Sherum's Story

Some extra parchment...

A full inkwell and a quill sharpened to a point...

This wrist of mine... steady and relaxed, even after writing tens of thousands of words...

These ears, unshaken by any assault of noise.

Good. Everything is perfect.

Master... A figure of true greatness, capable of leaving a lasting mark upon the history of Elias.

Surely, the day-to-day life of someone like that would be extraordinary.

If I could document and preserve records of such a life... the historical value would be beyond measure.

As a scribe, when would I ever come across such a rare opportunity again?

I am glad I secured Master's permission last time.

Oh, time moves so quickly! I had better get moving.

Current time: 10:30 a.m. Weather: Clear skies.

Master... still fast asleep, as though they do not have a care in the world.

Judging by the occasional thunderous snores echoing through the room, they must have had an exhausting day yesterday...

Master... still asleep.

H-Huh? What was that?

Is someone else here besides me?

Hmm. It seems a random thought briefly passed through my mind.

Focus. Master snores in the following pattern...

Master... after slowly writing in The Master's Diary... suddenly complains of low blood sugar and storms out, avoiding the Head Priestess.

They arrive at Ashur's Magic School out on the streets of Sprite Kingdom.

Hm? A magic school?

The sign appears to be incorrect...

A mix-up by the builders? Or perhaps... the bakery owner's mistake?

Since the precise cause is not known, I'll add it as a footnote.

Let's see... Master purchases some sticky rice bread, castella, croissant, and baumkuchen...

Method of payment... adds it to a tab...

Master... seems to be on familiar terms with the angry bakery owner.

Too familiar...

You think? It doesn't really seem that way to me...

Huh? Wait, that was the suspicious voice from earlier!

Ashur... crossing line. Will give stern warning later.

Eek! A sprite?

She must've been hiding over there! How is it that I didn't notice?

That level of stealth, the skill in tailing someone, and that matter-of-fact speech pattern...

Could it be? Sprite Kingdom has a scribe of its own?

No, if that were the case, Master would have mentioned it.

Then... she's just a stalker?

Just in case, I should record information about this unnamed stalker as well.

This sprite stalker with a terse speech pattern is currently irritated over how Master and the bakery owner seem too close...

Meanwhile, Master, completely unaware of this sprite's presence, happily devours the baked goods.

Reminds me of the Sprite Queen...

O-Oh...! I have to follow!

Master... currently being toyed with by three little werebeasts.

Meanwhile, the blunt sprite swiftly retrieves something Master drops.

She grins broadly as if she's discovered treasure.

Hmm... It looks to be nothing more than a crumpled piece of paper, though...

I wonder why that makes her this happy.

What an interesting sprite. I see that Apostles are truly cut from the same cloth as Master.

Master... currently meeting with the part-timer at the theater and having a lively discussion with her.

The terse sprite's expression darkens quite fast.

She starts rummaging through her bag for something.

She fidgets with a strange black object, muttering something toward the theater part-timer.

This part-timer will most likely need some personal protection for the time being.

Master... ultimately spent the entire day slacking off.

And the terse sprite... took advantage of Master falling asleep to steal one of their belongings.

Doesn't seem like it's her first time doing this.

Hmm... wait. Why does it feel like I've unintentionally recorded more about this terse sprite than Master...?

I had better review what I recorded today.

I can't believe it. Out of over a thousand pages, 80% is about that terse sprite!

I cannot believe I made such a mistake. How can I even face Master?

*Sigh* For now, I'll put this record into storage...

As for recording Master's day-to-day life, I'll have to try again next time.

Surely, that terse sprite won't be following Master then...

Oh, no way...

Hm, did I find the right place?

Master said that if I came to Werebeast Forest around this time, I would witness something interesting.

I wonder what will happen.

Oh, little werebeasts!

Let's hide in these shrubs for a moment.

This may be a good opportunity to observe the traits of little werebeasts.

Hey, Kommy! Are we doing a treasure hunt here?

Yes, today is treasure hunt day... In other words, it's Treasure Hunt Commemoration Day.

Huh? Is that a real day?

Kommy makes any day Kommy wants to commemorate as a holiday.

That's why today is Treasure Hunt Commemoration Day.

