“……”
I stared at the infirmary ceiling, both familiar and unfamiliar.
Senna blinked her eyes blankly, wincing as a throbbing headache made her grimace.
“… I lost, huh.”
She had only ever treated patients who were carried into the infirmary after battles—never imagining she’d end up here herself.
“So this is how it feels…”
Losing was frustrating in so many ways.
“Could I have won if I’d been calmer?”
The words slipped out unintentionally, and Senna let out a small chuckle. She knew full well that once she endured the Heavenly Punishment spell, victory was already out of reach. If the opponent hadn’t given her even the slightest advantage, she wouldn’t have stood a chance from the start.
But she didn’t regret being chosen as the Holy Maiden. It had been nothing but good and happy moments all along. However, right now—just this moment—it was impossible to suppress feelings of regret. If only she hadn’t been so bound by her title, if only she had trained harder or learned more… Would things have turned out differently?
“… Hmph.”
Tears threatened to spill over.
Why did losing feel so humiliating when it was simply because she wasn’t strong enough? It was an emotion she couldn’t quite understand.
Knock knock.
The sudden sound scattered her tangled thoughts. Waiting silently, the creak of the door opening revealed familiar faces entering.
“Oh, you’re awake.”
“Are you feeling okay?”
“Do you want to go eat?”
“Should you even be saying that to someone who’s injured?”
“Meh, what difference does it make? You’re fine now anyway.”
Amidst Amy and Ariana’s playful bickering, Lux and Black Wolf stepped in behind them, followed lastly by Allen. At the sight of him, Senna quickly sat up, forgetting her headache entirely.
His jet-black hair.
Eyes like twinkling night skies.
A beauty one could fall for at first glance.
Allen’s voice—so handsome it suited every word—reached her ears.
“You’ve worked hard. Thank you.”
“Wahhh… Professor…”
The tears she had tried to hold back burst forth. Confused by her sudden crying, Allen approached her hesitantly.
“Why are you crying? You fought well.”
“But… I lost.”
“It’s alright. You can win next time. People lose sometimes, you know.”
Approaching her gently, Allen embraced her naturally. For a while, Senna cried into his warm arms, though her lips curved upward despite herself.
‘Heehee.’
Deep down, she envied Black Wolf for being in Allen’s arms. Observing this quietly, Ariana rolled her eyes and muttered.
“… What a sly fox.”
“Why are you picking on someone who’s hurt?”
“Let me see your face. Are you smirking right now?”
“I’ll do the same for you when you lose, so don’t be jealous.”
“What, what?! I’m not going to lose! And even if I did, I wouldn’t cry!”
Seeing Ariana’s flushed expression, Allen chuckled. She reminded him of a little kid upset about losing their parent to a younger sibling.
“… That’s enough, right?”
Noticing the quiet warning from Amy, Allen awkwardly released Senna from his embrace. He felt a subtle killing intent lingering in the air, especially from Lux’s faint smile, which suggested she was holding back laughter. Ever since her confession, Allen had become more cautious around Lux.
“Well, you’ve done enough. Can you move?”
“Yes!”
At Allen’s question, Senna hastily wiped away any trace of longing and responded brightly, flexing her arm muscles enthusiastically.
“I’m perfectly fine!”
Her confident declaration showcased arms that looked delightfully soft. Amused by her cuteness, Allen smiled warmly.
“Well then, let’s go grab some food. Today’s your day.”
“My day?”
“You deserve a reward for working so hard.”
Charmed yet again by his sweet words, Senna found herself falling for Allen once more. But the gazes of her friends standing behind him were piercingly sharp.
Realizing her inner conflict, Allen leaned closer and whispered,
“If you’d like, we can go alone.”
“…!”
For a brief moment, Senna was tempted. Glancing back nervously, she shook her head. The devilish whisper was tempting, but she feared the consequences. Smiling brightly to mask her hesitation, she said,
“It’s more fun together! Let’s eat meat! Meat!”
“Alright, then let’s go. We’ve already arranged everything, so just change clothes and come out.”
Nodding, Allen exited first. Black Wolf followed with a stoic expression, leaving the others to approach Senna with a few parting words.
“You’re smarter than I thought.”
“Good decision.”
“No cutting in line.”
Once they left, Senna finally let out a sigh of relief.
“Phew~ I really should’ve won today…”
In many ways, today’s loss stung bitterly.
***
After spending quality time with my students and the day before the Round of 16, I had a gut feeling.
Ah, the Round of 16 might be tough to watch.
“… The air sure smells fresh.”
“Yeah.”
Black Wolf and I stood before a lush forest. Breathing in the crisp air, I sighed wistfully. Why were we suddenly on a forest picnic?
