Hero Stories: An Elf's Initiation

That's enough! What do you think you're doing?!

Quiet, you. Get out of my way if you don't want to be burned along with your forest.

Kyaaaaa!

This is my final warning. Explain yourself!

Explain myself? You're in no position to demand anything from me, when you're the people who came and settled down on somebody else's land without permission!

The landlord who owns this area told us to do it. He's planning to burn the forests and use the land for agriculture.

What do you mean, "owns this area"? How can land and trees belong to someone?

Elves may not think they can, but Humans certainly do!

If you've got a problem with that, go back to where you belong instead!

What should we do, Iseria?

...They said the landlord will allow us to stay if we pay him money, so for now I guess that's all we can do.

But...how will we earn enough?

...Why don't we just go back to Dun Blyraia?

I know we're deserters...but I'm sure they won't turn us away.

You're right, that might be the only choice we have left now.

I won't go. After all we went through back then...I can't. I don't want to be reminded of that nightmare.

Well I do want to go back. I miss my friends... I miss home.

Whether to go back or not is a choice you can only make for yourselves. I'll leave it up to each of you.

A decade ago, we were forced to fight the Archdemon without the Heir of the Covenant. For us Elves, it was nothing short of a massacre.

Our home, Dun Blyraia, was violated. Countless Elves were killed.

I couldn't bear to keep watching everyone dying, so I gave up fighting and escaped with a group of other Elves.

I left behind so many, still fighting, as they held onto hope until the very end. Including Saria...

Even though I was the one with a duty as an Heir to fight against the Archdemon's forces. I have no right to expect to be welcomed back.

I need to find a way...not just for me, but for those who are relying on me.

This is all I've earned from a whole day's work... Making money really isn't easy.

I don't know much about Human currency, but even I can tell this won't be enough to pay the landlord.

Is there anything else I can do...?

Hmm... Judging by those ears, I suppose she really must be an Elf.

See, I told you. Why do you never believe me?

Hello? Would you like to buy some herbs?

I'm not interested in your grass. I have a job for you.

A...job?

We've been looking for someone who can guide us through the forest at night.

Then we heard a rumor about there being an Elf around here with a natural talent for that kind of thing, so we hurried over.

Do you think you could help us? We'll make it worth your while.

Hmm... Alright. I think I can manage that.

Really? Thank you so much!

*chuckling*... Then come find us back here after sunset.

But don't tell anyone about this, understand?

...? ...I understand.

You really came.

Where do you need to go?

We have a map. We're here right now...and we need to get to this spot marked in red.

Very well. Follow me.

Do you mind if I ask why you two need to be going through the forest in the middle of the night?

Well...

It's none of her business. She's not one of us.

...He's right. We need you to get us where we want to go, and that's all you need to know.

Hmm, they're acting a little suspiciously...

Are you sure this Elf doesn't know anything? Wouldn't it have been better to bring Kluri along?

Do you think I didn't ask her first? She said it sounded like too much work.

I don't know, she keeps asking questions. I don't like it...

Don't worry. If things go awry or she tries anything, I'll deal with it.

One little Elf is no match for me! *chuckling*

Anyway, if worse comes to worst, we have Cartuja...

You were just going to let him handle everything, weren't you?

...Was I that obvious?

Never! Why trust anyone else when I have my best friend right here beside me?

...Do you mean that?

I was just thinking we could frame it all on him if anything happens.

Hahaha, look at you! Sometimes you're even meaner than me!

Not to mention, he's far too principled to sell us out.

We can make full use of him, and then get out scot-free *chuckling*...

Humans used to live here...? I didn't expect to find a place like this in the middle of the forest.

Hey, hurry up. Move!

Stop whining! What if it breaks?!

I wonder what they're doing... Seems like they're burying things.

You look flustered. I suppose it's only natural, nobody really explained anything to you.

You all seem so busy, do you need help?

Oh, no, you've done enough bringing us here.

I won't ask you any more than what we agreed to.

