Published at 28th of September 2019 11:31:08 PM Chapter 134

Chapter 134 It seems thats how it is

There are only a few people who properly know about Grn Pas Tifalet.

The current emperor, who is his biological father, is said to have answered the following when asked what kind of elf Grn is:

That iswho was that again?

Receiving retorts from all his close aides as might be expected, the emperor said, as if finally having recalled,

That ones mother washow to say ittruly free and yet an inconspicuous woman. I think that she was a beautiful woman, but I dont really remember her well. Its not particularly a problem of my memories, but its said that she possessed the ability to keep the awareness of her existence lowbut then again, why did I seduce such a woman? I think its necessary to have a requirement beyond being just a woman for me to whisper my love into her ears?

Its an anecdote of when the elven emperor, who was exposed to gazes that were close to absolute zero from the elven court ladies following his statement, escaped from the palace in a hurry.

If one asks why it had become this type of story, the entire matter dates back to when several assassins aimed for the emperors life, a time of various disputes right after the enthronement of the current emperor.

There existed quite a few nobles who opposed his enthronement, who didnt display an overly appropriate behavior. This is regarding an incident caused by the opposing faction relying on force. Having said that, definite proof still hasnt been found to this very day.

The problem is that a female assassin had been included among the assassins sent to kill the emperor.

Even though the emperor, who repelled the assassins sent for his life by himself, might be regarded as being outside the norm, but on top of repelling the assassins, one of them was raped by him.

The person himself insists that it bore love as a result, but its not clear what the other party thought about that.

Additionally, as an outcome from the time needed to gather testimonies and evidence to somehow punish the nobles, who caused this chain of incidents, the assassin, who was raped, gave birth to a child. Thats the origin of the current situation.

This kind of story would be unthinkable for humans, but all of this took place because of the overly laid-back style of the elves.

While doing something equivalent to a carefree investigation, the assassin somehow gave birth to a child. Moreover, although its a story of the emperor himself, it was a sight to see the faces of the higher-ups, who confirmed the fact that this child seemed to be the emperors child, and they couldnt avoid being dragged into the whole ordeal.

Thus it became the very unusual birth of Grn, a child born between the emperor and an assassin.

By the way, what about his mother? (Renya)

Having received an explanation from Skuld, Renya asks her that out of curiosity.

I certainly dont think so, but has she been given clemency for being the emperors lover?He wondered.

After receiving a trial, she was executed for high treason. The prince himself was entrusted into the care of the empress. I hear it was judged that a child, who has been just born, has no sin. (Skuld)

Even though it was different for his mother, him being considered a legitimate heir was apparently due to those circumstances.

The emperor who entrusted Grn to her is one thing, but would the empress, who actually accepted him, normally take him in so broad-mindedly or rather with such a big heart?Renya ponders.

So why did that prince, who was judged to be sinless, became a major criminal? (Renya)

T-That is, ummhow to explain it (Skuld)

Once Renya asks about the crux of the matter, Skuld averted her eyes and dilutes her words.

Even Renya, who doesnt know the situation, understands that it is a story she doesnt really want to leak to the outside, however it would be wrong for him to overlook the facts just because of that.

How about I ask the person himself if its something you cant talk about? (Renya)

Shifting his eyes away from Skuld, he looks at the cage that has been placed in the center of the room.

The escorting soldiers were strangely unwilling to remove the restraints from Grn, saying that they would lose sight of Grn no sooner than they had removed the restraints.

Renya didnt understand what they meant, but in that case there would be no way to allow the cage into the parlor even if he was asked to give his permission.

As a last resort Renya told them to bring the wagon with the cage to one of the storehouses in order to have a talk with Grn there.

Removing the mouth constraint isnt possible. He is a master of sorcery. (Skuld)

Skuld says in a hurry while stopping Renya who was about to approach the cage.

Renya furrowed his eyebrows, obviously troubled.

