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… - 82-83

Chapter 82: A Banquet with the Elves

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“A toast to the coexistence of us Elves and Humans!”

“CHEERS!!”

At the center of the forest banquet, glasses filled with amber-colored liquor shimmered in the firelight. A long wooden table where the elves had gathered was decorated with fruits and herbs, while the cool night breeze flowed in. Holding my glass, I found myself feeling troubled.

“Master… Don’t you think this is some kind of trap? Elena-san isn’t here either…”

“Yeah, best not to let your guard down. They barely said a word to us, only that they’d explain everything at the banquet…”

When we arrived in the Elf Village and met the elder, we were immediately invited to a banquet. Of course, since we had no idea of their true intentions, we remained on guard…

“It’s fine, I think. Please rest assured.”

Ceres gave me a reassuring glance as she took a sip of her poured drink. If even she, a saintess, vouched for its safety, then it should be alright. I raised the glass to my lips, and the sweet fragrance of fruit teased my nose. 

It was a dense yet gentle aroma, as though all the blessings of the forest had been gathered into it. I softly touched the liquor to my lips.

“This is really good. The fruit flavor is so concentrated.”

“Right? Even in the royal capital, you’d rarely find fruit wine this fine. But it goes down so easily, you’d be in trouble if you got carried away.”

The fruit wine that spread across my mouth tasted as if every drop of fruit’s essence had been condensed into it. Sweetness and tartness blended perfectly as it slid smoothly down my throat. In that instant, a small warmth spread through my body, bringing with it the sensation of my heart gently floating upward.

“I’m glad it suits your taste. This is our elves’ treasured fruit wine. We drink it at celebrations. Since our beloved human guests have come to us today, we opened it in your honor.”

The one who joined in on the conversation between Cain and me was the elder of the elves. Despite being called an elder, he looked like a handsome man in his late thirties by human standards.

Though he wore simple clothes, his features were as finely chiseled as a sculpture, with a friendly smile that could charm anyone—so much so that even another man might be captivated. …But I couldn’t allow myself to be deceived by that.

“Hahaha, for elves to welcome humans who work with demons, you must have great magnanimity. I’m touched.”

“Hahaha, before demons, we elves and humans were already allies. This much is only natural. Though… As allies, it would have been nice to receive some kind of prior consultation.”

“Well then, I would’ve liked a bit more support when we fought the Demon Lord… We went through a lot, you know. I’m sure you’ve heard about it from Elena.”

Somehow… Although Cain and the elder were smiling, their eyes weren’t smiling at all.

So this is what it is like when nobles sparred with words.

But since this subject came up, I had no choice but to cut in myself.

“By the way, how is Elena? She doesn’t seem to be at this banquet…”

“Ah, she is currently engaged in research with several others… I assure you, we will have you meet her. For tonight, however, let’s set aside difficult topics and enjoy the food and drink.”

“……”

The elder’s obvious attempt at evasion made Cain and me exchange glances and nod to each other. Clearly, they were plotting something. For now, we’d stay cautious and wait to see their hand.

 Just as I thought that—

“You are the Phantom of the Evil Eyes, aren’t you? Won’t you tell me the story of your battle with the Demon Lord’s army?”

“Eh?”

The sweet, almost honeyed voice belonged to a beautiful girl wearing a white dress with a faint sheen to it. Her chest curved gently, pressing against the dress as though the dress was a bit too small for her.

So not all elves are flat-chested…

I found myself thinking something ridiculous, only to realize the girl had noticed my gaze. She smiled seductively.

“What is it, Hero-sama?”

“No, it’s nothing…”

When I glanced toward Cain for help, he was already holding an elf girl in each arm, merrily recounting his heroic tales.

That bastard!! Fine, guess I’ll just play along too… 

I thought, but then I suddenly felt two sharp waves of killing intent.

“Cain, we’re under atta—no, not exactly… Yeah, I figured…”

It was Tia and Ceres. Even as handsome elf men poured them drinks, the two of them ignored everything and glared at me. Tia puffed out her cheeks in obvious displeasure, while Ceres wore a smile colder than absolute zero.

And so, with my life hanging in the balance, I found myself sweating coldly as I made small talk with the beautiful elf girl.

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Chapter 83: Morning in the Elf Village

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“Master, good morning.”

“Phantom-sama, we have such nice weather today.”

When I woke up in the morning, Tia and Ceres greeted me. It hadn’t been a night of fun… Not in that sense, at least. There had just been far too many elves trying to seduce me, so the two of them had protected me. That said, since they both climbed into bed with me, the truth was I’d been so tense I couldn’t sleep at all.

Cain? That guy… Well, he wandered off somewhere, all lovey-dovey, with an elf girl whose face looked suspiciously similar to Solomon’s. Well, he’d probably be fine.

“Excuse me. Breakfast is ready…”

The elf woman who opened the door along with her knock widened her eyes in shock when she saw Tia and Ceres in my room.

Ah, she’s definitely getting the wrong idea…

“No, this is…”

“I see. So that’s why you weren’t swayed by the beauties of our village… So this is the kind of relationship you have with them…. At times like this… How do you humans say it? ‘Did you enjoy yourself last night?’”

Ignoring my attempt at an excuse, the elf woman carried dishes over to the table. Instead of plates, she set down enormous lotus leaves glistening with a fresh, glossy sheen.

Upon them were arranged fruits so colorful they looked like scattered jewels. Bright red berries, green fruits with translucent flesh that let sunlight pass through, and several kinds of nuts lightly roasted, giving off a savory fragrance. None of them were anything I had ever seen in human towns.

“Wow, they look delicious.”

“They’re so beautiful. Like gemstones.”

“Would these be specialties of the Elf village? It feels as if they’re blessed by the spirits.”

“Yes, these are nuts harvested in our village. I’d be delighted if you enjoyed them.”

As we voiced our admiration, the elf woman smiled proudly. Then, for some reason, she came over to me, leaned close to my ear, and whispered.

“This soup also has the effect of enhancing vigor. It’s fine to please your lovers, but please do take care of us as well.”

“Wha—”

With a sweet scent like ripe fruit drifting around me, she whispered something outrageous, making me instinctively recoil. The elf woman simply smiled and left the room. They weren’t even bothering to hide their seductions anymore.

“Master is all flustered… Well, elves are beautiful, but I’m cuter.”

“Phantom-sama is a man, after all… But the gods say a saintess who shared hardships with him is more attractive.”

Ugh… Their stares are way too painful this early in the morning…

After finishing breakfast, we headed out into the elf village. The foundation of the town was made of several colossal trees that seemed to pierce the heavens. Their trunks were thicker than ancient castle walls, with silvery-white bark that was smooth to the touch.

The houses grew naturally out of the trunks and thick branches, as if they were fruits borne of the great trees. The fantastical scenery stirred the boyish sense of wonder still lingering inside me.

“This is amazing… This place feels like something out of a dream.”

“Yes. I’d only ever seen elf villages in hero tales, so this is deeply moving.”

“Unlike the gods, they worship spirits, choosing to live in harmony with nature… Even I cannot help but acknowledge this beauty.”

Not just me—the two of them also sighed in admiration.

“So then, we need to look into Elena’s whereabouts. Anyone got a good idea? Like… Maybe Tia could use her Charm to gather information?”

“I’m sorry, Master… I actually tried that yesterday, but perhaps because their sense of beauty is different, it barely had any effect on them…”

“It works ridiculously well on the demon Amon though…”

While Tia and I were talking like that, Ceres puffed out her ample chest.

“Leave it to me. I’ll show you the power of a saintess.”

At her smug expression, I couldn’t help but feel a bad premonition.

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