So We're Monsters, So What?

Chapter 17: Secrets of the past

Taking the whole night to research and figure out their next move after Y/N flipped it upside down with not going to the elf village and another dragon that popped out of thin air, Oka settled on a location. Not too far and relatively close to areas she visits most often such as the human territories and her village, it was the perfect place she could check up on him regularly and do her work. Packing their equipment up on Y/N's back to carry it and so she could ride along, they head south toward the sea. Taking a few days to reach it with flight being prohibited, they eventually make it to the location Oka described. An old abandoned village right next to a steep cliff, the ocean raged and crashed against the cliff with spikes ever so slightly pointing out of it's surface. A mining town, there were several cranes and pickaxes lying about. The many houses that were left to decay and rot were actively falling apart with some already collapsed. A few of the houses different, there were scars of magical blasts marking the earth and fragments of houses blown away like they've been punched or kicked. With the random way the pickaxes were throw and the old blast marks, it wasn't that difficult to guess what happened. If Oka hadn't already told him, this village was attacked and destroyed by a group of aggressive water dragons long ago. Encroaching on their land and plundering it for their own gain, the water dragons pushed them back and fended off any reclaiming they have tried over the years. Deciding it wasn't worth it and that they've gotten all that was needed, the humans left it for the water dragons to keep. Influencing many sea rules and standards to the modern day, all ships have been directed or advised to avoid this area and the large span of water that sits atop Elroe, where the most water dragons are located. The low likely hood of humans or really any other significant power coming made it perfect for hiding Y/N. The no dragon combat rule not being as enforced around the world as in Elroe, dragon battles were still a rare occurrence that happened maybe once or twice every year or so. If Y/N didn't do any damage to the land and kept to himself, Oka was sure the water dragons would leave him alone. Going down a little ramp on the side of the cliff and hugging the wall to not fall down, they get to an old chained fence. Using basic wind magic to snap the lock and open the fence, rats immediately run out with Y/N and A.O. looking inside the old dusty tunnel. Wooden beams holding the ceiling up and a metal cart on rails in the middle, it limited what little room the tunnel did provide. Knowing where this was going, Y/N and A.O. both reflexively let out disappointed groans. Terrible first impression and understanding how they feel, this was all Oka could manage.

Oka:"...I'm sorry. I know it's not what you would like but this was the best place I could find in such short notice. I have other matters I must attend to as the elf chief's daughter so I couldn't take forever finding another suitable location. I...hope you can understand and forgive me..."

Oka looking down terrible, she felt like she was throwing them under the most terrible rug when she didn't want to. Seeing Oka, Y/N knew she shared similar thoughts about the place and wouldn't leave them here if she had a choice. Already knowing she'll be asked a ton of questions when she get's back about her large spending, her being gone a long period of time would only make it worse. Y/N wishing for the elves not to know of him and interfere with him finding Wakaba, this would fulfill both his request and housing situation. Doing so much and putting herself at such risk for him, he had to do something. Even if he didn't understand everything from his time with medieval tales and stories, Y/N knew the title of princess held a lot of power and duties tied to it. She realistically couldn't dedicate 100% of her time to him and shouldn't feel regret about it. Going inside the cave, he tries to downplay it to make her feel better.

It's...not the best but the cramp caves of Elroe were WAY worse. I'd take this over that any day!

Tapping the ceiling with his hand, Y/N tried to show that there was still a good amount of head room. Already having experience fixing up the snake destroyed XP Farm in the lower sanctum, a still mostly preserved place like this was nothing. He could simply carve out a larger space or even take refuge in the abandoned mining village nearby. Knowing he had experience and would accept it, he shouldn't have gone through what he did and had that experience to begin with. Doing little to set her mind at ease, Oka would instantly start researching and finding a more comfortable environment when she had the time.