Chapter 150: The Witch of the Dark Starr 6
‘The situation has become a bit awkward.’
On the outside, Shia appeared as though she wasn’t giving it much thought with a simple grin, but in truth, Shia was deeply contemplating things.
Shia wanted to live a life with a peaceful daily routine, enjoying the chaotic broadcast life, the Hunter life full of good food, with her loved ones by her side, free from complaints.
But once again, she was realizing that life never goes as planned.
Even in her previous world, where she had lived as the Saintess of the Dead for over 60 years, it was the same.
There were times when her thoughtless or well-intentioned actions and trivial words sparked political adversaries.
Of course, such bothersome entities were usually taken care of by Menelapie and Teresa before Shia even did anything, but even if Shia tried to ignore it, she was no blind and deaf person who couldn’t catch the palace rumors and internal affairs.
And on Earth, similarly, though it wasn’t her intention… some strange things were getting entangled little by little.
However, she didn’t think it was all bad.
Shia never anticipated that her actions to save the elves in the Great Forest would eventually lead to the creation of the “Green Mountain Bunker Blasting Kanfu Missile.”
It wasn’t that the elves were bad, nor was it wrong for Shia to have saved them.
Shia had merely acted out of goodwill, shattering the demonic shard possessed by the Demon King; besides, it was China who had threatened the elves first, so that kind of national and diplomatic response was natural.
It felt like she’d thought, ‘I hoped it would turn out well, but not this well…’
“Shia, sorry to keep you waiting.”
“Oh, Menelapie, you’re here? What did they say?”
Even though Shia already knew what Menelapie had said through Yeonseo’s ability, Shia pretended not to know anything, acting innocent so as not to make Menelapie uncomfortable.
While the Saintess couldn’t tell a lie, she could intentionally avoid the truth.
“Hehe, nothing much. Nothing worth remembering.”
“I see.”
Menelapie, as always, would say such things whenever she’d finished handling some cleansing work that Shia didn’t need to know about.
She’d say there was no need to remember it.
Menelapie likely wished to crush the heads of those who meddled with her and Shia.
“Well, then, shall we stop by a café for a bit? We rarely get a chance to visit the National Assembly café. Today, I’ll treat you to whatever you want…”
[Miss Yeonseo, the elves have arrived.]
“Huh? Already?”
At that moment, Yeonseo turned her head at the voice from the assistant drone, which had materialized beside her.
They arrived faster than expected.
Well, it wasn’t exactly a relaxed situation for the elves either.
“Sigh… Do I have to save the National Assembly café for later…”
Shia, who had been planning to drink about 30 cups of chocolate latte, looked disappointed.
“Don’t worry. If need be, I shall treat you.”
“Huh? But Menelapie, you don’t have any money.”
“I do.”
“What? Since when?!”
“The Association acknowledged my achievements for subjugating that erosion dungeon during the last ethics audit. This smartwatch was also a reward from that.”
“Whoa…”
No way, she’s adapting even faster than I am…?
Is this also thanks to Menelapie’s golden eye’s analysis and adaptability?
“Well then, let’s go. We can’t keep our elven guests waiting.”
With that, Shia, Menelapie, and Yeonseo headed into the National Assembly hall.
Inside, there weren’t that many people.
A clerk for record-keeping.
Director Lee, who had come at Yeonseo’s call, along with a few legislators from Yeonseo’s faction.
“You’re here.”
In a corner of the National Assembly hall, Yujin, who still wore the form of a male figure, was also present.
Yujin was also an S-rank Hunter who represented South Korea alongside Yeonseo, and given the nature of the situation, it seemed the government had sought Yujin’s cooperation.
Though she probably would still lean towards the elves’ side.
“Gallery owner…! No, Shia unnie~!”
“Hello, Miss Shia.”
From the elves’ side, both Big Olgania and Little Olgania were present.
Olga, delighted to see Shia after so long, couldn’t hide her childlike excitement, wiggling with joy. Beside her, Big Olgania, with a gentle smile, bowed her head to Shia.
The elves’ visit would normally have called for a grand welcoming ceremony or an all-member parliamentary gathering to receive them as distinguished guests, but today was neither a formal hearing nor an official parliamentary invitation, and it was almost like the elves had come in secret.
However, given the turbulent state of world affairs, the government, which had both Yujin and Shia — known for their connections to the elves — asked Yeonseo to arrange this unofficial meeting.
“It’s been a while.”
“Hello, fake Hero.”
“Seeing you talk like that from the start, I take it you’re doing well.”
Seeing Yujin casually chatting with Shia, Menelapie stepped forward as if to block Yujin from Shia.
