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“So you want to see for yourself. Leave the village, become a bridge between humans and elves, and seek the truth with your own eyes and ears… Well, isn’t that wonderful? When there’s an interaction between humans and the village, ‘Ashimi Asteri,’ young individuals like yourself need to take the lead and pioneer the era. Undertaking such a role under the auspices of my name, ‘Uranos Kiohn,’ will not go unrecognized. Do we all concur?”

“““““Yes, Elder.”””””

“…what? No, no, wait a minute, Elder? Why should I go out there and meet those beans?!”

Ashimi’s protest was a mix of shock and incredulity. Uranos responded with a patient, yet firm tone, addressing the young elf and the rest of the community.

“Listen well, Ashimi. Our village is stagnating, and it is well on the path of decline. That we have had no newborns in more than 140 years since Pryui Shiel is a glaring example. Rejecting interaction with other races, prioritizing ourselves in all of our trade and communication, and neglecting cooperation as a whole have led to this decline and isolation. What we need now is a fresh breath of air, and you, as one of our youths, would be ideal to take upon this role.”

With a persuasive tone, Uranos explained, and Ashimi’s expression shifted from confusion to understanding, eventually settling into one of determination and passion. He nodded repeatedly.

Well, those are neatly packaged words, but why does it sound like Uranus is merely shoving a troublesome task to the troublesome teenager so that Uranus could just kick back and relax?

“A fresh breath of air, and you’re placing your expectations on me… Is that right, Elder?”
“Indeed. I want you to learn about the world not from within the confines of the village, but from the outside world.”
“Understood. I will do my best and confirm to you how foolish, inept, and inferior those beans are compared to us.”

Facing Ashimi’s fiery declaration, Uranos scratched their cheek in resignation, then cast a glance at Pryui, who looked pretty much fed up.

“Pryui, forgive me, but can I ask you to accompany him and help him foster good relationships? Just in case.” Well, Ashimi suddenly going berserk in human society is a real scare that needs to be addressed. Assigning Pryui to him was like putting a bell on a cat’s collar.

“…well, I’ve always been interested in human society, so I’d be happy to go out anytime. But…” With a glance at Ashimi, who looked very handful, Pryui added, “I’m tired of cleaning up his mess year after year.”

“What do you mean by that?!” Ashimi was enraged, but Pryui didn’t entertain him further.

“Well, you can handle that on your own. —And Jill, I wish to give this to you.”

Uranos took out a wooden ring-like object from the sleeves of their baggy clothing.

“Elder, that’s—!”

Ignoring the commotion around me, I gazed intently at what they handed me. It seemed to be a piece of wood. It had a peculiar luster and resilience, even though it didn’t appear to be coated with lacquer.

“Indeed, it’s a bracelet made from a genuine branch of the World Tree. In the name of the Fairy King, I present this to you as one friend to another. Show it to any elf on this continent, and it will serve as proof that you are my friend. May the blessings of the World Tree be with you.”
“?! Such a precious item! Th-, Thank you. I’m not sure what to say… Unfortunately, I can’t offer anything in return right now. But if you ever need my help, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll come running at any time.”
“Fufufu, to have the future Saint…ah, I mean to say, to have a Healer say that would be very reassuring.”

With a mischievous smile from Uranos, I followed their gesture and placed the World Tree bracelet on my left wrist. Immediately, the once loose bracelet adjusted itself to fit my wrist perfectly, not too tight nor too loose, just the right size.

At that moment, translucent creatures with insect-like wings, resembling little pixies, began to flutter around us. They passed by us, Eren, Lana, Fia, and the other elves, flying around, taking rests on our shoulders, and giggling mischievously.

“…are these fairies?” I wondered aloud, watching these beings perch on my outstretched hand and giggle (they had an androgynous appearance and no obvious gender), the elves around me expressed mild surprise at my ability to see them.

“Ah, you’ve come to be able to see them. Your sensory perception is quite extraordinary for a human child. However, in the world of man, some things are best left unseen. Pryui, go accompany Jill and teach her all about Spirit Magic.”

“Understood. She seems to have a strong affinity with light and water spirits, a good match with me.” Pryui nodded, appearing somewhat pleased.

“As you can see, Jill—Syltianna, daughter of Cattleya, is a friend of the spirits, and a friend of mine, Uranus Kiohn. I hereby declare that, from this point onward, everyone in the village shall cast aside their grudges and treat her as a sister of the same branch!”
“Yes. We brothers and sisters of Millennium Ramus hereby swear in the name of Yggdrasil to regard Syltianna as our sister.”

When Uranus suddenly switched to Elvish and made their declaration, every elf in the vicinity — including Ashimi — recited the pledge.

“Umm, best regards, everyone.” I couldn’t come up with a better response, so I played it safe.

“With this, you are now a cherished member of our family, and I sincerely hope that this relationship will last forever,” said Uranus with a smile. In response to Uranus’ warm words, the spirits around me began to flutter, emitting light as if to bless the occasion.

“—hah. Pryui is still too immature; I worry if she can fulfill her mission at all. Well, since I have time, I don’t mind helping you build a rapport with the spirits. It’s for the spirits, not you,” remarked Ashimi, looking somewhat self-important as he offered his assistance.

“““YOU TSUNDERE!!”””

Everyone who saw it retorted.

“Okay…pleased to have you around,” I replied, thinking that the concept of tsundere also exists in this world. Ashimi nodded in satisfaction.

Well, either way, the negotiation with the elves had ended in peace.