Hmmm… The situation got a bit ambiguous here.
Outwardly, Shia seemed carefree, laughing and giving off a vibe of not caring; however, inside, she was deeply troubled.
Shia wanted to live a life where she could enjoy a peaceful daily life, the joy of broadcasting her chaotic life, relish her experiences as a hunter, and be happy just being with her people.
However, she was reminded once again that life rarely goes as planned.
This was a lesson she learned in her past life as the Mangja Seongnyeo, which spanned over 60 years.
Even seemingly innocent actions or trivial remarks from her had the potential to stir up political turmoil.
Of course, any troublesome individuals usually got dealt with by Menelapie and Teresa before Shia had a chance to do anything. Still, it was hard to ignore the news from the royal palace when she had functioning eyes and ears.
And it was no different here on Earth; things began to get entangled in unintended ways.
While she didn’t think it was all bad…
Shia sure didn’t expect her heroic act of saving elves from the Daesanrim would somehow lead to “the Neaggangsan turning greener and greener with a cannonball gliding through the air.”
Not that elves were at fault, or that her rescuing them was wrong.
Shia’s actions came from a place of goodwill and shattered the malicious pieces of Mawang. The elves were the ones who were initially intimidated by China, so their reactions were warranted on a national and diplomatic level.
It was more a feeling of “I thought things would go well, but not this well…”
“Shia, sorry to keep you waiting.”
“Ah, Menelapie, you’re here? What did they say?”
Even though Shia knew through Yeonseo’s ability what Menelapie had said, she feigned ignorance to avoid bothering her further.
A Seongnyeo cannot lie, but intentionally evading the truth is within her ability.
“Hehe, nothing much. It isn’t even worth remembering.”
“I see.”
Menelapie often responded this way after things Shia didn’t need to know had been done.
She claimed there was no need to remember.
If it were up to her, Menelapie would probably want to trample the heads of those troublesome humans who had clung to her and Shia.
“Alright then, let’s go to the cafe for a bit. Not often do we get a chance to visit the National Assembly cafe, right? Today, I’ll treat you, so feel free to…”
[Yeonseo, the elves have arrived.]
“Huh? Already?”
At that moment, Yeonseo turned her head at the words of the auxiliary drone, now visible next to her.
It came sooner than expected.
Although, given the elves also wouldn’t be in an easy situation, it made sense.
“Ugh… Do we have to go to the National Assembly cafe after all…”
Shia’s face dropped as she had planned to drink about 30 cups of chocolate latte.
“Don’t worry. If it comes to it, I’ll pay.”
“Huh…? But Menelapie, you don’t have any money.”
“I do.”
“Huh? When?!”
“The association recognized our success in subduing the Erosion Dungeon during the last ethics audit. I even got this smartwatch from that.”
“Wow…”
Seriously, how does she adjust so quickly…?
Is this due to Menelapie’s Golden Eye allowing her to analyze and adapt?
“Then let’s go quickly. We can’t leave the elven guests waiting.”
Thus, Shia, Menelapie, and Yeonseo entered the National Assembly main hall.
There weren’t too many people inside.
Just a secretary for records, Director Lee who came at Yeonseo’s call, and a few members of Yeonseo’s faction.
“You’ve arrived.”
In one corner of the National Assembly, Yujin, adorned with a male guise, was also present.
As an S-grade Hunter representing Korea alongside Yeonseo, it seemed the government had sought Yujin’s cooperation given the circumstances.
Though even if he was there, Yujin would likely side with the elves.
“Gallery Master…! No, Shia Unnie~!”
“Hello, Shia!”
From the elven side, Big Olgania and Small Olgania were also present.
Seeing Shia again after so long, Olga was so happy that she wiggled her little butt like a child, unable to hide her delight. Meanwhile, with a gentle smile, Big Olgania bowed her head to Shia.
The elves’ visit typically would’ve warranted a grand welcome or conducted in a formal gathering with all National Assembly members present. But currently, there was no formal hearing or invitation for the elves; they had essentially come secretly.
However, given the current global situation was tense, and since Yujin and Shia shared a deep bond with the elves, it made sense to arrange this unofficial gathering at Yeonseo’s request.
“Long time no see.”
“Hello, Fake Hero.”
“It seems you’ve been doing well, as you greet me like that right from the start.”
Seeing Yujin casually chat with Shia made Menelapie slightly furrow her brow as she stepped forward protectively.
“If Shia isn’t doing well, that’s a problem, isn’t it?”