“With me around, is it even possible for Shia to not be doing well?”
For a moment, Yujin’s body halted, entranced by Menelapie’s golden hair, which shimmered brighter than the sunlight.
Even the fake Hero was momentarily dazed by Menelapie’s beauty.
Unfortunately, Big Olgania on the other side seemed to notice Yujin’s reaction and her gaze became a little chilling.
“…Who might you be?”
“Such a lack of manners you have. Not only do you openly stare at someone upon first meeting, but you also demand to know their identity. Isn’t it customary to introduce oneself first in such situations?”
“…My apologies.”
Yujin cleared her throat and rose from her seat.
Though they didn’t know it, as a Hero from the previous world, Yujin felt a faint, inexplicable affection towards Menelapie from their first meeting.
It wasn’t that Yujin was instantly smitten with Menelapie, but rather that their shared identity as Heroes brought a bit of mutual affinity.
Of course, Menelapie felt neither affection nor interest in Yujin.
Her heart was already entirely filled with Shia.
“My name is Yujin. Like Shia, I am a Returnee from another world, a He—”
“No need for that. Let’s go, Menelapie.”
“As you wish.”
What are you doing, Shia?
“Could you just be quiet, Shia? I was about to introduce myself, and you—”
“Hmph, if Shia says there’s no need to know, what business of yours is it! Be quiet and behave!”
“…”
What the hell…?
Though it had been a while, the fake Hero and the Saintess of the Dead still didn’t get along.
But seriously, he asked for an introduction, and then flipped his attitude at Shia’s words?!
Although not quite like Shia, there was something strange about Menelapie’s manner of dealing with things that soured Yujin’s mood.
Big Olgania, who was observing the scene from across, also had her smile darken slightly.
“Hehehe, everyone seems to be getting along. This isn’t a formal setting, so please, everyone sit comfortably. I suppose there’s no need for me to introduce myself?”
Before things could get rowdier, Yeonseo interjected to mediate, prompting Shia and Yujin to return to their seats.
“I’ve heard you saved the world numerous times. It’s an honor to meet you, Miss Yeonseo.”
“Nice to meet you!”
The elves had gathered essential information about Korea beforehand and were familiar with Yeonseo.
If not, Olgania was naturally drawn to this country, thanks to Shia and Yujin.
“Then, allow me to introduce myself first. Many of you may already know me…”
Big Olgania rose from her seat, looking healthier than before.
Although half of Olgania’s body still bore scars tainted by malevolent energy like tattoos, blending with the elven beauty, they looked like mystical ancient markings.
“I am Olgania Aelani Veldera, known as a Child of the World Tree, who currently leads the Great Forest and the elves. Please feel free to call me Olgania.”
“I am also a Child of the World Tree, Olganiafarceti, but you may call me Olga!”
○○○
After that, for a long time, Big Olgania, a few lawmakers, Yujin, and even Menelapie engaged in a tedious diplomatic meeting.
“Our government’s primary concern is that the elves might one day change their minds and use the so-called Spirit Core Bomb weapon in the middle of our capital.”
“Oh my, aren’t humans the same? I read in human history that you developed a thing called nuclear weapons long ago? Stockpiling enough weapons to destroy the world. You developed nuclear weapons just because others did… Isn’t it highly contradictory to fear and guard against us when what we hold is a tool for purification, not destruction?”
“These times are quite different from back then. And the Spirit Core Bombs held by the elves are far more…”
Indeed, no human knew that the elves, reborn with the blessing of the Great Forest and the power of the World Tree, could wield the unprecedented asymmetric weapon
known as the Spirit Core Bomb.
Not even Yujin and Shia, who had saved the elves, could have predicted it.
Who would expect elves to wield a weapon like the Spirit Core Bomb when it was only natural to assume elves could wield bows and swords?
Furthermore, the Spirit Core Bomb, powered by spirit energy, was effective even against high-level Awakened beings immune to conventional weapons.
The current situation had placed the elves in a delicate position internationally.
China and its allied nations had already declared near-total diplomatic severance from the elves. Conversely, other countries were uncertain about whether to formally recognize the elves as a state and establish friendly relations.
It’s not that the elves’ response was wrong.
Since they were threatened, a national-level response was only fair.
Otherwise, they’d be devoured.
However, the problem was that the elves’ military power was far stronger than humanity’s expectations, enough to shake the global order.
China hadn’t surrendered to the elves within a week for no reason.
The elves could seal the entrance to the Great Forest at will and even move the gate in the sky to the center of the Gobi Desert.
They could open and close the passage to the Great Forest as they pleased, meaning external invasions were nearly impossible. No matter how many millions of troops and conventional weapons China had, the elves could simply lock the door.
