Chapter 51: Alisha’s Fate

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Alisha, the youngest daughter of the High Elves, lacked sufficient ability.

To resolve the issue that had come to light after Finn proposed it and Alicia confirmed it, the members of Starry Sky, along with Finn and Griselda—who had been visiting the royal capital as an attendant—were summoned.

“First of all, I’m sorry. This was my mistake. I should have checked before I said anything.”

From Alicia’s perspective, she had believed that Alisha could become a Platinum-rank adventurer. To begin with, even among those of the same rank, vast differences in ability existed.

Among Gold-rank adventurers, for example, Carla and Marianne undeniably possessed strength befitting Platinum rank. Since they held titles outside of adventuring, Sword Saint and Saint, it was more appropriate to measure them by those. 

The daughter of the strongest Sword Saint, now the strongest swordswoman in the central continent. Even if one searched the entire world, the number of swordsmen who could fight Carla on equal footing could be counted on one hand.

As for Marianne, it went without saying. She was a specialized weapon against demonic beings. Beyond that, she had mastered the magic wielded by a Saint, and a single strike released from her immense mana allowed no equal. For a human to exchange attacks head-on with monsters was extraordinary in itself.

Furthermore, Astrea possessed ability on par with Vasily. It was obvious to anyone that the only reason she had not been promoted to Platinum rank despite accomplishing feats beyond reason, such as dispersing a storm with a mere flick of her finger, was due to certain circumstances. Some even called for her immediate promotion. The one crushing all such voices, however, was the person in question herself.

As for Finn, he represented the pinnacle humanity could reach through effort. When he single-handedly confronted and defeated a Numbers executive of the Demon Lord’s army, it was once again recognized that he stood apart from ordinary Gold-rank adventurers. The guild had long treated him as a convenient trump card, but from now on he had to be regarded as one of the “highest-level assets that cannot be deployed casually.”

Conversely, the Abyssal Forest was a Tainted Zones that did not permit even approach unless one possessed such overwhelming strength. Even among Gold ranks, only those at the very top were allowed to know of it and challenge it.

It was because they believed she would serve as a sufficient strength that they had deliberately summoned the elves’ younger sister to challenge such a place. Matching the extraordinary power of Alicia and Astrea was difficult for an ordinary elf. At the very least, one needed the strength of a Gold-rank adventurer.

At present, Alisha’s ability was at the level where she might barely qualify as a Gold-rank adventurer.

“I never imagined the gap had grown this wide… I’m truly sorry.”

“Well, we’ve already called her here. We’ll accept her into Starry Sky. And if we teach and guide her properly, there’s a high chance her ability will grow. The village must have considered it carefully before sending her out.”

Vasily did not dwell on it deeply. It was painful that she could not serve as fighting strength, but considering what she knew of the original knowledge, this was hardly a burden. Compared to a reality where no matter how one struggled, only despair awaited and death followed regardless, losing one elf as a combat asset could be dealt with.

She was an elf, with a long lifespan, unlike humans. Her life after Finn and Carla died would be longer than the time she had spent with them. Just because she was not useful now did not make her incompetent. The day would come when she would be of use again. Her three thousand years of experience sustained that belief.

“Griselda. How is she?”

“Yes. She is not in a good mood, but she has not thrown a tantrum. I believe she is confused.”

“Raised in the village like a delicate flower and allowed to do as she pleased, then summoned out here only to be told she’s too weak to be useful… The fact that she hasn’t caused a scene yet is something.”

Finn had also reported on her attitude. Whatever her usual behavior, he had no intention of permitting improper conduct within the Tainted Zones. They were about to step into a forest where one misstep meant death. He would not allow someone to expose openings by saying they were tired. This was entirely different from when he had trained Lily Garden.

To begin with, Lily Garden were proper adventurers. Unlike Alisha, they had never let their guard down in an environment where monsters could attack at any moment.

“Finn-kun, I’m sorry as well. I had no idea she’d become so selfish…”

“That’s not a problem at all.”

“Oh… I see.”

“I’ll repeat myself. I do not feel insulted by Alisha’s words or behavior, nor do I consider them humiliating. After all, they are largely factual. In fact, by having those facts pointed out, I was able to accept them and gain room for further refinement. In that regard, there is no problem whatsoever.”

“You’re allowed to be angry about that, you know?”

“There is no progress for one who grows arrogant and stops moving forward. That’s what my master taught me.”

“You really haven’t changed…”

Vasily smiled wryly at Finn’s words. Meanwhile, Alicia interpreted the meaning behind Finn’s words on her own and stiffened alone. Regardless of the specific content, Finn had reported to Alicia that it had been a conversation which, to others, would have sounded like abusive language. This was not because he was angry at Alisha, but because he needed to determine whether such behavior was tolerable in forming a party.

Naturally, Alicia had been outraged and then immediately turned pale.

Finn had said he did not mind, but if his disciple were looked down upon, even Vasily would feel displeased. Though they had not voiced it, Aria and the members of Dawn likely felt the same. If this group were to turn hostile, even as her sister, Alicia might not be able to shield her.