No, I mean, thats because I cant get an explanation from you. (Renya)

As I said, as long as you can just confirm his face this time (Skuld)

Hes the elven hero who might act together with our Kurz, right? Something like fighting together with a person, whose background is unclear, is a terrible idea. (Renya)

Due to the words our Kurz naturally coming out of Renyas mouth, something similar to bitter smiles appeared on the faces of the human soldiers who were guarding the surroundings, but the expressions of the elven soldiers remained stiff.

After sighing once Renya suggested to the elf, who said that they are unable to provide an explanation albeit understanding that its a situation that definitely requires one,

Should I order everybody to leave since Im going to talk with him by myself then? (Renya)

N-No, that isif something were to happen to Your Excellency (Skuld)

We fought together once, so let me ask you, is this child stronger than me? Please give me an honest answer, okay? Its okay since I will pretend that what you are going to say from now on has never been actually mentioned. (Renya)

Skuld has observed Renyas battle prowess from close-by when the elven city was attacked by the demons.

Going by Skulds words, Renya wondered whether Grn was an outstanding master, but Skuld immediately denied it by shaking her head.

I think that he doesnt reach your level, Renysan. (Skuld)

Due to Skulds reply, the elven soldiers stare at her face with their mouths wide-open. Even Grn within the cage widens his eyes slightly, appearing to be surprised, and looks at Skuld.

Indifferent of whether she has noticed those looks or not, Skuld continued confidently,

Honestly spoken, it will probably be very good if he lasts 2 or 3 minutes when fighting up front. Of course, if someone like me fought with you, Renysan, it would probably end in a tenth of that. (Skuld)

Her way of calling him naturally changed from Your Excellency to Renysan, but Renya has no intention of criticize her for that.

The current conversation will be treated as a conversation that never took place, and Skuld is a soldier who once fought shoulder-to-shoulder with him.

In Renyas eyes being called Your Excellency was originally something that made him feel uncomfortable.

Why are you worried then? (Renya)

I mentioned up front. I believe he will immediately shift towards escape in case his restraints were to be removed. And, in case he escapes, the probability that even you, Renysan, will fail to catch him is extremely high. (Skuld)

I see. (Renya)

Renya had the confidence that he would be able to deal with anything, even if the opponent is so quick that hes likely unable to catch him with his eyes, as long as the opponent faces him properly.

However, things are different if it comes to an opponent who only devotes himself to escape.

If he didnt mind transforming the surrounding area into scorched earth, it would be possible to suppress them through the scattering of a wide-ranged spell, but in a place, where he cant use that method, like the center of the city where they are right now, the possibility that Grn manages to escape if hes able to disappear from Renyas sight was high.

Renyas abilities and skills are tailored towards facing opponents head on and have a bad affinity with escaping opponents.

On top of that, Renya noticed that Grn seems to be the owner of certain abilities that make it difficult to capture him, such as hiding and covert actions, while observing him as he sits inside the cage.

Even though hes simply sitting in front of him, Renya understands that hes a being that is hard to catch and that hes ready to escape at any time going by the glint in his eyes. But, as soon as he takes his eyes off of Grn, he cant clearly remember what kind of gaze it was.

I believe the number of victims will increaseif he returns to our country with his restraints removed. (Skuld)

Huh? You dont consider any damage to human countries? (Renya)

I cant definitely state that its impossible for it to happen, but I believe the chances of it are extremely low. (Skuld)

From Skulds words Renya is able to remove the possibility of Grn being a hedonist.

If he was the type who finds pleasure in such deeds, it shouldnt matter whether the other party is an elf or a human.

I cant exclude the possibility of him being an elf fetishist, but the chances of that being the case seems to be low, as far as I can see from Grn himself, Renya assesses.

If thats the case, there must be a reason after all, huh? (Renya)

You understand? (Skuld)

Somehow. Its an overused and common expression based on a temporarily comforting evaluation criterion, but I somehow understand from looking into his eyes. (Renya)

Since my words are really vague, its nothing I can state proudly, but his eye color is different, tinged with the goal or means to kill people.

