At the End of the Hidden Greenery - Chapter 129
It seemed that after many years of being in that habit, it took a while for his attitude to change. However, since the last time he had a face-off with another group, he appeared to be regaining his previous composure.
“Imagine if you were not Akarna, but human.”
“Uh? Okay.”
“So, as a human, you would experience physiological processes. How would you feel if we watched during that time?”
“…Is it that kind of situation?”
“That’s the analogy I’m making.”
Still, it seemed like a poorly fitting comparison. Physiological processes involve the body filtering out waste, while watching someone beautify themselves is not quite the same thing.
Moreover, those actions ultimately aimed to present themselves well to others.
“Honestly, everyone looks great to me, even without all the fuss.”
Enci narrowed his eyes and gazed intently at Jiwoo.
“Not quite enough.”
“…Really?”
“We’ve lost our tree once. Although the tree has become healthy again, we need time to return to our original state. Frankly, I think we’re still lacking in many ways.”
If that was how they felt, it didn’t matter to Jiwoo. If they wanted to present a more magnificent appearance, she had no issue with it. She wasn’t the type to be sensitive about having some strict standards in this regard.
However, if there was a problem…
“…And you, do you think Lanceil looks the best?”
Enci glanced around nervously before making that comment.
‘Is that really his true feeling?’
After pondering the question, she found that it might actually be true. Her husbands were perceptive, and they usually accurately described her thoughts when they said, “Seo Jiwoo is like this.”
Lanceil had a particularly striking appearance compared to the others. He had thick arms and many scars on his body, resembling an ancient tree.
It seemed somewhat distant from the clean and noble beauty that the children of Ellandos pursued. He appeared to feel somewhat self-conscious about his looks as well.
Yet, Jiwoo felt more fond for Lanceil because of that appearance. Perhaps it was due to the memory of him protecting her in the cave when she was sick.
However, even if she thought this way internally, she had no intention of saying it out loud.
It was because she could guess what the other person was thinking.
“Does that mean my standards are important?”
“Um…”
Enci glanced back nervously. When Jiwoo turned to look as well, she saw that everyone else was merely looking elsewhere, but all of them were perked up, attentively listening to their conversation.
“Enci, I want to be happy here. I believe I can be.”
Enci tilted his head, looking like he was wondering why she was stating something he already knew.
“So?”
“What I mean is that you don’t need to change anything to fit my standards. You don’t have to go out of your way to accommodate me; I’m already quite happy as things are.”
In fact, this had been a concern for her. The phrase that the children of Ellandos were unchanging beings echoed in her mind. Perhaps because they were fundamentally different from humans, her husbands seemed to keep trying to adjust to her.
“Accommodate… If you see it that way, I’d be grateful, but…”
“What then?”
“…”
Enci opened his mouth to explain but quickly blushed and frowned.
“Uh, anyway! This isn’t allowed.”
Jiwoo didn’t intend to insist on seeing something he didn’t allow her to.
‘Is it similar to the pride issue from before?’
Now that she thought about it, it seemed to be somewhat the case. Since she started living here, if she ever turned down something out of embarrassment, her husbands tended to maintain that subtle attitude.
Ultimately, though she couldn’t fully understand it, Jiwoo felt compelled to leave because of their insistence.
“Alright. I’ll go.”
“…”
Enci nodded but lowered his ears and avoided her gaze.
Noticing his sulky reaction made Jiwoo ponder. Then, Enci abruptly asked,
“Did you forget something?”
“Ah, no, I didn’t forget.”
Before his face could redden any further, Jiwoo successfully kissed his cheek.
“Why? Just him?”
Tevon, who had been sitting a bit farther away, sprang up and approached after seeing it.
With his large build and quick movements, the sound of clattering filled the air as he moved closer.
The golden jewelry and gemstones glittered brilliantly in all directions. In a word, he was as splendid as a peacock. Even the most lavishly adorned ministers in the temple didn’t wear anything like this.
Moreover, Tevon had previously favored more practical clothing that allowed for movement and often wore belts to secure his weapons, making this look even more striking.
Yet, it didn’t seem out of place. Perhaps it was because his essence was that of Ellandos.
After Jiwoo had given him the kiss he wanted, she asked casually,
“But doesn’t that outfit make hunting uncomfortable?”
“Ah, hunting? I don’t do it as much anymore. We have the trees now.”
When Jiwoo tilted her head in confusion, Enci stepped in to clarify.
“…In Caranazion, you had to eat something to move your body. But now we can regain that energy from the trees, so it’s fine.”
“Oh, so you don’t have to eat anymore?”
“Well, it’s not that we’re fully recovered yet, so not really. It’s true that we’re gradually needing less.”
“Then does that mean you’re not hunting anymore?”
“Oh, I still do. It’s fun! Plus, since I’ve lived longer in Caranazion, I’ll need a bit more time to adjust.”
As Tevon happily caressed the cheek Jiwoo had just kissed, he added,
“Anyway, no matter what, this is still an embarrassing look for us, so please let it slide.”
“Okay.”
Ultimately, Jiwoo had no choice but to step back from the situation. Surely they would call her later to review once everything was ready, right?
However, they did not appear in such outfits again after that day.
At least not until the day came.
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