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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Mod7
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Despite my reluctance, my trip to the Great Forest was inevitable.
As I packed, a knock came at my door.
I ignored it at first, but the persistent rapping eventually wore me down.
I opened the door to find a woman I’d never met before.
She wore a maid’s uniform, similar to Ella’s, her long black hair neatly arranged.
Behind her stood a man, his expensive clothes and air of privilege marking him as a nobleman.
He approached me, his green hair and friendly demeanor giving him a rather handsome appearance. The maid stood respectfully beside him, her hands clasped before her.
“You’re Jenison, the one who caught the Elf Princess’s attention, right?”
“No.”
His strange greeting almost made me close the door, but—
“Please wait.”
The maid’s hand shot out, stopping me. I tried to push the door closed, but—
“My apologies if I offended you.”
“…It’s fine.”
His immediate apology made it difficult to ignore him.
He chuckled nervously, stroking his chin.
“Well, there’s no need for lengthy introductions. I’m Robert, the head of the Great Forest inspection team.”
“…”
“And the eldest son of House Blen, though not one of the four great families.”
“…I see.”
“A pleasure to meet you.”
He extended a hand, and I reluctantly shook it. I couldn’t afford to offend a Duke, even if his family wasn’t one of the four most powerful.
“…Jenison.”
“Haha, you denied it earlier.”
“…”
“It’s fine. I just came to say hello.”
“Hello…?”
He grinned, then tightened his grip on my hand, just enough to make an ordinary person wince.
“Yes, hello.”
“…”
“I don’t know why the Elven Queen recommended you…”
“…”
“But we don’t want any trouble in the Great Forest.”
“…Is that so?”
“And you… are quite the unexpected variable.”
“…”
“Your… history is rather… colorful…”
He tightened his grip again, this time hard enough to make anyone cry out in pain.
His smile remained fixed, but his grip was like iron, his mana subtly reinforcing it. He seemed annoyed that I hadn’t reacted.
He continued to increase the pressure, but I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing me flinch. These children, no matter how hard they tried, couldn’t break me.
Finally, he seemed to realize his efforts were futile. He released my hand, shaking it slightly.
“Hmm… I trust you understand what I mean.”
“…So, you’re saying you’re forced to include me, but I should stay quiet and out of trouble.”
“Well, I wouldn’t put it quite like that, but… yes.”
“Understood.”
“…You’re more cooperative than the rumors suggest. I appreciate that.”
He seemed surprised by my compliance, then turned to leave, before pausing and speaking again.
“Ah, when we’re ready to depart, she’ll inform you.”
“…?”
“Her, standing before you. Her name is Arno.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you.”
He gestured towards the maid, who’d been standing silently beside him, her face impassive.
They left, and I slammed the door shut.
I’d planned on staying in my room for the entire trip anyway, as long as I could acquire a Spirit Stone. I didn’t expect to have to do anything.
I relaxed, enjoying the peace and quiet, until a knock came at the door.
It was the maid, Arno.
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“Please, keep the well-being of the Empire and the Great Forest in mind. We trust you, Robert Blen.”
“Of course. I won’t disgrace my family name.”
After a rather grand farewell ceremony, we finally set off.
Flower petals rained down on Robert, who rode in an ornate carriage, escorted by a contingent of silver-armored knights, a display of extravagance that seemed excessive for a simple inspection trip.
But I didn’t comment. There was no point. And I had other things to worry about, such as…
“Young Master, are you feeling unwell?”
“…No, I’m fine.”
…Ella, who was sitting across from me in the carriage, dressed in her own clothes, not her maid uniform.
She’d insisted on accompanying me, claiming she was tired of waiting for me, grabbing my hand and refusing to let go.
I hadn’t expected any trouble in the Great Forest, and there were no objections to me bringing a servant, so I’d agreed.
But now, I wondered if it was a wise decision. Something could still go wrong.
My worries, however, were unfounded. The journey was uneventful. Ella got a bit carsick, but nothing else happened.
We finally reached the border of the Great Forest, where the carriage could go no further. We had to walk from here, to avoid damaging the forest floor with the carriage wheels.
Someone grumbled, but there was nothing we could do. We were guests here.
We walked for a while, and then, we saw them, a group of elves waiting for us. And among them, the Elf Princess, her presence unforgettable.
“Blessings of the Great Forest upon you. I am Sylvia, Princess of the Elves, and your guide.”
“Haha, greetings, Your Highness. I am Robert, representing the Empire.”
Robert, smiling brightly, approached Sylvia, extending a hand, but she ignored him, her face impassive, her eyes scanning the crowd.
“Haha, well, this is awkward—”
“Where is he?”
“…What?”
It must have been a memorable first impression for Robert.
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Robert, the eldest son of House Blen, was in a foul mood.
He’d been pleased when he was chosen as the empire’s representative, even if it was only because the four great families hadn’t wanted the position. It was an honor.
He’d been annoyed by the addition of an uninvited guest to his entourage.
But the newcomer was a disgraced commoner, nothing to worry about.
He’d been forced to walk through the bug-infested forest, leaving the comfort of his carriage behind, which had been unpleasant.
But he could endure it. The prestige he’d gain upon his return would be worth it.
He’d been growing increasingly bored with the journey when the sight that greeted him at the edge of the forest made his heart race.
Beautiful elves, their long, flowing hair shimmering in the sunlight.
And among them, the princess, her beauty even more captivating than the rumors suggested.
He hadn’t believed the stories, dismissing them as exaggerations. But they hadn’t done her justice. She was breathtaking, her aloofness and delicate features stirring both his lust and his desire to conquer.
He’d been fantasizing about her when she’d greeted him with a coldness that shattered his illusions. She’d ignored his outstretched hand, her gaze distant, dismissive.
And then she’d interrupted him, her eyes searching the crowd.
The knights behind him shifted nervously, sensing her displeasure. He, too, was annoyed. He wasn’t used to being treated with such disrespect.
But he couldn’t show it. His family, while powerful, wasn’t one of the four great houses. And she was practically royalty. He couldn’t afford to offend her.
He forced a smile and tried again, her aloofness only making her more desirable.
“Haha… you’re quite direct, Your Highness. Don’t worry, the person you requested is right—”
“I asked where he is.”
“…”
She was still looking for someone, ignoring him completely. He frowned, struggling to maintain his composure, reminding himself that he was here as a representative of the empire.
He forced another smile and was about to approach her again when she suddenly turned and walked towards someone in the crowd.
“I’m glad you arrived safely, Jenison.”
“…Princess Sylvia?”
He felt a bitter taste in his mouth. Blood.
The surge of jealousy went unnoticed.
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