Help, I'm in Another World and All the Men Are So Hot! [BL]-Chapter 231: Unexpected Offer and the Elf Village’s Secrets

Chapter 231: Unexpected Offer and the Elf Village’s Secrets

Damien knew that elves were impressive, but...

Theo looked at him, shaking his head. "This isn’t just impressive—this is unprecedented. No country has ever established formal diplomatic relations with the elves before. This is something completely unheard of, and we can’t even know if it’ll be beneficial or harmful. But no country will refuse, I’m certain. What about the kingdom?"

"Of course, it’s still highly confidential," Elyric replied. "We don’t want any influence from the kingdom affecting the Monkey’s decision before the matter is settled."

...Ah, so if the kingdom hears about this first, they might push for Theo’s appointment as ambassador before Damien even has a chance to establish his position. If Theo were to go as the ambassador to the elf village, Damien would definitely follow.

"Until the Monkey’s appointment as advisor is finalized, this remains completely secret, so there’s no need to worry. Moreover, once diplomatic relations are established, we’ll have to maintain a friendly approach with the kingdom, since we can’t upset the Monkey’s lover, Theo."

Theo, looking increasingly nervous, muttered, "If the kingdom finds out about this, things will really move forward, won’t they?"

Elyric, meanwhile, wore a smug expression, clearly proud of the proposal he had brought forward.

Damien was impressed by how serious this was becoming.

"...I’ve heard the advantages. But with such favorable conditions being offered, I can’t help but wonder if there are hidden problems here."

After hearing all the benefits, it was hard not to suspect there might be a catch.

Elyric shook his head. "There are no major issues. We just need a little help with the population control efforts. As of now, it shouldn’t cause any significant problems."

If the situation changes, Damien would be properly informed, and the Monkey would be asked to make a new judgment. Since the population control measures depend on the Monkey’s cooperation, and considering his brother’s previous threats, they couldn’t afford to upset the Monkey’s mood.

Well, since they were offering such a thorough arrangement, Damien was mentally preparing himself to be given a significant role. A big move would be tough, but with this plan, it seemed unlikely they’d cause too much trouble for anyone, making it a pretty realistic option.

"Ah, well, there’s a small detail. Anyone, including the Monkey, who moves here will never be able to leave the village afterward."

Elyric casually dropped this bombshell.

"Ha?"

Theo and the others stared at him, stunned.

They were so surprised that they forgot to act as translators, and Ithnan and the others looked confused. Once they quickly translated, Ithnan and the others also showed expressions of shock.

"Hmm? What’s with those strange faces? You’ll learn the deep secrets of the elf village, so it’s only natural, right? Don’t worry, we won’t make you suffer."

Elyric looked at them, clearly puzzled as to why they were so shocked.

Elyon stepped in to clarify.

"Elves are naturally reclusive, so they won’t mind never leaving the village. But just so you know, for those of you used to living among humans, the elf village will probably feel incredibly boring."

"To call it boring is rude, brother. It’s peaceful and serene, much better than this noisy, cluttered place," Elyric replied with a smile, as if it was obvious.

"Don’t worry. We’re not forbidding you from inviting family or friends for short visits," Elyric added, offering a compromise.

Despite Elyric’s attempt to ease the situation, everyone still looked uncomfortable.

Damien himself wasn’t thrilled by the idea of a reclusive life. After all, he was trying to adjust to this world, and a life of isolation didn’t seem appealing to him.

Everyone in the lounge wore an indescribable expression.

The only exceptions were Elyric and Sebas.

Elyon was smiling wryly with his cluelessness.

"By the way, I haven’t heard a word about this matter," Elyon said, his tone sharp.

Elyric averted his gaze at Elyon’s comment.

"Well... Brother, you’re rarely in the village..."

"Still, I’m connected to Damien. Wouldn’t it have been reasonable to consult me at least a little?"

"...The elders said, ’No need to tell him.’"

"...Those old fools..."

Elyon glared into space, muttering curses under his breath after hearing Elyric’s explanation.

Damien couldn’t help but worry. Was Elyon being left out? Considering how often Elyon seemed to venture out of the village, he might be seen as eccentric among the reclusive elves.

"F-for now, let’s consider the elves’ proposal as one potential option. Does anyone else have any other suggestions?"

Theo stepped in, addressing the group in an effort to clear the heavy atmosphere that had even begun to spread to the two elves.

The next to raise his hand was Leonide.

"First of all, is it really true that Master Damien’s title as a baron can be treated as if it no longer exists?"

"Yes, while it won’t happen immediately, I believe it’s possible," Theo replied earnestly. "Thanks to Damien, I’ve been able to mend my relationship with my brother. Once that’s fully resolved, I can renounce my duties as the heir of the Dalehaven family. When that happens, I’ll be free from the burdensome obligations a she heir of the family, and I can openly be with Damien without worrying about appearances."

Theo’s response was sincere, addressing Leonide’s question directly.

Damien’s title as a baron had originally been granted primarily because a certain level of status was necessary for him to officially be recognized as Theo’s lover.

However, if Theo’s relationship with Caius continued to improve and Caius could take over his position as the heir to the family, much of that burden would likely be eased.

"With that in mind, we’d like to propose something," Leonide said. "Would it be possible to employ all of us, including Master Damien, as staff for this household? I may be biased, but I believe all of us here are fairly competent individuals."

Leonide’s suggestion came out of nowhere.

It wasn’t entirely unreasonable, though. Until recently, Leonide and the others had been servants in Theo’s household.