"Because of such foolish prejudice..." I couldn't help but rub my forehead in frustration. I found myself mourning for all the male elves of this country for a brief moment. "So, it's not just you beastmen who suffer because of such prejudice, we elves are in the same boat. That's why it's essential for you to change this perception, Bloch. Your mission is of great importance," Loran said, laughing sincerely.
"Then Dean, why do you seem to have no such prejudices against beastmen?" I posed another question that intrigued me.
Throughout the day, I had become keenly aware of how frightful the prejudices of the elves against us beastmen were. If I reflected on it, under such societal influences, she should also possess such prejudices. Moreover, pushing such a proposal against all odds would likely have an impact on her reputation. It couldn't possibly be a simple whim that kept her persistently doing this. Besides, unlike other elves, she showed absolutely no fear around me and even allowed me to stay overnight at her place. This would be unimaginable for any other elf I knew.
"Alright, I don't mind telling you now. Actually, I was once saved by a beastman belonging to your tribe."
"Is that so?" The surprise made me inadvertently widen my eyes.
"That was a year before the end of the war. An alliance sent a military force north to conquer the abyss demon king, and women had to join the battlefield at that time in Sedian. I was in the expeditionary army. In the wilderness of the North, I found myself separated from my group, completely exhausted, when I encountered a horned demon. When I was about to die under its claws, a group of beastmen showed up, bearing red flags with axes printed on them, and killed the demon.”
"Yes, that is indeed our tribe's flag."
During that time, our tribe had already completely separated from the demon king's army and were battling the demons.
"I thought I would be violated by the beastmen, but instead, they let me go and even left me with some food and water. I still remember the leader of those beastmen. His name… I believe it was Azak."
"Azak?" I was taken aback.
"Oh? You know him? You actually look quite similar to him. Are you related somehow?" Loran's eyes sparkled.
"No, he is my great-grandfather. He has passed away many years ago. He used to be the chieftain of our tribe, a hero who led our people to resist the demon king.”
"Ah, I'm sorry. When I get excited, I tend to forget that elves do not perceive time the same way," Loran sheepishly smiled, "He has passed away.... I never got the chance to thank him, I was too scared back then."
Her face flushed a bit, looking somewhat lost. That was the first time I had seen such expression on her.
After a long period of silence, she arose from the bed and walked towards the door.
"So, Bloch, I truly wish for reconciliation between elves and beastmen. I hope you believe me," she turned around and offered a smile, "Now, it's time for me to go. You should get some rest, and remember, we have classes tomorrow."
With that, she closed the door to the room.
Sitting on the chair, I contemplated. The reconciliation between beastmen and elves, free of biases, is not just our tribe's aspiration. In this country, there are elves who genuinely share the same hope.
Although we have a long way to go, I am not alone in this struggle.
Once again, I am resolved.
"What are you up to now, lady?" I turned my gaze back towards the door.
The door, which was supposed to be closed, was opened slightly. The recently-departed Loran was squatting and peeking through the crack, her eyes shining with anticipation.
"Just curious if you would bury your head in the sheets to take in the scent I left," she replied.
"Get out!" I shouted at her.
"My room is upstairs. I'm free till dawn...”
"Can you never be serious till the end, even for once!"
