My name is Rigne. I am a High Elf warrior.
I was a fighter. In a one-on-one duel, I would never lose. Even against a multitude, I was invincible so long as I could draw them into the forest. Furthermore, I was surrounded by dependable High Elf warriors of my own. We numbered fewer than a hundred, yet I truly believed we could overcome an army of ten thousand.
That was my hubris.
Our enemies were not mere targets who would stand still and let themselves be struck by arrows. They were clever. They manipulated and dismantled the other elf tribes under our rule, eventually uncovering the location of the very things we were sworn to protect.
We were only strong in the forest because we could move freely. We would hide our charges deep within the woods and toy with our pursuers. But once the location of our sanctuary was compromised, our freedom of movement vanished.
My companions were struck down or captured one after another. Still, we bought time—time for the children to escape. Once I confirmed that not a single child remained, I charged the enemy head-on.
At the time, I was prepared to die. Whether it was good luck or bad luck that I survived, I cannot say. Though, perhaps it was good luck after all.
"Grandmother?"
Because now, I can hold my grandson in my arms.
Oh, he is so big. Five years old, is he? Yes, yes. You did well, Ria. Not just in motherhood, but in the skill it must have taken to gather the scattered High Elves. Well done.
Hm? What are you worried about? Revenge against the humans who attacked the village, or the elves who betrayed us?
Hahaha. Rest easy. I am not thinking of revenge at this late stage. Oh, I considered it for the first ten or twenty years. But after a century or two passes, one simply... well, surviving each day took everything I had. Besides, I have already taken my vengeance on those who stood out. I am fine.
Hahaha. That reminds me, did you hear about the survivors of those traitorous elves? Apparently, they incurred the wrath of a dragon and were wiped out. They hid on some island in fear of me and had the gall to call themselves the "Elf Empire." Serves them right.
Hm? What is it? Why that hesitant look on your face? It is a funny story. Why don't you laugh with me? Hahaha.
Yes. I have calmed down now.
Currently, Ria is guiding me to meet the Village Head, with Lilius in tow. Greeting the leader is only natural. However, there is something I must confirm first.
"What exactly are those Inferno Wolves that completely overwhelmed me back there?"
I could do nothing against them. What was worse, I could tell they were holding back. A single Inferno Wolf is a calamity in its own right, yet there were ten of them. That is hardly fair.
"They are the village Security Team," Ria explained. "Since you radiated bloodlust when you arrived, Mother, they likely reacted to the threat."
"I was told this was not a village for our kind alone. I assumed that meant you had been subjugated by another."
When I imagined my daughter and my people being forced into a life of humiliation, a bit of murderous intent was bound to leak out.
"We live here as members of this village," Ria corrected firmly. "We have not been forced into the humiliating lifestyle you are imagining."
"That is a relief to hear. Now, where is this child's father? If the boy is five, the man must still be alive. I need to... put him in his place. Make sure he knows not to cross you."
"Mother. Lilius’s father is the leader of those Inferno Wolves."
"..................Ria. You... with a beast?"
"If you weren't my mother, I would have kicked you for that."
"I see, so I am mistaken. Good. But you said he was the leader of the Inferno Wolves?"
"Lilius’s father is the Village Head, Lord Hiraku. He is just ahead."
We arrived at the Village Head's Mansion. In the guest room where Ria led me, several people were gathered, but only one was a man.
"............Is he not a human?"
"He is human. He is also the leader of the Inferno Wolves. That is simply the way of things."
"...I see. A being one must never defy. And the women beside him? Are you not his wife?"
"Those are Lady Lulushi and Lady Tia."
"............Those names? Don't tell me... the Vampire Princess and the Annihilation Angel?"
"Indeed. Both of them wed Lord Hiraku before I did."
"I-I see. And those intimidating ones over there?"
"Lady Hakuren and Lady Lastismoon. They are dragons. They are also both Lord Hiraku's wives."
...
I need to calm down. No, I need to keep observing. On the opposite side of the Village Head’s group...
"Is that man over there not the image of the Demon King?"
"He is the Demon King. He is a friend of Lord Hiraku and visits every few days."
"..."
"The man next to him is Dragon King Dos. The woman further back holding the child is Lady Raimeiren; she is Lord Dos's wife and Lady Hakuren's mother. She is the dragon who destroyed the Elf Empire we mentioned earlier. She did so because they sank the ship of Lord Hiichiro—the son of the Village Head and Lady Hakuren. The child she is holding now is Lord Hiichiro."
............
Just what kind of place is this? A village in the middle of the Forest of Death? I thought the stories were a joke, but it truly exists.
The beastman child who told me of this place and the demon man who brought me here... they both said it repeatedly: the Village Head is incredible.
I see now. This place is far beyond the reach of my common sense.
Er... first things first.
"Ria. I apologize for my bloodlust from earlier. Please convey to the Village Head that I harbor no ill will toward this village whatsoever."
"Leave it to me."
"Also, are there any other individuals I should be wary of, aside from those you mentioned?"
"Everyone."
"Eh?"
"If anyone here gets hurt, it will sour the Village Head's mood. Please be extremely careful."
...
"I heard a beastman child named Bron is from this village. Does that include him as well?"
"It does. Oh, and by the way, those Inferno Wolves you saw earlier aren't all of them. There are many more, so please don't be startled. Speaking of surprises, look up. Those are the children of the Demon Spiders. Wave to them, please."
...
I should probably apologize for capturing Bron as well. This is... a lot to take in.
"I am glad you understand the situation," Ria said. "Now, the Village Head is waiting. Let us go and greet him. And please, let go of Lilius. He is not a shield."
Umu. I have steeled my resolve.
I do not know what the future holds for me, but I can at least be happy that my daughter has managed to blend into such a ferocious pack.
And then, there is that nostalgic face that has been grinning at me for a while now.
Malbit.
Even you are here? Is it only a temporary visit? It doesn't matter. Swallowing my pride, I beg of you: please advocate for me. We are friends, aren't we? I'll apologize for calling you an insidious angel five hundred years ago.