Chapter 38 - Elf Princess

It’s been a month since my match with the student council president.

We are on our way to Alheim, Tina and Leaffa’s hometown.

At Ifrus Academy of Magic, students are required to spend a month outside the school once a year. This rule, set by the Headmaster, helps prevent students from developing strange ideas or prejudices from staying within the academy’s confines. It also gives them a chance to experience the world.

The class decides the destination, so we had a variety of options:

- Merdie’s homeland, the Land of the Beastkin.

- Youko’s birthplace, the Far Eastern Island Country.

- Ryuushin and Ryuka’s hometown, the Dragonoid Village.

But after drawing lots, it was decided that we’d visit the Elf Kingdom, Alheim.

Alheim is quite far from Grendale. Even with magical high-speed boats, the journey takes around 10 days each way. That leaves us with about 10 days to spend in Alheim. Since this is a homecoming trip for Tina and Leaffa, I want to make sure we all have a relaxing time.

To save travel time, I decided to teleport the entire class to Alheim. However, for teleportation magic to work, I needed to set up a magic circle at the destination. So, the day before the trip, Tina and I went ahead to Alheim. Tina flew us there with her magic, and it was incredible. Even though we flew swiftly, there was no wind resistance. Tina held me close as we flew, and before I knew it, we had arrived.

I set up the magic circle and then teleported us back. I suggested we stay and relax a bit, but Tina declined. She didn’t want to leave Leaffa behind, and we’d have plenty of time to enjoy ourselves once the trip began.

───＊＊＊───

Today is the first day of the class trip.

When I conjured the teleportation circle, my classmates froze in shock.

“I thought we were going to take a boat! I even learned an anti-seasick spell…” Merdie muttered, looking disappointed. Ah, well, I’m sure the spell will come in handy one day.

“Well, as expected of Halt.”

“That’s right. Even heroes rarely have the ultra-rare teleportation skill, but since it’s Halt, it’s not even surprising anymore.”

“That’s my Master for you!”

“Amazing!”

Everyone praised me. I’m glad I mastered teleportation magic.

Afterward, we stepped through the magic circle and teleported to a hill overlooking the entire Alheim.

“Whoa, what a huge tree!” Ryuushin exclaimed, gazing at the colossal tree in the center of Alheim.

“That’s Yggdrasil, the World Tree that has protected our kingdom since ancient times,” Leaffa explained proudly.

‘You’ve come. Welcome.’

“Huh? Who said that?” I looked around, but it seemed only I heard the voice.

“Halt-sama, is something wrong?” Tina asked.

It didn’t seem like anyone else heard the voice, so I decided to let it go for now.

We made our way toward the city. Tina pulled her hood over her head midway, explaining that it would be awkward if the Elves saw her. She’s not a criminal, quite the opposite—Tina is a legendary Heroine here. If word got out that she was in Alheim, we’d be swarmed by admirers, and our trip would no longer be peaceful. That’s why Leaffa suggested she keep her face hidden.

But how will Tina get past the checkpoint without revealing herself?

“Don’t worry. I’ll handle it,” Leaffa assured us confidently.

───＊＊＊───

We reached the checkpoint, where a human merchant was being inspected. Elves in this world often interact with other races, so it was common to see non-Elves entering the kingdom.

We were next.

“Please stop here, touch this Orb, and state your name, origin, and purpose for entering—wait, w-who is this!?” the guard stammered when he saw Leaffa.

The [Crystal of Truth and Falsehood] is a magical tool that confirms whether the person touching it is telling the truth.

“Leaffa Alheim. I’ve returned from the Kingdom of Glendale,” Leaffa said, touching the orb. It glowed blue, confirming her words.

“Her Highness Leaffa has returned! Send word to the palace immediately!”

The checkpoint guards were in a frenzy.

“Wait, Leaffa’s a princess!?” I blurted out.

“Yes, I’m the Second Princess. Did I never mention that?” Leaffa said, laughing mischievously.

“These are my classmates and professor. There won’t be any issues granting them entry, right?”

“N-no, of course not! With Your Highness as their guarantor, they’re welcome to enter. Please, go ahead.”

“Thank you. I’ll escort them myself; no need for an attendant.”

“As you wish, Your Highness.”

As we passed through the gates, the guards gathered.

“Her Highness Leaffa has returned! Sentinels, salute!”

The guards lined up on either side of the road, drawing their swords and raising them in salute. Leaffa led the way, and we followed. It was quite the spectacle.

“Everyone, welcome to Alheim, the Kingdom of the Elves!” Leaffa announced as we entered the city. Yggdrasil towered over the city, with a majestic white castle standing beside it.

“That’s the royal castle,” Leaffa explained. The buildings surrounding it were all made of white stone, giving the city a grand and peaceful atmosphere.

“Oh, Your Highness Leaffa, welcome back!” an Elf called out.

“Yes, I’m home,” she replied warmly.

“Welcome home, Your Highness!”

Leaffa greeted the citizens as we made our way through the streets. It was clear she was beloved by her people.

“If it’s alright with everyone, would you accompany me to the castle? I’d like to introduce you to my father.”

Leaffa’s father was the King of Alheim. As the son of a Count, it was only proper for me to greet him, especially since we’d be staying in his kingdom for a while.

“Sure, that’s fine with me.”

“I’ll follow wherever Master goes,” Youko added.

“It’s okay with us,” Mai and Mei chimed in.

“I want to meet the King of the Elves!” Ryuushin exclaimed.

“Ryuushin, be respectful,” Ryuka scolded him.

“Count me in,” Luke said.

“Me too,” Luna added.

“And me!” Merdie jumped in.

Everyone seemed on board.

“Thank you. Professor Tina, will you join us?” Leaffa asked.

“Yes, of course. I didn’t report after the demon king was slain. It’s long overdue, but I should do so.”

“Y-yes, that’s true. I’ll leave that to you.”