

Someone descended from under a tree. It was a very sudden appearance, so Jereuth and I simultaneously reached for our swords.

Fortunately, it was not an enemy.

"Leonardo!"

It was Paras.

"Lord Paras—."

"I told you to call me uncle."

"...Ah, yes. Uncle. But how did you know I was coming?"

"The trees and animals told me. That you were coming. So I was waiting."

Ruffle, ruffle—!

Paras, who had somehow come close to me, ruffled my hair with a broad smile. Then he bent his knees slightly to meet my eyes and asked.

"Why have you come? To see this uncle of yours?!"

Paras looked at me with eyes full of expectation.

Paras probably had an answer he was expecting from me, but I didn't have the luxury of spending time on such trivial conversation.

"Haha.... I came because I want to go to the place where the Gryphons are."

"The place where the Gryphons are?"

Paras tilted his head, then asked in a feigned serious voice.

"To say you want to meet the Gryphons, does that mean you want to obtain one?"

"Yes."

"For what purpose?"

"Hmm... it's because of the monster army I mentioned in the Monster Mountains. I need a Gryphon to stop them."

"Hmm, so it's to save your kingdom. To save the humans."

"That's right."

Paras crossed his arms. A slight hint of disappointment showed on his face.

I wondered if I should have at least said, 「"I wanted to see you, uncle!"」 as a pleasantry.

After thinking for a moment, Paras spoke to me in a serious voice.

"Do you remember the reason I helped you in the Monster Mountains? I told you at that time."

"The reason you helped me...."

The reason Paras helped me in the Monster Mountains?

I didn't remember it well.

There was definitely some reason—.

"You don't seem to remember."

"...I'm sorry."

"It's alright. I will tell you again. The reason I helped you at that time was because you were my 'family.' At that time, I didn't care what happened to the Giant and human who were with you. Not only them, but all the humans in your kingdom are of no concern to me. They are neither my family nor yours."

“……”

"Nevertheless, the reason I helped you and saved the Giant and human was because you said you would die fighting alongside them. Although Elves basically do not interfere in the affairs of other races, I had no choice but to help the others to save you, my family."

"Elves... do not interfere in the affairs of other races?"

"That's right. Hundreds of years ago, perhaps even before that, many races sought the help of us Elves. And we Elves helped many races. But the end was always betrayal and humiliation."

Paras continued in a voice mixed with a sigh.

"All the races that sought the help of the Elves promised friendship and faith at first. But after resolving their urgent crises, they only coveted our beauty and abilities."

“……”

"Even in such chaotic times, the only ones who never betrayed us were our fellow Elves. They were our 'family.' Since then, we have thought of all Elves as family, and decided to love and help only Elves and the families of Elves. Even if not a single drop of blood is mixed."

Paras's voice was very serious. There was no trace of a smile on his face.

"But now, you, my nephew—are asking for help not as 'family' but as the 'king of humans.' I do not like that. I am also worried. Because it seems you care more about something other than your family."

“……”

"I know that as a king, you have to be responsible for many humans. And I am proud and admire that you have such a sense of responsibility. But Leonardo, is that as precious as your family? I am asking if your kingdom is so precious that you must involve our Elven family, who are living peacefully, in the chaos."

Honestly, I thought things would be resolved easily when I met Paras. Although I hadn't known him for long, Paras had always treated me as a cute nephew.

I thought he would say, 「"If my nephew wants to do it, I should let him!"」

But now Paras... was asking me a difficult question like a sage who had lived for hundreds of years and knew a lot of history.

"I have no intention of breaking the peace of the Elves. I am just asking for help in obtaining a Gryphon."

"...You don't understand my words at all."

Paras, shaking his head.

I asked him cautiously.

"Then if I ask you to help me obtain a Gryphon as family, will you listen?"

"If you ask for help as family, not only I, but we Elves would have helped you and your family. Of course, we would. Do you have your 'family' in your kingdom now?"

"Family... I have none. Since my father passed away."