Supply lines?
Elves were a race that originally lived self-sufficiently in the Great Forest.
Though they sent 5,000 Public Security Bureau Hunters as a secret detachment, their fate remains unknown.
Whenever they wished, they could close or relocate the entrance to evade external attacks. Conversely, they could conduct guerrilla warfare anytime, opening the Great Forest gate entrance anywhere on Earth to launch the “Green Mountain Bunker Blasting Kanfu Missile.”
This wasn’t just a concern for China; any leader of a human nation on Earth would feel wary.
There was no longer any nation that could ignore the elves due to their small numbers, but conversely, the elves had now become the subject of caution for everyone.
It was only natural.
Those who govern a nation must always be mindful of potential harm to their own country or, in the worst-case scenario, the possibility of catastrophe.
As a result, the meeting continued to drag on.
“So, what shall we do? If the elves decide to seek asylum, that too would be a significant issue.”
“Some elves who have already left the Great Forest are scattered across various parts of Earth, but this is a different matter. Those individuals can be regarded simply as private citizens, but in this case, the Great Forest as a nation is essentially being newly integrated into Earth.”
..
“Our government’s demand of the elves is a clear guarantee of safety. Though this is an informal meeting, our ally, the United States, has entrusted us with representing their judgment on the elves…”
..
“If the Great Forest is recognized as a nation, what currency will they use? Is there a system that could serve as a substitute?”
“In our previous world, we operated on a gold standard. There was a common currency across the continent…”
“My empire also adopted the gold standard. Since we could not allow the monopoly of currency, a Continental Mint Union was established to regulate it. That was a long time ago, but if we consider the standards from that period…”
“Oh my, I only knew you as Shia’s acquaintance, but it seems you have more expertise in this field than expected?”
“It was a world where not being well-versed could cost you your life.”
…..
And amidst all this, Shia found herself in a state of wondering, ‘What on earth am I listening to…?’
I am a worthless, tasteless mushroom.
I am a useless Neungi mushroom…
Meeeehh…
Yeonseo and several politicians, lawmakers.
And Yujin, Great Olgania.
Even Menelapie seemed to be actively participating in this headache-inducing meeting, passionately discussing something…
Yet, Shia couldn’t follow a single word of the conversation.
Things seemed to be progressing well, but…
At the same time, not really…
What was going on?
They were definitely speaking Korean… but I couldn’t understand a word.
Especially Menelapie, who had only been on Earth for less than a week, was participating in the discussion with exceptional comprehension and analytical skills.
As one hour passed…
And then two hours…
Finally, after exactly 3 hours and 18 minutes since the meeting had begun, just as Shia’s stomach began growling, the meeting ended.
After much back-and-forth, full of diplomatic and professional terms that were complex and hard to understand, the conclusion was this:
“Our government welcomes the Elf Nation on the condition that your promises are upheld.”
“Today’s meeting has been a beneficial time for both our Great Forest and for you humans as well.”
After Director Lee and the lawmakers left with the secretary, carrying the compiled meeting minutes to somewhere, Shia, who had been dozing off, finally woke up.
“I’ll go organize the documents. I’ll send some reassuring content to the higher-ups so they won’t nag me as much. I’ll be back shortly, so relax, everyone.”
In truth, Shia woke up not because the meeting had ended but because she was hungry.
“Hehehe… yaaawn… I’m sleepy… and hungry…”
“You’ve worked hard, Shia.”
In reality, she hadn’t worked hard at all. Shia had dozed off the entire time.
On the contrary, Menelapie had participated in the meeting far more actively than Shia, demonstrating leadership as an objective third party, guiding the discussion with the ability expected of an empress.
As Shia stretched and cracked her back, Yujin looked at her with a disapproving gaze.
“Hah… As always, I just can’t imagine how you managed to save the previous world… But if that empress over there is your hero, then I can see how.”
“If you’re bitter, you should have saved it like I did. This is why I couldn’t acknowledge you as a hero.”
“You little…!”
“What? What’s the matter?”
Though it appeared as if Yujin and Shia were on the verge of tearing each other apart, in truth, the two were neither fighting nor on bad terms.
“Shia!”
“Oh, Olga.”
Shia rubbed her sleepy eyes as she greeted the ever-cheerful Olga, who was as lively as a fresh sprout.
As expected from the Mangji Squad, she was the embodiment of the phrase ‘Selling fried leaves.’
The moment Olga saw Shia, her eyes lit up with the unmistakable sparkle of a fan meeting their idol.
