The noise reduction effect of the protective shield far exceeded expectations.
The howling wind and torrential rain outside seemed to be completely shut out by an invisible barrier, unable to penetrate even a little.
Deprived of the disturbance of wind and rain, the inside of the enclosure was eerily quiet, with only the sound of food boiling and bubbling in the pot remaining.
"Glug... Glug..."
The faint sounds of cooking were exceptionally clear in the silence.
As Elinalise observed everyone's reactions, her eyes gradually dimmed, and she finally lowered her head helplessly, letting out a heavy sigh.
"I've said it before... my past was really terrible."
Her voice was low, tinged with self-mockery and guilt.
"I'm sorry... because of what happened to me, everyone's mood has become so heavy."
" Elinalise..."
Roxy called softly, then reached out and placed her hand on her shoulder, gently comforting her:
"Weren't all those things... caused by the curse?"
"Now, hasn't the curse been lifted by Rudeus?"
Go apologize to them again.
Roxy looked into her eyes and said earnestly:
"At least let them know that you didn't do those things on purpose."
"Yes, Elinalise."
Talhand put down his cup and spoke in a deep voice.
"While this incident did cause them harm in retrospect, you also bear undeniable responsibility."
"However, they didn't know the truth."
"If you're willing to explain everything clearly, maybe things aren't as bad as you think."
He paused, then continued:
You wouldn't want to live with that stigma for the rest of your life, would you?
"But..."
Elinalise hugged her knees with both hands and buried her face deeply in them.
"I... I'm too ashamed to face them again."
Looking at her trembling shoulders, Rudeus remained silent for a moment, then slowly spoke:
" Elinalise."
"I'm going to get involved in your matter today."
Rudeus's tone showed no hesitation.
"Don't say no again."
"I will personally mediate this matter for you."
Elinalise's body trembled slightly, and she looked up at me, her eyes full of confusion.
Why...?
Why would someone go to such lengths for someone like me?
Rudeus looked at her and said softly:
"Let's just say it's..."
"Let me make some small amends for the mistakes my father made."
Upon hearing this, Elinalise's eyes instantly welled up with tears.
" Rudeus..."
She murmured softly.
"I'm already very grateful that you can say that."
She lowered her head, her hands gripping the hem of her dress tightly, as if suppressing the surging emotions within her.
"Alright."
Rudeus clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention back.
"Don't make the atmosphere so heavy."
"It's rare for us to eat together, let's continue drinking."
After I finished speaking, I raised my glass first, suspending it in mid-air.
The next moment, Roxy, Eris, Talhand, Rujierd, and Leona also raised their glasses in response.
"Cheers!"
The crisp sound of glasses clinking rang out.
The previously heavy and oppressive atmosphere finally warmed up a bit with this glass of wine.
The next morning.
The Great Forest after the rain was shrouded in a layer of misty fog.
The group continued south along the path through the forest.
After a night's rest, Elinalise was in much better condition.
Although she remained somewhat silent, at least she wasn't as withdrawn as she had been yesterday.
It seems that some knots in one's heart cannot be untied overnight.
However, it's enough to just take the first step.
Led by Rujierd, they passed through a dense forest and finally arrived at their destination.
A village of the Long-Ear Race.
Rudeus was somewhat surprised when he first saw this.
The scene here was almost identical to the orc settlements I had seen before.
Numerous wooden houses are built using thick tree branches and are connected to each other by vines and wooden bridges, forming a unique village that floats above the forest.
From a distance, it resembles a sky city hidden among giant trees.
"It looks a lot like a beastman's village."
Eris looked up at the houses built in the trees and couldn't help but sigh.
"But why do they all like living so high up?"
"It's probably the environment that determines one's lifestyle."
Rudeus explained.
"The rainy season in the Great Forest lasts for more than three months. If houses are built on the ground, they are easily eroded by accumulated water and may even be attacked by monsters."
"Therefore, choosing to build dwellings on high ground not only avoids floods but also provides a better defensive position."
"I see."
Eris nodded.
Just as the group approached the village entrance.
"Stop!"
A stern voice suddenly came from ahead.
Immediately afterwards, two young Long-Ear Race men emerged from the shadows behind the tree.
They were slender, with the long ears characteristic of the Elf Race, and carried bows and arrows on their backs, watching us warily.
One of them had his hand already resting near the bowstring, clearly ready to deal with any unexpected situation.
Who are you people?
Why did you come to our village?
In response to the question, Rudeus took a step forward.
"We are adventurers traveling to the Great Forest."
"I've come here to visit your village chief."
He paused briefly after speaking.
My name is Rudeus Greyrat.
The moment the words left his mouth.
The expressions of the two guards changed simultaneously.
They were stunned for a moment, then their pupils dilated slightly.
" Rudeus..."
One of them repeated the name in a low voice.
The next second, an undisguised look of shock appeared on his face.
"Could you be...?"
" Primordial God Genshin?"
It seems that its reputation has spread here.
Rudeus rubbed his nose helplessly.
Although he's gotten used to people calling him that, he still feels a little uncomfortable every time he hears it.
"If you're talking about me..."
He coughed lightly.
"That should be it."
The two guards exchanged a glance.
One of them quickly put away his weapon and said to his companion:
"I'll go inform the village chief!"
After saying that, he quickly turned around and ran along the path in the tree branches toward the village.
The remaining guard then lowered his guard and walked up to the group.
He gave a friendly smile.
"I'm sorry, I was rude just now."
My name is Dixu.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Primordial God Impact!"
"Oh?"
"Do you know me?"
Dixu wore an expression that seemed perfectly natural.
"Of course I know him!"
"Now, throughout the entire Great Forest, who doesn't know the legendary name of Primordial God Genshin Impact?"
As he spoke, a hint of admiration even flickered in his eyes.
"Able to defeat a powerful demon king single-handedly, take down a giant sea monster in a single attack from a ship, and wipe out an entire band of thieves by herself..."
"I'm a big fan of yours!"
"Fan..."
Upon hearing this word, Rudeus's expression immediately became somewhat subtle.
I don't know why.
It's clearly something to be happy about to be praised.
But hearing "I'm your fan" from a stranger made him feel somewhat ashamed.
"Um... there's no need to exaggerate like that."
Rudeus smiled somewhat awkwardly.
"I just did what I was supposed to do."
Dixu smiled and didn't continue the topic.
Then, his gaze began to sweep over the people behind me.
Eris, Roxy, Rujierd, Leona, Talhand...
at last.
His gaze lingered on someone at the very back of the line.
In an instant.
Dixu's body stiffened.
An expression of disbelief crossed his face.
"You... you are..."
The next moment.
His voice suddenly rose.
" Elinalise!?"
This shout drew everyone's attention to her.
Elinalise's body trembled slightly.
Her already tense expression became even more complicated at this moment.
She lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously clenching the hem of her clothes.
It was as if she subconsciously wanted to escape.
She even took half a step back.
But...
The next second.
She stopped.
Everything that happened last night flashed through her mind.
Roxy offered her comfort.
Talhand's persuasion.
And then there's what I said.
--I will personally mediate this matter for you.
Elinalise took a deep breath.
Then, she looked up.
"Yes."
She looked at Dixu, her voice still soft, but she no longer looked away.
"I'm back."
After a brief silence.
She continued:
"I have something... I want to say to the village chief."