After picking and choosing, Liuli finally selected a Forest Elemental that looked relatively obedient.
While the other Forest Elementals were trying their hardest to act cute toward her, this one had been sitting quietly in its jar the entire time.
In truth, Liuli wasn’t sure if this Forest Elemental was actually well-behaved.
Perhaps it was just using a different method to attract her attention, but Liuli knew that she could spend all day overthinking such contradictory questions.
It was better to just think about it from the simplest perspective.
“It’s a very obedient-looking Forest Elemental. Would you like to give it a name, Princess?”
“Do I have to name it right now?”
Liuli’s lack of naming talent was acting up again.
Naming things was far too much of a hassle for her, let alone when that name might stay with the Forest Elemental for a very long time.
If possible, she wanted to think of a proper name carefully.
“It isn’t strictly necessary, but a name would give this Forest Elemental a sense of belonging and make it easier for you to call it, wouldn’t it, Princess?”
“But I can’t think of a good name right now…”
“There’s no need for an especially grand name. Something catchy will do.”
“I know, but this is my first pet. If possible, I still want to choose a name I’m satisfied with.”
“I see. That is perfectly fine, of course. However, I still suggest that you name it as soon as possible, Princess. It will be easier for the Forest Elemental to get used to its name that way.”
‘Well, listening to the Shopkeeper, it seems her view of the Forest Elemental is strictly limited to it being a pet,’ Liuli thought.
‘Even the naming process is treated no differently than it would be for an animal.’
However, Forest Elementals possessed considerable intelligence and could even hold conversations.
At the very least, she should be able to discuss the name with it, shouldn’t she?
“Little one, are you in a hurry to have a name of your own? If not, how about I think of a good one later?”
Language truly was the greatest invention.
Being able to communicate made things much more convenient in all sorts of situations.
Being able to discuss matters meant that solving problems didn’t rely solely on guesswork.
“Whatever Master decides is fine.”
Liuli felt that something was a bit off now. This Forest Elemental seemed a bit too—well, quiet. It was so quiet that it didn’t really seem like a Forest Elemental at all.
“Shopkeeper, is this really okay?”
Liuli didn’t want her Forest Elemental to be too naughty, but that didn’t mean she wanted to raise one that was completely withdrawn.
While being mischievous often meant trouble, there was no denying that she had gotten a pet for the Emotional Value.
Most of the time, it was difficult for a withdrawn pet to provide much Emotional Value.
“It should be fine. After all, Forest Elementals have all sorts of different personalities. Besides, didn’t it just respond to your question? As long as it responds, that’s a good sign.”
“Alright. Little one, do you have something on your mind? If you do, you can tell me directly.”
Liuli truly wanted to be an excellent Master, so she was currently trying her best to do the things she believed an excellent Master should do.
“I don’t, Master.”
“Then why aren’t you lively at all?”
‘It’s so strange,’ Liuli thought. ‘This Forest Elemental is really weird—so weird that I’m starting to wonder if someone misidentified its species.’
“Aren’t Forest Elementals famous for being lively, active, and fond of pranks?”
“People all have their own personalities. There are those with personalities like mine, as well.”
Well, considering it answered every question she asked, she could only say that this Forest Elemental’s personality really was just like this.
She just hoped it wasn’t the type to be quietly wicked.
“Shopkeeper, can I let it out?”
After all, this was a creature with wings. Although Liuli didn’t know how fast it could fly, it wouldn’t be a good thing if it escaped.
“I understand, Master. I won’t run.”
The Forest Elemental agreed readily enough, but an agreement was just an agreement.
No one knew if it would actually follow through. If it really did run away, she would be the one suffering the loss.
“It’s fine, Little Fox. With me here, it won’t get far.”
Serveyia’s reassurance was simple, but it was effective. As long as it could be caught, an escape attempt wouldn’t be much of a problem.
“Then, I’m going to let you out, little one. Don’t run away.”
Liuli cautiously opened the glass jar, gently took the Forest Elemental out, and placed it in her palm.
“I understand, Master.”
The Forest Elemental still seemed to lack any enthusiasm. Even after being let out, it simply stayed in her hand.
It didn’t fly around her like Gugu did. Rather than saying it was naturally sedentary, it was more like it was burnt out, completely unable to muster interest in its surroundings.
“Did you really not go through something before this?”
“No, Master. I was born this way. That is why I didn’t think about escaping at all when I was caught.”
Liuli found it hard to judge the Forest Elemental’s personality.
Calling it “bad” wasn’t quite right, but there was no doubt that it was precisely because of this personality that she had encountered it.
Thinking of it that way, perhaps it was a stroke of luck.
“Alright. Then you must be careful. Don’t fall.”
Logically, the little thing should be able to fly, but seeing its detached, otherworldly demeanor, Liuli was truly worried about whether it would protect itself.
After purchasing the Forest Elemental, Liuli had nothing left to do in the Forest of Elves.
What came next was to properly fulfill her duties as the Princess of St. Laia.
“Serveyia, is there anything else we need to do here?”
On the way back to their quarters, Liuli asked Serveyia this question. From the very beginning, her task had been very vague.
Negotiating Peace sounded simple, but to what extent would be considered appropriate?
Furthermore, since the Elf Race itself held a supportive attitude toward Peace, what was her purpose?
It seemed like the final result would be the same whether she was there or not.
“There isn’t anything special left to do, but it wouldn’t be appropriate to leave just like this. So, we will stay here for a few more days.”
“A few more days?”
“That’s right. After all, many people’s eyes are on you, Little Fox. You should at least behave in a way that accords with Etiquette—or rather, the rules.”