A Gatherer's Adventure in Isekai (素材採取家の異世界旅行記)

What was that wind just now?

The dense mana particles that had been covering this land have vanished.

And I can feel the presence of the one who calls themselves the Spirit King.

The Spirit King.

What's wrong?

Up ahead, near that cliff.

This is the Pnebra Valley?

What is this place?

I have never seen a canyon this massive before.

Libelania's presence is close as well.

Wait, Luticara.

It's fine. Let me go.

Huh?

Brolite?

Luticara?

What?!

Of all things. To search for Libelania and find Brolite's elder sister instead.

I see. So elves from many lands settled here.

Brolite!

Luticara!

Well, at least...

What?!

You fool!

Excuse me! What did you just call me?!

There's no way I'm ever going back to that village full of stubborn old elves!

You could have at least spoken to me first!

Why did you leave without saying a word?!

I did think about it! A lot!

I worried, I stressed, and I even got stomach aches over it!

What?! Are you all right now?

Ugh! I hate that you only ever worry about me! Hmph!

You are my elder sister.

Someone precious to me above all else!

Th-That makes me happy—no, it doesn't!

Ugh! Idiot!

Who are you calling an idiot?!

You! Because you act like one!

How dare you!

You wanna go?!

Come at me!

Aren't you going to stop them?

Takeru, I am hungry.

Yeah. It's almost dinnertime. Brolite! Hey!

If you don't stop soon, I'm skipping your dinner.

No! Absolutely not!

How about spicy roasted nuts and stir-fry fried chicken?

Fried chicken?!

Wait there! I will wash my hands and help immediately!

Sorry. Seems like we interrupted something.

Oh, it's fine.

It's been a long time since I got to fight her seriously.

I never imagined she'd make human friends.

And a handsome lizardman, too.

Yes, yes. I'm sure you're an important part of the team as well.

Excuse me.

What did you just do?

It's magic.

I'm a priestess, so I can tell.

You're human, but not just human.

I mean... I am human.

One blessed by a god is no ordinary human.

Agreed.

Seriously?! You guys too?

She must be a handful to deal with.

She's totally oblivious, she says ridiculous things,

and she's unbelievably reckless.

Even so, I'm the one who's been saved by her.

She's a High Elf. And not just that, she carries a cursed bloodline.

A flawed existence.

Uh, I don't really understand things like that.

You don't understand?

Brolite is Brolite. That's all.

That's it?

Hurry! We feast on fried chicken tonight!

Yeah, yeah, I know.

So good!

Takeru, your fried chicken is amazing!

Please eat as much as you like.

Bring me more refills.

Right away.

They're identical.

Bee, if you're tired, go ahead and sleep.

So this is where you were.

Sorry about all the noise.

They get so excited when they get to host guests.

It's honestly nice. I appreciate it.

Ah. It's been so long since I've had this much fun.

I laughed so hard my stomach hurts.

I'm glad.

You're interesting. I can see why she relies on you.

My treasure, Tilwezan Elkas Votalé.

Te... zan?

Just call him Tilwe.

He's the reason I don't want to return to the village.

You know, I loved Brolite.

I loved her so much it hurt.

She would come visit me while I was shut away in the shrine

and tell me everything she did that day so happily.

I want to see Luticara smile!

That's what she said.

She's kind.

Back then, I thought that if I ever had a child,

I wanted Brolite to be the one I shared that future with.

Well... But...

I know. She's considered an incomplete being.

When I learned that, it broke me.

Why?! Why?! I... I...

It's to sever the cursed bloodline.

She isn't cursed! She's kinder than anyone!

We must preserve a stronger lineage.

For the noble bloodline.

I thought you'd look more troubled hearing that, but you seem oddly calm.

Honestly, the story is a bit heavy, so I'm not sure how to react.

You're good. You're really good.

You worked hard.

Yeah. I did.

And hearing that means more than anything.

Luticara, come join us.

That's my husband. Thank you for listening.

Of course.

Luticara left home to change her own fate.

And Brolite left to change her sister's fate, and the fate of their village.

They care for each other.

With love for each other, they keep moving forward.

Someone who can still smile after suffering is truly strong.

The next day, we entered the forest to continue our search for Libelania.

The presence seems to be in this direction.

Was it really fine to leave Brolite behind?

She probably has things she still wants to talk about with her sister.

Luticara has gone through much hardship.

But a healthy child surely is good news for the elf homeland.

I hope so.

Yes, that would be ideal.

Takeru.

Takeru. Behind you.