OKIH 43

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Chapter 43

Do Dark Elves belong to another race or are they fairies?

They tend to be confused with demons by the humans, but the truth is actually much simpler.

"Dark Elves are halflings born with other races. When Elves have mixed blood, their skin turns brown, and you can immediately tell"

"Eeh, so that's a Dark Elf. Ah, is that guy also one?"

The Dark Elf-san nodded while stroking the Round one's fur.

"Yes, he's a halfling from a beastman. It's probably the case under all the fur, but you can't tell unless you shave everything off"

She explains to me jokingly.

Led by the Dark Elf-san, we were heading towards the exit of the barrier.

It seems that you can get out by walking through the correct path in the forest, but Elves really like instricate workmaship.

"Please be careful, If you make a mistake in the directions, you will be lost forever"

"Scary!"

So we've arrived at the Elf Village.... but before anything else,  we stopped at the entrance of the Village, and were brought to a hut. We were asked to wait there.

We quietly waited for a few minutes, and the Dark Elves changed their armor into normal clothes.

"I'm sorry, we are not allowed to be armed inside the village"

"Gau"

Though they were wearing ordinary clothes, but it had a thick blue collar which seemed quite solid. It looked like a military uniform.

But different from the armor, you can discern the body much better but...... it's amazing how you can tell.

Mainly around the chest area.

So this is a Dark Elf huh...... different from Elves, isn't this quite overwhelming.

A strong Elf's slender image doesn't show, but it's a supreme beauty allowed by being a Dark Elf.

The parts that show are out, and the parts that should be hidden are not. The tempered body and the glamourous style combined with the dark skin - create a wild and dignified charm.

"Thank you ...... I'm moved!"

"...... what happened to him?"

The Dark Elf-san was baffled when I was clenching my fist, but Kawazu-san and the rest were used to it.

"He's just being an idiot. Don't mind it"

"Those eyes look like they're thinking of something evil"

Tonbo-chan, don't look at me like trash.

That isn't the case at all.

From a mere artistic point of view, I was just moved by the beautiful miracle that nature had given birth to.

In any case, the Round one was bouncy in that military uniform, and looks like a stuffed toy in every angle.

Yup, you can really see the Elves' high cultural standard.

But something entered my eyes.

It was on the Dark Elf-san's nech and on the Round one's feet, a black accessory that I've seen before.

Thought it bothered me, but I musn't touch it. You shouldn't just solve each and every thing, since this is a place with it's own rules.

"Then let me reintroduce myself, I will be your guide in the Village, *****. Please excuse us of the inconvenience earlier"

The Dark Elves said so and went on a knee, lowering their heads in regret. It looked like a formal salute, and they first apologized to Sailor Soldier.

But Sailor Soldier was flustered, rapidly shaking her head.

"Um, likewise. But you're very strong, aren't you. I don't know what would've happened without that pendant"

"No. You also have wonderful skills. If we continued like that, we would've lost"

People who have chosen the way of the sword seemed to have a mutual understanding, as they shook hands and praised each other for a fight well fought.

Ah, but blood vessels are popping on their hands.

"I won't lose next time, you know?" (SS)

"Just what I'd wish for" (D-elf)

I could hear some strained sounds from the handshake and looking at it, ah, I feel like I'm seeing the dark side of sportsmanship. It's the feeling of frustration from them.

"Well then, you two! This may be sudden, but lets think of a nickname for the two of you!"

I intented to change the atmosphere as well as continue the tradition of bestowing nicknames.

If they're going to show us around town after this, we'll be together for a considerable amount of time. It would be troublesome if we can't agree on what to call them for the sake of communication.

"Ah, you're doing this after all"

Obviously, but Sailor Soldier had a slightly averse look when she said that.

"What could this be about?"

I kindly assured the confused Dark Elf.

"Nothing much, I just though of giving the two of you a nickname"

"...... a nickname, is it?"

However, she still seems to be puzzled by my suggestion.

That's right, a nickname isn't something that you just make and bestow.

"You really don't want?"

I would usually do it regardless, but I tried asking this time, and the Dark Elf-san blushed for some reason.

"No...... that's not the case. But making a nickname for me...... is a first time"

Oh my, this is unexpected.

But it means that she's not against it.

I nodded in assurance, and cleared my throat with a cough.

"Well then, it may be presumptuous but I shall make your first nickname then"

But for a first nickname, there are many traps that should be avoided.

Then what will it be?

Will it be something like Long Ears-san?

No, thinking that I might have to make another one from amongst the Elves, physical features aren't good.

If that's the case, the first thing that comes to mind would be the first impression with that armor?

That impact was really worthy so...... good, I've decided!

"Then, Naito-san"

When I named her, she had a blank expression.

"Naito?"