If Im asked how they are different, I will have trouble expressing it.

Often words such as clouded or rotten are used to describe such eyes, but for Renya it feels as if such words somehow dont fit here.

Your Highness (Skuld)

From the words leaked by Skuld as if they had escaped unintentionally, Renya realizes that his thoughts arent that wrong.

Theres no one but Grn here with a position justifying them being called Your Highness. It appears as if hes a person worthy to be addressed as such despite being a prisoner inside a cage.

Skuld, Id like you to free just the mouth of this person after all. I will take responsibility for anything that happens hereafter. (Renya)

ReYour Excellency (Skuld)

I want to hear the words out of his mouth. Please. (Renya)

Even with Renya bowing his head, Skuld hesitated for a moment.

But, after opening and closing her mouth several times while watching Renya not lifting his head at all, she said very quietly,

Release the mouth constraint of His Highness Grn. (Skuld)

Captain

Thats an order. I will take responsibility. (Skuld)

Being clearly told so, the elven soldiers remove the chains connected to the cage while being slightly hesitant.

But with only that the removal of the mouth constraint was incomplete, however, using the spell from outside the cage, Renya removed the fasteners holding the mouth constraints main part.

Once the constraint drops with a plop, Grns face can be fully seen.

At this point Renya was finally able to clearly examine Grns face.

The something, which obstructed his field of vision as if it had been somewhat blurred until then, suddenly cleared up at the same time as the face constraint was removed.

While staring at Grns exposed face from the front, Renya asked,

Its an honor to meet you for the first time, Elven Hero-dono. Is there something youd like to say? (Renya)

I am (Grn)

Grns voice, which replied to Renyas question, was deep and low for an elf. It had a calm tone.

Im a person with a father who is the elven emperor and a mother, who tried to kill that very emperor. Human Margrave, are you going to laugh at that? (Grn)

Lets see. (Renya)

Renya places his hand at his chin and thinks.

The sound of the surrounding elves catching their breath could be heard.

Its probably because they knew that something fatal might very likely happen depending on Renyas answer.

How should I say it? I guess its a curious and amusing circumstance. (Renya)

Upon Renyas forthright reply, blood thirst is released from within the cage.

While looking at the soldiers who have become pale due to its fierceness, Renya still continued his reply,

Though I dont have any intention to use your origin as reason to laugh at you. (Renya)

Can I ask for the reason? (Grn)

A child cant choose his parents. Therefore one cant laugh at a child with his parents as the reason. Also, no matter what kind of parents they might be, someone who ridicules the parents in front of a child cant complain even if they are killed by the child, right? However (Renya)

He takes a short break and then after thinking about what he said, Renya speaks again,

I dont know your mother so I cant say anything about her, but I have met the emperor once. Before I even consider whether to laugh or not, just the fact that you are the son of that emperor makes it hard for me to resist feeling sympathetic for you as you likely suffered quite a bit. (Renya)

Im greatly obliged by your consideration. (Grn)

After a short answer, Grn moves his body, thats bound by chains, with a rustle. Adjusting his sitting posture somewhat, he faced Renya and bowed his head.

The blood thirst emitted at Renya vanishes as if it had never existed to begin with.

Let me apologize for the rudeness of meeting you in such a state. Im called Grn, the one chosen as the elven hero. Although Im a person with such a history, please give me your permission to assist the Human Hero-dono. (Grn)

It is I who should say so. I apologize for the rudeness of receiving the Elven Hero-dono in a place like this. Let me apologize in advance, but since I cant invite you to my parlor in this state, Id like to speak with you, oh hero, in this place. But is that fine with you? (Renya)

Its a higher honor than I deserve. Id like to repeatedly apologize for the unworthiness of this me who has to ask the Human Hero-dono to go through the ordeal of coming here. (Grn)

Bending over to the degree of making his chains creak and bowing his head, Grns tone was extremely calm and gentle.

