Chapter 923 The Village that Leads to the Kingdom of Elves
Before we arrived at our destination, I decided to convince Renatta to reveal the matter of her being a princess to everyone since we were going to where she lived. That way, everyone would not be confused as to why they call Renatta a princess. Of course, we will also tell that she is no longer a princess and she plans to become a normal elf instead of becoming a royalty. At first, Renatta is clearly not sure about that notion and is very hesitant. But she eventually agreed.
So I went ahead and explained it to everyone with Renatta finishing it so that she won't get totally embarrassed. When we actually did, the reaction was pretty tame and everyone immediately understood. Of course, Riko, Rika, Sora, and Pandora all started talking and discussing the matter of her princesshood. I think that is natural for girls but I don't think I can understand it much. I mean, if I had a friend who was actually a prince, I wouldn't even bother to ask him how it was to be a prince, or how it feels to become a normal citizen or something like that.
Anyway, we also explained the matter of the elves attacking and what was going to be the expected reaction from the elves once we arrived. We are not going to receive a very warm welcome there for sure. So we will have to divide our forces that will enter again. This time, Sora and Akira are interested in joining the group. Mother is also interested at first but when she hears the circumstances, she decides she will cop out on this one as she doesn't want to lash out her harsh tongue if they try to criticize or belittle them. I haven't seen Mom do that but according to Father, she can weaponize her mouth by just that and if she gets serious, the person getting all the insults might even be in despair as a result.
Pandora also wanted to join as well. Pixie will be accompanying us as she is also curious about the world of elves who can see spirits like her naturally and perceive them easily. As for both Riko and Rika, they also decided to not join the group that will venture out as they wanted to rest. After the battle against the Black Dog Barghest, I can understand why they would want to rest. They also gave out a reason that they wanted to help Lucia once she wakes up from her new arm problem and since she might wake up while we are away, then it makes more sense to remain.
Zena is not that particularly interested in joining as well but she does give out the "If you wanted me to come, then I will do it" move but since I don't want to force her, she will also remain. Father wanted to join in but because we lacked a proper man left in the house, he decided to remain as well.
Renatta, Alena, and Labo will be joining of course as they are the companions that will be helping us travel the place safely and also know their traditions and their customs. My followers, Tina and Cotton decided to join in. Atlas didn't want to join as he is also worried about Lucia and he will remain as well to help the girls in case the problem with Lucia's arm becomes dangerous.
Lina will remain as well to continue her training with my Mother to become a good cook. My pets, Mizuchi and Leona will be coming as well. The rest remain in the summoning areas and do not say a peep at all. Guess it's not yet time.
Then, as we were finishing the division of groups, Almira's voice rang out for us to hear.
"Hey, I am seeing a visual of a village. not too far from our current direction. With our current speed, 5 minutes we will reach there."
We turned to look at the village and it was there indeed. A village made from wood and treehouses. Some houses are grand and some are small and modest. Even in the distance, you can say the village looks like an ordinary fantasy village but I can tell that something seems to be off. But because I couldn't detect what it was, I decided to not bother.
"Yep, that is the village alright," Labo nodded. "Looks like it hasn't changed even after we left. Guess I was too positive with my expectations."
"Told you so, right? If they haven't changed their ways, there is little doubt that they also didn't change in behavior as well," Renatta clicked her tongue in distaste.
"True. Guess being too close-minded is just something we always think about huh?" Alena sighed.
"Whatever the case, we will be going there. We should prepare resources first and make sure to stock up on some potions as well. If they decide to become trouble, we will be in big trouble."
So we started to restock our supplies immediately and made sure we had enough supplies for everyone. I also put a few supplies inside the inventories of both Tina and Cotton. I also used the room that Leona had to store a few stuff inside as well, just in case we will have to. It is what Renatta recommended.
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Like what Almira said, we arrived before 5 minutes passed by. We didn't directly stop in front of the village but a little farther from there. Our mansion already made the elves aware of our arrival so we can be also sure that there are soldiers and other people waiting for us as well.
"Guys. I don't know what will happen but predicting the nature of the elves, you guys needed to steel yourselves because they will start insulting you even if you are listening."
"That is totally serious huh?" Sora shook her head.
"Yes. Totally. Which is why it is not a good idea for me either. It'd be best that we remain in a neutral stance with the people there. Don't get too friendly with kids as well. They are not kids, in fact, they are much older than any of you."
"Yikes, I think I am changing my perception of the elves now," Akira frowned.
Labo smiled. "Right? After reading and watching movies and shows that involve elves, we are sometimes portrayed as very noble beings that it kind of a shame that this kind of mindset is something that is discouraged here in this place."
As the mansion stopped completely, everyone including myself went down from the mansion and slowly approached the village. We are still in the distance but everyone in the village is already watching us. The guards are also waiting for us as well.
Renatta shook her head as we approached.
"Damn, I am not liking this at all..." Akira is sweating bullets.
"That's why I told you all to be prepared as they are not the same elves you grow to love in shows and movies. It's better to lower your expectations on them," Renatta sighed.
As we reached the entrance of the village, the guards stopped us and Renatta stepped forward.
"Welcome back princess. We are already expecting your return...but who are these people? Where are the guards that were sent to bring you?" one of the guards asked.
"Why would I join with them? And besides, you must be mistaken. We are not here to return, we are here on a task, and that includes visiting this place. If not for that reason, we will not even go and check this place out. And don't worry, they are my companions. If you all dare disrespect me and my companions, just go and prepare yourselves."
Intimidated by Renatta's behavior, the guards decided to let us enter the village. Of course, I can see how they have resentment and anger in their eyes while looking at us. What Renatta said is true, these guys are more of a sh*tty bastards that decided to become high and mighty all of a sudden.
As for the villagers, they looked at us with strange frowns and disgust on their faces but whenever they saw Renatta's glare, their faces would start to change and they would start smiling. Pretty uncanny and unnerving.
"Wow, I am not really picky in places we go and explore but this kind of treatment is not a really fascinating and interesting one."
"Haha, even as an elf, I didn't realize that we were like this before. Guess going into your world and being influenced by the situation made us think of our wrongs huh? Also, this is really exhausting indeed. Didn't think this was something done badly before...but here we are..."
"So where are we going exactly, Renatta?" Pandora asked.
"We will have to go to the portal in this village that will transport us to the kingdom of the elves. There, we will meet the king and queen ruling the elves, in short, my parents. If anyone has the weapon of the Seven Deadly Sins, it's either from them or someone else."
"A kingdom? Then what about this village?"
"It's a facade in terms of hiding the real kingdom of the elves, to make the people who stumble in this place think there is nothing much here."
Looks like we are still in for many surprises after all.
This 𝓬ontent is taken from fre𝒆webnove(l).𝐜𝐨𝗺