I Got Reincarnated as the Villain and Saved the World, but After the Ending I Was Betrayed and Exiled. I Just Wanted a Peaceful Life in the Frontier, but for Some Reason My Former Companions Started Chasing Me with Yandere Eyes… - 80-81

Chapter 80: The Elves’ Objective

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After we repelled Amon, we rode a carriage toward the Elven village. Along the way we had to fight off several monsters, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off about that.

“Don’t you think there are way too many monsters around here?”

“Yeah, it does feel like there are more than when the Demon Lord was around. Well, while things are calm for now, let’s make sure Tia-chan and Ceres get plenty of rest.”

Sitting next to Cain on the coachman’s seat, I handed him some water, which he happily gulped down. Since Tia and Ceres were probably dozing off together in the passenger cabin by now, I decided to come keep Cain company during his dull watch duty.

“Hey, Cain. What do you think is happening in the Elven village?”

“Hmm… I first thought it might be a warning for teaming up with the demons… But if that were the case, there’d be no reason to go out of their way to kidnap Elena, right? I think they wanted me to come, no matter what.”

“You mean they’re planning to use you as a hostage for negotiations?”

Thinking about it that way, it made sense why Cain would have called for us specifically. In this world, “one against a thousand” wasn’t just a metaphor. I didn’t mean to brag, but with me—someone who could nullify even the powerful magic of elves—and Ceres, an exceptional healer, we were worth far more than dragging along a thousand ordinary soldiers.

“No, that’s unlikely. If they attacked me now, they’d end up making enemies of both humans and demons, and it would give those two races a reason to unite against them. So instead, maybe they’re thinking of…Seducing me?”

“Seducing you? Come on…”

I let out a wry smile, assuming it was just his usual flippant talk, but Cain was looking at me with a serious expression.

“I’m not joking. If a child were born, that child could be used politically, and they wouldn’t be able to treat me carelessly. Besides… You don’t know about the existence of half-elves, do you?”

“No, I don’t. But they’re just half human, half elf, right? Now that you mention it, I’ve never actually seen one.”

I’d heard of them in light novels, but in this world I hadn’t seen any. Actually, other than Elena, I didn’t even know any elves personally. Maybe the whole half-elf storyline came up in some sequel I hadn’t read. Half-elves, huh… In these kinds of stories, they usually ended up as persecuted outcasts…

“Exactly. A terrifying existence that combines the cunning nature of humans with elven magic and curiosity.”

“You make them sound like some kind of plague…”

“Haha, plague doesn’t even begin to cover it. They were both heroes and Demon Lords rolled into one. You see, long ago, the elves advanced their magic to a terrifying degree thanks to a handful of half-elves… And then nearly brought about their own destruction at those same half-elves’ hands.”

“What?”

Seeing my dumbfounded face, Cain gave a small chuckle and continued.

“That’s why, up until the Demon Lord appeared, humans and elves deliberately kept their contact to a minimum to avoid mistakes. Still, it’s undeniable that half-elves greatly influenced elven civilization’s progress. So if the elves are cornered, it wouldn’t be strange if they tried to create half-elves again. Which means you’d better be careful too, Phantom.”

“Wha-…”

His unexpected words made me blurt out a gasp of shock.

“You really didn’t know… That’s why Elena never tried to forcefully seduce you, even when you were apart from Henrietta—unlike a certain saintess we have here. Well, you’d better watch yourself. You’re not quite on my level, but to elves, your blood is still very appealing.”

“You… Then why did you drag me into this in the first place…?”

“Heh, because it sounded more fun that way. If you got involved, Ceres and Tia-chan would be more likely to get serious too, don’t you think?”

When Cain chuckled slyly, I tried to punch him, but he slipped away with ease. Damn it… This guy dragged me into this mess purely for his own amusement…

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Chapter 81: To the Elf Village

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After my pleasant(?) talk with Cain, we finally arrived at the forest. It was a place where deep greenery spread out, revealing a truly mysterious sight. Sunlight filtered gently through the trees of the quiet woods. 

Between the towering trunks, one could glimpse in the distance the houses of elves, built as though blending seamlessly into the branches and bark. Tiny flowers bloomed across the mossy ground, and the presence of birds and small animals could be felt everywhere. The entire forest was enveloped in a magical stillness and gentle warmth.

“Beautiful…”

“Yeah, I wish I could’ve brought Solomon-chan here… Well, if I did, it would probably end with her putting the elves through boot camp and starting a war though.”

I ignored Cain’s inappropriate joke and thought that maybe it was about time to wake the other two… That was when it happened. Along with a sweet fragrance, a whisper brushed my ear.

“I’m happy I can see this scenery together with you, Phantom-sama. It’s so very beautiful.”

“Whoa!? Don’t just stand behind me without a hint of presence, please?”

“This is where you’re supposed to say, ‘You’re even more beautiful, Ceres.’ That would make me really happy.”

“Haha, this saintess has gotten less and less hesitant, huh.”

When I jumped in surprise, Ceres pouted slightly, lips pursed in dissatisfaction. 

No, come on, who could give that kind of response on reflex!? 

I was in the middle of mentally shouting that when I felt another gaze on me.

“Master… You look like you’re having more fun than when you’re with me, don’t you?”

“Please, Tia, just stay on my side…”

“Fufufu, the mood in the carriage has gotten lively enough. Let’s start preparing. We have to be ready to deal with whatever happens.”

At Cain’s words, all of us immediately grew tense. Right. This was where the real test began… As we slowed the carriage, I felt several gazes on us. They were probably elves. Even from afar, it was clear we were being watched.

“Hey there, thanks for the warm welcome. We’re here because of your wonderful invitation.”

“Thank you very much for taking the trouble to come all this way.”

As we got down from the carriage, young elves came to greet us. They had beautiful faces like works of art, paired with their distinctive long ears.

Elena is beautiful too, but… Really, elves are all so good looking, huh? The female elves are beautiful and the male elves are handsome.

Curious, I glanced at Tia, but her expression was as calm as always. Seeing that she wasn’t captivated by them, I let out a quiet breath of relief… Or so I thought…

“Oh? Master, did you perhaps think I’d be captivated by them?”

When our eyes met, she smiled brightly, looking oddly pleased.

“No… That’s not…”

“It’s fine. I only have eyes for Master, and besides, I’m cuter than elves anyway.”

She saw right through me, leaving me with nothing but a groan… Still, I couldn’t deny feeling somewhat reassured—and that was something I kept strictly to myself.

“Hey, you two, I heard the elves are going to throw us a banquet. Since we’re already here, let’s enjoy it.”

“Ah, got it. Whoa!?”

As I answered Cain, who was following after the elves, Tia suddenly slipped up and hugged me from the side.

“Ehehe~ Phantom, you do get jealous, don’t you? That makes me a little happy.”

Since she smiled at me like that, I couldn’t even get angry. In fact… She was cute like this. Pretending not to notice Ceres glaring at us with an absolutely frigid stare, I stepped forward into the Elf village.

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