Renya! I remember! (Croire)

After setting the conversation in order, Renya called Kurz and had him meet with Grn. The two heroes swore to cooperate with each other right then and there, and then the elves re-affixed the mouth constraint on Grn and quickly returned to their country by passing through the transfer gate.

That was a really hurried visit, wasnt it?Renya believed,But it looks like the elven country has various circumstances going on for it as well.

Having finished his job, Kurz was handed over to the beastmen priestesses and Renya returned to his office. On the way he was called out by Croire.

I finally recalled the circumstances revolving around Grn-niisama. Ah, I still cant remember his face though. (Croire)

While walking along the hallways after lining up with Croire, who nonchalantly said something cruel without even realizing it, Renya asked,

What is it that you remembered? (Renya)

The details of how nii-sama became a criminal. (Croire)

Since I actually met him, I guess I can predict it somewhat though. (Renya)

Considering his mothers vile occupation, her son has become the ideal target of slander for the nobles who want to complain to the emperor one way or another.

Given that it would be treated as lese majeste, if they make fun of the emperor himself, they cant go ahead and simply do that, but if its his son, who doesnt possess any authority whatsoever, and his mother, who was executed for high treason, no one will ever blame them, no matter what insults they might use for either.

Even if the emperor was able to protect his son somewhat, even he wouldnt be able to cover for his mother as her crime was set in stone.

Although it was possible for the nobles to retort with, Then dont make a child with a woman in such circumstances in the first place, its one of the profound mysteries of a relationship between a man and a woman.

Even if something I cant imagine happened, it wouldnt be all that strange either, Renya judges.

As far as Renya knows there are no laws that prohibits falling in love with an assassin, who came to kill them.

From Renyas point of view, that emperor lacks fidelity, but hes not irresponsible.

He probably intended to place Grn under his protection as much as possible for him.

However, Grn inherited the abilities of both his parents: a blade that reached even the emperor from his mother and the skill to reach the top of the elven race from his father.

So the prince, who was mentally inexperienced while still possessing talent, ended up flying into a rage unintentionally? (Renya)

Its as if you had seen it, Renya. (Croire)

According to the protocol taken afterwards, it appears to have been a result of him repeatedly enduring and enduring, though. Croire says.

Going by her words, Grn, who couldnt put up with the incessant denunciations by the nobles any longer, used all of the abilities he inherited and started to massacre all the family members and followers of the nobles who had continued to to insult him and his mother.

So thats the reason for the high number of crimes and victims. (Renya)

Originally he would likely have been executed promptly, but father, who was aware of the circumstances, groped for a solution wondering whether there was no way to somehow show him mercythough its an abuse of his power. Fortunatelyor maybe not, the verification of the overwhelming number of crimes and victims has been taking quite a lot of time, much less to say that its still an ongoing process. (Croire)

For Croire being unable to match Grns name with his face was apparently an effect of a concealment skill thats continuously kept up unconsciously by Grn.

Even if he was in front of her, she would only be able to weakly sense his existence and it would be difficult for her to vaguely keep remembering information about his facial features due to said skill.

However, a samurai-like dragonoid, a muscle-brained beastman and now an elf similar to a natural-born assassin? Aint there too much weirdos in that lineup of heroes? (Renya)

They are holding cards stating their races. Below their names and short descriptions.

If he uses the title of hero to the fullest, its likely possible to move Grn to Renyas territory.

Moreover, if they manage to successfully subjugate the demon king, it shouldnt be difficult to have him escape from death in exchange for that achievement.

Due to the words Renya muttered while thinking,Its probably necessary to negotiate with the emperor about the permission to take care of Grn here while making use of his circumstances as material for the talks, Croire clearly replied,

The previous human hero, who was ruined due to being a lustful man, Kurz-san, who is the current hero and capable of destroying an army by himself, and you, his manageris it wrong to think that the height of weirdness lies on the human side? (Croire)

Being told that, Renya lacked the words to give a reply and thus let his gaze quietly wander through the air.