Bofuri (The Strongest Shield Of Tensura)

Chapter Forty Six

Construction in the rapidly expanding Antari city continued at a steady pace. Edward had already departed with four Antari on foot, prompting Kaede to begin considering new modes of transportation for the colony's growing needs.

In the meantime, Kaede made a brief visit to Shifu and the refugees, who had finally reached the kingdom of Brumund. There, she entrusted Shifu with a few Magiores to sell, ensuring the refugees could purchase a small piece of land to cultivate and rebuild their lives.

On the third day, Kaede received word that a messenger from the elves had arrived.

---

The journey to the elven settlement was quiet, save for the steady rustling of leaves underfoot and the occasional chirp of a bird hidden among the branches. The forest surrounding them was serene, the trees spaced far enough apart to allow sunlight to dapple the ground. The path itself was worn but well-maintained, suggesting frequent use.

The elven messenger led the way, their gait confident but unhurried. Ari followed closely behind Kaede, her antenna twitching in irritation. She shot a sidelong glance at the messenger, her voice low but laced with disdain.

“They summon you, yet they can’t be bothered to come meet you themselves? Such arrogance,” she muttered.

Kaede glanced over her shoulder with a small, placating smile. “It’s not arrogance, Ari. It’s diplomacy. Besides, this gives us a chance to observe their settlement on the way in. It’s not a wasted walk.”

Ari huffed but didn’t argue further, though her posture remained tense.

As they approached the settlement, Kaede’s attention was drawn to the elves they passed. Their clothing caught her eye, not extravagant, but intricately crafted. Tunics and robes made of fabrics in muted greens and browns blended seamlessly with their surroundings. The designs were practical yet refined, adorned with subtle patterns of leaves and vines.

Kaede found herself wondering about the methods they used to create such garments. Her colony’s clothing production was still rudimentary, with them being at the fabric stage. The elves’ craftsmanship, though simple, was leagues ahead, and she mentally filed it away as another topic to discuss with the elders, perhaps a potential trade opportunity.

The settlement itself was simple yet harmonious, its structures seamlessly integrated with the natural environment. Wooden buildings stood on sturdy foundations, their designs echoing the curves and patterns of the surrounding forest.

The central building loomed ahead, larger and more ornate than the others.

The messenger stopped at the entrance and turned to Kaede and Ari, their expression neutral. “The elders await you inside. Please follow me.”

Ari’s antenna flicked sharply, but Kaede placed a hand on her shoulder, silently urging her to remain calm. Together, they stepped into the building.

The interior was spacious, the high ceiling supported by thick wooden beams that seemed to grow naturally into place. At the far end of the room sat the five elders, arranged in a semi-circle behind a low table. Their expressions ranged from cautious to indifferent, though their sharp gazes betrayed their scrutiny.

Kaede paused a respectful distance from the elders, taking a moment to observe them. Each bore the weight of authority in their demeanor, their expressions guarded. Satisfied, she moved forward and sat opposite them with Ari taking a seat by her side. “Thank you for receiving me,” she said calmly.

Eryn’s lips pressed into a thin line, and he glanced toward the others. After a moment, he said, “Yes. At first, we thought you might be another threat. Your... Antari are formidable, and your presence tipped the balance further out of our control.”

Ari, still tense, crossed her arms and leaned back. “You assume the worst about my mother and her people."

Kaede raised a hand to calm her daughter. “It’s natural to be cautious, Ari. Given their circumstances, I can’t fault them for it.” She turned her attention back to Eryn. “So, what options have you considered? Surely you’ve thought of solutions beyond waiting for the inevitable.”

Eryn hesitated, then admitted, “We’ve discussed moving the settlement out of the forest entirely. But the risks are enormous. The land beyond these trees is foreign to us, and we lack the resources to survive an exodus. Worse, there are no guarantees we wouldn’t encounter other dangers once we left. The humans would want nothing more than to have us in chains as their lapdogs."

Kaede leaned forward slightly, her tone thoughtful. “Then let me offer an alternative. Move your people to my city.”

The room fell silent, the elders exchanging surprised glances. Kaede continued before they could object. “I can ensure your safety within our walls. I’ll allocate space for your homes, even help construct them if needed. You can maintain your community and traditions, but without the constant threat of being caught between two warring factions.”

“And in return?” asked another elder cautiously.

Kaede smiled, though there was a sharpness to it. “In return, I ask for cooperation. Teach my people your skills, magic, weaponry, weaving, anything you can offer. The Antari are evolving rapidly, but their knowledge is still limited. Your expertise would strengthen our city as a whole.”

Eryn frowned, his brow furrowing as he considered her proposal. “You’re asking us to give up our independence.”

“I’m asking you to survive,” Kaede corrected gently. “The Mezus and Gozus won’t stop fighting. Your settlement is no longer sustainable, and you know it. Joining me isn’t submission, it’s adaptation. Together, we can build something stronger than either of us could alone.”

Eryn’s fingers drummed against the table again, his expression conflicted. “Moving to your city means leaving behind the forest that has been our home for generations. It will be a hard adjustment for many.”

Kaede nodded in understanding. “I’m not asking you to abandon your identity. If you wish, I can even allocate a section of the city to feel more like your forest home, with trees and greenery preserved.”

A murmur rippled through the elders, some nodding in quiet agreement. They spent a few moments, whispering to one another, to Ari's growing annoyance. Finally, Eryn spoke again, his voice tinged with resignation but also a glimmer of hope. “Your offer is... generous. And realistic. If we remain here, we will fall, either to the Mezus and Gozus or to the forest itself. I will not doom our people out of pride.”

He turned to the other elders, his gaze firm. “I believe we should accept Lady Kaede’s proposal.”

One by one, the other elders nodded, their expressions shifting from apprehension to resolution.

Eryn looked back at Kaede. “Very well, Lady Kaede. The elves of this settlement will join under your banner. We entrust our future to your care.”

Kaede inclined her head, her tone steady. “Then let’s begin building that future together.”