Volume 4 Chapter 10 Dinner Party
Cain and the others had just returned from sightseeing and shopping. It was almost time for the dinner party. Cain headed to the dining hall. At the table sat the chief, Mr. Dadana, Ms. Salina, Mr. Zain, and Ms. Merida. About four elves were also seated.
Cain apologized for arriving late and took the seat that was offered to him. Mr. Dadana looked around to make sure everyone was seated and then spoke.
"Today, I am happy to welcome a human guest after a long time. Mr. Cain, welcome to the World Tree Forest. There is nothing special planned, so please relax and enjoy. And Zain, welcome back! Also, to your partner, Ms. Merida. You arrived safely, and the whole family welcomes you."
Ms. Merida smiled nervously and said, "Thank you very much."
"Long speeches are not our style. Let's start with a toast. ...Alright, cheers!"
Cain raised the glass placed in front of him and made the toast. When he took a sip, expecting wine, he found it was grape juice. For a moment, he was surprised. Ms. Salina smiled kindly at him.
It seemed they had prepared grape juice for Cain, who was still a minor. Cain quietly bowed his head and thanked them. After the toast, elf maidens brought the meal. Later, Cain learned that even elves in this world usually ate meat and fish. This was different from the fantasy stories on Earth where elves were vegetarians.
"Zain, how is this year's porcini mushroom? Lately, the thickening miasma has made it hard to gather many. I even formed a team to collect some for you."
Mr. Dadana said this with a bright, handsome smile.
"Thank you very much. These delicious porcini mushrooms can only be found in the World Tree Forest."
Mr. Zain showed his sincere thanks.
"Dadana, shouldn't we introduce the guests soon? They seem restless."
Ms. Salina gently reminded Mr. Dadana.
"That's right. Mr. Cain, Ms. Merida, Zain. These are the ones who received the blessing of the World Tree since you left this forest. They are young but have strong mana. Please treat them as family."
As Mr. Dadana said this, everyone stood to introduce themselves.
"Sir Zain, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Souya."
A sharp-eyed male elf taller than Mr. Dadana said.
"Sir Zain, nice to meet you. I am Aina. I am happy to meet you."
A long-haired female elf with an emerald green headband said.
"Sir Zain, I am Polon." "I am Temis."
The twin elf siblings spoke cheerfully.
"Please call me Zain since we are family. But it is proper to introduce yourselves to Lord Shamrock first, as guests. What you did was disrespectful to my benefactor. Apologize!"
Zain's voice started calm but ended with a loud scolding. The four elves jumped back at once, knocking over their chairs. They froze in place.
"Lord Shamrock, I am sorry for their lack of manners. As the chief and head of the family, I offer my apologies."
Mr. Dadana bowed his head slowly to Cain.
"Mr. Dadana, your apology is enough. Please, raise your head. I came here as Mr. Zain's friend, so please do not worry."
Cain spoke slowly and clearly.
"Now, let us enjoy the meal. Zain is back, and he has a wonderful partner, Ms. Merida. Let's hear how you two met."
Ms. Salina's voice was warm and pleasant. After that, the conversation flowed easily with stories about how Zain and Ms. Merida met, and about Zain's adventures since leaving the World Tree Forest. They all enjoyed the meal happily.
* * *
After the dinner party, Zain came to Cain's room and apologized again.
"Sir Cain, I am sorry if you felt uncomfortable."
"Not at all. Mr. Dadana already apologized earlier, so it is not a problem."
"But what they did... I am sorry."
"There are many humans who do worse. You, Mr. Zain, must have faced many bad things too, right? Compared to that, mixing up the order of introductions is a small matter. More than that, I am worried about Ms. Merida while she is here."
"Yes, of course. I will protect her."
Mr. Zain took Ms. Merida's hand beside him and said confidently.
"That's good to hear. We will return to Margrave Shield as planned tomorrow. I will come back to pick you up in one month. If the stay is extended, please let me know."
Character Notes:
• Merida - The owner or manager of the magic tool shop Cain frequents in Margrave Shield territory.
• Dadana - The leader of the High Elf settlement and Zain's father.
• Salina - A high elf and Zain's mother, residing in the Forest of the World Tree. She appears around 20 years old in human terms despite being over 1000 years old.
• Zain - A man in his 30s with long ears, possibly an elf or a similar race. He works in the basement of Ms. Merida's shop and is highly perceptive, noticing Cain's incredible mana from a distance.
• Souya - A sharp-eyed elf who received the blessing of the World Tree. He is respectful and introduces himself formally.
• Aina - A long-haired female elf with an emerald green headband.
• Polon - One of two siblings. Cheerful young elves who received the blessing of the World Tree. They are energetic but lack proper etiquette, causing them to be scolded by Zain.
• Temis - One of two siblings. Cheerful young elves who received the blessing of the World Tree. They are energetic but lack proper etiquette, causing them to be scolded by Zain.
• Margrave Shield - Cain's grandfather. An elderly man, robust, with white hair.
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