So how would you like to try the elves' food?

　At Meena's suggestion, Bal stared at her for a moment, but quickly nodded.

'Good. I'm sure you usually tailor things to me.'

　He was not unaware of her concern.

'I'll treat you to an elven meal once in a while. Just don't you need to prepare or make a reservation?

'Yes. If I know the place, I'm sure they'll have no problem entertaining me on short notice now.

　She responds to his concerns by telling him not to worry.　
　But Val has another concern that rears its head.

''I want to take it easy today, not somewhere too formal ......

　Sensing how he received the word hospitality, Meena corrected him somewhat quickly.

'When I say hospitality, it's in the category of home cooking. It's just that it's done by someone I know.

'So you're pretty close to Meena if it's okay to go on short notice. Then let's go there. There's also the matter of the Demon Door (Evil Gate).

　Hearing her words, Val was ready to get on board.
　If the Demon Door was to be opened, the elves' cooperation would be necessary.
　Getting to know them before that was not a bad choice.

(Maybe Meena was being clever.)

　He feels that.
　It's hard to tell, but Meena is quite witty and not really that polite.
　The main reason for the misunderstanding within the Empire is the difference in values between the elves and the human race.
　She contacted him first via thought call and asked for permission before telling him.

'They say it's no problem. Let's just stay.'

'What?　Now?

　Val, as expected, rolled his eyes.

'Are you sure you want me to go out of the blue?　I don't know much about cooking, but I'm sure you've got ingredients and preparation to do, too.　

We don't use any ingredients that need to be purchased. It's just a matter of increasing the amount of ingredients we use.

　Meena chuckles in response to his question.
　He twisted his head to see if that was the case, but he didn't know what elven food was in the first place.
　If Meena and the elves say they don't mind, then they should obey.

'Okay then. Please.''

　She gave a small nod at Val's words and activated the transference magic.
　He used the super advanced technique of transferring himself and someone else at the same time without chanting a spell, but he wasn't surprised now.
　The destination of the transference was the entrance to the elven village built on a plain surrounded by lush green tall trees on all sides.
　The wooden gate was simply written in Elvish, "Stark Ordnung", and two young male elves stood on either side of the gate, guarding it.
　With swords strapped to their waists, they seemed to sense the transference and gave me a killing stare.
　However, when they saw Meena's figure, they immediately let down their guard.

''This is Vilhemeena-sama. Welcome home.''

　It was the kind of vexatious attitude a servant would take to a king and prince.

'A role, a good cause. I've already informed you that I'm bringing a guest. We'll let you through.

Ha!

　They bowed deeply, accepting Meena's pompous attitude as a matter of course.

''Both of them are pretty good users. And later, there are about three guards on the high ground as well?''

　She grinned as Val whispered as she walked through the gate.

'As expected of Master Bal. You've seen through me.''

　She didn't say every single thing because she thought he couldn't be deceived anyway.
　It was probably more of a village than an elf's.
　Small, wooden houses lined up on either side of the straight, flat road.
　The elves outside were dressed in loose, green tones, and there was no apparent difference between the genders.
　They all look dubiously at Val, and their gaze turns to one of respect and trust when they see Meena.
　It was easy for Bal to understand that she was known and respected.

'This seems to be more of a town than a country, though.

　Meena affirms his words.

'Yes. In human terms, it's the capital of the country.'

I see. I see.

　Her explanation was clear and helpful.

'Oh, here it is.'

　Meena walked for a while and then stopped in front of a house.

'This is it?'

　It doesn't look particularly different from the rest of the house.
　He was talking about home cooking, but I don't think he's even a cook.
　His doubts were soon put to rest.
　Meena knocks lightly on the door, and a blonde haired, blue-eyed woman of the same age as she and an outward appearance appears.

''Oh, Villehemeena-sama. Welcome.

　She said with a smile before turning her eyes to Val.

'So this gentleman is Master Bartolomeus. Welcome to our home.'

　She clicks her fists together in front of her ample chest.
　It's a greeting of respect from the elf to her superiors.
　Val straightens his right hand and raises it a few inches above his face and lowers it immediately.
　It is the elf's return salute, and the woman is impressed that he knows it.

'A splendid greeting, sir. I'm sorry I'm late. My name is Ella. My mother was Lady Vilhemina's nanny, and as such I am very grateful for the opportunity to become your friend.

Oh, you mean like milk sisters instead of milk brothers?

　He rolled his eyes.
　'The Empire has them, but it's refreshing to see the same system for elves.

'Gyoi. Come on in. It's in the middle of nowhere.'

　At Ella's suggestion, Baru was again surprised when he entered.
　As soon as he entered, he found a large brown sofa and a round wooden table on his left side and a kitchen on his right.
　There were large round windows on both sides of the house, allowing light to shine through.

'The structure would be somewhat different from a human home, but this is more common in elves.

　Meena explains and encourages me to sit on the couch and relax.
　Ella brings the cup on an oak tray and brings it over on an oak tray.

Rooibos tea. Go ahead.

Thank you.

　Val enjoyed the aroma first and then took a sip.
　The flavour was familiar, but there was a hint of sweetness to it.

The food is ready to be served, but you'll have to wait a little longer. Your family is arriving now.

　Ella said and opened the sliding door at the back.

'She has parents, a husband and two children.

　At Meena's words, Val understood what she meant by 'only increasing the amount' and felt sorry at the same time.

'Good grief. I would have refrained from doing so if I'd known that was the case.'

I'm fine.

　She dismisses his concerns.

'Ella and Ella's family would greatly blame me if they found out later that I hadn't brought Master Val with me.

So that's the kind of elves you are.

　Bal was somewhat predictable and decided not to worry about it anymore.
　So far, the elf hadn't been overbearing towards him.
　Perhaps Meena was the reason for this.
　I don't think she's the one who cares when Ella's family blames her, but I'm going to make her face.