Taming The Villainesses Chapter 842 - 841 - 840 - 839 - 838 - 837 - 836 - 835 - 834 - 833 - 832 - 831 - 830 - 829 - 828 - 827 - 826 - 825 - 824 - 823 - 822 - 821 - 820 - 819 - 818 - 817 - 816 - 815 - 814 - 813 - 455: Side Story – Everyday Life Is Always Honey-Colored (4)

"Outsider. Is Emperor Jinshinoi still alive?"

"Is the Nymph-hating Forced Labor Act still in effect in the outer world?"

The black-haired nymph uttered words I couldn't comprehend.

Emperor...?

A Nymph-hating Forced Labor Act? That unfamiliar phrase sparked a memory, prompting me to quickly examine the documents Stella had provided.

Flipping through the pages.

These contained accounts of ancient kingdoms and empires that once governed this continent prior to the establishment of the Angmar Kingdom—back when Angmar was merely a small city-state.

What I needed was within these pages:

"The Ancient Fairy Empire."

It was recorded that in the region where Angmar's Monarch City now stands, an empire founded by Nymphs once existed. The very first emperor of the continent, so the text proclaimed, originated from this very empire.

"However, the Fairy Empire, rife with illegality and idolatry, was ultimately overthrown by the martyrs and crusaders of the Church of Radiance."

That's how the passage concluded.

As I recited the book's contents aloud, Tartar, who had been attentive beside me, trembled.

"But... Jinshinoi! That's the name of the ancient Nymph emperor! Then surely—this black-haired Nymph must be a survivor from that ancient empire!"

Tartar, the imp distinguished by his orange armband, exhibited an inexplicable excitement. Before I could even ponder his reaction, he offered an explanation.

"There might be valuable ancient artifacts nearby, from the era when Nymphs held great power...! There could even be the height-growth mushroom here...!"

Oh.

Could such a possibility truly exist?

A survivor from an empire that existed a millennium ago? I had previously heard that Nymphs were a long-lived race. Yet, even the oldest Nymphs I had encountered were only around a century old.

Was it conceivable for a Nymph to genuinely live for a thousand years?

The thought left me in a state of bewilderment.

"━━─."

Whoosh.

At that precise moment, the black-haired Nymph murmured something unintelligible—and then darted away.

She wasn't merely running; her speed was so extraordinary that pursuit seemed impossible. In the blink of an eye, the distance between us grew, and she disappeared down the tunnel.

Marmar's voice cut through the air.

"Looks like she wants us to follow! Come on!"

"Right."

Was it truly wise to follow her? The situation felt exceptionally precarious, but our options were rather limited.

Furthermore... if I were to introduce her to Stella, she would undoubtedly be thrilled.

Consequently, I dashed after the vanishing Nymph.

Whoosh!

However, she proved far swifter than I had anticipated. She completely vanished into the cavern's depths.

Only Punchnoi, the Iron Fist, managed to maintain a semblance of pace with her—just barely.

"Tch—! I lost her! Her footwork was incredible...! With martial arts that refined, she might even possess knowledge on how to defeat Yujinoi...!"

Even {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} Punchnoi was unable to keep up with her and had to concede defeat.

Yet, that was not the sole issue.

Upon finally catching our breath, we came to a startling realization—we were lost.

"Where are we...?"

We had blindly navigated through countless junctions in the tunnel. Now, we had no clue about our current location. Which path led deeper, and which one offered an exit?

More importantly—the cave had not appeared nearly this expansive from the exterior. But now, it felt akin to a labyrinth. As if we were traversing a maze meticulously designed to disorient intruders.

"My poor legs can't take it anymore...!"

Imps and Nymphs began to falter, one after another, overcome by exhaustion from the relentless pursuit. Thus, we resolved to rest, settling onto nearby rocks and boulders.

It was lunchtime, after all. A prudent time to partake in a meal.

Just as I reached for the lunch Mirna had prepared for me that morning, intending to retrieve it from the satchel secured at my waist—

"Ah...!?"

A Nymph or an Imp—someone—emitted a peculiar outcry.

"Ah—!"

"Aaah!?"

A chorus of astonished voices erupted from all directions.

And I was no exception.

"...Wait, Mirna's lunch for me—"

...was gone!

The very lunch I had meticulously double-checked in my bag that morning—vanished without a trace!

In a state of panic, I frantically searched every pouch and compartment of my pack. Nothing!

"Hiiiiik...!"

I felt on the verge of unleashing a destructive beam born from sheer Nymph-hating rage!

But my distress was not unique.

Other Imps and Nymphs, upon discovering that their lunches had also disappeared, began to tremble and voice their indignation.

"Who pilfered Moromoro's sandwich container?!"

"My lunch is gone as well...! Tartar's entire meal vanished into thin air!"

"Even my sugar stars are gone, every last one! This—this Nymph-hating act of food theft is utterly intolerable! Punchnoi is ABSOLUTELY FURIOUS!"

"Garrururu! Garrururururur!"

"Ah—! Even Gargar is incensed! I have never witnessed Gargar utter such deplorable profanity before!"

The cavern resounded with uproar. The shouts echoed back from every corner, amplifying the chaos.

But it was an entirely understandable reaction.

Lunch represents the heart of any picnic or excursion. It's the cherished moment when everyone gathers, shares delectable side dishes, exchanges pieces of fruit, and engages in warm, convivial conversation.

That very essence of shared joy had been brutally stolen from us.

Naturally, we were infuriated!

—Hiooong...!

Bael stirred gently within my heart.

Right, I need to take a breath.

Getting worked up won't accomplish anything.

"Hmm..."

A synchronized disappearance of multiple lunches. It was clearly a coordinated effort.

There was only one logical culprit.

The peculiar outsider.