But that means it's not a real holiday...

Still, Butter likes holidays! Today is Treasure Hunt Commemoration Day!

Alright, Butter, Kommy hid a total of five treasures around this forest.

Once you find them all, come back to Kommy.

Mkay, got it!

It appears the Cat Werebeast is using some questionable logic to trick the Puppy Werebeast.

The Cat Werebeast appears to think everything is going according to plan.

Oh, just then, a hungry-looking Bear Werebeast approaches them.

She holds some snacks in one paw. It looks as though she's been starving for a long time.

Oh, it's Kommy and Butter...

Yikes, I better turn back...

The Bear Werebeast turns right around and tries to leave, as though she spotted a natural predator or something.

Beni? Are you here to join the treasure hunt, too?

The Cat Werebeast's sharp senses must have caught a whiff of something suspicious.

Huh? Er... Hey, Kommy! I didn't see you there!

I've actually gotta go. Captain called for me.

Stop right there.

Wow! The Cat Werebeast seizes the Bear Werebeast's wrist in an instant, like a hunter securing prey!

Hey, Beni... where'd you get that bag of snacks you're holding in your left paw?

They look very familiar...

*Sniff, sniff* There is a familiar scent coming from Beni's snacks!

H-Huh? Oh, I'm sure it's just your imagination!

Heh... heh... heh...!

The Bear Werebeast appears cornered.

But why can't she do anything to those Cat and Puppy Werebeasts?

Even without exerting her full strength, it would be pretty simple for the Bear Werebeast to overpower the two.

The world of werebeasts is quite mysterious. Fascinating.

If you come clean now, Beni, Kommy will forgive you.

Hand those snacks over to Kommy peacefully.

N-No! I worked hard to find these!

*Sniff, sniff... Sniff, sniff, sniff!*

It smells like...

Butter's... pit?

Just then, the Puppy Werebeast's gaze intensifies.

Huh? No! This was just hidden in the bushes!

Kommy... Beni...

Did you dig up Butter's pit again?!

Give Butter back Butter's snacks right now!

That's right! Hand them over!

Aaaaaaaah! I'm outta here!

As the Bear Werebeast flees with the snacks, the Puppy and Cat Werebeasts chase after her!

A sudden snack skirmish erupts in Werebeast Forest... Who will ultimately claim the chow?

*Huff, huff*

I... give up...

Here, Butter... I guess these were yours to begin with, so I'll give them back to you.

Aww! Thanks, Beni!

Hehe! It's so much fun playing with Kommy and Beni together again!

Kommy's tired and sleepy after running around.

Kommy's going home to sleep.

Ah! After a fierce chase, the Bear and the Cat Werebeasts concede defeat!

The Puppy Werebeast, however, doesn't even look tired...!

You're all hungry, right, everyone? Let's all share this!

There's not much... but it'll be more enjoyable if we share!

Wow... Really?! You're the best, Butter!

That's so like you, Butter. Thanks, Butter.

It would seem the little werebeasts have concluded through this Snack Skirmish that snacks shared together taste far better than snacks eaten alone.

And the Snack Skirmish ends happily!

Hehe. That should suffice for today's record.

I'll mark it so it doesn't get mixed with the others.

Hmm, good! It's been some time since I've produced such a dynamic record.

How satisfying. Recording the surface races truly is delightful..

Now then, let me return to the library and organize these materials.

Hmm... maybe I'll pick up a small snack to share with Barie today.

Who knows... it might even taste better when shared.

That elf walking past over there...

And that one sprawled out on the bench...

All the elves here seem to carry an electronic device of some kind.

I've heard plenty about the convenience and efficiency of these devices...

But those little things are just hard to use and complicated.

Most importantly, I'm always skeptical when it comes to things made and sold by elves...

Oh, looks like the wind carried this flyer to me...

Hmm, you know...

Belita did ask me how to use these "smartphones" not too long ago.

It has been quite a long time since I was left speechless by one of Belita's questions in all my years as a scribe...

Well, I might as well learn how to use them.

If this device can improve my record-keeping, there is no harm in giving it a chance.

Er, excuse me?

W-Welcome to Elf—

E-Eeeek! Scribe Sherum?

