Chapter 23
Of course, it was a plan that could only work if the King of Ellium agreed to open the pass, but Sharmang was certain that if she could form an alliance with the elves of the Soro Forest, the king would gladly do so.
However, since the people of Ellium were probably unaware of the troubles the Soro Forest elves faced, she planned to reveal that only after the elves agreed to the deal.
[So, you want me to build a bridge between you and Halse Lake? You do ask for a lot.]
Though the words sounded blunt, there was no sign of displeasure.
Rather, he seemed to be calculating just how much profit was involved.
[If you simply connect us to Halse Lake, Ellium will provide everything necessary for teak trade between the Soro Forest and the Agal Mountains.]
[And what do we gain for taking such a risk?]
They had already received the dragonbone stone, and if they connected Halse Lake to Ellium and received travel rights for the portal leading to Teak, the profits were obvious—yet Haraman still asked.
Sharmang had already anticipated this and nodded.
[Ellium will become a great magical nation. I can guarantee that no matter what happens, we will never raise our swords against you. And in addition—]
She hesitated mid-sentence.
[In addition?]
Haraman prompted her.
“I’ll deal with the consequences later. Later.”
[Do you know the master of Runhill?]
She was referring to Ahil Derf.
For them, naming the actual tower was probably more understandable than saying “Ellium’s Tower Master.”
Her guess was correct—Haraman’s eyes gleamed with interest.
“You mean the master of the mage’s tower in Ellium? I’ve never seen him, but I’ve heard of him. A highly sought-after talent that many nations covet.”
[Yes.]
[One of the most exceptional mages in the world—perhaps even unique in his skill, is he not?]
[Yes, that’s correct.]
[But I found it odd. Tower mages are never bound to any place, yet he resides in Ellium. Is that true?]
[That’s true as well.]
Sharmang nodded again and again.
[And why is that? Please, continue.]
Later. I’ll clean this up later, she reminded herself once more.
[If you ally with Ellium, his power will be at your disposal whenever you need it.]
[You mean the master of Runhill would aid us?]
[Yes, without a doubt.]
At least, Sharmang was certain he would—because he cared for Ellium.
Haraman’s interest grew once more, almost as much as when the dragonbone stone was mentioned.
[And there’s more.]
[Go on.]
Sharmang’s strategy seemed to be working.
She waited until Haraman urged her again before speaking.
[You will also be able to enjoy sweet potatoes, the closest thing to a heavenly delicacy, anytime you wish.]
Of all the things she had said, this was the one she felt the most confident about.
After all, at the most basic level, eating, sleeping, and… well, the third thing… were life’s essentials.
But beyond that, she simply wanted to brag—about Alexander’s sweet potatoes.
Moreover, these elves were gourmets who didn’t enjoy meat. Sharmang was sure sweet potatoes would win them over.
[Sweet potatoes? I only know one meaning for that word.]
[Yes, that sweet potato.]
When Sharmang confidently replied, the meeting room stirred.
Not only Haraman, but the other elves also looked puzzled.
“Sweet potatoes?”
“Why bring up sweet potatoes now?”
“…Sweet potatoes are delicious, though.”
She could faintly hear the murmurs.
[Are you saying you want to make a deal for… tasty sweet potatoes?]
Haraman asked again, thinking he must have misheard.
[Yes. Once you taste them, you’ll want to strike the deal immediately. I’m serious.]
“They’re sweet, and they don’t even choke you,” Sharmang added.
Haraman studied her closely, his eyes scanning her features one by one, before leaning back in his chair.
[…Not only is your appearance unusual, but your mind is as well.]
[Even if it sounds like a joke, I wanted to tell you this sincerely.]
[I can tell. That was the most genuine expression you’ve shown so far.]
Was it? She meant everything she’d said so far, though…
Sharmang pressed her palms against her cheeks.
Haraman said he would need to discuss with his people.
Following his subordinate’s lead, Sharmang was about to head to her room but asked for permission to step outside first—she wanted to check on Bucky and breathe in the Soro Forest air.
As soon as she stepped out, she inhaled deeply, as if she were trying to fill her entire body with the forest. After several deep breaths, she relaxed, and the elf guide looked at her curiously.
