Chapter 191

The carriage and its small escort had just entered the edge of the forest path.

Originally, it wasn’t just a matter of entering; the road was so narrow and packed with trees that they’d have to dismount and walk. It seemed like a place where neither people nor beasts had ever tread, only dense undergrowth—but—

As soon as the procession arrived, the trees parted, forming just enough space for them to squeeze through, creating a narrow trail.

“Wow, this is quite the sight, huh?”

Sticking his head out of the carriage window, the boy, with his neatly tousled black hair blowing in the wind, took in the expansive view, feeling the fresh yet heavy scent of trees, moisture, and earth. He couldn’t help but smile at the refreshing aroma unique to the forest.

“….”

With a curt wave to a fae perched on a tree branch who stared down at him expressionlessly, the boy eventually had to duck back inside the carriage.

“People these days lack warmth. When you meet someone, smiling and greeting them is just common sense, isn’t it?”

The boy grumbled like an old man, prompting a flat response from a blonde, green-eyed girl who watched silently.

“That principle probably only applies to you, Carriel.”

“Yikes.”

Lying casually on the girl’s lap, the boy grinned as he crossed his legs.

“Good things should be shared, right? Or what? Should we glare daggers and point our spears first? Humans can’t judge others without looking at their appearance, right? But if you make your eyes and expressions sharp like blades, aren’t you just asking for a fight?”

“But it’s not an obligation. And why bother showing goodwill toward someone when there’s no need for involvement or relationship?”

“Aiseus, listen up. If you want a certain outcome, you need to create causes and situations that lead to it. That way, the results follow inevitably.”

“Can personal effort really adjust everything?”

“You do your best within your limits. The rest you leave to fate. But if you pray for something without putting in any effort… that’s irresponsible and lazy.”

“Is that so?”

“Expecting your situation to change without doing anything is madness. If I want to be good with a sword in a year, I should’ve been practicing since last year, right? Not to mention, if you don’t plow the land and sow seeds during planting season, hoping for harvest later is crazy, isn’t it?”

“….”

His words sounded casual, but they carried a striking clarity and simplicity.

“Speaking of which, didn’t you say your birthday was coming up?”

“Should I bake bread and hand out gifts then?”

“In the Empire, they say people give gifts on their birthdays, right?”

“It’s one of the nobility’s ostentatious displays. Originally, it was about receiving gifts, but in the case of the Enzul family, after becoming royalty, they hosted lavish feasts and handed out rewards, reaffirming loyalty in return. Over time, this became a distinct imperial tradition. Some even say this led to increased taxation and corruption to stockpile wealth during peacetime.”

“So, ultimately, it’s all politics.”

“Isn’t everything? Wherever two or more people gather, politics begins. Even our relationship falls into that category, doesn’t it?”

“Hmph.”

Aiseus sighed softly.

“Come to think of it, it’s been quite some time since you left the Empire, hasn’t it?”

“Probably longer now than the time I spent there. Elves and humans perceive time differently.”

“So that’s why you suggested I go elsewhere to develop my skills?”

“It’s just a suggestion. You could progress here, but it wouldn’t be optimal or ideal. Your talent isn’t meant to stagnate in a pond—it needs to swim in the ocean. Right?”

“….”

Aiseus still wore her usual indifferent expression.

“And try to smile more, alright? Practicing and not using it is such a waste.”

“I use it when necessary, just as you said, Carriel.”

“I’m saying this because I want to see your smiling face. Show some awareness, Aiseus-sis?”

“….”

“Such a buzzkill.”

The girl lost interest.

Had she always been this way since birth? Or did it start at some point?

Who knows.

Perhaps she thought her emotions were faint, but how accurate was that?

Everything is defined and concluded by others.

In reality, she felt nothing—no emotion, no loss, no disappearance.

If she remembered anger and sorrow, the rest didn’t matter.

In this world, there was only hardship, no moving moments, no joy.

But strangely, something similar existed.

Below her gaze lay the answer: the boy inside the carriage.

He embodied her hardship, her inspiration, her joy, and her regret all at once.

The carriage continued onward for a while.

The Tribe of the Forest, also called Wood Elves or Plant Fae—they all essentially referred to the same group. They were the only elves who managed to form a civilization on par with humanity’s.

Most other groups were either too few or operated in small coalitions.

Technically, the Tribe of the Forest adopted a system similar to the Great Empire of Bella. They had a queen, though she was elected.

They also divided themselves into classes: Elves, High Elves, and Upper Fae.

Back in the chaotic past, elves used to keep slaves, but that was ancient history.

Their civilization structure, development, and growth patterns differed greatly from humanity’s.

While human civilizations expanded territory by reshaping and dominating nature, elves expanded alongside nature’s own growth.

Whereas humans relied on numbers, elves focused on elite minorities. And being long-lived was a significant factor that couldn’t be overlooked.

However, the leisurely and complacent nature of long-lived races contributed to their decline.

To address this, the elves tied privilege with responsibility under new terms.

High Elves were destined to live more intensely than regular elves. This granted them the authority and power to wield influence, making them noble.