Here's your money. Now, would you mind taking us back, please?

...Okay.

I've earned quite a lot now, I wonder if this is enough to buy the forest...

Is that her?

Yes, sir!

Who... Who are you...?

You're under arrest.

Wait, what are you, Let go of me!

I told you everything I know, so let me off just this one time, huh? I swear, I had no idea what they were doing! I was just moving stuff for them!

There's no use begging me. You committed a crime on Ezeran territory, so we'll take you to the castle.

Nooooooo!

I had no idea I was helping with a crime. I thought Cartuja was a righteous, honest person.

I knew something didn't feel right, but I was blinded by the money they offered...

How serious must this crime be in the eyes of a Human? The others will worry if I'm not back soon...

*gasping* S-Sir Charles! What brings you here...?

I have somebody to see, so if you'll excuse me...

So the rumor was true.

I remember seeing you from a distance during the Archdemon War. You're Zeaon's Heir.

...Ever since I ran away from the war, he doesn't answer me.

What kind of an Heir am I when I can't even summon my Guardian?

You're still an Elf. What are you doing getting caught up in these kinds of crimes?

I...needed money.

...So that's what happened.

Even if I wasn't aware what was happening, I'm still guilty of helping them. I'm willing to pay for my crimes.

If you insist...

How about you make up for it by working for me?

Excuse me?

Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot to properly introduce myself.

I'm Charles Sharon, commander of Ezera's Order of the Sword.

And you want me to join?

I told you already... I ran away from my duty, and was abandoned by my Guardian.

I don't think you want me.

I contacted Dun Blyraia to inform them about an Elf committing crimes in Ezera.

The Elder knew exactly who you were, Iseria.

Saria...

She told me you successfully evacuated a great number of young and wounded Elves.

That doesn't sound like running away from your duty to me.

The Elder agreed with me as well. She was full of praise for your character and abilities.

...

Even if you're unable to summon your Guardian, you still possess the power of an Heir.

I believe all these things, your power, experience, responsibility, and skills in command, will serve the Order of the Sword very well.

Not to mention, if you make a considerable contribution, you will be granted land and a title.

Land for your fellow Elves to live...

Land...

...Okay. I will be happy to join the Order of the Sword.

Fantastic. Since those stolen relics were all fakes anyway, I'm sure getting you out of this won't be so difficult.

I'll call for you once it's time for the knighting ceremony.

Ugh, dammit. This is so unfair.

What's wrong?

That Elf girl is getting on my nerves! She never listens!

Oh, you mean that Elf Sir Charles likes so much?

That's the one! All I've been doing since I joined the Order is mop floors!

I'll have to teach her a lesson sometime.

Hey, hey, calm down. Violence within the Order is strictly banned. You'll be kicked out.

Don't worry. I won't do anything like that.

But we'll be having a tournament soon. What if I show her how it's done then?

Ah, I can't wait. I've never looked forward to a tournament this much before.

Today is a meaningful day for all our orders. You have gathered here to exhibit and improve your abilities.

The winner will receive a very special reward, so please give your all.

*cheering*

I officially announce this tournament open!

Round one, match seven! A rookie from the Order of the Sword! Lady Iseria Arisphodel!

And her opponent, Sir Crozet Morbihan of the Order of the Shield!

I hope we can have a good match, Sir Crozet.

As do I.

And the winner is...Lady Iseria, from the Order of the Sword!

*panting*

You were a worthy opponent, Sir Crozet.

I'm impressed. How have I not heard of you before now, when your swordsmanship is so incredible?

I will never forget this match or your name, and devote myself fully to my training.

I look forward to our next meeting.

Round two, match three! Lady Iseria Arisphodel of the Order of the Sword!

And her opponent, Lady Cermia Ranka of the Order of the Sword!

Umm... Lady Cermia? Is Lady Cermia here?

Lady Cermia will not be participating today. I am here to fight in her stead.

Allow me to introduce myself! I am Bolet, a Tirel Castle Royal Guard.