You're not here to take me away over that incident last time, are you?! Did something go sideways?

I-I swear! My only crime was running an errand for the Queen! It was pure coincidence!!

If you want other information, I'm willing to spill—

Er... Agent Rohne? I haven't said anything yet, you know...

I thought you were simply an elf who wears some strange armor, but you're an Elf Electronics employee?

I-It's not like that... This is just a short-term gig of sorts!

So, you're not here to take me away? You're here as a customer then?

That's right. I'm here because I wanted to give electronic devices a try.

Will you help me?

Y-Yes, of course!

What product were you interested in?

The, uh... smartphone? I think that's what it's called. Do you have those here?

Of course, there are many different types of smartphones!

Here, how about this? It's the latest model!

Hmm... it's too small.

I couldn't properly record even a single page on something like this.

Do you have something larger?

Um... Even if I explained that there's internal storage space inside smartphones... She might not understand...

How about an elPad instead, then?

*Sigh* Electronic devices truly are unnecessarily diverse and complicated.

With handwritten records, all one needs is quality parchment, ink, and a quill.

But once you try it, nothing is easier or more convenient than this elPad!

With one of these, you won't need parchment, ink, or quills at all!

Just your two hands! That's all it takes!

And let me tell you about all these other advantages...

Ugh, my head's spinning.

Still, for your first time handling an electronic device, you really picked it up fast!

I think you have a real talent for this!!

Y-You think?

Hehe. Since I am the official scribe of the Witch Kingdom, it is only natural that I possess this level of adaptability and comprehension.

Um... by the way, are there any drawbacks with the elPad?

H-Huh? Drawbacks?

From what you've told me, Agent Rohne, it sounds as though the elPad is a flawless product with no downsides.

Frankly, that seems rather implausible.

W-Well... As far as downsides go... um...

She doesn't know much about electronic devices anyway... I can just sprinkle in some technical jargon...

You might experience irregular errors, resulting in data loss...

Or the unstable security system that leaves the system vulnerable to being hacked...

And there's always the possibility of legally sanctioned wiretapping...

You know... trivial things like that.

Those don't seem trivial at all...

Hmm, I admit, I was momentarily tempted by the elPad's advantages...

But judging by Agent Rohne's expression and body language while describing the disadvantages, the risks appear far too great.

Indeed. There is simply no substitute for a handwritten record.

I don't need to rely on any new tools. I can keep doing what I've been doing all along.

After all, a true master does not blame their tools.

Um, Agent Rohne. Thanks for the explanation.

I'll hold off on purchasing an electronic device for now.

I hope that's okay?

Er... well... It's not exactly unacceptable...

But I can't say that it is either, considering how I feel right now and my sales numbers—

Well, that's a relief. I'll be on my way.

Keep up the good work, and I'll see you next time!

*Sigh* My cutlet...

Sorry? Did you just say something?

I-It's nothing! Please come again...

AAARGH!!!!

Help! It's a sprite-on-elf crime!

Whoa, did you just hear that loud noise?

It sounded like an accident.

Shouldn't we report it?

But, Maaaster! If we went to the police station, it would surely be full of that elf's subordinates!

They'd obviously make an unfair ruling against me!

An unfair ruling against you? Nonsense!

Can you not see these injuries I sustained after being struck by Shoupabolt?

What if I have lasting complications? Will you take responsibility?!

Look, I told you! You're the one who jumped out into a busy road without warning!

And you're not even hurt one bit! Why are you putting on this act now?!

I slammed on the brakes because of you and crashed into a pole! That damaged my Shoupabolt! Pay for the repairs!

What are you talking about? You suddenly swerved Shoupabolt onto the sidewalk!

I don't have one of those on my Shoupabolt. I don't do uncool accessories.

In any case, Master, please determine who is more to blame here!

Yeah! Let's see what the split is gonna be!

A witness? Hmm...

No. I remember Shoupabolt being the only vehicle on the road, and I was the only pedestrian—

Oh, I remember!

I remember seeing someone else there, Master!

I think there was a witch hiding off to the side of the sidewalk, scribbling furiously on some stiff paper!

Are you referring to me?

Yeah, that's right! I was talking about that witch, Master!

She was there...?!