"Then no Elf will help your kingdom. Because it has nothing to do with us. But you, 'Leonardo,' we will definitely save. Because you are our family."

Paras's words were difficult. Complicated. Like a riddle.

He said he would help me, but then said he wouldn't help the other humans in the kingdom, what did that mean?

'For now, if I organize Paras's words... it seems the Elves will not side with the kingdom and fight. It also seems they won't help me obtain a Gryphon.'

Since Paras was so adamant, the other Elves would likely have the same stance.

'...How should I persuade them?'

The worries continued.

But in any case, what I had to say was decided.

What else was there but to earnestly ask?

"Lord Paras, I beg you. I must obtain a Gryphon."

"...To save your kingdom? Because you are the king?"

"Yes. I have that responsibility."

As I answered briefly.

Paras sighed so faintly it was barely audible, then turned around and said.

Hoo-.

"Alright. Follow me."

"Yes, thank—."

"Only you, follow me. Jereuth, you stay here."

For some reason, Paras's tone was cold. It was to the point where it felt like it had changed 180 degrees from when he first appeared.

Because his attitude towards me had been so warm, I must be feeling the slight coldness now as particularly chilly.

'...Was I wrong to answer that question, whether the kingdom was more precious than family? But what should I have answered? Where did I go wrong? Did I go wrong from the moment I met Paras?'

Many regrets and worries arose.

But still, since it seemed Paras was taking me to where the Gryphons were, it wasn't a bad development.

It seemed I would be able to achieve my immediate goal.

"Then, Commander. I will be back."

"Your Highness, even so, I must go with—."

"I will go alone. This is Foothill's Rest, so there won't be any monsters, so you don't have to worry."

"...I understand, Your Highness. Please be careful."

Jereuth, who was about to follow me, bowed his head heavily and stood firm in his spot.

Trudge— trudge— trudge—.

Paras, walking silently ahead.

I walked for a long time, looking only at his back.

'How far are we going in—.'

Just as I was thinking that internally.

Swoooosh...

From the forest where only trees and grass could be seen, the cool sound of a stream was heard.

Looking closely in the direction of the sound, I could see a stream, and a bridge made of pure white stone and wood to cross it. On the other side of the stream, a building made of pure white stone and wood could be seen.

"Ah...."

If I were to pick the 'home that harmonizes best with nature,' I would definitely pick this place.

It was much more beautiful than nature left as it is. Just like the Ateras Gorge I had passed on my way to Misty Port a long time ago.

Paras spoke calmly and crossed the bridge.

"This is 'our' Elven village."

I didn't know if it was just my imagination, but it felt like the 'our' that Paras said did not include me.

It was probably because I was tense from coming to a place for the first time that even trivial things sounded strange.

As I crossed the bridge.

—…….

—…….

—…….

—…….

—…….

I could see Elves looking at me from the building windows and on the trees. If I hadn't gotten used to 'Leonardo's' face, I might have mistaken this for heaven the moment I arrived.

That's how beautiful everyone was. Too beautiful.

"Wait here for a moment. I will go and tell the elder the reason you have come."

"Ah, yes."

Leaving me all alone, Paras entered a building under a large tree. It was a temple-like building, but it was a little smaller than the other buildings.

But just because it was small didn't mean it was shabby. It had a feeling of tradition and history, something like that.

…….

Flip—.

I continued reading the next page.

…….

After Paras entered the small temple.

About 30 minutes later, the door opened.

Creek—.

'It's not Paras... who is it?'

I naturally thought Paras would come out. But the one who came out of the temple was not Paras, but another Elf.

An Elf who looked quite old at a glance.

However, even though he looked old, he was not an old man with wrinkles on his face or a bent back. It was just that the atmosphere the person himself exuded felt aged.

An Elven elder?

'He doesn't seem to have a good personality... but it's probably best for me to greet him first.'

"Nice to meet you. I am Leo—."

As I was speaking with a smile.

That old Elf spoke to me.

"Get out."

"...Pardon?"

