Not An Isekai Story [LitRPG]

"I must say, your reputation precedes you, Mister Zen Hawthorn. Having slain the Demon Queen along with two Cosmic Vessels. It would seemed that her decision was— respectable, to say the least," said one of the councillors.

She looked really old which threw me off momentarily. I never knew elves would actually be able to grow this old in the first place. I guess this granny must be really really old to actually start looking like that. There were five councillors with this granny seated in the middle of a U-shaped table.

"I'm— surprised you knew about my achievements, despite some of them being close secrets that very few individuals were supposed to know. Am I— being stalked by the elves?" I asked jokingly.

"We have ways to seek information despite living here, especially if it's regarding you. You are, after all, his son. But I'll be straight with you, Mister Zen Hawthorn, your reputation with us is— rather bleak. Through no fault of your own, you've been the target of a rather— major controversial event. On that, I personally seek your forgiveness if some of us appear to be distrustful when it comes to you. I hereby declare to all elves that we should cut you some slack as what had happened was not entirely your fault or your choice to make. You did helped us solve our little problem with Tom after all," she explained.

"Right, you were all having difficulties in getting rid of him in the first place. Will Lily be receiving the same forgiveness, I presume?" I asked bluntly and immediately heard loud gasp from the audience around me.

"I presumed she had not informed you about her actions? Then I apologise that we're not allowed to discuss about it any further," she answered bluntly.

"Did she— really commit such an atrocious act that warrants her to be shunned by her community? Is there really nothing I can do to help her out?" I questioned the councillors.

"I believe a— proper explanation should be given to our honoured guest here. I'm sure he doesn't know about our ways after all," answered one of the five councillors.

"Very well. For the elves, when one of us commits something that breaks our rule, the offender will face judgment within the community that they live in. Depending on the severity of their acts, we give the offender a choice between a list of options that they wish to bear. Lily had— chosen one that might not had been the best option but, it was through her own decision to establish the condition that only she may inform you on what had transpired that day. And we always honour their decision, no matter what it may be," explained the granny.

"I— never knew that it was Lily who set that condition. Forgive my ignorance. I will do my best to pester her into telling me the next time we meet," I bowed in apology to the councils.

"Have no worries, for we require your help to save our forest. We have every reason to believe that we are facing a dangerous foe. Potentially even a Vessel or Champion of a Cosmic God," sighed the granny.

"Now that's rather quick for you to declare on such a possibility, what are the findings so far?" asked John.

"Which is why we require Mr Zen to clarifying for us. Tell us, Mr Zen, a relatively peaceful city being attacked by hordes of monsters out of the blue; unusual beings at that. Sounds familiar?" asked the granny.

"Well— in our case, it was beast monsters. But— isn't it bugs that are attacking here? Isn't it common for bugs to live inside the forest?" I asked them bluntly.

"Technically yes, but have you seen bugs like these?" she snapped her fingers and someone brought out a rather large dead body of a bug and tossed it in front of us.

With a slight nod from Noah as I glanced at him, I inspected the body of the dead bug and felt that it was rather— off. While it technically still looked buggy in nature, the anatomy was messed up. Take a cockroach for example, antennae in front of the head, connected to an abdomen with legs at the side and wings located at the top. This bug, on the other hand, head at the mid- section underside of the abdomen, two legs at the front and back, and wings that completely covered the topside of the abdomen. What stuck out the most was the amount of spikes it has; almost like its sole purpose was built to inflict pain.

"Well, you have winged dire wolves in your borders that I've never seen before too. I can't say that I'm knowledgable about bugs in the first place. Perhaps this is a new species that emerged from somewhere deeper in the forest? Just a plausibility," I shrugged.

"We are not fools, Mr Zen. We had been living in this forest for millenniums and never had we seen such a being attacked us before. There is no reason to believe that evolution is at play here since these attacks occured rather— rapidly. These bugs are certainly being controlled by something to attack our city," explained the granny as she folded her arms.

"Alright, let's just say that there is indeed something controlling these bugs into attacking the elves. The monsters that attacked us were— humans being forced to turn into beasts against their will. The blood of a four-legged beast were used for such drastic changes. If what you told us is true, then I'm worried that these bugs might had been humans, or even worse, elves," I explained my side of the story to which the audiences gasped loudly.

"That is— concerning news indeed. Madame, we need to take action before it is too late!" shouted another one of the councillors.

"Hold your horsettes, there's no evidence thus far that our people are being turned into bugs. There are no reported missing elves from our city, aside from the casualties that we faced in protecting the city. However, I do agree that we need to stop it, once and for all. While I do not crave for war, our city are being attacked after all which threatens our safety," she placed her fist on the table.

"Madame Abatina, our forces stand at the ready to help. I believe with the help of one of the Great Powers and the Viking Lord, the enemies won't know what hit them," said the Elementals as he stood forward.

"Indeed, we appreciate their help and yours for amassing such a force. I am certain the insight from Mr Zen is going to be invaluable in the upcoming battle. As with all wars, we will need a leader to lead the forces into battle. All in favour to appoint General Noah as the Supreme Commander to lead our forces, raise your hand," announced Abatina as she raised hers.

G— General Noah? W— what?! Lily's father is a general?! Why didn't she tell me before?!

All of the councillors raised their hand in agreement. Noah stood forward and kneeled before the councillors.

"General Noah, I hereby appoint you as the Supreme Commander of our forces. Lead us well to eliminate our enemies. Tread lightly, as we have every reason to believe that you might be fighting against a Vessel or Champion of a Cosmic God. It won't be an easy task. I bid all of you, Maethe Taerde~" Abatina stood up and placed her palm on the table.

