The Elf Saint is a NEET, so I Forced Her to Work in Another World

A Decision to Cooperate (Vol. 17 Prologue)

***The Saint's Tree Palace, in the past...***

"W-Wait, what does Her Holiness mean by 'disguising' myself as the Lord Kuro?" was all the Lord Gerard of Yusave blurted out when he was let in the Elf Saint's plan.

"It is what it is, Gerard," Meanor was the one who answered for her mistress. "Her Holiness the Lady Hinwe will go to the exhibits in Chersea, and 'disappear' for some time. While we are gone, you'll hold the fort as the 'Lord Kuro'."

"I understand Her Holiness' desire to come to the exhibits in Chersea," the elf guard pointed out, throwing a glance to the Lady Hinwe. "However, I'm appalled at the mere fact that I would have to disguise myself as that human you summoned!"

Meanor, who was already irritated at the questions Gerard kept on asking, was about to give her nasty reply, when the Elf Saint herself took over. "Lord Gerard," Her Holiness began. "Please take note that this responsibility I'm giving you will not be easy." She paused for a bit, looking towards the door of her room, wary of anyone who could've been eavesdropping at their talk. By this time, her god-power ability to read minds was lost. "Once we disappear, I'm sure these palace officials of mine would try to take over. They'd exploit the power vacuum that will be created, and rule over our people in my name. Of course, only a fool would say that they want what's best for everyone; these elves only think for themselves."

"Yes, I'm aware of Her Holiness' purpose," the elf guard couldn't hide the annoyance in his tone. "My concern is the reason behind my disguise. I can always go around the palace as myself!"

"You know our people's attitude towards other races. If they know I left a human in-charge of the elves, they'd surely expose their rebellious thoughts," the Lady Hinwe reiterated. "That's where you'd come in, Lord Gerard. I'm giving you the authority—as the Lord Kuro—to arrest these treasonous fools in my name!"

"Besides," Meanor interjected, "while you're a member of the Life Guards, milord you're still an elf. If your identity is exposed—or should we leave you as yourself, and you have to take 'difficult' decisions, your life will surely be in danger. On the other hand, the Lord Kuro is a human, and if we believe his story that the Human Saint of Chersea, the Beastman Saint of Cherwind and the Demon Saint have his back, then it will surely intimidate our enemies against taking a move that will harm him."

"You're..." the elf guard had difficulty bringing out what was on his mind, "...you'll be using the Lord Kuro's connections to the other saints to protect me?"

The two elves nodded. And the Lady Hinwe added, "Look, I can always take you with me Gerard. However, this time, the Lord Kuro is from Chersea, so he knows that place. If there's anyone qualified to escort us there, it is him."

"Also, milord..." the elf maid took Gerard's hands. "Please...you're the only one we can rely on in this plan. Not even Sir Eldarv has Her Holiness' confidence. Will you help us?"

Gerard fell silent for a few moments, as he weighed his options against the pleas of his beloved fiancée, the Lady Meanor. Still, even as he thought of the risks for their plan, the elvish lord couldn't help but be swayed by the pleas of his sweetheart...made even sweeter by those beautiful puppy-like eyes she was making for him.

"Milady..." the elf guard countered. "While my heart will certainly long for your face, and for the loving guidance of our beloved saint, I can't help but think you're just avoiding me."

"Perish the thought!" the maid chuckled. "This lady would never think of such things!"

"Still, whenever I ask you out, you always refuse. Or you have something else to do. And now, you're going to Chersea with—"