To begin with, Alicia herself had no intention of forgiving the disrespect shown toward Finn. Despite the trouble he caused her, personally she found him extremely likable.

Just… Yes, just that she thought his way of thinking was a little strange. Still, since he himself said he did not mind, the matter had settled. The other party was her younger sister. Since it had not occurred in public, there was still room to recover.

“In any case, we’ll accept her into Starry Sky. However, we won’t take her into the Abyssal Forest. It would be easier if we could operate as a single organization…”

“I’ve entrusted the decision regarding Dawn to Marianne. We can’t decide that here.”

“I understand. I’ll discuss it thoroughly with her. However, I am considering eventually expanding Starry Sky to a larger scale. Now that ‘knowledge’ has become useless, the more places and methods we have to extend our reach, the better.”

After saying that, Vasily turned her gaze to Griselda.

“What do you say? It would make things easier if you joined as well…”

“Is that… truly acceptable? I am merely a Silver-rank adventurer.”

“That’s precisely why it’s ideal. If you’re with her, we won’t have to leave Alisha unattended while we advance the campaign. It would be strange to rely on outsiders for that, wouldn’t it?”

“…You’re right. I may be of little strength, but I will cooperate.”

Griselda declared this with a firm expression.

(To think they would include me as well… When Alisha-sama caused trouble, I was prepared to be dismissed immediately, but I’m glad Barbarossa-sama is so broad-minded. At least I won’t be sent back to the village for a while. And it’s a good opportunity to close the distance with Finn-sama under the pretext of strategy discussion.)

(With this, perhaps we can bring the elf faction in. Once the Demon Lord’s army disappears, human attention will eventually turn to demi-humans. If I am dead by then, there is a high chance it will become a war of extermination. Elves, especially, are a beautiful race. They would be hunted for… those kinds of purposes. We must integrate them into society now and harmonize civilizations before that happens.)

(…Now there’s one more rival aiming for Finn-kun. Fortunately, Alisha doesn’t seem likely to fall for him. But what if that girl ends up liking Finn-kun too? If that happens, it’s over for me. …No! I won’t give up! At the very least, I won’t get dragged into this! I will not fall in love with Finn-kun…!)

“…So, as a conclusion, we’ll accept her into Starry Sky and begin her education. Is that correct?”

“Yes. We were also at fault for forgetting that she wasn’t even an adventurer to begin with. Griselda, can I leave this to you?”

“I would like to say, ‘Leave it to me,’ but…”

Griselda muttered uneasily.

“My only concern is whether Alisha-sama will listen to my words.”

“In the village, social status differences are hard to ignore. The quickest way would be to make her understand through a difference in strength.”

“From my estimation, you and Alisha-kun are evenly matched, or perhaps you hold a slight advantage. It would be troublesome if this plan failed.”

The three elves, though only one was a pure elf, pondered the matter. They could not allow her to become overconfident. Yet forcing it upon her was also wrong. If there was a path she wished to choose, they wanted to let her choose it. But the village had permitted her departure because Alicia needed her. She could not simply choose any path she liked.

Among the elves living outside the village, Griselda was capable. She was suitable as an instructor, but life in the village weighed against her. If Alisha rebelled and defeated Griselda, it would be troublesome. As the three considered what to do, Finn suddenly spoke.

“I’ll accompany her as well. How about that?”

“Finn too? …I see. That’s one way.”

Not bad. Finn, raised by Vasily, specialized in close combat. However, it wasn’t as though he knew nothing about fighting elves. In fact, Vasily had taught him how. It simply hadn’t been prioritized. In addition, he had abundant experience fighting alongside Astrea. And Alisha herself had said after returning, “Onii-san was amazing.”

“However, Finn belongs to Dawn. We’ll need Marianne-kun’s approval.”

“That much is within my judgment. It’ll be during my rest days anyway. It won’t be much different from before.”

“…Very well. Then we’ll leave it to Finn and Griselda. Think of her as a girl who has only just left her village. Don’t spoil her too much, but don’t be overly harsh either. She’s going to become an adventurer.”

“I understand.”

Finn nodded. Though he had been the one spoken to harshly, and retaliation might have been considered, Vasily believed Finn would not do such a thing. If Alisha failed to correct her attitude even after this… Then they might have no choice but to send her back.

(No… Depending on her attitude toward Finn…)

As Vasily entertained such dark thoughts, Alicia clutched her head beside him.

(Hey! Why, why is Finn-kun so happy about this!? I don’t get it! I truly don’t understand him at all!!)

“Hmm… What’s wrong, Alicia-san? Are you not feeling well?”

(Ughhhhh!! It’s your fault!! You switch gears way too fast! Your emotions are completely all over the place!!)

“N-no, it’s nothing. Please take care of my little sister.”

“Leave it to me. I won’t treat her badly. Trust me.”

“Ah… yes. I trust you.”

Smiling with a weary face, Alicia looked utterly exhausted to anyone who saw her.

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