Mental Rebirth: The World's Savior Was Not Me, but My Childhood Friend and Stalker - Chapter 5: The Mark of the Contract

Rubure, surprisingly, guided us earnestly. She avoided difficult paths, ensuring a smooth journey. She even gathered edible plants along the way, caring for our food supply. With her help, we would easily reach the port town.

“Hehe… How about that, everyone, Yuusha-san! I’m doing a great job as a guide, aren’t I? I gathered the kind that burns well, even this firewood, so the fire started quickly!”

“Yes, indeed. It’s been unexpectedly smooth, thanks to you, Rubure. We would have been in trouble without you.”

“Nn…! Ah…! Nnn…!!”

Rubure, a stray elf, had long been without interaction with others. Living alone and returning to an empty house had become the norm for her. Therefore, such direct words of gratitude, which she wasn’t accustomed to, were overwhelmingly pleasing, bringing a smile to her face.

“Yuusha? Remember, she’s just a guide, okay? Let’s keep it strictly professional.”

“Right, she’s just a guide… So we’ll part ways after crossing the Great Forest? But why did you decide to come with us, Rubure?”

“If I stayed there, I would have been killed or captured eventually… Other elves are living outside the forest, you know? Wait, what do you mean by parting ways? Were you planning to abandon me?”

It seemed she intended to stay with us indefinitely. Did she know we were on a journey to defeat the Demon Lord? She knew I was the Savior, so there should be no misunderstanding about that, but perhaps she thought it safer to battle the Demon Lord than to continue living in a house without a barrier.

“Stay with us indefinitely…? As in, potentially becoming Yuusha’s concubine…?”

That was a leap too far. And wasn’t a relationship between humans and elves taboo?

“I agree she should stay with us. Such situations are likely to arise again. Dinner is ready. Please, Rubure, go ahead and eat while it’s hot.”

Mei brought the meal and served Rubure first. Rubure happily began eating.

“How is it? Any issues with the taste or your condition?”

“It’s delicious! Compared to what I had in the elf village, it’s like heaven and earth! Even though they’re the same forest-grown ingredients, Mei-san, you’re amazing!”

“Thank you. Savior, the poison check is complete; please enjoy your meal.”

Rubure burst into laughter at Mei’s comment, which was quite messy.

“P-poison check? What do you think elves are?!”

“Although a different species, their basic functions are similar to humans.”

“That’s not the point! What do you mean by poison check?!”

“Therefore, using her as a poison taster is not a problem. If I did it, it wouldn’t serve the purpose since I must serve the Savior. If something happens to her, we can just leave her behind, and I’ll continue the poison check, ensuring the Savior’s safety.”

“I see, so when she said she’d do anything, you suggested she come along. Smart move.”

“Indeed, we can’t risk Yuusha’s safety… Bringing this elf along is a necessary sacrifice…”

We all nodded and enjoyed Mei’s cooking. It was indeed delicious, as Rubure had said. Mei, having served a noble lord, was probably a professional-level cook.

“I also made a dessert. Let’s start with Rubure.”

“No way! After hearing that, how can I eat it?! What do you think elves are?!”

“You said you’d do anything.”

“I-I didn’t say that! I’m just a guide!”

“Savior.”

“Understood. Rubure, as the owner of the Contract Mark, I command you to finish that dessert.”

Mei had briefed me on how to use the Contract Mark. It wasn’t complicated: the owner of the mark simply had to command as I did. Rubure’s Contract Mark implied, ‘I will do anything the owner commands.’ Hence, a specific directive will compel her to act accordingly.

“I don’t wanna eat it! Why is my body moving on its own?! This is a violation of elf rights! Mmmph… Ugh!”

“If you find her reluctance unsightly, Savior, you can command her to eat it happily. Please use it as you see fit in the future.”

So, I can even control her emotions and speech through a specific command. While outwardly, she might seem happy, internally, she’s probably screaming in protest… The power of the Contract Mark is indeed formidable.

“Normally, people don’t use a Contract Mark to make someone do ‘anything.’ It’s too powerful. That elf is a bit naive.”

Mei whispered this to me. Of course, no normal contract would include an ‘anything’ clause…