The Peerless Kobold - Chapter 140
As Aristia and Lenaide led the way, we passed the Forest of Wandering and saw some Obsidian Elves with wheat-colored skin and silver hair farming the patches of cultivated land along the way.
Basically, there was enough land on the outskirts of the city to feed the population. There is a rule of thumb as to how the land is spread out: the closer to the city, the more delicate crops are cultivated, and the further away, the more robust crops that do not require frequent care are cultivated.
However, the most striking view of all was the World Tree, which could be seen from a distance.
“Wafaa, vawurugau~ Kyuuh♪” (Fuwaah, that’s such a huge tree~ Look, big brother♪)
“Wau… “ [Yeah…]
My younger sister excitedly exclaimed as she gazed up at the towering World Tree, while both Buster and Ax beside her seemed confused by the distance as they also gazed up at the enormous tree.
“Garuoouaaon… Guua.” (It’s impressive how close it looks from this distance…)
“Waoou.” (I agree.)
… Even I, who was a former desert dweller, could not help but become deeply moved upon seeing the World Tree for the first time.
My homeland, the desert country of Athos, had coastal plains and hills that ran along a large inland sea that served as a point of connection with the western countries. While there are rainfall areas in mountain ranges that allow for farming, approximately 40% of the country is desert. So of course, there was no such thing as a World Tree there either.
“What do you think? The World Tree “Aion” (Eternity) in the Royal City of Elfast is the tallest tree in the ancient forest, standing at about 250 meters!”
The Elven Guard Knight triumphantly told us about the World Tree that caught our attention as she puffed up her chest that seemed small for her race.
“…I’ve only been away for a little over a month, but I still get emotional at the sight of the World Tree.”
As I snuck a glance, I saw that Aristia was looking fondly at the World Tree.
“Guruuaooou garuaaa, woa…” (Nothing’s going to be done if we just stand around here. Shall we go?)
“Yes, I suppose we should.”
As we walked along the road leading to the Royal Capital, we occasionally caught the gazes of the Obsidian Elves engaged in farm work as we headed toward the still distant World Tree.
“… Ruvoruan, kuaruoua woruau.” [… Doesn’t it seem like there are only a few Elves working compared to the farming area?]
“Ah, that’s because most of the Obsidian Elves have been participating in the protest rallies which resulted in them neglecting their farming duties.”
Aristia followed up with another question after Lenaide answered my query.
“What is the situation and scope of the protest rallies compared to before?”
“Hmm, well the scale of the protests itself is getting larger, but thanks to Lady Eliza’s efforts, it does not feel like it will turn into another riot.”
Initially, the protests and demonstrations were led by a couple of dissatisfied Obsidian Elves, and the faction of reform moderates rallied other members of their clan to demand peace and equality.
However, it gave rise to the reform extremists’ idea of willingly using force and it gained power among its followers, which resulted in a fear of insurgency for a while, but….
The one who suppressed it was the current Prime Minister’s daughter, Eliza, as she united the conservative moderates after the loss of their leader, former Prime Minister Delphys, and supported the reform moderates who were in turmoil after Minister Marcus’ assassination.
At present, Lenaide says that the moderates, whose core members were from the Obsidian Elf clan, were becoming the mainstream faction on the reformists’ side.
“I see… Well, I did know that Elaine was one of those scheming types.”
“…That’s quite a harsh assessment, Lady Aristia.”
“No, I can only say this upfront because we are friends who are close in age.”
(…It truly is different when you have a friend who is closer to your age.)
As I nodded in agreement with Aristia’s opinion, Buster, who was beside me, asked,
“Garuon, gurua.” (What’s the matter, Chief?)
“Guu, garuuo.” [It’s nothing.]
I replied and continued to listen in on the elf girls’ conversation.
“If that is the case, then things are under control for now… Rather, I’m worried about the outburst of the reform extremists who are losing control of the situation. I get the impression that they have already gone too far to turn back.”
“Minister Marcus’ assassination is still under investigation, but the attack on the Central Assembly and the violence during the protests are definitely their work…”
Well, since they’ve already caused casualties and damage, it can’t be helped that they are held responsible for it. They won’t be able to back out now…
“U, kyuan wafa?” (Uh, big brother, what’s that?)
“Woa… Vanguru.” (That’s… The castle.)
