A Well-Deserved History Lesson

A month has passed since then. I have learned a lot from the three teaching me all kinds of things.

Arin and Elvina taught me both elvish and human languages. I had thought I would have a more difficult time with it but it turns out, it was fairly simple, or that the two are just great teachers.

I was taught more of elvish than human though. It made sense. They are elves after all, although, I’ve learned from Elvina that Arin supposedly interacts a lot with the human settlements near Eldergrove, the forest we’re currently in, so one would assume he’s adept in the language. I guess he wanted me to focus on elvish for now.

On top of that, Elvina also taught me etiquette. It seems that my previous display of gluttony had left such an impression on her that she felt compelled to “cure” me of my barbaric tendencies. I didn’t mind though. She praises me whenever I do things right, unlike my other teacher.

After the first two weeks of them teaching me, Felaris also started to chip in with lessons as I become able to converse with him without thoughts and ideas getting lost in translation.

Now, although I say that he’s “teaching” me, it’s more like a perpetual punishment. Apparently, the elvish lady who brings me my food daily is Rosabel, the girl whose name is written in his diary that me and Arin read.

Rosabel apparently asks about me whenever they talk and it makes him jealous, and so he’s taking it out on me. It’s not like I was hitting on her or anything. I just make small talk with her whenever she gives me food.

Felaris’s punishments weren’t all that bad though. It mainly involves intense exercises, which I needed in the first place. I’d work out regularly back in my previous world so I already have a foundation to start from.

I also convinced him to teach me how to use a sword but, apparently, he’s not authorized to do that because of my status as a fugitive. But as I brought up Rosabel and how I can help him win her heart, he immediately accepted with the only condition that I keep it a secret from Arin and Elvina. Sounds simple enough; both the imposed condition and Felaris.

As I learned more of their language, I started to ask more questions. Like what is this world’s history, why are humans enslaving elves, and who were those elves that tortured me.

I started with the first question. It seems this world has a very long history, so much so that Arin, being an elf blessed with long life, have lost count with how long it has been.

He did mention how the humans, who have only recently settled in the central lands, have been here for exactly 922 years. Hence, it is only the Year 922 in human calendars.

Arin also made mention of other races living in this world. Apart from the humans and elves that I already know existing, there’re also dwarves, orcs, goblins, trolls, giants, and dragons, amongst other things. He also mentioned names that I’ve never heard of before.

There doesn’t seem to be any grand war that happened in the past. At most, there were wars between races like the dwarves fighting against goblins due to both races mainly inhabiting deep inside mountains.

It never led to the extinction of a specific race from what he says but he also mentioned that ever since the arrival of the humans, conflict between all races have risen drastically. I’m not even surprised.

Moving on to my second question, it seems the conflict between humans and elves have started more than a decade ago but only became evident these past few years.

At the start, the relationship between the races were quite beneficial, especially for humans, who have just started forming settlements across the lands at the time. Over time, humanity started to lose their way. They’ve become greedier and vied for more power.

Over a decade ago from now, some elves started to disappear from their homes or while they went out into the woods in search of herbs and the like. During the elves’ investigation on the matter, they kept finding traces of human involvement in the crimes. At the start, they refused to acknowledge it. The humans were a trusted ally, after all.

As always, the humans–mainly the aristocrats, would deny their involvement in the elven disappearances that started to happen all these years. The truth was that they were the ones responsible for it as they started to dabble in the slave trade.

Whether if it was for monetary gain, or if an aristocrat simply wanted one as a “pet”, it was a vile act and quickly ruined the relationship between the two races.

In the beginning, some groups of elves raided human settlements. Blinded by their rage, they killed innocent people who were not even involved with the whole slavery incident. These were farmers–they were living an honest life.

The aristocrats then blamed the elves for breaking their treaty, starting a war between the races. Some groups between the races are still friendly towards each other but with the recent rise of extremist groups in both sides, it’s becoming harder to keep things up like they used to be.

Speaking of extremist groups, apparently, the humans I saw enslaving elves when I got transported to this world are called the Knights of the Sacred Flame.

Hmm… Sacred Flame. Why does that sound familiar.