To explain, we need to rewind to last night. After a pleasant dinner with the students, I encountered the aide of the Sage I had once spoken to about Ariana’s sword.
“… What is it?”
Something unsettling radiated from her, putting me on guard.
“Can you spare a moment? There’s something important I must tell you.”
“Go ahead. Kids, head inside.”
With wary glances at the aide, the students entered the hotel. Did they sense the ominous vibe too? Or was it just because she was a woman approaching me?
Lately, people seemed to react strangely whenever a woman talked to me. Someone needed to give me a proper lecture soon.
Anyway…
“Why aren’t you coming in?”
When I asked Black Wolf, who stood motionless, he blinked silently. Clearly not planning to enter, I shrugged and turned to the aide.
“Is it okay if he comes along?”
“Yes, it should be fine. He may even be relevant.”
“…?”
“Let’s relocate somewhere quieter.”
We headed to a nearby tavern, chosen merely for its private rooms.
“So, what’s this about?”
“Please take a look at this first.”
Silently handing over a document, I cautiously opened the envelope. After scanning the five pages, I exhaled softly.
“… So you’re asking me to resolve this?”
“The commander believes you’re the most suitable, Allen. Besides, seeing the royal seal, you know this isn’t an order from our side.”
“Damn… Who will protect the kids?”
“Don’t worry. The Thousand Gale Palace and Opposite Palace will handle VIP protection. They’ll be safe within the capital.”
So that’s why they called those two.
Whether it was intentional or coincidental, there was no way out.
“When should we depart?”
“As soon as possible. The Gate administrator has been informed.”
“Will there be a guide?”
“The commander says none will be necessary…”
“… Shit.”
That curse slipped out naturally. Seeing my sour expression, the aide hesitated before speaking.
“Oh, if you need help, you’re free to call anyone.”
“Even you?”
“Well, I have to stay with the commander…”
“Just kidding.”
Grinning mischievously, I stood up quietly.
“Coming? It’s a bit far, but wherever you go with me is fine.”
“I’ll come. Anywhere you go.”
His calm response made my mood brighten. Such a dependable guy—maybe being an assassin is a waste; knight material, really.
“Can we return quickly?”
“Of course. The sooner, the better.”
“Hmph…”
And thus, I ended up standing before this vast forest with Black Wolf.
***
“Is it okay to just walk in?”
“Yeah. I know the way. It’s been a while—about ten or eleven years—but it hasn’t changed much.”
Walking straight into the forest puzzled Black Wolf, who asked,
“Where are we going?”
“Oh, weren’t you around during the southern war?”
“I was training then.”
“That makes sense. Back then, this forest stretched endlessly—it practically covered the entire south.”
At that, Black Wolf nodded, understanding immediately.
“You burned it down.”
“Exactly. The forest hindered the war effort, so they cleared it up to where our carriage road ends now.”
“So this place is…”
Swish!
Before he could finish nodding, an arrow zipped silently through the air. Reacting swiftly, Black Wolf deflected it and announced,
“Five of them.”
Identifying the hidden figures instantly, Black Wolf emitted a menacing aura. Moving in front of him, I grinned.
“Let me handle this. No need to scare them off.”
“…”
Relenting, Black Wolf returned his dagger and nodded. Returning the gesture, I called out loudly,
“To the children of the forest: A friend has returned. Lower your bows.”
…
A gentle breeze swept past us. Noticing Black Wolf’s confusion, I chuckled awkwardly.
Hmm, has the patrol changed? This greeting usually sufficed… Oh well.
Summoning my power, I activated my ability.
[Power: Forced Harmony]
“Blessing of the spirits, Balt Craft.”
An emerald glow enveloped my body.
– Roar…!
Reawakened by my dormant power, the bracelet-shaped snake, Opheucus, stirred.
“It’s been boring, hasn’t it? Let’s swing a sword for old times’ sake.”
– Roar!
Responding to my will, it transformed into a sword. Its snug grip felt perfect.
“Well then…”
Swinging the blade toward the sky, the emerald energy surged above the forest.
Clang…!
Like shattering glass, the heavens collapsed. I had shattered the forest barrier.
“…!”
As the barrier fell, five figures perched in the trees revealed themselves, startled expressions on their faces. Recognizing them, Black Wolf blinked.
“Elves…?”
Lustrous golden hair.
Immaculately clean skin.
Slender physiques.
Most notably, their elongated ears.
This forest is called [Mother’s Forest]. Mother refers to the World Tree. Born from the World Tree, these beings live alongside it. They call themselves the Children of the Forest, and we know them as ‘Elves.’
This is the ‘Elven Forest.’