This led to debates over fairness and morality, pushing for stricter ethics among High Elves.

For centuries, these issues persisted until reforms began around a hundred years ago.

“Everything here moves so slowly. If you’re not careful, trying to resolve one thing might take months.”

“To humans, it must feel incredibly frustrating.”

“That’s why they’re meticulous when proceeding with anything. On the flip side, if they’re not thorough, they stay stagnant forever. And fittingly for a race slow to forget, they don’t overlook trivial matters easily. So, remember this: if you rub someone the wrong way, it’ll stick with them until their grave.”

“….”

“ANSWER!”

“Understood.”

Aiseus gave a half-hearted nod.

“But are you really okay with this? They have very sensitive ears, you know.”

“I have nothing to hide, do I? Why would someone as innocent and kind as me resort to double talk?”

“….”

How shameless.

Still, Aiseus believed there was a reason behind his actions.

If she didn’t understand or overlooked it, that was her problem.

Maybe he was doing this deliberately—showing he had nothing to hide and no need to be tense.

“If I treat you kindly, you should reciprocate the favor.”

“….”

It felt both off and somewhat correct.

Her rationality often overshadowed her emotional side, leaving her unable to fully grasp the nuances of feelings.

This tendency isolated her from others.

Short-term collaborations were fine, especially since Aiseus herself rarely trusted anyone.

“You’re too stiff. If anything, take a nap.”

“….”

Aiseus showed no reaction to Carriel’s words. To her, this place was still enemy territory.

What made this kid so calm despite knowing better?

Aiseus found his composed attitude intriguing, though she’d seen it before.

As the trees grew taller and leaves denser, the carriage interior darkened naturally, save for the occasional sway.

After some time, as the shadows faded and the darkness receded, Carriel lifted his head from Aiseus’ lap and peeked out the carriage window again.

“Even better than the rumors.”

“….”

“Isn’t it magnificent? Not artificial brilliance but harmony with nature… Ah, is that the World Tree? Incredible.”

Why bother marveling at something you’ll see endlessly anyway? Whether in human or elven cities, places are all the same, aren’t they?

“Do you find it so surprising?”

“Life loses its charm without wonder. Like plants, emotions need watering. Only then can they bloom and bear fruit.”

“I’m not sure I understand.”

“You’re you, so that’s expected. But you’ve barely been here, right? Things may seem bleak now, but they could brighten like moonlight or sunlight later. Don’t lose hope prematurely.”

“….”

He talks nonstop, doesn’t he?

What an energetic human.

Kids are naturally lively, but Carriel’s energy stood out—even for him.

“What do you plan to do first here, Kal? Let me ask again.”

“Why ask the same question? Are you underestimating my determination?”

“The most beautiful, lovely, wise woman—or potential partner—who loves me back would make the world much brighter, wouldn’t it?”

“You haven’t changed your tune wherever you go, have you?”

“….”

“Wouldn’t some listeners here secretly rejoice at the prospect of marrying into the Great Warrior’s family? Imagine stargazing together under the same night sky—that’d be romantic, right?”

“….”

Aiseus silently reflected on the implications of Carriel’s question-cum-answer.

Elves who despise and look down on other races won’t welcome such propositions warmly, will they?

Especially those “great pure-blooded” elves claiming superiority.

“….”

Or maybe Carriel could win them over too.

Nothing is set in stone.

Despite the short time she’d known him, the boy was far more than what met the eye.

True, physically and in combat experience, Aiseus outranked him—her strength unmatched even among seasoned warriors.

Carriel was undeniably extraordinary for his age, but compared to monster-like prodigies, he was still young.

“Anyway, let’s enjoy ourselves while we’re here. In that spirit, welcome to Ardisus, the blessed sanctuary of the Tribe of the Forest and home to the World Tree.”

“Isn’t that line supposed to be someone else’s?”

The girl gave the boy a rare, subtle smile. When confused or unsure, smile—not too much, not too little. That’s what Carriel taught her, and she followed it diligently.

“Right, I invited someone special for you, so you can look forward to it.”

“…Are you planning to abandon me here?”

“Our goals and gains here are different. I hope you grow stronger, but not immediately. Take it easy for now. I won’t be staying here for just a couple of years, you know?”

“….”

Surprisingly, upon arrival, she was introduced to one of the Nine Heroes.

Though she realized her deficiencies, if Carriel hadn’t encouraged her to stay…

She would’ve held her ground regardless.

“In a few years, I expect to see a better version of you. By then, I’ll have grown significantly too.”

So, let’s decide then.

“Will you be my friend, my lord, or my husband? Pick one. All three isn’t allowed, and you know why.”

“….”

Even as they parted ways, Aiseus turned away indifferently.

Yet, midway through her ride, glancing back, she saw him waving enthusiastically as if waiting for her to notice.

For some inexplicable reason, her chest tightened slightly.

I never bid farewell.

So, we’ll meet again soon.

My sole understanding companion.

By then, perhaps I’ll experience the emotions you feel.

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