I see. I look forward to our match.

Hmph, don't expect me to go easy on you. Just like my hero Sir Vildred, I will make my name as the youngest winner of this tournament!

Dancing Blade!

And the winner is...Lady Iseria, of the Order of the Sword!

Ack... I guess not everyone can be like Sir Vildred...

That wasn't a bad match.

S-Sir Charles? How did you... Did I impress you? Are you here to recruit me?!

I'm sorry... Although it's very tempting...I cannot join the Order of the Sword! I must wait here until Sir Vildred comes back!

Oh, well then there's no need to worry... I'm not here for you.

Then why...?

I've been watching your matches, Lady Iseria, and I cannot help but notice you appear to be going easy on your opponents.

This tournament was held to raise morale, I didn't want to cause them unnecessary frustration.

It was also meant as a showcase of everyone's abilities.

If you don't show your true self, everyone will only remember you by what they've seen today.

But seeing how easily you defeated Sir Crozet, I believe there is no knight here more talented than yourself.

So why don't you show everyone how good you are by having a friendly match with me?

...!

It's an honor to fight you, I will do my best.

You don't even pretend to back off.

I like that. Your strong-headed and honest personality is your biggest strength.

Ummm...there will be a surprise bonus match. Lady Isera will be facing her commander, Sir Charles of the Order of the Sword!

*cheering*

Pick up your sword, Lady Iseria!

Yes, sir!

Did she really just...beat Sir Charles?!

Don't be ridiculous, he obviously went easy on her.

But she really is incredible. I couldn't even follow her sword with my eyes.

So I was right. You are going to be a worthy knight of the Order of the Sword.

Why did you stop in the middle of the match?

You're the one who said everyone remembers you by what they see today...

They all know how good I am. I don't need to prove my swordsmanship.

You, on the other hand, are a brand new recruit.

I hope now they will refrain from talking about you so harshly.

So you only offered to duel me because of them?

I don't care what they say.

Let me tell you something, Lady Iseria. A tree standing too straight against the wind will eventually break.

I hope to see you around here for a long time yet.

Today has been a meaningful opportunity for me to witness your bravery myself.

I hope you all maintain this same standard of hard work going forward.

And now for our winner. Lady Iseria Arisphodel, please step forward.

Your Majesty.

I, Queen Diene Tali of Ezera, present a reward of gold to Lady Iseria Arisphodel.

I hope you become a useful asset to the Order of the Sword.

Yes, Your Majesty.

And, as a special reward, I also present you a piece of the royal forest in northwest Ezera.

...! That's...

I cannot take that. You have already given me so much...

The Elves suffered a great deal in the Archdemon War.

I have always had a heavy heart for those of you who sacrificed your lives to protect the Nocturnes.

Please let me lift that burden, if only a little, with this gift.

...

...Thank you, Your Majesty. I swear on the World Tree that I will never forget your kindness.

Cermia! Why didn't you participate in the tournament?!

You would have won easily!

Ugh, I got so drunk last night, I had the worst hangover ever!

But I heard one of our guys was the winner?

Yeah, but...it was the Elf.

She was already so arrogant, I can't imagine how much worse she's gonna get.

More importantly, are we going to be having a party to celebrate?

I'm short on allowance lately. I won't say no to a free meal and drinks!

There will be no party.

You must be Cermia. I don't think I have ever seen you at training.

Well if you ever went to any parties you'd be sick of seeing my face by now.

Such a frivolous woman... How did she end up in the Order of the Sword?

From now on, I will be in charge of training. No more skipping.

Is that so? Well then how about making an exception for me?

Are you really asking me to turn a blind eye for you?

Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to make it sound like a request.

It was more like giving you a heads-up.

You...!

...Very well. Do as you please, that won't stop me dragging you to the training ground regardless.

*snorting* You're just like how I imagined you to be. So rigid.

Good luck with that!

Do we really have to go this far?

What do you mean?

Getting this many people to come drag Cermia to training.

We're here to patrol. Nothing more, nothing less.

