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After the sun set, the Great Forest fell into tranquility.

The cool breeze carried the symphony of crickets and occasional laughter from spirits floating by.

And there was only the faint sobs of Cotton Puff, who stubbornly decided not to return to the spirit realm and stayed by my side.

Upon arriving at the Great Forest, I had a conversation with the head of the Arielte family and got acquainted with a high elf named Edelin.

Even after returning to my lodging, I briefly discussed future plans with Friel.

It was a day that stood in stark contrast to the futile days spent in a carriage.

Time flowed endlessly, and soon the sky was shrouded in darkness due to the approaching night. Only the moon and stars adorned the pitch-black canvas.

The Milky Way spread wide across the sky was swallowed and disappeared in the light of the incoming dawn.

When the sun began to rise and warmly illuminated the world,

I was checking my reflection in the elongated full-length mirror of the lodging.

“Just about enough, I suppose.”

Unlike the active wear I had been wearing recently, I was now dressed in armor provided by Ainel Shianella.

Even before Shione and I arrived, there were some who had been searching for traces of half-demons.

Today was more about greetings and exchanging small talk with them.

Not only Arielte but also Chelness, and Friel told me that there would be military discussions with the Ianette family, who have disdained our arrival, including me and Shione.

“How do I look? Is it okay?”

─Meow!

“Well, that’s a relief.”

Given the nature of the upcoming event, and considering that I wouldn’t simply be following Shione as her servant,

There was a need to pay decent attention to my appearance, as I had the grand title bestowed upon me by the Grand Elder, a high elf, who called me a guest destined to twist fate.

“Should we head out soon?”

I strapped on my sword at my waist.

Since it was unlikely I would venture outside the town today, bringing a bow wasn’t necessary.

─Meow.

As I tried to exit the room, Cotton Puff adeptly hopped atop my head.

Accustomed to the familiar weight, I opened the door,

“Whoa…!”

“…Princess Shione?”

Bang…!

A dull sound echoed softly.

I felt like I had bumped into something with the doorknob… So, cautiously opening the door wider, I was met with a startled face of Shione taking a step back.

“Umm…”

Why on earth was she standing right there at that moment?

It seemed that the door had bumped into her forehead. She was gently rubbing her forehead while tossing her silver hair.

Even with her sulky expression staring at me… how was I supposed to know I’d be standing right at the door at this moment?

Since I was the one who bumped her forehead, I apologized carefully.

“I… I’m sorry.”

“…It’s okay.”

Fortunately, Shione accepted my apology, and I looked around to check who else was present.

The first person who came in was none other than our reliable expert knight, Diolia.

“Ahem…”

She seemed amused by the situation unfolding before us, discreetly covering her rising smile with her hand while clearing her throat.

Chirp!

“…Lady Diolia.”

“…I’ll be more careful.”

Despite her words, Diolia still wore a grin.

Behind her, squeezed in was another person.

Friel Arielte suddenly appeared, announcing her presence.

“Well then, it seems everyone is ready… let’s get going.”

Her bright turquoise eyes, unlike her mother Fletta’s, scanned the three humans gathered here.

First, she looked at Diolia, then passed Shione, and finally fixed her gaze on me, who was the last to come out of the room.

I immediately noticed the glimmer of anticipation or interest in Friel’s eyes.

“Not just the other elves from our family, but many folks are eagerly waiting for you.”

Friel was curious.

What would happen when we, especially I, met the other elves?

*

It had only been a day since I arrived at the Arielte mansion, but I had become somewhat of a celebrity there.

After all, I was the supposed hero summoned by the high elf’s prophecy, and the direct invitee of the family’s heir, so of course word about me was spreading.

But my recognition inside this mansion wasn’t just a matter of simple reputation.

Yesterday, I unexpectedly reunited with my supreme spirit, Tania.

Even though she had been downgraded from supreme to high after we exited the area guarded by the Grand Elder,

Tania was still an exceedingly exceptional spirit for the people of this world.