"Are you a deaf little pipsqueak? I said get out."

"No—."

"I have no intention of giving any help to you, who holds something else more precious than family!"

“……!”

"You are a being who will break the peace of 'us' Elves and put us in danger! From the moment my most beloved daughter... that foolish child who fell in love with a human, gave birth to you and then died of an illness!! From that moment, you were destined to be a harm to us Elves! Will you not get the hell out!!"

I had felt from the moment I saw that Elven old man that he was not an easy person to deal with.

But I didn't know I would feel so much pressure that I wouldn't even be able to speak properly.

But for his daughter to have died of an illness after giving birth to me... was that old Elf Queen Victoria's father?

'...I can't just back down. I have to get a Gryphon.'

"I do not know what you have heard from Lord Paras, but I am not asking for the Elves to participate in the war. Just the Gryphons—!"

"'Just the Gryphons'? Just taking you to the Gryphons' cliff makes the Elves help the humans!"

“……”

"You half-breed who killed my daughter, you foolish king who is neither human nor Elf! The moment 'we' Elves give even such small help, we become the enemy of the monsters, and the forest, the animals, and our entire family fall into danger! Do you not know that?! You wouldn't know! In your head, there is only your kingdom and its well-being! Foolish and selfish!"

I was overwhelmed by the Elven old man's outburst.

In the meantime, the Elven old man turned his back and waved his hand dismissively.

"I can't even stand the sight of you!"

Whoosh—!

And then.

Thwack—! Thwack—! Thwack—! Thwack—!

Wooden vines grabbed my arms and legs. Those vines lifted me into the air with great ease and began to drag me out of the village.

"W-wha...?"

As I was panicking.

My eyes met the Elven old man's. I saw the Elven old man's eyes.

He glanced at me, and contrary to how he had shouted at me harshly, his eyes were filled with sadness.

"...Son of my most beloved daughter. Half of the blood that flows in your body is that of the Elves, yet how can you think only of humans and think only like a human? You do not know the meaning of family at all. You can become family even if not a single drop of blood is mixed. If you had asked us Elves for help as family, not as a king, we could have helped the other humans as well...."

The Elven old man's sad voice, faintly heard.

It was a small voice, but it was as clear as if he were whispering right in my ear.

Even as I was tied by the wooden vines and being dragged out of the forest.

That voice was as if... he was using magic to tell me what he absolutely had to say.

Words he had to say, even as he had no choice but to chase me away.

Swiiiiisssh—!

Tied by the wooden vines, I was chased out of the village while floating in the air.

No, I was chased out of Foothill's Rest.

And so, I failed to obtain a Gryphon.

This was the newly written future closest to the present so far.

A sigh escaped me naturally.

Hoo—.

I read the Future Diary to get an answer about the future, but I didn't feel refreshed at all.

It only made me feel more uneasy.

I collected myself and thought calmly.

'First of all, going to Foothill's Rest right now seems to be a bad move.'

It was clearly written in the Future Diary. If I quit recruit training now, a rumor would spread that 'the king gave up while receiving recruit training.'

It wasn't stated who created that rumor, but in any case, to prevent such a rumor from starting in the first place, I just had to complete the recruit training.

'Yes, that will be solved simply like that. The problem is... that the Elves won't take me to where the Gryphons are.'

The Gryphons were the most important thing.

My head was a mess.

I sighed again as I looked at the densely written Future Diary.

'I have to find the hidden hint in the diary. A hint to persuade the Elves to help me.'

That hint was probably related to 'family.' Since they said family was what the Elves valued most.

'The Paras in the Future Diary clearly said it. That he would protect me unconditionally because I am family, but he would never help other humans. He said he didn't care if other humans died or not because they were not family.'

Then do I have to make the humans of the Plank Kingdom the Elves' family?

By arranging a mass wedding?

It was a ridiculous thought, but because I was so frustrated, even such a foolish thought came to mind.

'I have to make my kingdom a being worthy of the Elves' help. I have to make it into a 'family.' How... can I do that.