"Ahhh!... hah, hah..."
"Hey, are you okay, Linne? Let me see your pulse."
From the two adjacent beds lined up, Lucrea's voice was heard, and a warm hand stretched out grabbed my arm.
"... um, it's a little fast, but there's no disturbance. Breathe slowly and deeply."
"Yes... is Lucrea okay?
"I've never had a child before, but I know a little bit about it because I've seen a lot of births. Besides, it looks like you're going to have a baby sooner."
"Really... mmm!
Now, me and Lucrea are about to have a baby at the same time.
This is not a coincidence. We made a deal, so it's a natural consequence in a sense.
Unlike the human race, we have no male contact, so the two interlocking children live together at the same time.
Naturally, the timing of birth is almost the same.
In the pain of giving birth, I remember what happened a year ago...
... that was one year after Yoichi died, when he visited the northern island.
In addition to me and Lucrea, Smith, king of forest elves, and Cananga, king of swamp elves. And the children of Yoichi, and friends such as Toru-sama and Sheila-sama.
She carried it on Sheila's back, and everyone went to the tombs of Yoichi and Kaori-sama.
They serve rice and fish that Westerners loved. They also offered fruit that Kaori-sama liked, and all prayed.
Afterwards, a banquet was held led by Mr. Ichika and Mr. Sheila, and we all flowered into the memories of the two of you and offered our thanks...
And that night.
When Yoichi entered the bed in one of the rooms at the site of the Demon King Castle (and later), and closed his eyes, various memories with Yoichi came back to mind.
― ― The days when I was used as a slave in the inn and hungry to get a satisfactory meal.
Yoichi appeared there. The fact that Kaori-sama's disappearance overlapped with that of her missing sister Rene, and she accidentally saved her.
If you think about it, it was the beginning of everything.
Yoichi took me out into the woods for the first time in a while.
And that's not all. Say it's in return for me, my dream. He promised me that he would realize such a dreamy world where all the elves would be free from the collar of slavery and live freely.
... honestly, at first I thought it was a dream story.
However, Yoichi quickly released Lena and Celeste. And Lucrea found her and let her go.
After that, Mr. Lucrea said that she had joined the thanks for saving Kaori-sama and moved even more energetically. Lucrea freed the mines she was trapped in and used them as a base, freeing many of her friends one after the other.
And even the dream of reunion with Rene, my sister, who had given up that she would never see me again, would come true. He even listened to my selfishness and helped me hunt dangerous dragons to heal Rene's lost arms.
--Eventually, the influence of Westerners spread across the continent. At last, they really realized the liberation of all the Elves.
Not just me. He is a great benefactor for all the Elves.
... how much have I been able to repay for that immeasurable debt?
Yoichi did not like to make himself public. Of course, the majority of the people, even the Elves, are unaware of its existence.
Since it was Western-style's wish in itself, I know the great favor. What could I have done with that great favor?
... Yoichi lived in our village with Kaori-sama after he performed his great deeds. I was living happily ever after.
The fact that I only helped it a little and the smile of Western-style's happy days filled my gratitude a little, but that alone was totally insufficient.
I'll take this. He gave his life many times, but not enough.
That is by no means an exaggeration. It is obvious from what Sulkoth, the sister of the king of forest elves, did.
Master Sulk is here to help his people. And you're risking your life for the possibility that your sister might be saved. He endured thousands of suffering, and travelled to Yoichi, and died while fulfilling his purpose.
... thinking about it, what the hell did I do?
I can see my sister Rene's smile every day, and we can go into the woods and have a good time together.
Millions of elves living all over the continent can live their days in peace without hunger or fear...
I understand that this is not a favor that can be repaid originally. Still, all I could do was move to this village and deliver forest delicacies every day, and after all, I continued to arrange escorts that never appeared.
Even when Yoichi, who lost Kaori-sama, was very depressed. I couldn't do anything even when you said you were going after me.
You've done so much.
Despite all the thanks I've received...
With that in mind, it becomes irresistible. He left the room without being able to sleep very much, and reached his knees (knees) in front of the tomb where Yoichi and Kaori-sama slept. I lowered my head and burst into tears...
... I don't know how long I've been doing that. When I realized it, I was being hugged from behind.
"--Linnet, I know how you feel... but take care of yourself a little bit more. I wouldn't want you to get sick."
The voice was dominated by Lucrea.
When a hand stretched from behind to my body slightly overlaps my hand on my knee (knee).
It was the first time that I realized that my body was completely cold when my hand felt hot enough to burn (burn).
March is the season when the cold begins to loosen, although I, Tatsuyama Elf, am a species that is resistant to the cold. This is the northern island where cold and strong winds blow.
If I stayed out all night, I might have lost my life rather than my disease.
Wrapped in warm luclair's body. I felt a little at ease...
After being hugged in front of the tombs of Westerners. It was Lucrea who was surprisingly aggressive.
"Yoichi was given the way he wanted to live. Finally, you said that you were happy with this... ', and I was comforted. I was taken back to the room where Luclaire and I were in the bedroom, and I sat on the bed and got a drink to warm my body.