Now, if we happen to come across a certain a knight who likes to waste the Order's budget funding local drinking establishments...well, I suppose we'll have to bring them back with us.

Okay...

Alright, let's start from here. Please be careful not to hurt anyone else while dealing with monsters.

Ughh... Why can't she just let Cermia do what she likes? This is hardly the first time she's skipped training.

I like her, though. She's strict, but that's only because she cares. She gives a lot of useful advice too.

I agree. She won't let anyone be lazy, but she's really caring to those who actually try.

Anyway, what's wrong with trying to make someone actually participate in training like everyone else?

Since when were you on the Elf's side? I thought we were on the same page about her!

I mean...at first, yeah... But now I've realized that she's actually really talented, so that's probably why she's so confident...

Did you see her fighting Sir Charles at the tournament?! It was so cool.

Yeah, that was amazing!

Ugh, forget about it! If you like her that much, why don't you marry her?

What's wrong with him?

Who knows. Seems like he's upset. Let's just continue patrolling.

Lady Iseria! We found Cermia!

Lead the way.

Oh come on, you don't have to be like this. I thought we were friends?

So did I, but a friend would never do this to me.

You know how dangerous it is for me to be selling inside information, yet you offer so little?

Give me a break, I'm short on money this month. It's not like we haven't done this before. You can trust me.

Just a little piece of information to help us dodge the guards. Pleeease. I promise I'll make it up to you next month.

Well...if you put it that way...

What is going on here?!

*gasping*

...What are you doing here?

Arrest them both.

Huh? Y-You mean...Cermia too?

Don't take another step!

B-But...

Do I need to repeat myself? Arrest them. Now!

I warned you. Do. Not. Move!

What should we do... I'm scared... You go first...

D-Do you think I'm not just as scared as you are?!

If you want me, come and get me yourself. Don't make your underlings do it for you.

If you're scared, walk away now.

I've always wanted to challenge you to a duel one day. Come on. Outside.

If we win, then you give yourself up peacefully.

What if I win?

I won't give anything to a criminal like you.

Well, that's unfair. You need to bet something too.

I have an idea. If I win, you leave the Order. I can't stand you getting in my way all the time. How about it?

...

Why? Having second thoughts?

...Fine. Either you go to jail, or I go back to the forest.

Deal. You can't take it back now!

Ack...

*panting* I won...

...You think I'd go down that easily?

Sike!

Ah...!

Cermia's a monster...! She's hardly even breaking a sweat!

Seems like she caught Lady Iseria off-guard. She's backing off!

Argh... She's strong.

Sir Crozet had more skill, but Cermia... She's simply unpredictable.

She takes complete control of the fight.

Pfft, is this really the best you can do even after all your training?! More reason I shouldn't bother turning up!

Now, I'll end this...!

Enough. What are you two doing?

...! Sir Charles...!

...Urgh...

She leaked confidential information. We must punish her.

Lady Iseria... I should have told you earlier...

...Excuse me?

Hmm, it's not something we can discuss in the open like this. Let's move somewhere more private.

I wish everything we did could be above board.

But when you have things to protect...there will come a point where you need to get your hands dirty.

In other words, righteousness can only get you so far.

Just like how you've been protecting Ezera in the open with your fellow soldiers, Cermia has been making use of her own particular talents to protect Ezera in a more...underground capacity.

By underground, you mean...

I make shady deals in order to gain helpful information.

Like today. I foster a relationship with criminal organizations by offering to sell inside information on the Order, but when it really matters, I leak fake info and then we swoop in and catch them.

It's easy when you've already got a bad reputation. Even if it means being treated like trash by certain kinds of people.

I can't blame you that much, since I kinda deserve it, but I won't forgive anyone who gets in the way of my work.

I had no idea...

I was expecting something that sounded a little more like "I'm sorry."

I am not without fault here, either. I should have told her about this already. Let's just wrap this up here, shall we?

You know how hard I worked to earn these guys' trust. That smuggler is notorious for being overly cautious.

