Episode 71 — The Definition of an Elf and the Definition of a Relative

"...And that is the situation, Zect. The demolition of the old facilities and the reorganization of the foundation are all complete. The systemic integration with the new city is finished as well. As of last month, Felsen has officially begun operating as its 'complete form' in both name and reality."

Gustav sat on the sofa across from me, calmly sipping his cola as he delivered the news.

(Old district deleted. New and old directories fully merged. Launch bugs were minimal, so I guess 'New Felsen 2.0' is finally in stable operation.)

Only a few months ago, this man was struggling to manage the territory, looking like he was about to suffer a total server crash. Now, he’s remarkably composed. It seems he’s somehow mastered 'Zect-style Administration'—which basically boils down to setting priorities and delegating every single task that can be pawned off on someone else—despite being the actual Lord. Thanks to that, he’s started dropping by my place during his newfound free time to give reports.

"Good work. I guess this means I can finally stop grabbing my transceiver every time my drones spot suspicious smoke."

"Indeed. The security system has integrated well with Volg’s 'Shadows' as well. ...Still, this place is truly wonderful. No matter how much the city overflows with life, it feels as though time stands still in this house."

Gustav looked out at the city through the monitor with a peaceful expression. I never take a single step outside, but I don't particularly mind guests. Gustav maintains a comfortable distance and never interferes with my laziness.

(Well, I don't exactly dislike the guy.)

He’s capable, he listens, and he’s a premium client... I mean, a partner who treats me like a mysterious sage. I couldn't ask for a better person to have as a long-term system maintenance partner.

"Speaking of which, how’s Elishua doing? She should be just about ready for her trip by now."

"Yes. About that..."

Gustav set down his glass and straightened his posture. The topic shifted to our self-obsessed mage and developer of various world-breaking spells—Elishua.

"She will be departing for the Ern Forest tomorrow morning. ...As you know, she is of mixed heritage, being part elf and part human. This homecoming is a bit of a complicated matter, both for her personally and for Felsen."

"Oh, right. She’s biracial."

"Elishua’s father married a woman from my family through a political marriage arranged with the Felsen house at the time. She carries the blood of both... she is like a wedge connecting the elven village and the human city."

"So, wait... does that mean you two are relatives?"

When I asked the question casually, Gustav’s eyes wandered for a moment before he offered a quiet smile.

"We have no blood relation, but she is indeed a relative of mine."

(So that’s why he lets her get away with making such a scene. Gustav, you shouldn't spoil her just because you're family.)

"Those shared magic plates and the golem formulas were all built by her, right? Her personality is... something else, but she’s top-tier when it comes to magic."

"Yes. You likely wouldn't find anyone more skilled at constructing magical formulas in the entire continent. ...However, that is precisely why the elders of the elven village criticize her, claiming she has 'degraded magic into a mere human tool.'"

"The village elders, huh? So, what’s the deal with elves anyway? Are they the usual—living in the woods for thousands of years, dancing with spirits, and never aging?"

I leaned forward a bit. Eternal youth or extreme longevity. That’s the standard spec for elves in every fantasy world I know.

"Thousands of years? No, nothing of the sort. They live in the forest and are highly skilled in magic, but their lifespan is not much different from a human's. A hundred years at most, I believe."

"Wait... really?"

"Yes. They grow a bit slower, so it might feel like it takes longer for them to reach adulthood compared to humans, but their actual lifespan is largely the same as ours."

(What? That’s not a fantasy world feature? I had elves being immortal cached in my brain, but the specs in this world are much more realistic.)

"Mrrp. (You were expecting something weird, weren't you? She’s just a human with long ears, basically.)"

Tama, who was curled up on my lap, let out a snort-like purr as if mocking me.

Ding-dong.

The second intercom of the day. I checked the monitor and saw Elishua standing there in traveling clothes, looking uncharacteristically modest.

"That’s rare. She’s actually looking humble for once."

"Perhaps she forgot something."

I unlocked the door and let her in. As soon as she entered the living room, Elishua gave a perfect bow that would have been the envy of any high-society lady.

"Master Zect, please forgive the intrusion. ...Actually, I have a small favor to ask."

"What is it? Did you leave something behind?"

"No, well... I was wondering if I might borrow that 'Magic Recording Device' while I am in the village. I truly wish for you to see the state of the elven village, Master Zect. It would be most unfaithful of me to keep such beautiful scenery all to myself..."

Elishua spoke with downcast eyes and a meek voice.

(Oho. The selfish selfie-machine wants to prioritize sharing information with me? Lie! ...Still, visual data of an elven village, huh? It’s definitely worth letting her take it if I want to build a geographic database later.)

"Fine. I'll give you plenty of spare magic stones—the mobile batteries. Just make sure you take plenty of photos of the 'village's condition.'"

"Truly?! Oh, thank you so very much, Master Zect!"

The moment I pulled the digital camera kit from the shelf and handed it over, a greedy, unmistakable glint returned to Elishua's eyes.

"With this... my beauty, which has been further refined by the civilization of Felsen... Ahem! I mean, I can record the state of the village and myself without missing a single detail! Just you watch, elders! This is the latest... recording!"

She clutched the camera like a treasure and immediately began checking the lens angle with the practiced hands of someone looking in a mirror.

"...Hey. Didn't you just start saying something about your beauty?"

"You must have imagined it! I simply wish to show everyone the wonders of the elven village! Now, Master Zect, Gustav! I shall be off!!"

With a noticeably lighter step, Elishua practically flew out of the living room. Left behind in the now-silent room were me and a very weary-looking Gustav, whose shoulders had slumped.

"Hey, Gustav."

"Yes?"

"You need to be a bit stricter with her. She's family, isn't she?"

When I sighed and said that, Gustav offered a troubled, yet resigned, wry smile.

"I shall do my best. However, that overconfidence and positivity is part of what supports her magical formulas..."

"Meow. (It’s your fault for spoiling her and giving her the machine.)"

Tama let out a cold-sounding meow from my lap.

"Oh, Tama. You think so too? She definitely needs some discipline. See, Gustav? Even Tama agrees."

"Mrow. (The one who doesn't understand anything is you, Zect.)"

Tama jumped off my lap in exasperation and headed toward the window.

A peaceful afternoon in a Felsen that had finally found 'Order.' And now, a 'bomb' carrying the records of that order was about to be dropped into the silent elven forest.

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