The other elves stood up and saluted her back by placing their palm on their chest. John and I were confused by it and just bowed to the granny. I hope we'll be forgiven for our ignorance of their culture.

***

"Come in, come in! Eat to your heart content, my Mon-Keigh friends," gestured Noah, inviting us to what looked like a banquet feast. I thought we would be planning our attack plans rather than enjoying ourselves. But maybe this is their way for welcoming us into their city.

"Did he— just called us monkey?" whispered John.

"Sounds like it, isn't it?" I chuckled.

"Friends, relatives, loved ones, I thank you, for helping us in our time of need. Our hospitality is all we can offer you in return for your contribution," said Noah as he spoke to everyone.

"Or your daughter," whispered John to me.

"Sorry, what was that?" asked Noah with a confused expression.

"Nothing, nothing," smiled John awkwardly.

I poked him with my arm. He must had forgotten about the power of the elven ears. I certainly have no wish to get on Noah's bad side if I can help it, not to mention he's a General. Why didn't Lily told us about this? Violet was at this side, smiling and greeting other guests. She really do looked like Lily in so many ways. I get to have such a beautiful woman as my wife? Will the elves hate me if they ever found out that I'll be taking Lily as my wife?

Violet turned towards my direction when she noticed I was staring at her. I quickly turned my gaze away to make things less awkward. What the hell am I doing staring at Lily's mother? You have a wife and daughter at home waiting for you. Adultery with your potential mother-in-law is a freaking big NO!

"Never knew you were into older women," chuckled a familiar voice. Ah shit, she definitely noticed I was staring at her earlier.

"Not at all. I was just wondering how similar you looked to your daughter," I smiled at her.

"So you're thinking you'll able to get some of this?" said Violet as she leaned forward, exposing her cleavage to me. Oh lord, please don't remind me of that night!

"N— not at all! J— just a very general similarities. I wasn't comparing body shapes whatsoever," I smiled awkwardly at her.

"Haha, there's nothing to worry about, Zen dear. After all, you had spent a night together with her before. What, you thought I wouldn't know about it? My daughter do tell me things that she finds confusing for her. She is still a growing woman after all that have yet to experienced many things. Tell me though, why the sudden change? Last I recall, you always avoided my gaze or hesitant to even look my direction, yet somehow, you were staring at me earlier. Did you— have a change of heart?" she smirked widely.

"Oh yeah. Zen had already asked your daughter for marriage," said John nonchalantly as he held what looked like some roasted meat on his hand.

"Oh my! Is that true, Zen? What did she say?!" asked Violet as she stared at me with sparkling eyes.

"Gee, thanks John, for sending me to my death. Uhh— she sort of agreed but asked me to wait?" I smiled awkwardly at her. Damn it, John! I wished to get out of this forest alive and back to my family!

"Did she? Now, that's interesting indeed. I wonder what she's planning to do with herself. Hey, Noah darling! Zen had asked for our daughter's hand in marriage!" shouted Violet as she waved at her husband.

"W—WHAT?!!!" shouted the entire room.

Ohhhh— fuck. WHY?!

Noah's expression changed from being shocked to feeling confused and eventually anger. He stomped his way towards my direction and stood in front of me with glaring eyes. I got no place to hide!

"Did you really asked Lily for marriage?" glared Noah at me.

"Y— yes," I answered as softly as I could while avoiding his deathly gaze.

"What was her response?" he continued.

"She— agreed but asked me to wait," I smiled awkwardly at him.

"Did she now? I thought she'll be leaping at your arms after you asked her. Violet dear, our wish actually came true. There's more to celebrate today then!" smiled Noah as he held Violet's hands.

Uh— what? Their wish came true? What the hell's going on? All around me there were elven males who were sulking or crying out loud upon hearing about the marriage. Guess there really were many males who were gunning for her after all, in spite of her circumstances.

"Right, I'm sure you wish to know about our respond to the marriage. We agree to it. You certainly have our blessings. After all, we can only depend on you to keep her safe. Do promise us on that, please?" asked Noah as he and Violet held my hands.

I knew it. They are worried about their daughter yet they're unable to do anything about it. Seeing that I'm able to move around and Lily trusts me, they must have thought I was the best candidate to ensure her safety. Is— Lily shunned from here and unable to return? Why do I get the feeling that that seems to be the case when she seems to be afraid of coming back to this continent.

"I promise that I'll keep her safe and happy, even if we aren't married yet," I stood up and bowed politely to them.

Both of them hugged each other happily as though they were relieved to hear what I told them. Guess there's no way I can turn back on my words now, since both of her parents had literally agreed to it. Well Rose, you wanted this, don't blame me when it really happens.

"Where are my manners, apologies everyone! Please, continue to enjoy yourself! Eat and drink as much as you want before we begin our discussions tomorrow. Make today a day you'll never forget!" laughed Noah as his mood flew up even higher than before.

"Zen, would you mind having a private conversation with us tonight? We wished to know how she's faring currently," asked Violet politely.

"Of course, I'll inform both of you whatever you wish to know. Just seek me out in my room when you're ready," I answered politely with a bow.

"Oh you, just because you're our future son-in-law doesn't mean you have to be more polite. Careful, you might end up attracting me instead~" she winked at me.

I laughed awkwardly and continued with my meal. John was laughing so much but congratulated me that I somehow passed the parent's test. Wait a minute, didn't John married an elf too? Why didn't he decide to live here instead?

"John, isn't Daffodil from here too? Why didn't you stay with her here? Seems like a nice place to raise a family," I asked him.

"Ah, on that, let's talk privately later in our rooms. There's much to talk about if you wish to know further," he smiled.

That's— odd, is there something that can't be said in front of all these elves? My suspicions only grew further when John started eating less. Oh no, what have I done? I made my best friend lose his appetite!