Now not only will she never work with me again, she'll tell everyone else how I got caught dealing information and didn't get in any trouble.

It's a shame that things turned out this way, but we'll have to deal with that smuggler the old-fashioned way.

I'll take care of this. You two should head back.

...I won't forgive you next time.

...

Cermia, over here!

Oh, hey! How have you been?

What happened? I heard everyone talking about how you got in a fight.

Well...that stupid Elf interrupted me in the middle of some work, so I had no choice but to beat her up.

Oh, that's why she's been so quiet lately!

She's quiet?

Yeah. She's still strict in training, of course, but she's clearly got something on her mind.

Seems to me like a perfect opportunity to knock her off her high horse.

I finally managed to convince her to join one of our little parties.

We can tire her out by training super hard beforehand, then push her into drinking far more than she can manage and embarrassing herself.

With an ego that big, I'm sure she'd never recover from the shame! She might even be so embarrassed she quits!

Hey.

Y-Yeah?

Do you hear yourself?

I mean, I'm not particularly fond of her myself, but you're just...plain disgusting.

If you call yourself a knight, beat her fair and square in a duel instead of resorting to cheap tricks.

Do you think I'm planning all this for my own sake? Everyone hates her. That's why I want to kick her out...

Then at least have the decency to do it quietly instead of bragging about your shamelessness to the entire world.

I'm out. I don't feel like drinking anymore.

...

...!

I didn't know you were here. I'll leave.

How good are you at drinking?

I...wouldn't know. I've never drank before.

You know they only invited you to that party to humiliate you, right?

...No, I didn't.

If you don't wanna embarrass yourself, stay at home.

Don't get me wrong. I'm only telling you this because I hate to see anyone fall for such a cheap prank, not because I actually care about you.

Now don't say I didn't warn you.

*sighing*...

Lady Iseria! I heard you agreed to come to today's party!

Umm, I...

You're not pulling out last second, are you? We're a team, you know.

We wanted to help you get closer to everyone, but no one will ever get to know you if you keep pushing us away.

...You're right. I can't keep avoiding it.

Don't worry, I'll go.

Now, enough small talk, it's time for training. Since there will be no evening training due to the party, make sure you try extra hard.

Of course, of course. Let's do this!

Attention please! The VIP is here!

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be the last to arrive. I had some urgent work to finish...

Idiot. Why did she come even after I warned her? Would she rather be humiliated than listen to what I say?

Ugh, whatever. It's none of my business.

Lady Iseria, drink with me! Cheers!

Lady Iseria, I really respect you. Can I buy you a drink?

Uhh, sure...

Since this is your first time coming out with us, you've got to drink the whole thing in one go! It's tradition!

Hey, Cermia said we're not allowed to do that anymore.

Don't worry, it's fine. I already got her permission. See? She's not saying no.

But...

Now! Chug! Chug! Chug! Chug!

...Ugh, alright, fine. I guess if she really didn't want to, she'd say so.

...She really drank it all in one go.

How many drinks is that now? How does she still look so sober?

Dammit... Can Elves even get drunk? I was looking forward to seeing her embarrass herself.

It's getting late.

I'll excuse myself, I've had more than enough already. I expect to see everyone on time for training tomorrow morning.

Wow, you're still as sober and level-headed as when you arrived! You're so cool, Lady Iseria.

You know what would be fun? Lady Iseria should have a drinking competition with Cermia!

What was that? You think we're just here for your entertainment!?

N-No... I'm just saying. Why do you sound so upset...?

Whatever, I'm going home. You guys should call it a day too.

*sighing*

I knew it. You're not sober at all, are you? It would be weird if you still felt completely fine after drinking all that.

I told you it was a trap, why did you still come and drink so much?

If they want to test me, I'll let them. I can't avoid it forever.

I don't think I've ever met somebody so straightforward in my life.

If you have nothing more left to say, I'll excuse myself.

...Hey.

You're going the wrong way, you live in the opposite direction.

