What If the Strongest Villain from the Original Story Became the Protagonist's Ally?

An arrow flew right in front of me.

A precise shot aimed at my forehead. I caught it barehanded.

“Hey now… you invite us here and give us quite the greeting.”

The arrow I gripped made a *crack!* sound as it shattered.

Only then did they realize they’d made a mistake.

“Y-you. Are you that suspicious person who came to our village before!?”

“I’m quite displeased with how I’m remembered, but that’s correct.”

“To think that mask would actually be useful…”

“I was right to wear it, wasn’t I?”

“By coincidence though. We were also attacked.”

“Well, there is fog.”

Can’t be helped, can’t be helped.

If they’d shot another arrow, I might have gone on a rampage, but since it was just one, it was safe.

“More importantly, you guys, now that the misunderstanding is cleared up, hurry up and let us into the village. I want to hear about what happened earlier.”

“R-right. Sorry about suddenly attacking. We’ve had various things happening lately.”

“You mentioned Imperial soldiers. I sympathize.”

So the Empire had already made moves against the elf village after all.

From their behavior, it seemed like they were repeatedly engaging in frequent guerrilla combat.

We passed through the gate that opened with a heavy sound and entered the village.

“So what happened?”

After confirming the gate closed, Iris asked the two gatekeepers.

Their expressions sharpened.

“Imperial soldiers have been attacking here and there recently. Being attacked day and night has made everyone nervous.”

“I see, so that’s their strategy.”

Their goal seemed to be wearing down the opponents’ spirits and gradually cornering them.

It was a strategy befitting the Empire, which had an overwhelming advantage in troop numbers.

“Sorry, but that’s all we can talk about. We need to get back to watch duty immediately. The elders were wanting to meet with you too. Please hurry to the central tree.”

“Got it. Keep up the good work~”

I waved goodbye to the elf gatekeepers.

We walked straight down the path toward the great tree.

Along the way, Iris quietly asked me:

“Your prediction was spot-on again this time, Yuu-san. It’s as if you know the future.”

“My special skill is fortune-telling. I can tell anything.”

“Then what about my future?”

“…Victory over the Empire and a happy ending. You’ll be thanked by many people.”

Originally it was supposed to be killing me—but I won’t say that.

“When Yuu-san declares it so confidently, I strangely feel like it will come true.”

“I’m a genius fortune-teller after all.”

“That suddenly became fishy.”

“Why’s that? Then I’ll give you another fortune.”

“Another fortune?”

“Whether I’ll be forgiven for groping Iris’s breasts—”

“I’ll kill you.”

“…Heh. I knew it.”

I’m not a child forever.

“Then please put both those hands down. I really will cut you.”

“Yes ma’am.”

I lowered both hands that had been wiggling as instructed.

It was impossible with other people watching, after all. If it were private time, there might be a chance she’d let me touch them.

“You’re not thinking something perverted, are you?”

“N-n-no, nothing like that!?”

“You’re too flustered… good grief.”

Though Iris sighed with a *good grief*, her expression was gentle.

Seeing her profile, I thought my earlier fortune-telling had been fairly well-received.

In fact, she was destined to win. I wouldn’t allow a bad ending.

Moving into the great tree with Iris, who had even started humming softly.

▼△▼

“Welcome, Prince Yuguram and Princess Iris.”

Inside the great tree, the white-bearded elder elf sitting in front of the circular table greeted us as soon as he saw us.

Unlike before, he seemed to have slightly more respect.

“It’s been a while, honored elder of the elf race.”

I also used honorific language following the elder elf’s example.

Beside me, Iris was surprised: “H-honorifics? Yuu-san is using honorifics!?”

I do use proper honorifics with people like Licorice too. I spoke casually before because the first impression was terrible.

“I-it’s been a while, honored elder.”

Iris somehow managed to finish her greeting while still somewhat shocked.

Without criticizing or minding that, the elder elf continued:

“Mm. How were you, Your Highnesses? Were there any problems on your way here?”

“There were. We were mistaken for Imperial soldiers and had arrows shot at us. Fortunately, we’re uninjured.”

“To shoot arrows at Princess Iris… I apologize. Currently, we are engaged in combat with the Empire.”

“So it seems. We heard briefly from the gatekeeper. Might we ask about the damage situation?”

“We elves are few in total number. Already more than a hundred elves have been injured. Some have died in battle as well.”

“! There’s not a moment to spare. If you’d like, please let us cooperate as well.”

“Princess Iris would?”

“Yes. We have subordinates and remaining guards waiting outside. With myself and Yuu-san… Prince Yuguram and our forces, we should be able to sufficiently repel the enemy.”

“Hmm…”

At Iris’s proposal, the elder elf briefly pondered.

Racial animosity and such didn’t matter now. It was trivial.

If they didn’t join hands, there would be even more casualties. Considering that, all the elder elves agreed with Iris’s proposal.

It was unanimously decided to form an alliance.