‘Looks like the rumors have spread everywhere.’

While chatting with Tania as we strolled through the corridors of the mansion, word spread amongst those who saw us.

After sending Tania back to the spirit realm yesterday and talking with Shione and Friel, I felt the curious and suspicious stares of several elves on my back.

Now it seemed like the entire mansion had heard about it. I could feel even more gazes on me today.

‘Well, it must be fascinating.’

Humans in this world had no inherent talent for spirit magic.

Knowing that my position and status were significant due to being granted by prophecy, the elf folk around here were very discreet about their feelings,

Yet, it was hard to expect the ordinary minds of elves not to ponder over how a human with a poor affinity for spirits could form a contract with a high spirit.

Even for elves, who are born superior to other races, forming a bond with a high spirit isn’t something that happens easily. So, it’s only natural they’d be concerned.

And that was—

“Rumor has it you’ve formed a contract with a high spirit. Is that true?”

The forest guardians of the Arielte family.

Just the fact that Tania was seen alongside me was enough to catch the attention of these elite guardians.

Unambiguous queries.

Though her voice was dry, it didn’t carry any hint of negativity.

She was merely questioning out of curiosity about me.

‘That’s rather fortunate.’

As I knew, the guardians were some of the most arrogant elves, filled with unparalleled pride.

Forest guardians aren’t something anyone can become just by wanting to.

Only those with superior talents in spirit magic and combat can become guardians.

These elves were particularly fond of hierarchy and liked to organize themselves even within a closed society.

So, I was relieved that the Arielte family’s guardians didn’t emit any uncomfortable vibes like other elves might.

I quietly nodded at the elf who would soon accompany me and Shione on our mission.

“My abilities are still lacking… but ‘by chance,’ I was able to form a contract with a high spirit. It was something undeserved for me.”

“Oh.”

My words stirred a buzz among the elves.

The forest guardians, who stood behind the questioning elf, began to murmur amongst themselves.

The elf, who seemed to be their leader, slowly responded to me.

“No matter how great an opportunity you may have had… someone unprepared will easily miss such chances.”

The elf’s eye gleamed.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted.

A sharp military tension settled over the previously relaxed elves.

“Indeed… I look forward to seeing your spirit magic, Ray. And of course, the archery skills of Lady Shione as well.”

Yet, even though they weren’t underestimating us or looking down on us,

It was clear they held deep doubts and a hint of mistrust regarding whether we had enough ability to stand beside them.

“…You should look forward to it.”

I replied with a confident face as dazzling as the elves.

“I’ll strive to meet your expectations soon.”

Despite how great these guardians might believe themselves to be,

The elves gathered here had never truly won at anything before.

None of them seemed to have experience with handling high-level spirits.

With Tania at my side again, I was filled with confidence.

I had the assurance that I would leave those elves astonished.

*

The conversation with the guardians didn’t last long.

We had to engage not just with them, but also soon partake in military discussions with other families.

After we exchanged greetings as representatives of the Count’s House, Shione, Diolia, and I headed straight out of the mansion.

The enormous city created by the elves was divided into three large districts, each controlled by one of the three great families.

The eastern district was under Arielte, the southern was Chelness, and the western was Ianette.

The military meeting was set in the southern city, so we left the jurisdiction of the Arielte and stepped into Chelness territory.

Before long, we arrived at a rather expansive garrison where most of Chelness’s military forces were gathered.

Flags fluttered in the wind.

The pungent smell of burning torches filled the air.

Occasional sounds of metal clashing rang out, striking the iron and steel.

As we reached the garrison and drew closer to the commander’s facility,

I spotted a familiar face.

‘That person is…’

With warm brown hair contrasting deep, dark eyes,

And an aura emanating coolness from a beautiful face.

‘Eunice Kalia?’

The eldest daughter of the Kalia Marquis House, stationed here in the Great Forest.

She was staring at me and the sword hanging at my side.

 

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