"Yes, Naito-san. Yes, calling you that feels nice"

Isn't it quite the proper nickname, coming from me? 

It's easy to understand.

Just when I was about to praise myself, there was an unexpected protest.

It really felt quite unexpected since the one who opened her mouth was Sailor Soldier.

"...... there's meaning! Isn't it too much of a code-switch!" (T/N: kime = chimera in a language sense, only in THIS context = borrowed word = code switching in linguist talk. I think it flows better than 'chimera'.)

I wonder what she meant.

But it really doesn't feel too much of a code-switch, I attached 'to' (Knight/Naito) at the end so it feels more Japanese.

"What is it, Sailor Soldier. Isn't it a good nickname? A, have you noticed? There's the armor but the second meaning is 'night', so Dark Elf-ish right?"

When I proudly announced this thought process, there didn't seem to be any problem.

Sailor Soldier had a complicated expression, her conflicted face looked like her back teeth were stuck together by caramel.

"That's not what matters! Me! Sailor Soldier! It should be more ......anyway, are you fine with that!? When it was my turn, Kawazu-san also said a lot of things, didn't he!"

My line of sight momentarily met with Kawazu-san's.

And as if coming to an understanding with just some blinking, Kawazu-san made a confused face.

"...... isn't it pretty alright?"

"It's good right? Naito-san"

"Ah, whatever! You cooperate well in weird things!"

Kawazu-san nodded with an air like he doesn't know what's going on.

But there still something she's dissatisfied with, Sailor Soldier 'kuh!' and growled,

"Let's see! ...... for example, Brown-san!"

"I feel like problems will arise if I call her based on something like skin color"

"Where! ...... then um, what about Big Breast-san!"

"...... very problematic. Even for girls"

"I-it's not like I mind it that much but! But consider it more! It should have the flavour of being exquisitely harassed! Isn't that more your style?"

"Eeh, that's not true (perk)" (T/N: ahoge......?)

This time the dragonfly gently patted the wounded, vexed Sailor Soldier.

"...... don't push it anymore. It's over, just give up"

Sailor Soldier looked as if she was terribly betrayed, and crumbled on the spot.

"Well then, it's decided, Naito-san"

"It's a bit embarrasing, isn't it"

A first nickname has a special feel to it, for some reason.

Naito-san was shy and timidly placed her hand behind her neck. It's really something like that.

"Ahaha, you'll get used to being called that way, like us! Right, Sailor Soldier!"

"...... it's not Sailor Soldier. And don't shake me"

Hm, ended up being bullied. A little too bullied.

"But the problem is the Round one, huh......"

Going on, I looked at the Round guy standing at the side, looking excited for some reason. I made a noise.

"What is it, don't you think he's more distinctive than the Dark Elf girl?"

Indeed as Kawazu-san says, as halfling from a bear beastman and elf that looks like s short and stout bear, he's a treasure trove for unique characteristics.

"But to honestly speak my mind, I can't think of anything but To--ro......" 

It was a problem for me.

"That's...... is there are problem with it?"

"Ah it's fine. 'Cause it's this story"

But I can't help but hesistate.

I'm troubled, it's troubling and weird but I decided to go with the name that stuck to my head.

"Since we're going with Japanese style, we can just go with Kuma Emon. Is it fine with the Bear?"

"...... I wonder about that?"

The beat-uo Sailor Soldier seemed to have recovered during my easy naming.

Yup. Only a Japanese can understand this nuance.

"Gau! Gaugau!"

But the person himself was unexpectedly eager, so we decided to shut our mouths.

"Hm? 'It's good since the it's similar to the ancestor's?' well if you like it then this is good"

Why bother feeling bad about it if the person concered likes it himself.

People in the past were named like this.

Since we've decided on the nicknames, I suppose we should enter the Elf Village.

"Then, we're counting on you not to stray from our side"

When the Dark Elves changed, Naito-san walked near the hut.

And her figure disappeared from there.

We were surprised but we followed her, then suddenly our scenery changed.

The first thing we saw was a white tower.

Then similarly white buildings stood, along the beautiful streets.

There are a lot of long-eared elves in town, and the white village seems to be liveky and vibrant.

"Well then, I have to invite you to the Elven Village but......"

Naito-sa stopped to explain things about the town, but along with her normal explanation, you can hear that her state of mind isn't present.

With the great initial excitement, we inhaled and took a look at the unfamiliar town.

"Sightseeing first!"

"That's right! Do you know about a restaurants with good food?"

"No here, souvenirs of course. Do you know anywhere with good accessories?"

"Naito...... Kuma Emon...... Sailor Soldier...... which then which?"

"Um, let's see. First is accomodations right......"

Naito-san was pushed around with our enthusiam.

Kuma Emon was just shaking his head, telling her to give it up.

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