At that very moment, Punchnoi raised a clenched fist and declared,

"It must have been that black-haired Nymph who pilfered our meals! What a wicked little rogue! Let's chase her down and teach her a lesson!"

Rumble...

The combined fury of the party reverberated through the cavern.

***

Our pursuit of the black-haired nymph led us deeper, but the cave truly was a maze. Had monsters or bandits appeared, calling it a dungeon would have been entirely appropriate.

After nearly an hour of wandering, I began to consider that perhaps focusing on exiting the cave was a more sensible plan than continuing the chase.

Still, easier contemplated than accomplished.

Lost in thought, I spotted a glimmer on the cave floor.

It was something soft and fluffy—

"...A feather?"

No, it was down. Delicate, white down. Quite sizable, too. Initially, I mistook it for rabbit fur, but its texture and softness suggested a duck or goose feather.

Actually, on second thought—there was far too much of it to have come from any ordinary waterfowl.

Rustle, rustle.

The down clutched in my hand shifted.

"...!"

A sudden realization dawned on me.

Swipe.

I quickly moistened my finger and extended it into the air.

—Nymph Technique: Pathfinding!

Rustle, rustle.

A gentle breeze caressed my fingertip.

The presence of wind indicated a passage leading outside must be nearby!

"Everyone, this way!"

I guided the agitated throng of Nymphs and Imps in the direction from which the wind originated.

And then, we found it. An opening, resembling an entrance or exit, bathed in a soft, luminous light.

As we stepped through, brilliant sunlight enveloped me, causing me to flinch and instinctively shield my eyes.

"Ugh..."

It was intensely bright. The sunlight felt like needles piercing my closed eyelids. However, as my vision adjusted to the glare, I couldn't help but utter a gasp.

"...Wow."

Below the hill, a village lay spread out. A river snaked through it under the gleaming sun, and wisps of smoke gracefully ascended from chimneys scattered across the homes.

It presented a scene of utter tranquility.

Yet, one detail seemed peculiar. Even from this distance, I could discern that the houses possessed a remarkable sheen. Their rooftops shimmered with an emerald green hue.

Were they adorned with emeralds, jade, or some other type of gemstone? I couldn't be certain.

A closer inspection would be necessary to determine the truth.

Rustle.

I retrieved my map as we drew nearer to the village.

Did a settlement of this magnitude exist near the ancient forest we had been exploring? To the best of my recollection... there wasn't even a river in this vicinity.

What place was this?

It felt profoundly...

"━━──."

"━─?"

As we approached the settlement, the children and adults playing in the streets turned their attention towards us.

They had clearly recognized us as newcomers.

The distinction was simple: they all sported black hair and were clad in garments of silk or coarse linen.

In contrast, our unusual attire and vibrantly colored hair must have made us stand out conspicuously.

Would soldiers emerge and surround us?

I felt a surge of apprehension.

However, the Imps and Nymphs appeared to be in high spirits.

"So many black-haired Nymphs everywhere! There must be someone here with a hidden martial arts scroll, I just know it...!"

"That nasty Nymph who swiped Tartar's lunch is certainly around here too, no doubt about it...!"

While we stood somewhat awkwardly, a figure emerged from the gathering crowd.

She was dressed in black and white silk robes, had stylishly short, bobbed red hair, and possessed a slender, graceful build. Her features were refined and elegant—undeniably beautiful.

She spoke,

"It has been quite some time since outsiders have traversed the cave. Are you perhaps emissaries dispatched by the Emperor?"

She understands our language?

The fact that someone here could communicate with us, after we had only encountered unintelligible speech until this point, was more than encouraging.

Taking the lead, I stepped forward.

"No, we are not sent by the Emperor. We are subjects of a Queen."

"A Queen?"

"Indeed. The Queen of Angmar."

"Angmar?"

The woman tilted her head, as if the names held no familiarity for her.

"Well, if you are not imperial envoys, that is perfectly acceptable. We shall arrange accommodations for you within the village. Please, rest for now. The passage back to your world will manifest tomorrow."

"...Hold on. You mean we cannot return today?"

My vision began to blur.

I had assured Elga of my return by today.

If I failed to report back without making contact, the noble ladies would surely be furious.

This was especially true since it was Thursday—Narmee's designated day.

If I wasn't back this evening, Narmee would be left to wait all alone.

Such a situation was unacceptable.

Narmee could become truly formidable when angered.

"Is there genuinely no way to depart today?"

"There is not," she responded curtly.

"If the gate is opened now, soldiers who desire our mushrooms will invade. The peace we have painstakingly established will then be ruined."

Her words carried a meaning that I couldn't quite grasp.

However, one word resonated clearly with me:

"...Mushrooms?"

In response to my query, the woman gestured with her hand towards what appeared to be cultivation beds nearby.

Upon closer inspection, numerous vibrant and unusual mushrooms could be seen growing in containers and trays throughout the area.

Unsurprisingly, Marmar was the most delighted.

"There are so many mushrooms! I bet they'd taste incredible grilled or in a stew!"

The mere thought made my stomach rumble.

Having skipped lunch and with my bento box long gone, discussing food made me incredibly hungry.

I swallowed hard and asked the woman,

"Do you happen to have the kind of mushroom that helps one grow taller?"

"...If you are referring to the ancient Max Mushroom, then yes."

After saying this, she became quiet.

The surrounding villagers started whispering in an unfamiliar tongue.

"━─Max of the Ancients..."

"Go-dai Max..."

Their faces were ashen, their bodies quivering as if gripped by fear.

The woman let out a sigh.

Then, she spoke,

"It does exist. However, obtaining it will be impossible for you. The area where Max Mushrooms flourish is downstream... beyond the Little Fairy River. And that particular place..."