Chapter 181: An Ordinary Elf Like Me Is a Popular Star Here? (3) "The crowd is cheering that loudly…."
"Being young really is wonderful. We were that young once, too."
Allensia, who still could not use magic but instead displayed impressive plays in baseball purely through physical strength, drew envious looks from the middle-aged elves.
"About how old are the elves participating in today's game?"
"The youngest is around 250 years old, and most are between 300 and 400."
"If an elf is 300 years old, that would make them around my age in human terms. That's still quite young, isn't it?"
"Ah… that's true."
"If we're about Jinseo's age, then we're really young, aren't we?"
At Lee Jinseo's question, the middle-aged elves were shocked as they realized a truth they had never considered.
Among elves, anyone over 300 was treated as middle-aged, yet in reality they were still young adults. The realization instantly changed the light in their eyes.
"Then it wouldn't be strange if we started exercising again like the youngsters, would it?"
"They say it's easier to build muscle when you eat meat instead of sticking only to vegetables. Should we try seriously building some muscle?"
"Jinseo, could you procure chicken breast and protein supplements for us as well?"
"And if you could also get us some exercise equipment, we would be very grateful."
Although the middle-aged elves enjoyed eating meat, they had only ever treated it as a delicious meal. Unlike the younger elves, they had never used the protein from meat to actively build muscle and shape their bodies.
Encouraged by Jinseo's words, they now burned with the desire to reclaim the vigor of their youth.
"I have them stored in Interspatial Storage. I'll hand them out after the game ends. First, I'll need to check the numbers."
After counting the total number of elves seated in both dugouts, Lee Jinseo entered the food truck parked in front of the stands.
"Well, since we've started playing baseball, shouldn't we do it properly? Don't you all agree?"
"Right! I want to hit a home run too!"
"Didn't you just hit one earlier?"
"I want to hit one with pure physical strength, not magic!"
Clang!
"Out!"
While the middle-aged elves in the dugout burned with renewed enthusiasm, the bottom of the third inning ended with a score of 5–4.
The middle-aged elves, who normally lived far removed from exercise, were throwing balls, running across the ground, and swinging bats using only physical strength rather than magic. Before long, their stomachs were growling.
Anticipating this, they had decided to take breaks every three innings, like in soccer, rather than only during offense–defense switches.
"All right, everyone, come over here."
Opening the side door of the food truck, Lee Jinseo brought out sandwiches and tea that could be eaten conveniently for the hungry elves.
"A sandwich after sweating like this is truly special."
"The lettuce and cucumbers inside are so fresh. These were grown by our children, weren't they? Thanks to Jinseo, we get to taste things like this. These days, every single day is enjoyable."
"I prefer the fruit sandwich. The whipped cream is incredible."
Seated around the convenience-store tables, they savored their sandwiches while studying the baseball rule documents in their left hands.
"This thing called a balk—doesn't it seem like a mistake that could happen during pitching at any time?"
"That's why they're not strictly enforcing balks right now. If they did, pitching itself would become difficult."
"Couldn't they just eliminate the balk rule entirely?"
"They say that would put runners at a disadvantage, so it's problematic."
Naturally, the elves who had come to the stadium today were playing baseball for the first time, and there were many rules that had not been properly applied due to misplays.
Based on the plays they had just experienced, the elves repeatedly asked and answered each other's questions about the rules, striving to learn them properly. As time passed, the conversation naturally evolved into serious discussion.
Before long, the baseball stadium felt less like a sports club and more like a reading group.
"Hmm… I love the deep aroma of this coffee."
"Until now, I've only had coffee mix, but this rich bitterness suits my taste unexpectedly well."
"I prefer green tea instead…."
After finishing their sandwiches, the elves gently closed their eyes and tilted their teacups as they relaxed.
Even during a break, seeing athletes leisurely enjoying tea according to their preferences was a sight rarely seen in the sports matches Jinseo knew.
It feels a bit awkward, but when they play cricket—which is similar to baseball—they even enjoy full meals and tea time. So this much should be harmless.
As he operated the capsule espresso machine that had recently begun gaining popularity, Lee Jinseo shifted his gaze toward the stands.
Given the nature of baseball, which lasted a long time, not only the players on the ground but also the spectators in the stands were hungry.
Taking advantage of the break, they began filling their stomachs in earnest.
"Sandwiches and Gimbap here! Packed with vegetables personally grown by Allensia, the idol of the vinyl house!"
"Get a discount if you purchase it as a set with a canned drink!"
Employees from Bunsik Street set out for mobile sales, carrying bags filled with food.
"Everyone, look this way! How about a glass of ice-cold dwarf-made beer that'll make your teeth ache?"
And of course, beer—an essential part of watching sports—was sold directly by dwarves carrying kegs as they moved between the stands.
As both players and spectators finished their meals and the break drew to an end, a clergyman wearing religious robes slowly walked onto the field.
"Isn't that the Cardinal?"
"What's going on? Don't tell me the Cardinal has come to participate in the game?"
Recognizing her, the spectators hurriedly rose from their seats and made the sign of the cross in greeting.
"Cardinal, you've arrived."
"May His blessing be with you so that the game concludes safely without injury… I was delayed unexpectedly due to urgent matters."
