The Abused is The Abuser in Another World

Chapter 12: Shadow of Retribution

Noir and Elion made their way back to the elder's hut. As they entered, the elder offered a gentle smile, his pale blue eyes filled with a quiet wisdom that seemed to reach into the very core of the room.

"I must thank you," Noir began, his tone sincere but still guarded. "You've helped me more than I expected." He paused, then continued, "But I think it's time for me to go. I've already taken much of your time."

Elion stood tall, his long, silver-white hair flowing gracefully down his back. His expression remained calm and thoughtful, as if carefully weighing Noir's words before responding. With a measured gesture, he raised his hand, a sign of both patience and quiet authority.

"Why not rest for a while?" Elion suggested in his calm, soothing voice, his tone diplomatic and fair. "Leave tomorrow morning. It would be wise to regain your strength after the process you've just been through." His pale blue eyes, sharp and penetrating, seemed to assess Noir's state of weariness with a depth of understanding that only centuries of experience could offer.

Noir hesitated, feeling the weight of his exhaustion. Elion's words were not a command, but rather a gentle invitation, the kind that carried the wisdom of ages. Despite his cautious nature, Noir felt a sense of trust in the elder's suggestion. He nodded slowly.

"Alright," he agreed. "I will rest for the day."

Elion's warm, knowing smile appeared briefly before he inclined his head. "Wise choice," he said softly, his gaze lingering on Noir as if gauging his inner turmoil, yet offering no judgment. He stepped aside, allowing Noir to make his way to the small guest area of the hut.

As Noir settled in, Elion quietly returned to his place by the hearth, his green and silver robes flowing with his graceful movements. He leaned gently on his intricately carved staff, the symbols of nature and the elements softly glowing along its length. Though he appeared deep in thought, his presence was a quiet comfort, like the steady hum of the forest surrounding them. Even without words, Elion's calm presence seemed to ease the tension in the room.

"Rest well," Elion finally spoke, his voice low and steady, the words carrying the weight of someone who had witnessed countless lifetimes of struggle and survival. "Tomorrow will bring clarity."

Noir, feeling the last remnants of tension slip away, closed his eyes. The elder's voice was the last thing he heard before he drifted into a deep, restorative sleep, trusting that Elion's wisdom and patience would guide him through whatever challenges awaited him next.

The night passed without incident, and a new morning dawned over the elven village. Noir awoke feeling surprisingly refreshed, the weariness from yesterday's training nearly gone. He rose and moved to the doorway, noticing a crowd gathering at the village entrance.

He stepped outside and saw almost all the female elves standing by the entrance, their bags and belongings clutched in their hands. Their faces were filled with a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation.

Noir watched with curiosity as the scene unfolded. So this is what they meant by jobs in the duchy, he thought. The elves appeared genuinely happy, even eager, as if this were a rare opportunity for them.

After a few moments, Martin arrived with a broad smile, his demeanor friendly and welcoming. He moved with purpose, greeting each elf by name, carefully escorting them toward a series of large, decorated horse-drawn carriages waiting to carry them away.

Noir observed in silence, noting the care Martin took in handling the elves, the way he ensured each one was safely boarded. His manner was polished, and the elves seemed to respond positively, chatting among themselves with excitement.