I merely followed the trail of the incident and arrived here.

I intended to watch how you would resolve this predicament as an onlooker...

But it seems I'm the one holding the key to this case.

Of course. The truth always rises to the surface, so do not worry, Master.

But first, I would like to hear your judgment on this matter. Would that be okay?

Argh, Master! I know I was going at 200 km/h...

But this time it really was her fault, okay?! This isn't fair!!!

I'm so touched that you believe me, Master!

M-Master! How could you question the trust between us?!

And what exactly did you find wrong with the expression on my face?!

Master! I knew you'd believe me!!

Hmm, I see... That's how you've judged this.

Then, I will now reveal a portion of my records.

This is the record of the staged accident on the Monatium Elftobahn.

A yellow sprite was traveling at a high speed on a two-wheeled vehicle when an elf carrying a large cannon stepped into the road.

The yellow sprite managed to come to an abrupt stop thanks to her quick thinking, damaging part of her vehicle in the process.

The cannon-wielding elf looked around cautiously and then threw herself onto the stationary bike.

The cannon-wielding elf began wailing in pain...

Okay, my record ends here.

I'd say the yellow sprite bears zero responsibility, while the cannon-wielding elf bears 100% of the blame.

Yessss! This feels as refreshing as chugging a two-liter bottle of fizzy cocoa in one go!

See, Master?! I told you I didn't do anything wrong!

.........

No. I acted alone here.

I was haunted every night by the image of Shoupan placing her foot on my precious ride...

I put everything into carrying out this revenge... but I am obviously not cut out for being a criminal.

I admit that I was wrong. I am sorry to have caused such a mess, Master.

I'm sorry, Shoupan.

Hmph! I'll forgive you just this once... but there won't be a second time!

Let me guess... You're wondering why I asked for your judgment despite already knowing the truth of what happened, right?

Had I not been present, the ruling for that incident likely would have followed whatever you decided.

That's why I was curious.

I wanted to know what conclusion you'd come to if all you had were the conflicting testimonies of those two Apostles as evidence.

Hehe, does it?

I will always be ready to help you to the best of my ability whenever it is needed, Master, just as I have done today.

So please do not let the weight of your title trouble you, Master.

Hmm, this book... It appears to be worth keeping for future administrative reference.

And this illustrated storybook... Let's set it aside. I believe my little sister would love to receive it as a gift when we next meet...

And this stack of resumes containing the personal information of the new witches... it would be best to move them to the secure area.

Yes, understood. I'll categorize them as instructed.

And this one... I don't believe it would make any difference if it were to be discarded—

Your Majesty?

Why are you discreetly trying to dispose of that document?

*Cough* You're sharp.

Please hand it over. I will specially store that in my personal archives.

.........

Why in the world are you so fixated on records of my day-to-day activities?

Of course, you claim it is your mission to transcribe and preserve every moment within the Witch Kingdom—myself included—exactly as it is...

But at times, I cannot help but feel that my privacy is not being respected at all.

Your Majesty, you may say that from time to time...

But I know very well that you respect and support my work more than anyone else in Witch Kingdom.

H-hmph! At least you recognize that much.

As always, since I am the Queen, I shall be patient and overlook this.

Let us hurry and review the remaining uncategorized documents.

It's nearly noon already.

Your Majesty, are you feeling hungry by any chance?

Wh–What? Of course not. It hasn't even been two hours since breakfast.

.........

Wh-Why are you looking at me like that?

It's nothing.

It simply felt as though visions of sweet snacks flickered before Your Majesty's eyes just now.

H–How did you—I mean, that's absurd!

*Cough* Let's just get back to work.

Of course.

Say, Sherum? How about we wrap things up now?

I-It's definitely not because I'm hungry!

I'm only looking out for you since you've been working nonstop since early this morning.

Your Majesty, I have not said a single thing.

The fact that you are denying it so desperately makes you seem even more suspicious.

Desperately? I am perfectly composed right now.

Ah, now that I think about it, I forgot to water my pet plant.

I will step out and go to my room for a moment—

Her Majesty tries to slack off using a pet plant as an excuse...

Why are you suddenly recording something like that?!

I know you don't have any pet plants, Your Majesty.