For a while afterwards, Lucrea hugged me from behind to keep me warm, but suddenly she said something.
"... hey, Linne, I'm going to be 303 this year. Elves are a long-lived species compared to the human race, but the average lifespan is between 300 and 400 years. In that sense, I am also old enough to think about my life."
…………
"I was destined to be crushed in that mine and dumped in a dump with the scrap ore. I know better than anyone what really happened just before that. It was Yoichi who saved me, and you brought Yoichi here...."
Lucrea said that in a quiet voice and put it aside for a while to take over the word.
"Linnet, if you'd like, could you have a baby with me? If it's the life that you picked up, I also want to inherit it it from the next generation. I've been thinking since Kaori and Yoichi died one after the other and Eina went after her...."
Tell me what Lucrea said. At first I thought you were telling me to cheer myself up.
But when I looked back, Lucrea's expression was serious, and I stopped. And it came to pass that it was from the heart.
... and I thought about what that word meant.
I'm 104 years younger than Lucret, so I'm still 199. I didn't think it was like thinking about life, but it was three times as old as the average human race. Compared to Westerners, they will live more than twice as long.
I love Yoichi's children. Thinking about Yomi and Ichika, Lena and Celeste made children a while ago. I thought of the children.
... we all looked sad when we lost Yoichi. Among them, they comfort each other and share their grief.
I had my sister, Rene, and Lucrea and the others.
I think it is the same that we moaned together and shared our sorrow. I don't suppose you filled the empty void in my heart right now.
... if I had a child, how much would you fill in this gap?
Will you make this chest ache slightly less painful?
--I thought it would be nice to have a child for that, but my life isn't forever.
I'm going to die one day. If I die, will Westerners be forgotten at the same time?
When I thought so, I became very frightened.
No matter how much the person wanted, I can't believe I've forgotten the great benefactor for the Elves. Is that okay with you? No, it can't be good.
When I came up with the idea, I had my own child. I really wanted a presence that would continue to protect the tombs of Yoichi and Kaori-sama by telling me about Yoichi.
... even if I don't do that, Sheila will keep remembering the facts for thousands or tens of thousands of years.
Eina may be keeping a secret record.
--But it was we, the Elves, who benefited greatly.
There is no way that the elf tribe could forget about it.
Even if it's a one-child legacy, it keeps talking about Westerners. Isn't it a minimum responsibility for us to come to the tomb once a year?
... to be honest, even though I've been called King of Mountain Elves, I didn't really feel like it, but is this exactly what I was given the status of King of Mountain Elves to do?
When I thought about it, there was one determination in me.
And when I think about who I'm going to be. Mr. Lucrea, who had a deep relationship with Yoichi and helped me many times, could be said to be the perfect person.
... and personal circumstances. Lucrea, who is holding me right now and putting his hands on top of me, is very warm. It feels so comfortable that it can't be said.
Direct warmth, of course, but somehow from inside the body. It feels like it's warming up deep inside my heart.
It melts the frozen winter snow. It felt like a calm spring sun...
"Mr. Lucrea....."
--Squeeze it like that and grab my hand back. It was a year ago that I hugged each other and lay down my body.
And now, me and Lucrea are all about to have a baby.
Births are as painful and painful as they were told, but many young elf doctors and pharmacists taught and raised by Lucrea will take care of them. Outside the room, you'll find your sister Rene, her elves, and Yoichi's children. A lot of people are gathering and worrying about us.
And it was more comforting than anything to have Lucrea next door to me.
... I've never actually seen it before, but before the Elves were liberated by Yoichi. They say that they were 'breeding' elves to enslave them on a ranch made by a tribe of people.
I have heard the elves who were there crying and talking to me many times.
He was beaten with a stick and forced to mate unwanted. She gives birth to a child in a chain, and is pulled apart without being able to hold the child.
And I'm being crossed again to have my next child... It was said that such terrible things were repeated constantly.
Some people were mentally ill in a hellish environment.
Compared to that, what a happy thing I am now. When I say it's hard, I'm sorry to see people who have really had a hard time.
"... uu, uuuuuuu..."
The next moment I thought a wave of great pain was coming. You can feel your body relaxing, and you can hear your baby crying for a while.
Lucrea said, "Good luck," and a loud cheer was heard outside the room.
... a medical apprentice (according to Lucrea), who has been accompanying me for a while, gently gives me a baby wrapped in cloth.
― ― Watching the baby cry cheerfully in her arms. Once again, I would like to thank Yoichi for creating a world where elf children can be blessed and born. I wept at the joy of giving my child love....
It's been a year since me and Lucrea had a child. We are now on the northern island where Yoichi and Kaori-sama sleep.
"Ilia Ilua, you have to come."
"Yes"
Me and Mr. Lucrea's kids. Yoichi and Kaori-sama lowered their heads in front of their tombs and chanted their prayers.
You two, my kid is "Iliacess." Lucrea's child was named 'Il Assessment'.