The sunlight glistened off Menelapie’s golden hair, causing Yujin to pause for a moment.
Even the so-called “false hero” couldn’t help but be momentarily enchanted by Menelapie’s appearance.
The problem was that Big Olgania, observing this, had begun to look at Yujin with a slightly dangerous glare.
“…Who is that?”
“You lack manners. Staring at a stranger and demanding their identity is inappropriate. In this case, it’s customary to introduce oneself first.”
“…I apologize.”
Yujin coughed awkwardly and stood up.
Unbeknownst to both parties, the “hero” Yujin from the previous world had developed a minor fondness for Menelapie from their very first encounter.
It wasn’t that Yujin fell head over heels for Menelapie right away, but with their shared identity as heroes, a mutual affinity developed.
Of course, Menelapie felt no interest in Yujin whatsoever.
Her heart was already filled with Shia.
“My name is Yujin. I’m a Returnee from another world, same as Isia, and a hero…”
“Nope, she doesn’t need to know that. Let’s go, Menelapie.”
“Understood.”
Wait, Shia? What are you doing?
“Shia, stay quiet! I’m trying to introduce myself to her, and you…!”
“Hey now, if Shia says she doesn’t need to know, what’s it to you? Just sit tight!”
“……..”
What a mess…
Even after a long time, the dynamics between the heroic hero and Mangja Seongnyeo were still off.
Or rather, while demanding an introduction, Yujin flipped his attitude like a pancake at Shia’s words?!
Not quite as chaotic, but something about Menelapie’s strange behavior twisted Yujin’s expression into a frown.
Big Olgania watching the scene was starting to look somewhat ominous as well.
“Hehehe, everyone seems to be getting along well! Since this isn’t a formal occasion, everyone sit comfortably. I suppose you all know who I am without needing an introduction?”
Before things got even more chaotic, Yeonseo stepped in to mediate, bringing Shia and Yujin back to their respective places.
“I hear you’ve saved the world numerous times. It’s an honor to meet you, Yeonseo!”
“Nice to meet you!”
Since the elves had gathered essential information about Korea beforehand, they were already aware of Yeonseo.
Even if they hadn’t known, being familiar with Shia and Yujin, they naturally couldn’t help but take an interest in this nation.
“Now, let me introduce myself. Many may know me already…”
Standing up, Big Olgania was in better shape than before.
While one could still see the scars from her previous corruption, it was oddly reminiscent of an enchanting ancient tattoo when combined with the elves’ striking beauty.
“I am Olgania Eiranierfeldra, the world tree’s child leading the Daesanrim and elves. Please call me Olgania.”
“I’m also the world tree’s child, Olgania Parchelotis Pia! Please call me Olga.”
After that, the boring diplomatic discussions began, with Big Olgania discussing a myriad of topics alongside some assembly members and even Yujin and Menelapie.
“Our government’s biggest concern is the fear that elves might suddenly change their minds and use that Spirit Nuke in the middle of the capital.”
“Oh dear, isn’t that the same concern for humans? Reviewing human history, I hear they developed nuclear weapons a long time ago? Cough piling weapons capable of destroying the Earth? Even while they developed their own nukes, they interpret our Spirit Nuke—something not meant for destruction—with disproportionate fear?”
“The past and the present are very different. And the Spirit Nuke possessed by the elves is far…”
True enough, there was no one on Earth who knew that the world tree’s children were restored, fully regaining their Spirit Power and blessings of the Daesanrim, making it possible for elves to wield such a ridiculous asymmetric weapon.
Not even Yujin and Shia, who had saved the elves, would have anticipated that.
Common sense led most to believe that elves were adept at using bows and swords. Who would’ve imagined they could wield a Spirit Nuke?
Plus, since the Spirit Nuke was an enormous life-energy explosion based on Spirit Power, it effectively bypassed even the high-grade Awakened Ones who might resist conventional weapons.
In any case, the current situation left the elves in a rather delicate international position.
China and nations allied with it had already declared near severance with the elves. On the other hand, various countries would have a tough time deciding whether to officially recognize the elves as a state and forge friendly relations.
While the elves weren’t wrong in their actions.
Faced with threats, taking appropriate national responses isn’t incorrect.
If they don’t respond, they could get devoured.
However, the problem is that the elves’ strength is far stronger than humans in ways they can’t imagine, enough to shake the international order.
It wasn’t for nothing that China literally threw up the white flag within a week.
