Original plan: To shackle the elves gathering from all over and head to the academy.
I needed to express my gratitude to Elenia and Sir Noah, and check on the elves who had completed the entrance ceremony.
To see if they were truly adapting well.
Or if the humans were giving them strange looks.
Or, on the contrary, if these elves hadn’t shed their old habits and were causing trouble again.
“Clan of the Forest. Are you the elf Tyreal?”
But thanks to the sudden appearance of these individuals, I had to completely revise that plan.
“We are envoys from the Empire. We apologize for the sudden request, but we would like you to visit the Ministry of Internal Affairs located in the capital.”
I had anticipated that something like this might happen. It was just a prediction, but still.
The elves were showing a completely different demeanor than before, so it was only natural for anyone to be suspicious.
Especially since, if they so desired, they could secure not just the Great Forest but even Imperial territory.
Moreover, the Empire isn’t just dealing with neighboring kingdoms.
There are monsters that appear out of nowhere and attack at the slightest sign of weakness.
In a situation where there are countless areas requiring attention, if the elves were to turn against us?
There could be no greater nightmare. That much is certain.
“Understood…”
I was about to accept without much thought when…
“Wait a minute, Tyreal.”
Seril, who had been quietly listening to the Imperial envoy, stepped forward.
At that moment, I felt an inexplicable unease and curiosity.
Having been friends for a long time, I thought I knew Seril quite well.
From that perspective, Seril’s current behavior indicated a significant level of dissatisfaction.
“You said you’re humans from the Empire, correct?”
“That’s correct.”
“Shouldn’t you be requesting Tyreal’s presence at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, rather than asking her to visit?”
At her sudden words, I instinctively grabbed Seril’s hand.
No, what’s wrong with you, Seril?
I thought you weren’t like the other elves!
“Just because Tyreal has been accommodating to the Empire doesn’t mean you should take her for granted.”
“…”
“If you’re planning to make demands after receiving so much, you should at least show the proper respect.”
I hadn’t considered that.
Right, I’ve been too considerate of the humans.
Is it because of my past life memories?
Or because I see myself as both an elf and a human?
There’s no need to answer every question or lower myself to them.
The elves are already heading to the academy, and I’ve shown a bit of humility.
The Empire has accepted this and is using it as propaganda for themselves.
They’re not openly saying it, but they’re boasting, ‘Even the elves admire the Empire!’
Do you really think we don’t know that?
As Seril said, it’s crossing a line to make demands after taking so much.
If they really want to do that, they should bow their heads officially, like we elves did.
For example, the highest administrative body of the Empire should come to escort us.
“…Upon reflection, you’re right. I will contact my superiors and request a carriage and escort to bring Tyreal-sama.”
The Imperial envoy quickly disappeared, asking for some time.
I watched him go for a moment, then gently patted Seril’s shoulder, who still seemed dissatisfied.
“Thank you, Seril.”
“I thought you weren’t a fool, but it seems I was wrong, Tyreal. You really are a fool. Who calls for a discussion without showing proper respect? They should have come to escort you properly!”
“I made a mistake. I was only thinking that the humans might be surprised by how quickly we’ve changed.”
“You’re an elf, not a human. You’ve already shown enough humility. Why do more?”
You told me!
You said you’d make the elves great again!
Remember that!
Seril muttered that she didn’t know what she’d do without me by her side.
It’s surprising. I never knew Seril had such a serious and profound side.
Until now, she was just a playful childhood friend who loved teasing me.
If nothing else, her trust in me alone was reason enough to keep her close.
But to think she could point out such things and broaden her perspective…
“It’s all because of you, Tyreal.”
“Huh?”
“So take responsibility, you fool. It’s because of you that I’ve become like this.”
“Wait, isn’t it a bit much to blame me for all that?”
This is unfair! Anyone hearing this would think I forced something strange on Seril!
Besides, it was you who wanted to stick together!
If I had suggested it, that would be one thing!
If you’re just copying what I do, that’s not my responsibility!
As I expressed my deep-seated frustration, Seril’s eyes narrowed.
Then she suddenly grabbed my hand, her eyes blazing as she spoke.
“Let’s face it, it’s because of you that I ran away and came here. And you’re still going to act like this?!”
“No, I mean, all of that was because you wanted to…”
“That’s only because if you hadn’t done this, I wouldn’t have wanted anything!”
This is ridiculous.
No, the problem is you following me around like a fool!
You could have just ignored whatever I did, but you followed me out of concern and now this!?
In the end, the argument between Seril and me continued until the Imperial carriage arrived.
*
“Welcome. You must be Tyreal.”
Seril had warned me that the Empire would adjust their approach.
But I never expected the minister himself to be waiting for me.
By elven standards, it’s like the village elder welcoming a guest from another town barefoot.
“I am Corvette Olson, in charge of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. You may call me…”
“Pleased to meet you, Minister Olson.”
From my perspective, it was a natural and familiar form of address.
But for the minister, it seemed completely unexpected.
As soon as I finished speaking, his eyes widened in surprise.
“What did you just…”
“An elf taught me about the human world and the Empire. They also said that high-ranking officials should be treated with the respect they deserve. And by human standards, Minister, you are an elder, aren’t you?”
One characteristic of the elves: whether they see a child or an elderly person nearing a hundred, they treat them all as if they’re younger.
Of course, strictly by age, that’s not entirely wrong.
In terms of years lived, I am much older than this minister.
But, given our different lifespans, we should treat each other accordingly.
Recalling my past life, we don’t call old dogs or cats ‘elderly’ for nothing.
If we show such respect to animals, shouldn’t we do the same for fellow intelligent beings?
“…Thank you for saying that.”
“I heard you have something to discuss with me.”
Strike while the iron is hot. Idle chatter is a waste of time for both of us.
I need to get to the academy, and the minister has work to do.
“…Let’s move to a more suitable location.”
Perhaps it’s a sensitive topic, as the minister personally escorted Seril and me to his office.
Along the way, many people were surprised to see an elf in the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
“Please understand their reaction. The perception of elves here isn’t exactly positive.”
“I understand. There were those who tarnished the name of the elves. Who sullied their nobility.”
I started with a strong statement.
This wasn’t just an apology.
Even the Empire’s civil servants, who are supposed to be objective, reacted this way.
What could have caused the once-arrogant elves to change so drastically?
To the minister’s question, I offered the reason I had been using.
The justification that we had done wrong, and now we were here to make things right.
“We are truly grateful that you have come out of the Great Forest to act.”
If you had thought this way earlier, why only now?
I don’t want to misunderstand you.
I don’t want to belittle your goodwill.
But given the circumstances, such misunderstandings are inevitable.
The exchanges between the minister and me, the underlying meanings.
As the conversation progressed…
“Then, if the elves cause any trouble within the Empire, can the Empire punish them from now on?”
The Minister of Internal Affairs made the first move.
“What did you say?”
Seril, standing beside me, raised her voice in a mix of shock and anger.
We came here expecting a positive discussion, and now this?
So taken aback, she let out a sigh and turned her gaze to me.
But honestly, I didn’t feel much of anything.
I had already vaguely guessed why the minister was doing this.
Surely, no one would bring up something with zero chance of happening unless they had a reason?
“If that’s what you desire, I won’t stop you. Do as the Empire wishes.”
“…”
“Of course, you have no intention of doing so.”