Also, the female elf that almost killed me is supposedly an important person in the elvish hierarchy.

Her name is Princess Rhiannon of Eldergrove, and the elf male that beat the hell out of me is Elzara, her cousin.

From what Arin told me, her big sister is one of the enslaved elves. The moment I heard that, my negative feelings towards her suddenly dissipated. I can’t really blame her for doing the things that she did. Although extreme, I think I might end up doing the same if I was on her shoes.

As for her cousin, Elzara, Arin couldn’t really tell me much about him. Supposedly, he’s a very elusive figure–always by himself, scheming. Being related to royalty, he used to be around human aristocrats before everything went to crap. Personally, I feel like he’s involved in this incident somehow but I don’t have anything to go by apart from my gut feeling.

Thankfully, the place that I’m currently at within Eldergrove forest, Hollowspire, hasn’t been touched by such evil yet. The nearby human settlements are also in great terms with the town–all thanks to Arin’s hard work.

Arin is the leader of Hollowspire. From what I can gather, he’s basically the mayor of this place, although, it doesn’t seem like he does much outside of diplomacy. Most of the work gets pushed towards his adjutants; Elvina and Felaris.

Elvina does the most out of the two. She pretty much handles all the work a public official does without being one. No wonder she can talk down Arin without him being able to fight back. She’s also well-liked by most because of her kind demeanor. I just knew she’d be the popular girl.

Felaris mostly handles the security. It makes sense with his no-nonsense demeanor on the outside. Arin told me a story about a prisoner escaping the town and how Felaris made them think that they’re about to escape. Just as they were about to exit the forest, he struck them down in one fell swoop.

I’m glad I didn’t have any funny ideas when I woke up in this place.

On a side note, I tried asking them about spells that allow the summoning of a person from another world but they only looked at me silly. It seems that a spell of that power isn’t plausible.

So, was I summoned here to this world? Or am I an anomaly? I really wish I got to talk with God before being sent here, like in other Isekai stories.

The following days went by without a hitch. I continued studying under Arin and Elvina, and improving my body under the guidance of Felaris.

Everything was going great for me, until one day, I heard knocking on my door…

“Naoki. Get ready. We’re going somewhere.” The voice, which sounded like Elvina’s, ordered from behind the door, serious in her tone.

It’s a bit odd to hear that from her. She’s usually the cheerful type so hearing her speak like this makes me a bit nervous.

It’s a bit odd to tell me to get ready though. It’s not like I can wear other clothes aside from the ones they’ve given me in here. Speaking about clothes, it seems they got rid of my clothes while I was unconscious.

I was told by Elvina that it became so tattered due to Rhiannon and Elzara torturing me that they got rid of it. That really sucks. It seems they also got rid of my wallet and phone that was in my pocket that whole time.

It would be nice to have some sort of item to remind me of home. Technically, I do still have something, although, it doesn’t really remind me of good memories.

In my wrists are the handcuffs that the police used to capture me with. Supposedly, Arin cut off the chain with magic just after he saved me but wasn’t familiar with the device so he just left it there.

In the end, I begrudgingly kept it, being the only thing that directly links myself from my old world. Well, aside from myself, I guess.

The door to my room opens, revealing a familiar person along with new faces. Elvina stood tall as a couple of guards entered the room–I could tell from their identical uniform and their body language.

They escorted me out of the building, or should I say tree.

The trees that I’ve seen outside when I woke up are called Elderspires. They’re simply trees that towers the heavens with a hollow interior. The tree that I’m in is also an Elderspire.

As the tree is tall and I’m practically at the top of it, the way down is long and arduous. Elvina makes conversation.

“Naoki. You’re probably wondering where we’re going.”

“A little bit, yes. I’m more so wondering where the others are.” I’m referring to Arin and Felaris. Sometimes, Felaris won’t be with them when they visit me but I’ve never seen Elvina without Arin, so it felt a bit weird. Maybe they’re fighting?

“Arin ordered Felaris to survey the way ahead–making sure we won’t run into any dangers. As for Arin… well, let’s just say he’s around somewhere.” Oh~, that sounds interesting.