Fedora Artran, who had come to bless the newly built baseball stadium, apologized and took a seat at the counter of the food truck.
"Shall I prepare your usual?"
"Something light today, please."
At her request for something light, Lee Jinseo served Rosé Tteokbokki together with CoolXse.
"Did I arrive too late? It feels like the game is already over."
Seeing all the players enjoying refreshments outside rather than on the field, Fedora Artran asked in confusion.
"No, it's only about one-third complete. It's just break time right now."
"Ah, I see. Baseball takes quite a long time compared to soccer."
"That's true."
"It seems like a sport suited to them, since it can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. But even this looks tiring for them…."
Trailing off, Fedora Artran began eating the Rosé Tteokbokki.
After silently finishing about half the dish, she raised her head and looked steadily at Lee Jinseo.
"Jinseo, I have a request."
"What is it?"
"Before coming here, I met with the elder elves. They asked whether there might be a sport they could also enjoy."
"The elders?"
"But I don't know much about sports. If it were you, Jinseo, what sport would you recommend to them? Since they are of advanced age, they seem to want something even more leisurely and refined than baseball."
"Something even more leisurely and refined than baseball…."
Resting both hands on the edge of the sink, Lee Jinseo fell into thought. Then something occurred to him, and he abruptly lifted his head.
"That might suit them."
"Pardon? What sport is it?"
"I've never played it myself, but I doubt there's any sport that matches the elder elves' requirements better than this."
Clack!
"Lord Baikel! Nice shot!"
"Hoho… Even in my own eyes, that was well struck."
Watching the golf ball soar far away in a graceful arc, Elder Elf Baikel let out a hearty laugh.
"Before trying it, I thought little of it. I never imagined golf could be this enjoyable…."
"It was recommended by none other than Jinseo. Of course it would be enjoyable! One must never doubt Jinseo."
"Indeed. Hahaha!"
Gathered on the green field, the elder elves chatted as they enjoyed golf—the sport most suited to them.
Half a month earlier, when Lee Jinseo introduced baseball to the elves, he had similarly shown golf footage on a large television and suggested they try it.
Fifteen days later, going out to the field in the morning had already become part of the elder elves' daily routine.
"It's pleasant to strike the ball, but even just walking across the green grass refreshes the chest… truly a fine sport."
"And we built this field ourselves, did we not? I had always wished for a place more like our homeland, lush with trees and grasses rather than only the Elven Forest. Constructing the golf course allowed us to fulfill that wish as well. If I must name one regret, it's that much of it is lawn… but even so, I'm grateful to have such a place."
Naturally, enjoying golf required a golf course.
The elder elves had personally rolled up their sleeves to construct it. With elves of elder rank involved, far more spirits were mobilized than during the construction of the Elven Forest Baseball Stadium.
As a result, the golf course was completed in one week.
Though it took longer than building the baseball stadium, considering the scale of a golf course, the speed was astonishing.
Moreover, unlike in Korea—where golf courses were often criticized for environmental destruction—no such criticism arose here.
What had once been a barren field was transformed as elves planted various trees and grasses, effectively contributing to the beautification of the surrounding environment instead.
They come out to the field every day without fail. Golf must really be that fun.
Leaning against the food truck while watching the match, Lee Jinseo smiled faintly at the sight of the delighted elder elves.
Given the nature of golf, which required traveling long distances across the field, transportation was essential.
Previously they had used carriages, but today Lee Jinseo's food truck had been specially deployed.
I thought golf would be harder to spread quickly since it requires building a course first… but this other world really is different.
In truth, Lee Jinseo had not originally intended to introduce golf.
He had considered gateball, which was similar but far more accessible.
However, since they were going to do it anyway, he decided to introduce the much grander sport of golf—and the result proved to be the right choice.
Clack!
"Oh ho, Duke Layton's shot looks impressive."
"Isn't it only his second day playing golf? How is he so good already?"
Though it had become more popular than before, golf in Korea still retained a strong image as a high-end sport.
That image remained unchanged in this other world. Regardless of race, high-ranking figures frequented the golf course.
"Duke Layton, that was a splendid shot."
"You think so as well?"
When Oswald Hamilton applauded in praise, Duke Layton confirmed where the ball had landed and broke into a broad smile.
"It would have been nice if His Majesty had joined us… It seems he prefers baseball."
"The elves seem quite pleased that a new batter has joined."
"In that case, it is good that he enjoys baseball. Thanks to His Majesty, we are able to further accelerate exchanges with other races."
At present, many nobles had gathered at Falstead Castle to attend the wedding of Aston Hamilton, son of the Lord of Falstead Castle, Oswald Hamilton.
Word reached them that a new high-end sport had recently become popular. The simple yet clear description of it as "high-end" piqued their interest, and one by one they began taking up golf.
As a result, the golf course naturally became a social venue for nobles. With elves also enjoying golf, the nobles—meeting other races for the first time—burned with enthusiasm to show off their skills.
Yet the true protagonist of the golf course was not the nobles at all.
Clack!
"Goodness! To send it flying that far…."
"Is that elf the one they call the idol of the vinyl house, Allensia?"
Watching Allensia's powerful driver shot—after she had already conquered soccer and baseball—the nobles could not hide their admiration.
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