I got a letter from Yoichi. With the acronyms Ringnays and Lucrea, the assessment is an old word that means "bond" or "connection."
Lucrea thought about it, but I think it's a good name.
Because the children of the Elves only grow up in the first year and the children of the tribe grow up in a month. They both look like adults, and I remember the words.
It was difficult to raise a child for the first time. Lena and Celeste, who meet senpai, tell me a lot. My sisters grew up close and healthy.
I asked Lucret, "Do you still want your kids to learn medicine and pharmacy? And I said," If you want. "I don't feel compelled to do anything."
I agree with that. Ilia needs to succeed the King of the Mountain Elves in the future, but when it comes to the king's work, it's not that much to do.
I come here once a year to visit my grave. Exchange of information and exchange of information between the three tribes of the Elf, usually far away, and exchange of letters with the king of the tribal kingdom once every six months. All you have to do is keep talking about Yoichi and spend most of your days like regular elves.
In fact, I work for the king for about 10 days a year.
Previously, Listella visited me regularly, but he also died. Only deals are made administratively with the people's country.
Perhaps the King will be here if anything happens, but the way in which Eina and Listella made the most of their deals has never been a problem.
So Ilia usually finds something she's good at. I suppose you would normally do it.
I will guide you on the same hunting path as I do, but I will guide you on other paths.
...... Nevertheless, Lena and Celeste's children, born last year, seem to be interested in the same clothing and wood processing as their parents. Sometimes I see a sight that I am familiar with.
Lena and Celeste's parents and children also participated in this tomb visit. Parents said it was still possible, but the children were offering their own clothes and woodwork in front of the tomb.
Especially Lena's children seem to have a strong yearning for Kaori, who was good at making clothes. She stared at the handmade clothes worn by Sheila, who had returned to her appearance. Sheila was a little annoyed by stroking and pulling, but I want you to do your best.
... in retrospect, my mother was also good at hunting. I also hear that Lucrea's mother was a doctor and pharmacist.
It will naturally happen because it is the closest thing to me. If you imagine going into the woods with Ilia, your face will unexpectedly collapse.
Ultimately, it's up to the mother to imagine things like this...
... thinking so much, I'm after Yoichi's death. I noticed a smile that I had never seen before, and it made me happy.
And I understand that this means having a child. Once again, I felt the warmth in my heart.
(Yoichi. Please keep an eye on us from now on.....)
That's how I snuggled in my heart. After lowering his head deeply toward the tomb, he gathered the children and headed to the basement of the Demon King Castle site.
--At the banquet afterwards. In the bed before bed. I told the children about Yoichi.
I will not say anything that smells of sermons such as "Thank you very much." It's enough to simply tell the truth as it is.
Ilia, Ira, and Lena and Celeste's children. He makes his eyes shine, sometimes moisturizes them with tears, and listens to the hero Yutan as if he were eating.
In this state, it seems like there will be children who will carry on the story of Yoichi besides Ilia.
... somehow besides the kids. To Lena, Celeste, Smith, Cananga, and Lucrea, Yomi and Ichika. Toru-sama and Sheila-sama have gathered together to listen to me, but I'm sure everyone misses Yoichi.
Sometimes I get emotional and cry when I'm talking.
Yoichi's great work is very difficult to tell in one day, so I will tell the children about it every year. I will tell them about it carefully in about 100 years.
I don't want to spread it to many people because Yoichi didn't want it, but just a few people. I think it's necessary to tell the truth...
... I talked to the place where it was cut. While the children were sleeping, the adults seemed to have returned to the banquet.
The children breathed beautifully. That happy sleeping face heals (no) me and fills me with happiness.
... a year ago, I think. I lay down with Lucrea in this place and dressed Ilia.
When I think about it, it kind of lights up and makes my face feel hot.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Yeah... Linne... you too..."
The Lord of Voices is Lucrea. He has a glass of alcohol in his hand and seems to be getting pretty drunk.
Normally, I said, "Lucrea, you've been drinking too much," and took the liquor. I almost put him to bed, but today is a special day.
I take the glass and gently mouth it.
A fruit liquor made by fermenting toe fruit, which Lucrea loves.
With the sweet fragrance, you can feel the liquid passing through your throat and sinking into your stomach.
Lucrea fell asleep in line with Ilia and Ira. The two of them laughed joyfully with their heads in their arms, and began to breathe.
... the two of them suddenly have a cramped bed, which seems a little annoying.
I picked up a blanket from the bed that Lucret was supposed to sleep in and hung it on Lucret. Gently remove the glasses and place them on the side table.
... with Lucrea sleeping happily with the two children on their sides. After a few moments of moaning, the children fell asleep in a position like they were hugging Lucrea's arm.
It's a happy sight to think it's a dream.
(... Yoichi. Thanks to you, we can be blessed again, have children, and grow up in happiness. Thank you very much. Don't forget to take a look at this peaceful world you've given us. Please take a look....)
I swore that vow again in my heart. The tears of happiness that always appeared in my eyes were gently wiped off by my fingertips...