I know that.

I just wanted to take a walk...get some fresh air. I wasn't confused or anything.

Are you sure you're alright? Maybe you're drunker than you look.

Of course I'm alri...

THUMP

...Why are you on the floor right now, then?

It was entirely deliberate.

For us Elves, the forest is like our home and fallen leaves make our beds. We can sleep wherever nature is.

Just because you're talking in a calm voice, doesn't make what you're saying any less nonsense. Now, stand up! Actually, just get on my back.

I said I'm fine, leave me alone!

Oh, so you want me to just leave you here in the middle of the street? Believe it or not, I do have some morals!

Wow, it's weird to hear you say that, of all people.

I'm not complete Human trash.

Are you sure?

...You really do become brutally honest when you're drunk.

I don't know...this is my first time...

But umm...are you...supposed to get...so sleepy...when...drunk...

And there it is. Now she's fallen asleep in the middle of the street. This girl's a real pain in the ass.

...mia...

Ugh, of course she had to wake up now. Please fall back asleep so I can go home already.

Hey... Thank you.

I'm sorry about the misunderstanding... I...wanted to apologize to you earlier...

...Am I hearing things?

I'm just...not good at apologizing.

It's not like I feel embarrassed about doing it or anything... It's just...

I can't bear...to face the hurt I've done to other people...

...

I know everybody hates me...

And I understand why. This random Elf walks in, gets knighted straight away, then gets given a bunch of land... I'm not as outgoing as you... I always come off so unfriendly...

So I assumed you hated me too.

But today...you made me feel like maybe you don't.

...Hate you? Do you have any idea how many people have tried taking advantage of me? You're not even close to the worst person I know.

Heh... I'm glad. Because...I don't totally dislike you either.

I just want to get along with everyone...

Why is it always so difficult...for me to?

...Huh. I thought she was supposed to be full of herself.

I guess it was just another fake rumor they spread to bully her.

How did you end up being treated like this, when you're so kind?

Poor thing.

I'm surprised to see you here.

Well, I just wanted to check on our resident drunkard.

...I heard you went home right after I left.

Nothing weird happened, did it?

Oh, you don't remember?

It turns out you're an adorable drunk.

What are you talking about?

I'm serious. You were hanging all over me, begging me "please don't go!"

W-What are you talking about! You're just making things up now!

Okay, let's make a deal. Call me by my name.

Then I'll take what happened last night to the grave.

...Lady Cermia.

No "Lady," just Cermia.

...Cermia.

That wasn't so hard, was it?

Remember your promise.

We'll see. If you behave.

Seriously!?

Hehe. Well, there's your lesson. If you don't want this to happen again, slow down with the drinking.

I was going to anyway!

Iseria.

What now?

What do you usually do after training? Would you like to visit Levulin Harbor with me?

...Why? Is there something there?

Of course! So many things! Amazing restaurants, a nice harbor view...

Hmm... It doesn't sound that bad, actually.

Right? Oh, and there's a Testudo race today, too! Maybe we can use some of that gold you won to place a bet or two...

No.

Aww, come on! It'll be fun!

Can you not drink alcohol, Lady Iseria?

I don't think I've ever seen you even take a sip.

It's more like... I have some not-so-good memories of the last time I drank.

Come on, just a sip, it's so sweet and delicious! It's not often we get to enjoy a ball like this.

Well, maybe just a sip, if you insist...

"Please don't go!"

...Sorry, I can't.

...

Why's your face like that?

Let's go somewhere else, Lady Iseria. I heard there's going to be a performance out by the fountain.

Oh? Lady Alexa, wait...

Ahhhhh! Don't leave me alone! Lady Alexa! Lady Iseria!

Since when was she such a celebrity? I'm starting to have some regrets.

If I knew I'd be tossed out into the cold like this, I would never have helped her become friends with everyone!

I mean, she probably didn't need my help much anyway, she's such a wonderful person after all. But still...

Oh well. Shall I go get drunk? It's been far too long!