“You don’t know where he is?” I asked, wanting to gossip.

“I have a few guesses at where he’s at but we probably have to leave without him.” Oh, she’s kind of like his wife. At this point, I would be surprised if she wasn’t.

“Oh… By the way, are you two dating?” I blurted out carelessly.

One of the guards snorted, prompting Elvina to halt and give us a look of pure rage hidden with a gentle smile.

I quickly shifted my gaze, hoping to not be at the receiving end of Ragnarök. Thankfully, it never came and we just continued walking.

I decided to continue the conversation–still having questions to ask, serious ones this time.

“Elvina. Where are we going anyway?”

She didn’t answer immediately. Is she still mad with what I asked earlier? Hopefully not.

After a few moments, she finally starts talking.

“We’re heading to Glimmerholm, where the King resides.” The king? Why do we have to go there?

“I don’t think I understand.”

Elvina lets out a deep sigh. The escorting guards seem to be acting tense as well.

“This is the reason why we taught you everything we did, Naoki. So, you can prove your innocence in high court.”

WHAT?! Prove my innocence? I literally didn’t do anything. I was even bound the whole time when I got transported to this world.

“Prove my what?! But I didn’t do anything!”

“I know that. WE know that… But they don’t, Naoki; that’s the thing. Do you remember what Arin told you about the extremist groups, and about the enslaved princess?

I was furious with what I’ve just been told that I couldn’t give a reply immediately. It took me a few seconds of deep breaths before I could answer.

“Yes… I believe the princess’s older sister have been enslaved by humans and that led her to view them as enemies.”

I recalled the things Arin told me about Princess Rhiannon. He said that she used to be very gentle and kind to everybody–she’s quite popular with the elves and humans, even with the other races.

Everything changed once the elven enslavements occurred. It happened during night time, when everyone was asleep. Supposedly, Princess Rhiannon witnessed the kidnapping of her older sister. She managed to track down the slavers but she was too late. They had already sold her off somewhere.

This broke her mind and drove her mad. She killed everyone in that town–even innocent people who just happen to live there– leading her to a destructive path.

When I’ve heard of this, I had felt really bad for her. Despite the things that she did to me, I couldn’t really hate her anymore.

Perhaps the reason I was sent here to this world is so that I could help her. Like some kind of hero–maybe even help end this conflict. It’s a bit farfetched, I know, but I can’t help but think that.

I’ve calmed down a bit. I asked Elvina another question.

“What will they ask of me? And why me in the first place?” If I am to appear in front of the king and his court, then I have to get ready with the questions.

“It will mainly be about you being deep in Eldergrove just after elves were enslaved by the Knights of the Sacred Flame. You must deny these allegations. As for why you, well… consider yourself lucky, Naoki.”

“Lucky how?”

“All humans targeted by Princess Rhiannon and her group usually don’t get a chance for a hearing in high court.”

“I must be the luckiest guy in the world, then.” I said sarcastically.

Elvina didn’t respond but I could tell she’s bothered with what I said. Why am I being an asshole to her anyway? She’s only been good and helpful to me.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean what I said.” I apologized, completely regretting my mistake.

“… It’s okay. I can’t blame you for feeling that way.” Just know that we’ll have your back.”

“Okay.”

We continued walking down in silence. Eventually, we reached the bottom part. The sunlight nearly blinded me–it’s not because I haven’t been bathing in its rays but that long journey down the tree is really dark.

This is my first time actually seeing the surroundings. Looking at everything from up top didn’t do the beauty of this place any justice.

There weren’t any buildings but Elderspires towered the region. Despite this, the sun’s rays are still present on the ground. Arin made mention of the place being enchanted–something to do with the Elderspires being able to absorb light and glow a goldish hue.

Around the area are elves living their day to day lives. To the left, you have elf children playing what seems like tag. They’re causing up a ruckus as the place gets filled by their laughter. To the right are a group of elf women who are preparing something. Rosabel, Felaris’s crush, is with them.

We went ahead, where a carriage is waiting for us.

The carriage’s door opens by itself, much to our surprise.

“You all sure took your sweet time.”