Mental Rebirth: The World's Savior Was Not Me, but My Childhood Friend and Stalker - Chapter 4: NEET Elf

“Yes… Did you all come to the Elf village to find a guide through the Great Forest? That’s usually why humans seek out Elves…”

“That’s right. But unfortunately, we were rejected… So we decided to cross the forest without a guide.”

“If you mind, may I accompany you? I may be a stray, but I’m still an Elf. I can guide you through the forest.”

An unexpected offer. There was no reason to refuse, but the question was whether we could trust her, as she wasn’t an official guide.

“There’s no need to worry about her guiding skills. Elves live in harmony with the forest. To them, this forest is like their backyard. Even a stray knows its backyard. However, as a companion, I’m against it. The reason is simple: we don’t know why she became a stray elf. As I mentioned earlier, strays are often those who’ve committed serious breaches of conduct. She could be a hedonistic murderer, exiled for that reason.”

“I’m against it too. She’s making eyes at Yuusha, and what’s with her appearance? Are all Elves like this? Isn’t it strange? Does she have pig genes or something? I know Yuusha wouldn’t be attracted to someone like her, but mistakes happen. And even if Yuusha isn’t interested, even a saint might falter if this pig keeps tempting him.”

So, despite her looks, she might be a murderous maniac, a potential threat to us. It’s a so-called honey trap. We were heading into the Great Forest, and having such a person as a companion was indeed a high risk.

“Rubure, if it’s not too much to ask, why were you exiled? I understand it’s difficult, but we want to trust you. As companions who will walk together.”

After some hesitation, Rubure started to speak.

Rubure belonged to a high-ranking family known as the Elder Elves. In Elf society, hierarchy is determined by various factors, including age and achievements. Rubure’s family was prestigious, holding significant status among conservative and exclusive Elves.

One day, Rubure’s parents declared allegiance to the Demon Lord’s army, abandoning the forest and their neutral stance towards the human and demon forces, leaving for the Demon Lord.

And Rubure was left alone in the village.

“What a story… Rubure is innocent! Yet the Elves… Mei! You understand now; let’s take Rubure with us!”

“Oh, well… The villagers were sympathetic towards my situation, and rather, they took care of me, a child without parents…”

Rubure added this to temper my anger.

Then why were you exiled…?”

“Uh, well… I slacked off on hunting and gathering… because everyone was taking care of me… and when that got exposed… I got exiled.”

Rubure grinned sheepishly, a bad feeling brewing inside me.

“Just how long did you slack off for?”

“I got caught after about twenty years… hehe. I managed to get away with it until then.”

“Alright, Mei, it might be tough without a guide, but let’s cross the Great Forest.”

“Agreed. We will ensure that water sources are secured as a priority. Running out of water in survival situations can be fatal.”

We began to gather our scattered luggage. It’s the start of a harsh journey. We have to be prepared.

“Wait, pleaseeee! I have nowhere to go! I don’t want to become food for monsters! Do you know what happens to stray elves? They either become monster-fed or get captured by elf hunters! You are the Savior, right!? Please, save meee!”

“Enough! I feel sorry for having sympathy! What’s this about being a stray? You’re just a NEET Elf! Don’t cling to me and get your snot on me! We can’t afford to take a NEET along!”

“I can do it! I can guide you! That woman said so; even a stray can guide through the Great Forest! And you drank my tea, right? I know about herbs, so don’t leave me behind!”

“I can’t trust you! Get off me!”

I pushed Rubure away. I used more force than intended in my frenzy, causing her to tumble dramatically. Feeling a bit guilty, I cautiously approached her.

“Hey, are you okay…?”

“Uuu… in that case… Yuusha-san, you pinned me down and assaulted me! This is the evidence!”

She produced a spherical object from which a holographic image started to emerge.

“No, stop! I’m a stray Elf, but still an Elf! I can’t live being defiled by a human!”

“Heh heh, I don’t care. Just be quiet, and it’ll be over soon.”

“No, nooo!”

The scene of me diving onto the bed was playing but with clearly added synthetic voices.

“Yuusha…? What’s this…?”

“Calm down, Touko! It’s fake, clearly a fake video!”

“This video will be submitted to the Elf Rights Protection Group! You’ll end your life as a sex offender if you don’t take me with you! Are you okay with that!?”

“What! You’re blackmailing me with this!?”

Though it’s true that victim statements are often believed more, and while the voiceover is fake, the act of pinning her down did happen. My thoughts raced, fearing my life of slow living could turn into a life behind bars…

“There’s no such thing as an Elf Rights Protection Group. What are you talking about? With the Demon Lord threatening the world, there’s no way such an organization would function. Think logically.”

Everyone turned to look at Mei. She was right. With law and order collapsing, it’s impossible to protect Elf’s rights, let alone have a functioning judiciary system.

“Alright, the packing’s done. Let’s go.”

“Wait, I’m sorryyyy! I made it uppp! Please take me with youuu! I’ll lick your shoes; I’m doing it now!”

“Ah, sorry. It’s dirty. Could you not do that?”

“Why are you so formal with me?! We shared a bed, aren’t we close now? Are you going to throw me away once my role is over!?”

Her words are factually true but misleading. Touko’s patience is wearing thin.

“Anything…? Savior, I suggest we take her along. An extra hand is always useful.”

“Are you serious, Mei? She’ll cause trouble.”

“There’s something called a Contract Mark. We can inscribe it on the Elf. It’s used on slaves, but if she’s willing to do anything, we need collateral.”

A Contract Mark sounds exactly like a mark used in contracts. Inscribed on the part of the body, it forces the other party into the agreement. It’s mainly used on untrustworthy individuals. It requires mutual consent, thus not valid in one-sided relationships. It guarantees trust, particularly when someone makes up things on the spot.

“Thank you, Lady Mei… I will repay this kindness…”

“It’s just a suggestion for the Savior’s benefit. And remember, the Contract Mark is under the Savior’s control, so don’t try anything funny.”

With this, we stepped into the Great Forest.