Elves could always seal the entrance to the Daesanrim whenever they wanted and even relocate the gate situated above to the Gobi Desert.
Having the ability to open and close the gates at will meant that external invasion was nearly impossible, so no matter how many conventional troops or weapons China had, just locking the door was enough for the elves.
Supply?
Elves have always been a self-sufficient race in the Daesanrim.
In fact, the best they could contrive was sending over 5,000 internal hunters as a covert operation, but now they were missing even in that regard.
They could lock down the entrance at any time or move it to dodge outside attacks, and alternatively, launch guerilla warfare whenever and anywhere, causing a ‘Neaggangsan turning greener and greener with a cannonball gliding through the air’ when opening the gate.
Such actions would instill a sense of urgency among the heads of any nation living on Earth, not just China.
No longer could any nation underestimating the elves due to their smaller numbers be so casual, but conversely, elves had raised concerns about themselves.
That’s how it should be.
Those in power must always consider potential harm to their country and prepare for the worst.
Thus, the meeting grew increasingly lengthy.
“So what will happen then? If the elves decide to exile themselves, it would also be quite the problem.”
“There are indeed some elves who have already left the Daesanrim and spread across various places, but that’s a different matter. This time it’s about the entire Daesanrim integrating into Earth as a new nation.”
“Our government’s demand of the elves is a solid guarantee of safety. This conference may be unofficial, but our ally, the United States, has entrusted us with the judgment regarding the elves…”
…
“If recognized as a nation, what currency will the Daesanrim use? Is there an alternative system?”
“In the previous world, a gold standard was established. There was a common currency across continents…”
“My empire also basically adopted the gold standard. I couldn’t accept the monopoly of currency; hence we established a joint minting office across the continent to regulate money. It’s a long-ago thing, but measured against that standard…”
“Wow, I only thought of you as a friend of Shia’s, but you seem surprisingly knowledgeable in this area?”
“If I wasn’t, I’d be dead in that world.”
And amidst this, Shia felt like she was hearing what the heck am I listening to…?
I’m just a useless, tasteless mushroom…
Meee…
Yeonseo, a few politicians, and assembly members.
Yujin, Big Olgania.
Even Menelapie was somehow fervently discussing matters in that headache-inducing meeting…
Yet Shia couldn’t follow along with any of it.
It felt as though things might be going smoothly.
Or not…
What is happening?
I’m certain they’re speaking Korean, but it’s all a complete blur.
Especially when Menelapie spoke; she showed a level of understanding and analysis that made it hard to believe she had only been on Earth less than a week.
After an hour passed…
Two…
Finally, precisely 3 hours and 18 minutes into the meeting, as Shia’s stomach began to grumble, the conference concluded.
Exchanging mind games and lengthy discussions filled with convoluted diplomatic jargon, the long and short of it is this…
“Our government welcomes the elf nation under the assumption that your promises will be upheld.”
“Today’s meeting has been beneficial for both the Daesanrim and the humans.”
With that, Director Lee and the assembly members left with the meeting summary, and only then did Shia awaken from her drowsiness.
“I’ll go sort out the documents. If I don’t send the reassuring contents to the upper side, I guess I’ll get hounded again? I’ll be back soon, so everyone be at ease.”
In truth, Shia woke up not so much because the meeting ended but because she was hungry.
“Hehe… Hauum… I’m so sleepy… And hungry…”
“You’ve worked hard, Shia.”
In reality, she hadn’t done anything but sleep through it all.
Instead, it was Menelapie who actively participated in the meeting, taking the lead with an objective eye as the emperor’s presence while others debated.
As Shia stretched and cracked her back, Yujin looked at her with a disappointed expression.
“Sigh… I keep thinking about this, but I just can’t picture how you saved the previous world… If that emperor is your hero, then it makes sense.”
“If you were that worried, you should’ve saved it like I did. That’s why I can’t acknowledge you as a hero.”
“This…!”
“What? Why?”
It looked like Yujin and Shia were ready to kill each other, but these two were definitely not at odds nor did they have a bad relationship.
“Shia!”
“Oh, Olga.”
Bright and lively, Small Olgania tapped Shia, making her rub her sleepy eyes in response.
Indeed, a fan of Tree-Leaf Frittata, Shia was just like a maple leaf, offering brilliant support!
The moment she saw Shia, Olga’s eyes sparkled with fan affection.
“Hehe, I see you on broadcasts every day, but seeing you in person is still something fresh. Your chest seems bigger than before, doesn’t it?”
