Chapter 23: Why Are You Here? (2)
I examined the individual before me, stunned. Her long, light green hair was neatly arranged in a half-up style, with the knot made of rice stalks. The hairstyle somehow reminded me of someone wearing a tiara.
Her appearance was innocent yet forlorn, showing firm determination without seeming fragile. Her beauty was elf-like, closer to a painting, yet her level of beauty far surpassed that of the elves, who were known as the most beautiful race.
However, her body below the chin was not quite elf-like. Although modified here and there for easier movement, it was still excessively fluttery, closer to a dress than traditional elf attire.
She had wrapped a corset around the waist of what should have been a baggy outfit. Thanks to that, her emphasized figure was revealed blatantly, making her one hot mama. Even by the standards of women from the Pan Continent, who were open-minded about exposure and took pride in their figures, she was difficult to outdo.
Compared to her elegant face, her body was quite less demure. Of course, she wasnt quite on the level of Lydia, whom I had glimpsed before, but for an elf, where most were on the slender side, her size was quite exceptional.
Even the men of this world, who were low in sexual desire and passive in love, would be eager to strike up a conversation with her. The problem was that there was just one element that completely reversed the image of her beauty.
Hehehe. My name is Eve Nirvana. Its a pleasure to meet you or so should I say?
Those crescent-shaped slit-eyes that always shaped into a smile, and her ambiguous tone of voice that made one tense up just by saying hello. The suspiciously suspicious aura enveloping her entire body transformed Eves beauty into intimidation.
In fact, Lydia, who had been excited until just moments ago, had narrowed her eyes and tensed up considerably. But I know. That was just a pure greeting.
She didnt intend to take control of the conversation, nor was she trying to imply that they were seeing her for the first time when she had already known them. The reason I was certain of this was simple: like Ellie, Eve was a character I had created.
The greeting that ended in a question was likely due to her often confusing the faces of others, a consequence of living too long. After all, Eve was probably the oldest being among all mortals.
In gratitude for the hospitality, I too smiled brightly in return.
Indeed! Its a pleasure to meet you as well. Please call me Jonah! Though we met under unfortunate circumstances, I hope we can become friends, Miss Eve!
Oh? Young ones like Jonah are always welcome.
Eve giggled as if shed heard an amusing joke. The vibe she was giving off was, You? With me? Seriously? but she genuinely seemed to enjoy the idea.
Though she was currently living under a low profile, those who knew Eve recognized her as a legendary no, perhaps more accurately, a historical figure. After all, she was a High Elf, born from the last flower left by the World Tree just before it became part of the labyrinth and fell into slumber.
She was easily at least 1,000 years old, and a mythic legacy that will likely live on for another 1,000 years. That was Eve Nirvana Yggdrasil Though it seems shes hiding the surname Yggdrasil.
Think about it. The current Pan Continent was a civilization that had once been destroyed and then rebuilt. And there was a being who had watched over it from the very beginning? And with such a suspicious appearance at that?nove(l)bi(n.)com
Fellow elves might exclaim excitedly, She is the eldest daughter of the World Tree! Proof of the era when elves were great! and such But from the perspective of other races, it was easy and likely for them to misunderstand her as a crazed, manipulative elderly monster who wanted to control the world.
And since the despairing elves had actually begun to welcome capitalism and started to seize control of the continents financial power, it had become difficult to deny the accusation. Moreover, Eve possessed powers left by the World Tree.
As a High Elf, those created to act as mediators between the World Tree and the elves, she had powers not meant for warfare but for governance. However, this didnt mean her powers were insignificant.
Eve was endowed with two powers: a body that never decayed until her predetermined lifespan ended, and the Eyes of Truth that could discern truth from falsehood.
Yes. Why hide it? I had borrowed the traits of elves from old fantasy novels Nowadays, it is criticized as formulaic fiction, but honestly, I found the worldviews of that time charming. That must be why it became so popular Although it was true that it had been quite overused.
Anyway, because Eve was born with such powers, she was considered even more dangerous by those around her. In fact, during the period when the elves were in deep despair after losing the World Tree, she somehow managed to lead her race as their queen.
If Eve hadnt been there, the elves might have struggled to survive until they had opened their eyes to capitalism. Even so, they wouldnt have gone extinct but the decline of the race would have been inevitable.
Given her lineage and achievements, she could have reigned as queen until the end of her life if she wished. But Eve did not. From the beginning, she only saw herself as someone to help the elves adapt to a world without the World Tree.
Of course. Im truly sorry that things have unfolded this way.
I will kill you. (X)
Im sorry. (O)
The one who should be apologizing isnt Miss Eve. And Im not here just to accept apologies.
Thats true. This is the most I can offer you at the moment I hope it meets your expectations.
Take this and buzz off. (X)
This is really all I have. (O)
Eve, with a bright smile, handed me a small pouch. Upon opening it, I discovered numerous coins sparkling inside, a jumble of all sorts. It was challenging to determine the exact amount due to the mix of gold, silver, and copper
But it seemed more likely that she had hastily gathered whatever cash was available in the shop, rather than intending to mock me.
Still, counting them all, it amounted to a fortune I had never possessed before Though it still fell short of 46 gold. 46 gold was indeed a significant sum, but not one for the oldest elf and the eldest daughter of the World Tree, revered by her kin, to fret over.
She could simply visit the Cradle store next door and declare, Im the former queen, give me 46 gold, and they would comply without hesitation.
However, Eve wasnt like that. Unlike the elves of today who worshipped money, she was an old-fashioned elf who found growing plants to be more important. She had lived a long time, but most of the money she had accumulated had been spent on her kin. She started a business with the little wealth she had left, but due to a lack of business acumen, she had been running it into the ground for hundreds of years that was her situation.
Unless it was really urgent, there was a high chance she was refusing even the money she was offered. Otherwise, she wouldnt be apologizing to me in such a shabby store.
After a moment of thought, I took out just two gold coins and returned the purse to her.
Ill be fine with just this in cash. Instead, I was thinking of taking the rest in other goods. Would that be all right?
Of course, you are more than welcome to, but The items in my shop may be a bit notorious if you understand what I mean.
You think you can handle it? (X)
Im worried because some of the items are dangerous. (O)
Looking at Eve, who was tilting her head with one hand cupping her cheek, I smiled.
I may be young, but I have a bit of an eye for these things. If theres more to gain, Im willing to overlook minor issues.
The items Eve sold were of great variety. Elixirs, equipment, magical tools, spirit stones, subcontracted labor, ordinary succulents, and more. True to the name of a general store, she sold a bit of everything but most of what she posted for sale were just products she made as a hobby.
As a result, many items deviated from their intended purpose or had unexpected side effects. That was also probably why her business wasnt booming. However, just as the twin elves mentioned earlier, the quality of her items was exceptional. In other words, it was all about how you used them.
For example like the necklace hidden in Eves ample bosom. Pointing at Eves chest, I asked.
How much is that?
Oh my?
Eve swept her hand down her chest, wearing a meaningful smile. Is there something shes misunderstanding here?
