Paintbrush Summoner – 109

Chapter 109 – Durable and Long Lasting

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On the following day, the results showed that the scarabs had increased in number after all.

Menew was secretly happy. It was not his fault then. There was some other reason. Ralph realized what was happening and gave him a piercing look, but Menew ignored it.

“I guess we will have to go deeper then.”

“In that case, it would be best for Menew and Ralph to be your guards.”

The sun was still high in the sky. And so Ellie took Ralph and Menew and headed deeper into the forest.

On the way, Menew spoke secretly to a scarab.

“Hey, is something happening inside of the forest?”

And then his eyes widened at the reply.

‘Slave hunting. More humans and monsters now. So there are more of us too.’

In other words, in spite of everything they had done, the Wind Clan was still active.

And more monsters as well… What had caused that?

Perhaps he should tell Ellie about this. It was dangerous, and they should go back. Even if it made Ellie jealous, it was better than putting her in danger.

“Ellie…”

“What?”

During their break, he spoke to her in a serious voice while she was drinking water.

“Please don’t be mad at me. …The truth is…I can speak with scarabs.”

“Wait, wait, wait. Why are you just boasting!?”

“I…asked them what is happening now. …Apparently, it is slave hunting. I think…they went deeper into the forest during the fighting.”

Ellie was stunned.

“Slave…”

Those without rights, who lived only to be used by the rich.

It was not forbidden in Nadar, but greatly frowned upon, and so they were rarely seen in the city.

However, it was true that in some rich mansion, there were those treated as being lower than servants.

“Ellie, it’s dangerous here. Let’s go back to the carriage. Ralph and I will handle this.”

“I see. And the increased scarabs… It’s because of the fighting…”

Ellie’s hands shook as she took notes.

Cold sweat dripped down. What was making her this scared?

On the journey back, Ellie told them her story.

“I happen to be a half-elf. The offspring of a slave mother and a rich man.”

Menew had noted how inhumanly beautiful she looked. So it was because she was half elf.

“However, my mother’s slave friends helped in a deception, and I alone was able to escape. I hid in the back of a farmer’s wagon, which was visiting the mansion. After that, I was raised by grandpa and grandma in the countryside, without knowing anything…”

It was only when she left the village that she learned the true horrors of her birth.

They had told her, even if she was a half-elf, she would still have a high value, and must be careful.

“…Why do elves always get targeted?”

Menew had no idea. Ellie looked tense at this question.

“Because…”

“Menew, I will answer that.”

Ralph interrupted. He gave her a concerned look and then turned to Menew.

“Because elves live longer and are tougher. Also, they are pretty.”

Elves had high magic energy and strong internal organs. And even if they were not great at lifting heavy things, they could heal when injured, and lived long lives.

On the other hand, while humans had more strength, they were weak and did not last as long.

Menew felt the rage well up inside of him.

“Ellie. I’m so sorry for asking you. Wait at the carriage. Mofusen and Totto are strong, so you will be safe with them.”

He smiled and took her to the carriage. And after explaining the situation to the other two, he said, ‘I’m going to go and crush them.’ And then he turned on his heels.

As he spoke so casually, both Mofusen and Totto had to stop him frantically.

“It-it’s dangerous! You’ll be going up against so many!”

Said Totto, and Mofusen nodded.

“They are an organization. Professionals. Are you sure that you can deal with them?”

“I’ve already crushed them once.”

He answered. Except for Ralph, the others all looked stunned.

“I had meant to do a thorough job, so they would never do it again. But it looks like I was too soft. From now on, I will crush them whenever I find them. Do not stop me.”

There was a part of Menew that could accept that some societies were different. Perhaps it was because there were limits to what he could do alone, and he did not see himself as some kind of savior. 

However, once he had learned the reason that a person could have their life taken away from them, it was different.

As long as he was able, he wanted to help those in reach. He had that much sense of justice at least.

It might sound a little half-hearted, but there was no turning back now.

“What Menew is saying is true. …And he even gave an elf tribe the ability to fight. Perhaps these ones will also be freed soon. But…”

“The scarabs said that there are more monsters now as well. The burden might be too heavy for the elves. That is why I will go.”

And if they were slave hunting, then there would be scouts as well.

They might know that Menew was here. After all, they were in a relatively open camp. So they could be targeted.

“Summon, Yaya!”

Menew handed Mofusen and Totto the mystery masks, and then he left Yaya to guard them.

Now, even if the carriage was attacked, Ellie would be asleep, and not have to see the terrible sight.

He told Ellie to stay inside of the carriage, and then had Mofusen, Totto, Kanon and Mr. Wal protect it from outside.

Ralph knew. How quietly angry Mofusen was.

Like the first time their swords clashed. He was chillingly calm, but under the layer of ice, there was magma.

“Ralph. If you saw someone in front of you, whose life was ruined because they were durable and long-lasting…”

“I would have to help them.”

“Right? I’m glad. …We will do it thoroughly this time as well.”

“Aye.”

Stan was on his shoulder, and cried ‘Pii!’ in agreement.

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