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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Mod7
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Sylvia’s sudden appearance and unexpected words left me speechless. Before I could react, Robert approached.
“…Princess Sylvia, perhaps we could start with a tour of the village? We’re quite tired from our journey.”
“Certainly.”
Robert stepped closer, encouraged by her agreement, but Sylvia took a step back.
“Follow me. The village is this way.”
“…Haha, thank you for your consideration.”
Robert’s last word was slightly strained, but Sylvia ignored it and led the way, guiding us through the forest without hesitation.
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The Elven village was beautiful.
Towering trees reached towards the sky, their branches adorned with intricately crafted houses.
The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of flowers and the earthy scent of rich soil and lush greenery. It was invigorating.
The elves themselves seemed to enhance the natural beauty of their surroundings, and the spirits, visible only to me, flitted through the trees, their energy vibrant.
It was a shame we couldn’t stay longer, explore further.
“I’ll show you to your accommodations first. This way.”
Sylvia’s voice, sharp and efficient, broke the spell, and we followed her, Robert leading the way.
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The accommodations were more than adequate. Luxurious, even.
Plush beds, wooden furniture that filled the air with a pleasant earthy aroma, and dried flower petals scattered throughout the rooms, releasing a delicate, complex fragrance. These were better than most inns.
The knights and the other members of the entourage seemed pleased.
“Please rest and recover from your journey.”
“Are you sure, Your Highness?”
“Yes. We’ll conduct a thorough tour of the village tomorrow. For now, please relax.”
It was welcome news for the knights, who’d spent the entire day escorting the carriage and hadn’t had a chance to rest.
“I’ll unpack your belongings, Young Master.”
“…Alright.”
Ella, perhaps mindful of the other guests, spoke more formally than usual.
The knights hurried to their rooms, eager to rest. Robert lingered, chatting with Sylvia, then followed her, presumably to his own accommodations.
I’d missed my chance to leave with the others.
As I turned to enter my assigned room, a hand touched my shoulder.
I spun around, pulling away instinctively, my face brushing against long, fragrant hair.
“…Who…?”
“My apologies if I startled you.”
A figure, cloaked in black, stood in the dimly lit hallway. The hood obscured their face, but their voice was clearly feminine.
I spoke, my voice laced with suspicion, and they took a step back, bowing their head. As my guard lowered slightly, they stated their purpose.
“A message from Princess Sylvia. Come to the place where the wind rests, when everyone is asleep.”
“…The place where the wind rests?”
“The message has been delivered. Now, if you’ll excuse—”
“…Wait.”
I grabbed her wrist as she turned to leave. She struggled to pull free, her movements growing more frantic.
“L-Let go!”
“Calm down and listen—”
“I knew I couldn’t trust a human…!”
Her misunderstanding seemed to be escalating, so I quickly covered her mouth and spoke, my voice low and urgent.
“I can’t find this place unless you tell me where it is.”
“…Ah.”
She seemed to realize her mistake. She pulled a map from within her robes and pointed to a location.
I noticed a faint blush on her face, despite the shadows, but I dismissed it as a trick of the light.
“Do you understand…? Are you even listening?”
“Yes, I’m listening.”
“And when you get there… keep going straight, and you’ll find her.”
She vanished, leaving no trace.
I had so many questions. Why the secrecy? Why did she want to meet me at night?
But I didn’t bother asking. I’d find out soon enough.
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“You came.”
“…Why did you call for me?”
Moonlight.
A shimmering, silver light illuminated the garden. And at its center, a figure with flowing jade-green hair.
I was momentarily mesmerized by the ethereal beauty of the scene, the moonlight highlighting her delicate features, then I approached her cautiously.
“Why did you call for me?”
“…If you don’t intend to shout, perhaps you could come a bit closer.”
“Ten paces to your left, seven paces diagonally forward, and three paces behind you, Princess. There are people hiding there.”
She tilted her head, puzzled by my cryptic instructions, but my expression remained unchanged.
“Dismiss them, and I’ll approach.”
“…Impressive.”
She gestured, and three elves materialized beside her. Two men and a woman.
They were practically invisible, their presence undetectable. Skilled.
“Is this satisfactory?”
“…Yes.”
“My apologies if I offended you. I tried to minimize my escort.”
I nodded, accepting her apology, and approached, my guard still up, but she seemed satisfied with my compliance.
“I called you here… to ask a favor.”
“…A favor?”
“Of course. You’re free to refuse.”
She paused, taking a deep breath, then began to sing.
The melody was unfamiliar, the words unintelligible, a haunting tune sung a cappella.
A shiver ran down my spine.
As her voice echoed through the garden, the world around us seemed to respond.
The wind rustled through the leaves.
Trees swayed rhythmically.
The ground beneath our feet trembled slightly.
Nature itself seemed to be moved by her song.
And then, they appeared.
Spirits, dozens of them, of all shapes and sizes, gathered around her, dancing to her song.
And even after she finished singing, their dance continued.
Finally, the song ended. She cleared her throat, walked towards me, and placed her hands on my shoulders.
“What did you feel?”
“…?”
“What did you feel, what did you see, what did you receive?”
“I’m not sure what you mean.”
“…You felt nothing?”
“I thought it was impressive.”
She seemed… disappointed? She covered her mouth with her hand, muttering something under her breath, but I ignored it.
“I’ll be going now—”
“Wait.”
“…”
“Well, there seems to be a slight problem, but… you’re the only one who fits the criteria.”
“I still don’t understand what you’re—”
“Please.”
She bowed her head, and the elves behind her gasped, their faces a mixture of shock and disbelief. Even I was taken aback.
“Y-Your Highness! Please raise your head…!”
“Indeed! Even if he is the one She mentioned, how can you bow before a mere human…!”
“Silence.”
She pushed aside the elves who rushed to help her up, her voice cold and sharp.
“What difference does it make if he’s human?”
“…”
“Our hope rests on this human you so readily dismiss.”
“B-But…!”
“Do you still not understand?”
She took a step towards them, silencing their protests.
They couldn’t meet her gaze. Her eyes were too cold, too sharp.
“The preservation of our lineage, our traditions, everything we hold dear, depends on this single human.”
“…”
“We should be begging him, yet you find it beneath you to bow your heads?”
Her words, clear and concise, silenced them. They apologized, their voices filled with shame.
But she wasn’t satisfied. She gestured towards me, her expression hardening.
“You should be apologizing to him, not me.”
“Y-Your Highness?!”
“Bowing before a… human…!”
“I won’t repeat myself. Apologize.”
Her tone, her demeanor, left no room for argument. They bowed their heads, offering me their apologies.
“May I ask what this favor entails?”
“Hmm… in your current state, it might be difficult.”
“What?”
“My apologies. If what Mother said is true, it’s too soon for you.”
“…”
“So I’ll ask something else of you.”
She bowed her head again, but this time, no one tried to stop her. Her expression had become serious, almost solemn.
“I’d like you to meet my mother, the Queen, the Priestess of the Elves.”
“…?”
And her next words were as heavy as the atmosphere that now filled the garden.
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