“Huh, no way… But if you’ve watched the broadcasts, then you must know who Menelapie is?”
“Of course!”
“Oh, this little one is an elf, huh. So you’re also the world tree’s child.”
With a cautious analysis through her Golden Eye, Menelapie nodded.
“Yes, indeed. It’s late, but I’ll properly introduce myself. I am Shia’s hero!”
“…Hmm, well-behaved.”
Menelapie evidently liked Small Olgania for referring to her as “Shia’s hero.”
Meanwhile, Big Olgania approached, waving gently toward Shia and Yujin.
Not as exuberant as Shia, but still noticeably voluptuous, Big Olgania had her own charms.
“Long time no see, Seongnyeo. It’s a pleasure to meet you like this. I wish we could reunite in a more comfortable setting…”
“It can’t be helped.”
Though the circumstances were tangled, Shia was nonetheless thrilled to see familiar faces after so long.
International dynamics, politics, and diplomacy? To her, they were all convoluted and nonsensical matters.
She just wanted to enjoy a simple life with friends, have some meat grilled, wrap it in dungeon cabbage, and scream “Yeaaah~!”
That’s the thing.
Okay, let’s do it.
Since Yujin was here, and Menelapie too, with both Olganias as well, how about they all buy some huge meat together and have a grilling party?
It had been a while since she last broadcasted.
Having everyone together sounded just right! The meeting was over, after all.
As Shia contemplated the evening menu, Olga poked her.
“By the way, what does Shia think?”
“Huh?”
Um, think about what?
“I didn’t hear your answer. In every scenario, Shia’s will is what’s important.”
“Huh, my will?”
“Well, it’s indeed true that this job would be tough for anyone but a Seongnyeo.”
“Umm… What are you talking about, Yujin?”
Huh? What?
Uncertain, Shia looked at everyone else as they suggested it was no big deal.
“Ah, simply put, we’d like to entrust you with the safety of the elves coming to Earth, Shia.”
“We wouldn’t trust just anyone, but we believe in you, Seongnyeo.”
“Hehehe, don’t worry. You’re the saint, Shia, the purest of all. I, Olgania Eiranierfeldra, guarantee you won’t regret this choice.”
Huh?? Me??
Why me??
○○○○○○
“Yeonseo! You’ve worked hard!”
“Thank you for your efforts!”
“Right, right. Make sure to take care on your way back.”
After the National Assembly ended to some degree, Yeonseo let out a long sigh.
She didn’t intend to be stuck in this world. After saving it several times during the Great Rift, she hoped for peace in retirement.
“Speaking of which, I wonder if that Lirisia girl has tidied up the fields?”
Originally, the meeting was to last about an hour, but it unexpectedly dragged on.
It’s been over three hours since she claimed to have tasked Lirisia with tidying the cabbage patch, so she must have been left quite inconvenienced.
Before returning, Yeonseo decided to check on Lirisia by opening the space where her cabbage patch was located.
Thud!
“Hey, Black Shia! You finished your work, didn’t you…?”
[Kieeeeeeek…]
Keeeeh?
What’s that sound?
Seeing the neat plots of fields confirmed by Yeonseo, she puzzled over the unknown wailing sound coming from somewhere.
Where could Black Shia be?
Maybe she was in the back?
[Pwooooeeeeeng!]
However, as Yeonseo headed toward the back field, her head tilted at the unclear sound that was half-cry, half-laugh.
What on Earth is that sound?
This dungeon had been thoroughly cleared of monsters, so no spawn would be occurring here?!
By the way, where on earth did Black Shia wander off to…?
Shuffling-shuffle
Shuffling? Don’t tell me Black Shia couldn’t resist and was again munching on the cabbages…!
Should she catch and give her a stern warning if Black Shia had returned to munching on cabbage, determined, Yeonseo strode towards the sound.
Chomp, chomp…! Chomp, chomp!
“Ahh, from the sound of munching, it appears Black Shia has completely lost her mind and is munching again!”
Kieeeek!
Though the sound of tearing into cabbage was familiar, what was this strange outcry?
Despite gearing herself up to smack Lirisia for her antics, Yeonseo gathered her mana, ready to turn the corner.
And….
…
“……?”
[Mewling… Sobbing…]
As she made eye contact with the girl entangled with a centipede tail and stuffed full of her dungeon cabbages, Yeonseo felt her senses fade away.
What was she witnessing?
What on Earth am I looking at?
Yeonseo lost all sense of reality once again.