“Hehe, I always watch you on the broadcasts, but seeing you in person is definitely different. It feels like your chest has gotten bigger than before?”
“Huh, I don’t think so… But since you’ve watched all my broadcasts, I guess you know who Menelapie is, right?”
“Of course!”
“Hoho, so you’re an elf… I see. You’re also a child of the World Tree.”
Menelapie, having analyzed Olga with her golden eyes, nodded in approval.
“Yes, that’s right. It’s late, but let me officially introduce myself. Shia unnie’s hero!”
“…Hmph, a good child.”
It seemed Menelapie had already taken a liking to little Olgania, especially after hearing the words ‘Shia unnie’s hero.’
Meanwhile, Great Olgania also waved her hand slightly as she approached Shia and Yujin.
Though not as overt as Shia’s, Great Olgania also had a rather voluptuous figure.
“It’s been a while, Saintess. I apologize for the setting. I had hoped we could meet in a more comfortable situation…”
“Well, it couldn’t be helped.”
Though the situation had grown complicated, it was still nice for Shia to reunite with familiar faces after such a long time.
International affairs, politics, diplomacy… These were all too difficult for Shia, and she had no desire to learn about them.
She just wanted to spend time with people she liked, grill some meat, wrap it in dungeon cabbage, and yell, ‘F*ck yeah~!’ in unison.
Yes, that would be great.
Yujin was here, Menelapie was here.
And with both Olganias present, maybe they could do a group mukbang with a big serving of grilled meat?
It had been a while since she’d done a broadcast anyway.
It would be nice for everyone to eat together, especially since the meeting was over.
Just as Shia was contemplating the dinner menu, Olga tapped her on the shoulder.
“By the way, Shia unnie, what do you think?”
“Huh?”
About what?
“Come to think of it, we haven’t heard your opinion yet, Shia. In the end, your decision is what matters most.”
“Huh, my decision?”
“Indeed, this task can’t be accomplished by anyone other than the Saintess.”
“Uh… What are you talking about, Yujin…?”
Huh? About what?
As Shia looked confused, the others explained it to her nonchalantly.
“Oh, to put it simply, we’re entrusting the safety of the elves who cross over to Earth to you, Shia.”
“Other humans might be unreliable… but as the Saintess, you can be trusted.”
“Hahaha, don’t worry. Shia is the most kind-hearted and sacred Saintess of all. I guarantee it, Olgania Erainelvelde. You will not regret this choice.”
Huh?? Me??
Why me??
○○○○○○
“Yeonseo-nim! Thank you for your hard work!”
“Thank you for your hard work!”
“Yes, yes. Take care on your way home.”
Having finished her tasks at the National Assembly, Yeonseo sighed deeply.
This damned world, I’ve already saved it enough times during the Great Rift. I should have been able to retire by now, but it just won’t let me go.
‘Come to think of it, I wonder if that girl, Lirisia, has finished tending the field…?’
The meeting had originally been scheduled to last about an hour, but it ended up running much longer than expected.
It had been over three hours since Yeonseo had left Lirisia in charge of the cabbage field, so it was clear she had been rather rude to the girl.
Before heading back, Yeonseo decided to check on Lirisia’s progress by opening the portal to her cabbage field.
Clack!
“Black Shia, have you finished the…?”
[Screeech…..]
Screech?
What was that sound?
Yeonseo, confirming that the front field had been neatly cleared, tilted her head at the strange, unfamiliar cry coming from somewhere.
Where was Black Shia?
In the back, perhaps?
[Sobeee!]
However, as Yeonseo headed toward the field behind the villa, she heard that strange cry again, a sound that could be crying or laughing.
What on earth was that sound?
This dungeon had been completely purged of monsters, to the point that not even their offspring could survive here.
But where on earth was Black Shia…?
Crunch, crunch.
‘Crunch… crunch? Don’t tell me Black Shia couldn’t resist and started munching on the cabbage again…?’
If she was eating the cabbage again without permission, Yeonseo vowed to give her a proper scolding as she confidently strode toward the source of the sound.
Gulp…! Gulp!
‘Ah, I can hear something being eaten… it seems Black Shia still hasn’t learned her lesson and…!’
Screeek!
Setting aside the cabbage-munching sound,
what was this bizarre noise?
Determined to discipline Lirisia, Yeonseo gathered mana in her hand as she rounded the corner.
And then…
31
[Sobeee….!]
“…..?”
[Nom, nom… sniffle… sob… screech…]
The moment Yeonseo’s eyes met those of the girl with a centipede tail, who was tearfully forcing herself to eat her dungeon cabbage, her mind went blank.
What…?
What am I looking at?
And with that, Yeonseo fainted once more.