After we finished our coffee at Amel-san’s house, she offered to show me around the Winged Race’s village since I had come all the way there. I had only seen it from the air, so I was quite interested.
“However, my Sworn Friend. Please do not take offense, but the majority of the Winged Race view you as a noble being who has received the Blessing of Shallow Vernal-sama. I expect they will treat you with the same reverence they would a divine envoy. It might make you feel uneasy, but please understand they mean no harm.”
“I’ll be fine. Thank you for looking out for me, Amel-san.”
“Right... well, since you’re with me, and because they hold you in such high regard, I doubt they’ll try to approach you casually.”
To be honest, I was already somewhat used to that kind of treatment from my time in Rigforresia, so it didn't bother me much. Still, Amel-san seemed genuinely concerned. Perhaps because she herself was the only Special Individual among the Winged Race—and one of the few people in the Human Realm with power on par with the Peerage-class—she was used to being the target of many different kinds of attention. She had been so excited when I arrived, mentioning it was the first time she’d ever invited a friend over. She’d clearly been treated as ‘special’ her whole life, though not in a way that felt like persecution.
“Really, I don't mind. Besides, I'm looking forward to seeing the sights with you.”
“Oh, good! I have so many places I want to show you—Wait! As expected of my Sworn Friend. Your heart remains calm and unshaken. Very well, let us set forth at once!”
Her face lit up again, and I could almost see the illusion of a tail-wagging puppy behind her. She moved behind me. There were no bridges in the Winged Race’s village; given the way the buildings were constructed, it wasn't a place meant for walking. Since I couldn't fly, Amel-san would have to carry me. She scooped me up happily and took flight, giving me a guided tour as we descended at a leisurely pace.
“Directly ahead is the Area Lined with Shops. This is essentially the only commercial district in the village. We have very little contact with the outside world, so there aren't many shops to begin with. However, the brilliance sought by those who dwell here is sufficiently accounted for.”
“It might be small for a village this size, but at least it’s easy to find where to go if you need something. Oh, look... they sell fish too.”
“Many of us are quite fond of fish. However, the Winged Race is known for having very specific, almost extreme likes and dislikes when it comes to food. That’s why there are so many stalls for ingredients. Of course, there are some like me who aren't particularly picky... though I must admit, I find bitter things a bit difficult... Er, I mean—!”
Was being a finicky eater a racial trait? It didn't seem like they all hated the same things; rather, each individual had intense preferences. It was a strange bit of biology. I wasn't sure if they had highly sensitive palates or just idiosyncratic temperaments, but I made a mental note of it.
“Do you do your shopping around here too, Amel-san?”
“No, I rarely shop in the village. There is a reason for it. In our society, the leader’s authority is absolute. Even if I don't wish it, most people believe they must treat the leader with the utmost awe. As a result, many try to offer me their wares as tribute rather than accepting payment. I may be the One Who Reigns with Brilliance, but I have no intention of becoming a tyrant. I know they act out of pure respect and mean no harm, but it casts a shadow over the radiance of my heart.”
I see. As the leader, Amel-san held immense power. To her people, the idea of taking money from her was unthinkable. While she appreciated the gesture, it made her uncomfortable, so she did her shopping elsewhere. With her flight speed, reaching a nearby town was likely a matter of seconds. It wasn't really an inconvenience for her.
“I suppose the Winged Race has a lot of unique perspectives,” I remarked.
“Haha, you could call us stubborn. But we have our good points. Oh, look! That area over there has several general stores and shops for small trinkets.”
“Trinkets? Do they sell Winged Race accessories there?”
“No. Since almost everyone shopping here is a member of the tribe, we don't sell those here. Those accessories are meant for other races. We sell what the world considers our 'Specialties' only to our few trusted trade partners.”
“I see.”
Now that she mentions it, that made sense. Lilia-san had mentioned that you needed a connection to get your hands on their crafts. On the flip side, if you had a contact, you could buy them easily. Amel-san had mentioned sending a representative to negotiate with Lilia-san, so there was clearly someone managing external trade. Still, between the architecture and the culture, everything felt very distinct. Just observing like this was a fresh and enjoyable experience.
Serious-senpai: “As expected of a man who's acquainted with almost all the World's Top Powerholders, and is called the Hero of the Elf Race or the World's Singularity... his composure is on another level. He really doesn't seem to care at all about being treated like a sacred being.”