Book 5: Volume 2 Chapter 2, Elf Village

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

 

After discussing Shrein and Peach, they spent time relaxing without doing anything particular.

 

They have been together for over ten years. Even without much conversation, they felt no distance between them. Moreover, since they lived together in the confined space of the Management Floor, there was no pressing need to fill silence with words. After discovering Collete’s pregnancy and moving to the Elf Village, they’d already talked extensively about it many times.

 

As a result, they didn’t talk much today.

 

Kousuke didn’t have urgent business requiring his return to the Management Floor, so he planned to spend the day with Collete. Lying at her side, they passed time relaxing, occasionally chatting.

 

Sylvia, who had gone to see the midwife, eventually returned. Collete noticed her expression seemed somewhat complicated.

 

“Oh. What’s wrong? Did something happen in the village?”

 

“Yeah, well, something did happen, but…”

 

“What is it?”

 

Kousuke sat up as Sylvia hesitated.

 

Seeing his attention, Sylvia sighed and shook her head.

 

“I just thought that you and Collete have been quite deified.”

 

“What!?”

 

“…I see.”

 

They had completely different reactions. Kousuke’s eyes widened in shock, while Collete nodded with a wry smile. Seeing Collete’s reaction, Sylvia nodded in understanding.

 

“So Collete knew?”

 

“Well, I can’t stay cooped up here forever. When I go for walks, I’m bound to hear about it.”

 

Even though excessive exercise was prohibited during pregnancy, not moving at all posed its own problems. Collete made sure to patrol the village occasionally or walk to the foot of Esena, the World Tree. Each time, someone would call out to her as she passed, and she couldn’t help but overhear how she and Kousuke were being regarded.

 

“Um… what do you mean by being deified?”

 

Kousuke asked timidly. Sylvia explained what they’d been saying in the village.

 

“Apparently, Collete is considered a Goddess who bestows fertility. This pregnancy seems to have accelerated that perception.”

 

“That’s true. Plus, Kousuke is said to grant safe childbirth.”

 

Collete added to Sylvia’s explanation.

 

“What’s up with that? Putting aside Collete being associated with childbearing, why would I be the one ensuring easy births?”

 

Kousuke tilted his head at the incomprehensible claim. He had not done anything to ensure easy births. This was not even for Sylvia or Floria. Since both had stayed on the 5th floor, Kousuke felt he hadn’t helped them at all. He’d wanted to be by their side if possible.

 

Collete continued explaining while Kousuke remained confused.

 

“Apparently, with both Sylvia and Floria, they were praised because all their children were born safely and are growing up properly.”

 

“That’s true. None of the children suffered from serious illnesses. And, the children born in the village also seem to be thriving.”

 

Even though magic existed in this world, the birth rate remained low. Additionally, the number of children surviving was worlds apart from Kousuke’s original world. Of course, Elves weren’t in as drastic a state as Humans, but their children still constantly faced risks of death.

 

Despite this, the extremely low mortality rate among Kousuke’s children and those living in the Tower’s floors had attracted attention. This must undoubtedly be thanks to Kousuke, who was known to be a living god.

 

Hearing this explanation, Kousuke shook his head in panic.

 

“No, no. That’s not true. I don’t have such powers!”

 

“Well, if you say so. I’m not a Goddess after all. But, when I first heard that story, I realized this is how faith is born.”

 

Collete, who was similarly revered by the Elves, spoke with resignation. In her case, being a Spirit Elf also contributed to the rumor’s spread. There was already fertile ground for such talk, but Collete’s pregnancy had brought it to full recognition. By the time she realized it, it was already too late.

 

As for Kousuke, since he was originally a living god, he could only accept it with resignation.

 

“…I know it’s a little late to say this, but I guess there are some things that just can’t be helped.”

 

Seeing Kousuke bow his head at this, Sylvia and Collete exchanged wry smiles as they glanced at each other.

 

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As the three conversed, Polina, the Elf assigned as Collete’s assistant, arrived. Polina would be caring for Collete and managing the household until she successfully gave birth.

 

“Collete-sama, Kousuke-sama, we have a guest.”

 

Collete and Kousuke exchanged glances at the voice that came after a knock on the door. If it were a visitor for Collete alone, that would be one thing, but with Kousuke present, it was nearly impossible to guess who it might be.

 

“Come in. Who’s here?”

 

Collete called out to Polina, who entered the room.

 

“Lelace-sama and Romana-sama of Sewri.”

 

“Romana of Sewri?”

 

Kousuke had visited the Elf Village in Sewri Forest before, and they maintained contact through a portal. It was not surprising that Romana, the village’s representative, would come to the Tower Elf Village, but it was puzzling why she would go out of her way to visit Collete and Kousuke specifically.

 

“All right. Let them in.”

 

After Collete’s permission, Polina bowed before leaving to call the two visitors.

 

Lelace and Romana were ushered into the room. Upon seeing Kousuke, Romana immediately bowed.

 

“It’s been a while.”

 

“Ah, it’s been a while. I’m glad to see you’re doing well.”

 

“Yes. Thanks to you.”

 

Sewri Forest and the Tower Elf Village still maintained contact through the portal. However, Kousuke himself rarely visited the village, and Romana almost never came either, so considerable time had passed since they had last met. As for Collete, they had spoken several times in the village about the World Tree. However, it had been quite a while since they had met privately, ever since Kousuke left Sewri Forest.

 

Collete tilted her head as she listened, aware of the unusual situation.

 

“So, it seems you have something to discuss with us. Did something happen?”

 

“Yes. I’d like you both to visit our village sometime when you have time.”

 

Romana’s words made Kousuke tilt his head in confusion.

 

“The village? Did Yuta call for me?”

 

“No, no. It’s not like that. The villagers simply want to meet you two.”

 

“The villagers?”

 

Kousuke tilted his head again, not understanding what Romana meant. After the previous incident, he hadn’t done anything particular for the village of Sewri. There was no reason for him to be summoned.

 

“Yes. Well, there are many things between our village and Lady Collete, but we’d like to have a proper discussion about all of that.”

 

“I don’t mind, but…”

 

“I fully understand that Lady Collete is pregnant and she needs great care, but I would really appreciate it if you would consider this request.”

 

It was not that Kousuke had avoided visiting Sewri Forest because of Collete’s past, but that nuance could be sensed in Romana’s words. With Romana in this situation, Kousuke and Collete exchanged glances, wondering what to do.