Chapter 38 - Círdan

With his head bowed in reverence before the passing elf, Hert's expression changes quickly.

If before he seemed excited, his face overflowing with serenity and self-satisfaction, now his demeanor is resigned and formal, as if he were another person.

As the elf approaches Hert and the others, he finally makes a comment.

— Hert, my friend, it's good to find you here.

Having said that, he turns his gaze toward Kazuki and Rei, then adds: — From what I see, you still haven't lost the habit of helping others.

Looking closer, the boy notices that this one seems different compared to the other elves. In addition to his aura of calm and elegance, his tone of voice carries a certain formality despite the simplicity of his words.

Deep green eyes, short bluish hair, a youthful appearance that seems to match his quiet personality, and a firm, noble posture.

Next to him, four elves accompany him with indifferent expressions, watching the conversation in silence.

"Do all elves have such a youthful appearance? Are they immortal, or is it just their appearance that doesn't change?"

"This is crazy, they really look unreal."

"That guy... he must be important, considering how all the elves treat him with such respect."

Rei thinks to himself while watching the exchange between Hert and Círdan.

— Yes, my lord. Like me, I believe that my companions are helping effectively and absolutely — Hert says calmly.

— We are fulfilling the orders imposed by our representative — he adds, with a light smile.

As soon as he receives the answer, Círdan looks at the elf with a satisfied expression.

— I understand, my friend. I'm glad you're making an effort in these turbulent times; your efforts will not be in vain.

— If you need accommodation for the guests, rooms 11 to 17 are available, Hert.

Hearing this, Hert simply nods his head and clasps his hands again in a sign of respect and gratitude.

— Thank you for the information, my lord. I believe we can accommodate as many refugees as possible. All in the name of the cause!

As soon as he has finished speaking, Círdan gives only a smile as a farewell, but before he leaves the area, he looks at Rei once more.

— By the way, I hope you don't mind me asking, but I'm very curious. What is your name, young man? — he asks, observing the boy with interest.

Noticing that he's being watched, the student quickly introduces himself.

"Since you're treating him so formally, I think I should do the same, at least to show my gratitude for letting us stay here. That should be enough."

— My name is Reiji, sir. Nice to meet you.

Círdan quickly approaches him, his expression full of curiosity and interest.

— Your eyes are quite unique! Has anyone ever told you that? They seem to complement your figure, an appearance that is undoubtedly admirable and attractive, indeed.

— If you need any kind of help, I can provide it for you.

As Círdan finishes speaking, the four elves near him roll their eyes to the side and begin whispering to each other in hushed tones.

— Haaa…

— He did it again…

— Why does he always have to do this?

— Every time someone good-looking shows up, he pulls this kind of stunt.

— There's nothing we can do about his personality, you guys know that!

— Since things have come to this, why don't we intervene?!

While the other elves chat among themselves, their words inaudible, the boy reacts to Círdan's comment with a confused expression on his face.

— Errh… Yes? If I need help, I'll ask you.

"This guy, what does he even want? He changed the way he spoke just now, he seems more... affectionate?"

On the other hand, when Kazuki realizes the elf's true intention, he fixes his gaze on him.

— No need to worry, he certainly won't need it — he comments with a cold voice and a closed expression.

"Errhh... Hummm?"

"Kazuki?"

Upon hearing the beastman's comment, which sounds more like a threat, Círdan tilts his head to the side and fixes his gaze on him.

— I see you have a good friend, Reiji — he responds with an indifferent tone.

— I've already spent too much time here; I need to assist some refugees in the eastern zone who are in critical condition. I bid you farewell — he says finally, turning his back and leaving the area.

— O-okay, Lord Círdan, thank you for your attention — Hert declares, with a stunned expression and a hesitant voice.

❖ ❖ ❖

When Círdan and the elves accompanying him leave the area, Hert turns his gaze to Rei and apologizes for Círdan's behavior.

— I apologize if he said anything that offended you, my Lord Círdan always behaves this way. He's a good man, don't hold it against him.

— It's okay, it's over. You don't have to apologize for someone else's actions — the student responds, unfazed by the situation.

— He mentioned some rooms, didn't he? Can you take us there, Hert?

— Ah, yes, of course. The quarters are nearby, please follow me — he points toward a round corridor near the white tree in the area.

...

Near the quarters, the boy notices the presence of some people in the corridor, leaning against the stone walls of the building. The whole place is covered with grayish stone, from floor to ceiling.

The doors scattered throughout the corridor are made of an ancient type of wood, adorned with inscriptions in the Elvish language that cover them completely.