Ah... W-Well, about that...

I did not mean a pet plant... I meant to say I believe I left a cherished item of mine on the surface.

I shall step away to the surface for a moment—

Her Majesty makes up another flimsy excuse to escape the eyes of the scribe...

Alright... Fine, I get it.

Who could possibly outmatch your persistence?

It is true. I am hungry. I'll make a quick trip to the snack warehouse.

May I accompany you?

I am worried that Your Majesty might lose all self-control if I am not there to monitor you.

Fine. Do as you please.

*Nom, nom*... I finally feel like I'm waking up.

Her Majesty polishes off an entire bag of chocolate snacks in three minutes.

Her Majesty selects a bean log as her next snack. After adjusting herself into a position of deep reverence, she devours the bean log in ten seconds...

For the record, this is her seventh snack... I wish she would stop eat—

*Nom, nom*... I don't care what you say, Sherum... I won't stop eating...

Her Majesty makes a shocking statement... If she had to choose between her throne and her snacks, she would unhesitatingly choose the snacks—

Sherum! Stick to the facts!

Her Majesty abuses her authority towards an innocent scribe...

Sheruuum!

Hehe, understood. Please enjoy your snacks, Your Majesty.

Good, I finally made it to the summit.

The air at the top of Elemental Mountain is always so refreshing, no matter how many times I breathe it in.

Are you here to record the weather again, Sherum?

Ah, Sylla, thank you for coming out to greet me again.

G-Greet you? Don't be ridiculous. I simply sensed a witch's presence and came to investigate.

Do other witches visit this place often besides me?

Not often, but every once in a while, some reckless witches climb up Elemental Mountain.

Well, I suppose that is not limited strictly to witches, though.

I see. It must be quite a task, standing guard here all the time.

I only say this now, but...

You were quite a nuisance when we first met. You found me suspicious and followed me around, "monitoring" me.

You think I wasn't annoyed? You were the uninvited guest, by the way!

If you feel so wronged, you could always stop coming here!

Hehe. Our first meeting feels as though it was ages ago.

When I return to the archives later, I should sit down and read through the records of those days again.

In the end, records are the only things that truly remain.

You are right. Records are one of the few ways we have to hold onto the past.

Yes. I'll be sure to record our meeting today as well.

Now, I'll go ahead and record the weather.

Month X, Day XX... Weather at the summit of Elemental Mountain: A few clouds, but otherwise very clear and pleasant.

As for the high and low temperatures... I will have to fill those in tonight.

This should suffice for the wind speed and direction...

Witch scribe? I have a question.

Oh, you do?

I've got to hear this... What's the question?

Do you not write about... yourself?

About myself? A story about me?

Yes, whether it be a diary or something...

The weather of Elemental Mountain is, in a way, the story of us elementals...

But whenever I take a look at your records, I never see anything about you.

Hmm... really?

Wait, you've been looking at my records? When exactly did you—

*Cough* That's not what's important right now!

It is to me...

Well, in any case, no, I've never written anything specifically about myself.

Then who records your story?

You have poured your heart into building this secondary world of "records," yet you are the only one left out of it. Doesn't that seem unfair?

.........

A secondary world of records, huh?

Come to think of it, I have worked pretty hard to record the various races, incidents, weather, and even the stars of Elias...

Yet I've never once written about "Scribe Sherum."

Even that Sprite Queen seems to keep up with her picture diary.

Sherum? Why have you gone silent all of a sudden?

I was just thinking for a moment.

Sylla, thanks to you, it seems my days will become a bit busier starting tomorrow.

Sorry? What do you mean?

From tomorrow onward, I'll leave at least one thing about myself each day.

Whether it takes on the form of a diary... or some other type of record, I'm not yet sure.

But hearing what you just said, it did feel a bit unfair.

That I'm missing from the world I created.

Yes, good thinking...

As a reward for my excellent advice, why don't you record the weather somewhere else starting tomorrow?

If I actually stopped showing up at the usual time, I'd bet you'd feel lonely, Sylla.

Wh-What nonsense! I won't feel lonely at all, so please stop coming here!

Hehe. I'm afraid I can't do that.

You are stuck with me for a little longer, as always.

Alright... stay as long as you need.