[You don’t seem like someone visiting here for the first time.]
[Ah…]
Half right, half wrong.
[It’s my first time in this body. I just like the scent of the forest.]
[This place is full of life. Isn’t Ellium the same?]
Maybe it was the forest’s energy, but she felt a surge of vitality, like when she handled an antique.
The elf’s voice brimmed with pride.
He had chin-length ash-gray hair with bangs covering one eye, but his exposed eye had a gentle look.
Perhaps after the non-hostile conversation with Haraman, his wariness had lessened.
He hadn’t shared his name, but here, it was rude to ask unless the relationship was meant to continue.
Sharmang shared her impression of Ellium.
[Ellium is like a flower bud that hasn’t bloomed yet.]
[A bud… not a bad description.]
Still, praising Ellium felt strange—after all, she was from Ruentvel, which she had once been proud of.
A headache began to form again, and she shook her head.
Up in a tree, Bucky made an irritated guruk guruk sound—complaining that she was ignoring him.
When she stretched out her arm, Bucky swooped down and landed on her, almost knocking her off balance.
“Just a little longer, okay?”
“Grrr…”
Bucky glared at the elf as if ready to peck him, then turned away.
[I’ve never seen anyone handle a Seyarc so casually.]
The elf, much chattier now, said they could never even catch sight of a Seyarc, no matter how hard they searched.
[Ahem, my friend trained him well. Maybe he listens because I’m good at doing favors for my friends.]
“Guruk?”
Bucky tapped her head with his own, clearly calling her bluff.
Sharmang laughed awkwardly. At times like this, Bucky’s intelligence could be overwhelming.
Right now, he understood Elvish only because he was linked to her, but he was smart enough to learn it on his own with a little effort.
[So he obeys his master’s words no matter what? Truly a rare creature.]
[Yes, I suppose so. I’m not entirely sure…]
Bucky dug his claws into her shoulder again, but she simply patted his foot with a smile.
Soon, more elves emerged.
[The chieftain is calling for you.]
[Yes, I’ll come right away.]
“Bucky, I’ll be right back.”
Bucky took off again, perching on a tree.
[Travel safely.]
[Thank you for seeing me off.]
The conversation had gone well.
Though it ended with “Let’s meet again and talk more next time,” that was already a huge success.
It was as good as agreeing to an alliance—so long as she made no grave mistakes and spoke truthfully.
Half the battle was already won.
Haraman returned the dragonbone stone, but Sharmang gave it back as a gesture of trust.
To them, it was a priceless treasure; to her, it was simply a bargaining chip.
Now detached from titles and honor, she saw it as nothing more than a tool for trade.
Relieved, Sharmang prepared to head straight back to the shop.
Luckily, the talks had ended early—she could make it back before Sunday.
Pulling up her hood, she called Bucky so they could leave the forest.
But just as she turned to go, Haraman stopped her.
[By the way.]
[Yes?]
She lowered her hood again.
He hesitated, then asked:
[Are Ellium’s sweet potatoes really that delicious?]
Sharmang’s lips curved into a faint smile.
[I’ll bring some as a gift next time.]
[No need for gifts.]
Despite his words, he looked as if he was secretly looking forward to it.
[We’ll meet again. Next time, I’ll bring someone with me.]
She waved the two entry passes they had given her.
[Travel well.]
After giving the Soro Forest’s traditional farewell, Sharmang safely left.
After five more teleportations, she finally reached her shop—her chest aching as if it would burst.
Even skilled mages didn’t use high-level teleportation more than ten times a day, yet she had crossed half the continent in mere hours.
It was practically suicide.
“Ugh.”
She hadn’t even been exercising for long, and she had overworked this borrowed body.
Even if the mana supply was the same as the body’s original, the physical strain was entirely different.
Sharmang Noel Kenders’s heart had always refilled its mana no matter how much was drained.
She had once considered that mutation useful only for trade, but now she realized its true worth.
She managed to send off Bucky, who didn’t want to leave her side, but before she could even open the door, her legs gave out.
She thought she was about to hit the ground—but someone caught her arm firmly.
“…?”
Sweat dripping from her chin, she forced her head up—only for it to keep drooping toward the floor.
“What’s wrong? What happened to you?”
