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“Wow—”

“….”

Even if Shione has such a deflated reaction, my spirit magic is by no means of low caliber.

In fact, my spirit magic was quite powerful even in an S-class dungeon.

It’s clear that while I might teach someone, it’s definitely not the time for someone to seek a deep learning from me.

Honestly, if you’re not a master of spirit magic at the level of a High Elf, it’s not a conversation that piques my interest.

Anyway, I find it much more comfortable and reassuring to reflect and introspect on my own growth rather than seeking someone else’s advice.

I’m not particularly keen on expanding my connections with the pointy-ears… but who knows what my master thinks.

Before I knew it, I had devoured one sandwich and was now staring at Shione who had grabbed the next one.

She had packed a little more ham in hers, and it seemed to suit her taste as she opened the new sandwich with her eyes sparkling.

“…?”

In the meantime, she had casually pushed some cabbage off her plate.

No, even if someone worked hard to make it, does she really want to proudly remove the cabbage right in front of me?

I let out a small sigh and stared at Shione.

“Shione.”

“Yeah? What’s up…?”

“Eat all the cabbage, too.”

“Ah.”

Shione alternated her gaze between the cabbage on her plate and her sandwich.

She then started glancing at me with an awkward smile.

“Still… the one with a little less cabbage is tastier…”

“….”

“Besides, I’ve eaten everything before without leaving any…”

“I went through the trouble of making it…”

“…Fine, I’ll eat all the cabbage, okay?”

“Good.”

I easily overpowered Shione’s attempt to remove the cabbage.

She grumbled a bit, but well.

Ultimately, at the point she took a bite of her sandwich, her complaints were silenced again, so I figured it was nothing to worry about.

It didn’t take long to finish off the sandwich.

Shione gobbled hers down like a ravenous beast, and I followed her pace, eating slowly.

Once the plate with sandwiches was empty, our conversation started again.

“So, what will you decide, Princess Shione? Will you meet Friel out of respect for her kindness, or will you let this slide?”

“I, hmm….”

Shione crossed her arms, deep in thought, instead of her usual self.

Her head leaned slightly forward, her bangs fell down, covering her blue eyes and casting a small shadow on her fair skin.

As if imitation of Siabel wasn’t enough, her crossed arms, with her right hand occasionally tapping her left arm, resembled Ainel.

Shione took quite a while to contemplate her dilemma.

Well, she wasn’t entirely fond of meeting with the pointy-ears like I am, so some deeper thinking is unavoidable.

After a while, emerging from her own world, Shione began to calmly express her thoughts.

“…The daughter of the Arielte family, Friel Arielte, has a certain unsettling aspect.”

She quietly glanced down at the small amount of lettuce she had pushed off her plate before I could stop her.

As if reminded of a color that symbolizes someone from that fresh green hue.

“It felt strange, the way she approached me and that inexplicable chill I sensed from the hand that shook mine.”

Shione’s head tilted slightly to the left.

Her bangs shifted according to the angle, followed by her right eye peeking out.

She frowned slightly.

Shione is rather weak at hiding her emotions.

Thanks to that, I could easily see the deep distrust and suspicion she harbored towards Friel within her sky blue eyes, which seemed to be filled solely with hope.

That was good.

Elves are better off remaining suspicious until they promise friendship to the World Tree or spirits.

“I don’t particularly appreciate the hospitality offered by the elves of Arielte.”

I couldn’t help but nod along with Shione’s words.

“So what you’re saying is…?”

“Ray, you clearly said I didn’t necessarily need to heed Arielte’s advice. Were you serious about that?”

“Yes.”

“They may be veiled by their ageless beauty, but they are a race that lives far longer than we do. You shouldn’t underestimate the insights and spirit magic they possess, even if you’re a reincarnator.”

“I understand.”

The decades, centuries granted to the pointy-ears provide them with wisdom.

As time goes by, their spirits grow in might, turning each one into a monstrous being.

It seems that Shione, despite her reservations toward them, cannot easily let go of what might be her chance.

“However, like I said, I really am fine. The magic that pierced through lesser demons and the winds that tore enemies apart on the castle wall still leave something to be desired compared to my original abilities.”

“….”

“I do not think my spirit magic is lacking compared to that of elves.”

To the ears of my listener, that might sound like arrogance, overconfidence, or a mistake.

Some may laugh at it, while others might dismiss it as childish bravado.

But Shione, who has a rough idea of my past life, quietly nodded.

“So, the kindness of Friel Arielte tomorrow—”

After conveying my intention, Shione spoke with the corners of her mouth lifting slightly for some reason.

“I will politely decline.”

*

With the conversation with Ainel Shianella concluded, Friel Arielte’s serene smile vanished the moment she entered her quarters.

She sat down without hesitation, crossing her legs on the chair.

“Friel, did you wrap up your talk with the head of the family well?”

Friel merely turned her head out of obligation to confirm the one speaking to her.

Elisa, her attendant who came along from the Arielte family, bowed her head when she made eye contact.

“Elisa… the discussion went well. I informed him about the current situation in the Great Forest as the Grand Elder instructed, and I relayed the significance of the Count’s daughter and that man.”

“What was the head’s reaction?”

“Reaction, eh—”

As Friel crossed her legs, her gaze sharpened.

“It was neither good nor bad, I suppose. The head listened to me, but that doesn’t mean he believed everything. He swore an oath to the World Tree, but honestly, that’s a bit too much.”

“…I see.”

“However, still— the head will have no choice but to offer the answers we seek.”

Elisa’s eyes shifted to Friel’s waist, reflecting her words.

The sword given to Friel Arielte by the Grand Elder of the Great Forest.

The sword that had been at her hip until this point had suddenly vanished.

“You’ve handed it over to the head, then.”

“Indeed. I’ve treasured that sword carefully for this very moment. Now that I’ve handed it over, the result is as good as already known. That sword—”

Swoosh!

A small flame began to flicker atop Friel’s fingertip.

A bright red little flame danced in her emerald green eyes.

Her pupils glistened with contrasting colors.

“The blade carries the covenant of the first head of the Count’s family, a woman whose deeds were enough to be called a hero. Her covenant was overseen by numerous spirits as witnesses. If she breaks her promise, I doubt she would like to face the wrath of those spirits.”

The flame that had been flickering on her palm.

Friel squeezed that fireball without hesitation, sinking deep into the backrest of the leather chair.

“We absolutely must ensure she acts according to our words, yes? The spirits’ wrath is nothing to joke about.”

The small smile at the corner of Friel’s lips deepened.

“I assure you, those spirits, furious for a broken promise, are not easily pacified even for us elves… how could a human possibly manage? Even a sword master would find it troublesome. I’ve informed the head thoroughly about this, so until her decision comes, we can relax.”

The elf, having regained her posture from her previously relaxed state, straightened her back.

“So, Elisa.”

Clap!

Friel snapped her fingers, lightening the mood as she revealed her emotions to Elisa, who was quietly listening.

“Have you met with the young lady and our knight?”

“Yes, the young lady appeared like an ordinary human… but from the spirit mage, I sensed a notably rich spirit odor. I was quite surprised.”

“Isn’t it? I was incredibly surprised the first time I saw him… So, can you tell me how the young lady responded to my words, Elisa?”

“The young lady said she needed time to think. I suppose we’ll hear her answer by tomorrow morning.”

“Hmm….”

Friel’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“The head also promised to give an answer by tomorrow morning.”

As she twirled her long hair around her index finger and released it repeatedly, the elf mused.

“I wonder who will respond first.”

She was simply enjoying the situation.

 

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