#567 A Good Old Elf's Frustration

I am Elzariel, an elf.

I used to be a chivalrous thief who led a group called The Thunderstorm Stonecutters.

However, that group disbanded after many twists and turns.

After spending time in prison, I’m back in my homeforest, where I plant many trees.

By doing so, I can restore its former vastness.

The reason I left in the first place was that I lost my home after the humans cut down our trees.

It has been almost two years since this afforestation project began.

We’ve seen positive results little by little, and since we are dealing with trees, this will be a lifetime project.

I won’t be around when the elven forest has regained its former glory.

I live my days thinking of such things.

At one time, I thought I’d breathe my last breath as a bandit through and through, so I’m actually grateful to be able to spend time in my home like this.

But I have mixed feelings knowing that the people who gave me this opportunity were also my former comrades.

Aileron, Maelga, Mieral, and Poel, were also forced to flee the forest.

They shared hardships and sorrows and wandered through the wilderness, the mountains, and cities of different races. We were together when I formed the Thunderstorm Stonecutters.

After we separated, they settled in a place called the Saint’s Farm, where they produce and sell plates, cups, bags, and other articles.

They make a lot of money off of it.

I’m both happy and shocked that their profits fund the project I’m part of.

...?

Why am I shocked, you ask?

Why wouldn’t I be?

All of my friends, including myself, were former bandits.

Stealing, robbing, and snatching were our livelihoods.

It’s incredibly unreasonable and indolent of them to get paid for their honest labor.

Yet my former comrades have forgotten their past of stealing and are content with working hard and earning a fair wage.

Especially Aileron, who became the official head after I left, is even worse.

I heard that she accepted selling her clay vessels, plates, cups, and other works.

Well, I wouldn’t say they’re a waste since they are indispensable for meals.

But apparently, the prices of her works are no joke that it’s hard to believe they’re only made of clay. Nonetheless, people rave about them.

I only learned all this by hearsay, but I still shudder with horror.

How can something made of clay sell for such an exorbitant amount of money?

Isn’t that much more crooked than what we did as bandits?!

...Or so my inexpert self would think.

Surprisingly enough, Aileron herself did not take even the slightest offense.

“You can feel my passion, thoughts, ideas, brains, elegance, grace, and diligence in every piece I create! Every creation is my life!” she prattled.

What “life” is she on about?

Since she started dabbling in pottery, Aileron had awakened to the artisan in her, a different person from when she was a bandit.

Recently, she has even started associating with the dwarves, and sometimes when I visit the farm to get a fresh batch of seedlings, I see them arguing. 

Dwarves are a race of people who live a life opposite to us elves. They stay in the depths of the earth, digging holes and using the minerals they dig up to make and sell goods.

They are looked down upon by the elves as people who have strayed from the path of nature and rely on petty skills, but the sight of Aileron vividly arguing with such a race is both repulsive and dazzling.

Even I, who used to be her sister figure, have no idea where she’s heading.

Lady Elelelelcy and the Elf Monarch—both High Elves—have become ardent admirers of Aileron, even calling her Master. 

Influenced by what she advocates, they are now building tearooms in their respective forests.

Look at how much Aileron has fallen!

Aren’t elves supposed to live in harmony with nature and eliminate all artificial things as much as possible?

Yet now, they are earning money by trading goods, immersing themselves in the commerce of other races, and even building a house in the forest.

Wasn’t it the elven pride not to sleep under a roof?

This is no good.

At least I alone must firmly remember what the pride of our race is and pass it on to future generations...!

It frustrates me that Aileron has cajoled the High Elves, and there’s nothing I can do about it.

Still, even if I am alone, I will uphold the elven pride!

* * *

“Elzariel!”

“Yes, what is it?”

Just as I was about to make up my mind, I was summoned by Lady Elelelelcy, or Lady L4C, for short.

“I want you to build a garden around my tearoom!”

“A garden...?”

She was deceived by Aileron and wanted to create something strange.

The tearoom, a bizarre space, is still a fair idea, but the request to plant attractive plants and trees around it is plain weird.

“Master and Lord Saint say it’s elegant to drink tea while enjoying the natural scenery! You have planted many trees for a long time, so you know what to do, don’t you? I’m counting on you!”

But...!

I was puzzled by the recklessness of the sudden request, but I couldn’t turn down a request from Lady L4C, a high elf.

“Understood. I’ll try my best...!”

“Mm! As expected of the elf warrior’s granddaughter, Elto Elmo Else!”

She didn’t have to mention my grandmother’s name...

Aileron’s stupid influence is eroding the elven forests.

If it were up to me, I’d like to raid her on the farm and beat her up, but I can't do anything since the high elves are so fascinated with her.

“But how am I supposed to make a garden, damn it!”

Can’t she just look at trees and grass growing naturally?

I don’t understand a single thing that goes into Aileron’s mind these days!

I know she’s the originator of the idea, so asking her would be the quickest way to find out, but my pride won’t allow me to do that!

Hence, I tried asking Maelga, but she coldly said she had no idea.

Not even Aileron’s former bandit comrades can keep up with her anymore.

I was left with no other choice but to do self-research.

The bottom line is that it has to look aesthetically pleasing.

I clear the surrounding area for a good view and spread some grass...

...Even trees give off impressions depending on the silhouette of the foliage that grows on them.

If I combine them well, I can make more interesting shapes.

I should also take into account the seasons.

Depending on the type of tree, the leaves will fall before winter, and some will change to more vivid colors such as red or yellow.

It would be nice to plant such trees and feel the passage of time.

...But sweeping the fallen leaves can be a pain.

The scenery would inevitably become monotonous with only plants and trees, so I should introduce some variety.

Speaking of nature with plants and trees... maybe some stones?

Let’s put a large stone at the end of the garden and call it a garden stone.

If moss grows on the stone and becomes patchy, it will blend in with the scenery more.

Yeah!

I’m having fun with this!

A flat surface would be boring, so I’ll make it three-dimensional! I’ll elevate this area so we can see farther...!

This needs a flower bed! Flowers make everything great!

And then, and then...!

* * *

When I was doing this, Aileron was impressed with my work.

“Incredible, Sis! I never thought you’d create such a fine garden!”

“Y-You think so...?”

When I invited Aileron over to ask her thoughts, she was more pleased than I had imagined.

On the contrary, I’m rather perplexed by her reaction.

“I’m so happy! You’re an elf who has taste!”

“Huh? No, this isn’t what this is...!”

“Otherwise, you wouldn’t have been able to do such a magnificent job on the garden! I’m so happy for you, Sis! I never imagined we’d work together under such circumstances!!!” says Aileron, squeezing both my hands tightly. “I handle the tools, and you handle the garden! Let’s spread the new Elven Tea Ceremony to the world! Here’s to the reunion of the first and second leaders of the Thunderstorm Stonecutters!”

What? No...!

I resent you flippant elves!

I will never approve of elves like you!

Do you understand?!