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After the war, the Great Forest finally entered a phase of calm.

With the great evil gone, the soldiers focused on driving out the remaining remnants, and signs of progress started to show.

It would take a long time to restore the environment of the eastern Great Forest, which had been completely contaminated with poison due to the demons’ descent. However, the fact that the land had finally been reclaimed held great significance.

The city, which had become a fortress and battleground, was working on restoration and was gradually returning to a harmonious and beautiful place to live.

‘Although it was a scarred war, it seems the side that benefited the most from this conflict was…’

Perhaps it was the Arielte family, which had worked tirelessly to expose Ianette for being a traitor.

‘I’ve heard that both Fletta and Friel played a significant role in defending the line of defense.’

The soldiers saved by them were said to bow daily toward the Arielte family. Even elves of considerable age shared such stories; it made me wonder if they were being a bit too sentimental.

So now, their public image as heroes, alongside mine and Shione’s, highlighted their successful role in striking down the first traitor, Ianette. They were becoming even more firmly established as a noble family, living up to their prestigious name.

‘They’ll soon rise to prominence in the Great Forest. I could care less about those old-fashioned tales.’

I had no interest in their hierarchy and reputation, so it seemed better to listen without commenting too much.

However, amid the multitude of stories, a thought crossed my mind.

‘Airine Ianette. I heard that after completing all the trials, Edelin would grant her the opportunity to join the new legion she is forming.’

The traitor Ianette’s treatment as a puppet of the head of her family.

As her other wrongdoings began to surface due to this incident, it was clear she would struggle to escape punishment.

Even if her limbs were severed and her body was battered with cuts and bruises, she continued to fight until collapsing, repeatedly losing consciousness. It seemed Edelin was prepared to bind her with certainty and give her a chance.

‘Now it feels a bit like the war has finally ended.’

In this bright weather.

Eating snacks on the terrace of the garden prepared by the Arielte family, a luxury denied during the war.

I savored the peace while sipping my tea.

As I felt a subtle bitterness mingling with the sweetness, I overheard a conversation between Diolia and Shione.

“So now, does that mean Princess Shione can no longer draw upon your ancestor’s power?”

“Exactly. Until now, it was as natural as sensing mana, but….”

Shione put a sugar cube in her teacup and lifted her stirring spoon.

“Guh.”

Her mana began to collect around the spoon.

The tip, which started to glow with a gentle blue light, ultimately could not form the resplendent white light it once did. The mana on the spoon dispersed completely.

“No matter how hard I try to concentrate and gather mana, it ends up like this.”

“Hm… Losing the power of the first head of the family is quite a disappointment.”

“My ancestor said that in the future, I should meet the World Tree again to undergo trials. It seems like my ancestor has taken back that power for now.”

“That means—”

“It means my ancestor has left me a bit of an opportunity.”

At those words, Diolia’s eyes sparkled brightly.

It seemed that while I was collapsing unconscious, Shione’s impressive bowmanship must have deeply moved her.

After all, a woman pierced the enemies with arrows imbued with holy power at their tips, which must have looked quite noble. Add to that Shione’s hair color, which beautifully harmonized with the mana she displayed.

I quietly listened to their conversation and then casually joined in.

“Then, Princess Shione, do you think you’ll be able to overcome the upcoming trials?”

“Well….”

Shione, who had been conversing quite well, suddenly trailed off at my question.

“I don’t know. My ancestor said all the trials are preparations to slay the demon of illusion and deception, but I have hardly heard anything about it. So, it’s hard to find a clue.”

The demon of illusion and deception.

A demon I had heard of.

No, it’s more accurate to say it’s a demon I’ve fought against countless times.

The one who always stirred up chaos with their annoying mental attacks, shaking the morale of our attacking force.

It had been our fourth demon, and we succeeded in slaying it in the end.

But there was a problem.

“I do have some knowledge regarding the demon of illusion and deception.”

The fact that the beings of illusion and deception could be different from the one I knew.

“The demon of illusion and deception takes the form of a massive pitch-black dragon. I often heard of this from the first head of the family since long ago.”

“From your mother?”

“Yes, the dragon always kept its eyes shut, and I’ve heard that whenever it opened its eyes, everyone in the expeditionary force to which the first head of the family belonged suffered extreme loss and delusions.”

“…I’ve never heard that before.”

“All the texts regarding the demon of illusion and deception in the Count’s household are secured in the first head’s personal library. It’s only natural that they’re not easily accessible.”

The mental-illness demon I knew didn’t resemble a dragon at all. It had the form of a scrawny man. There was nowhere to find a robust dragon resembling the size of the one described.

Also, it never acted crazy by keeping its eyes closed.

Instead, it was wide-eyed and eager to kill us.

It might be a different entity possessing similar abilities, but there were many awkward and concerning points, so I decided to keep my mouth shut for now.

‘Knowing the term “illusion and deception” itself is already a significant matter.’

If I unconsciously recognized this as a trial to prepare against such demons.

Surely, I would stay vigilant and navigate through it carefully, but…

I wasn’t entirely at ease.

‘Anyway, since I have a meeting with Edelin set up, I should ask her about it once.’

After the war, Edelin had chosen today for our final arrangements and discussions.

Even now, I was waiting for her envoy at the garden.

It would be most accurate to consult Edelin, who must have experienced the war alongside Shianella. Seeking her advice regarding that demon would be wise.

As I was thinking about that, I soon noticed two unfamiliar figures calmly approaching from the entrance of the garden.

“Looks like we have visitors.”

“From the looks of it… they seem like high elf retainers. It seems they’ve come to fetch Princess Shione and Ray.”

As Diolia said.

An elf, adorned in armor and wielding a sword, completed the garden tour and quietly bowed both ways before quickly departing.

Then one elf came forth, stating,

“O heroes, the Grand Elder wishes to see you both.”

Since Edelin finally requested to see us, with a whoosh—

Shione and I pushed our chairs back and nodded at her words.

So, we walked, perhaps for what could be our final visit to the World Tree’s sanctuary.

*

The area exclusively for the high elves centered around the World Tree.

Even though it had allowed a prior invasion by the enemy, it still retained the refreshing natural fragrance and beauty of its past. Perhaps due to the potent influence of the World Tree, this place was recovering faster than any other, filled with flowers that captivated Shione’s eyes once more.

As I walked again with Shione, guided by the retainers, a high elf with flowing white hair appeared in the distance.

“It hasn’t been permitted to get any closer to the World Tree, so from here on, you may proceed to where the Grand Elder resides.”

“Thank you for your hard work.”

“To me, it was an honor. I will excuse myself now.”

After sending the retainer away, only Shione and I remained.

We walked forward in silence, playfully nudging her.

“By the way, it’s quite unfortunate.”

“Huh? What is?”

“I had even prepared the escape routes to carry you away if needed. What a waste of effort.”

“I should be grateful that we didn’t have to retreat. And you already mentioned that it was Diolia who figured out the routes.”

“That’s true.”

“It’s rather pointless.”

Ah, she’s raising her hand again.

Fearing Shione would strike me again, I quickly sidestepped to create distance.

Then, seeing her sulk as if annoyed, I chuckled inwardly as we arrived before Edelin.

“Welcome, everyone. I’ve been waiting for you.”

At that moment when she had become an elven woman with a head of white hair,

whoosh—

A sudden gust of wind blew.

Swish…

The leaves rustled.

Along with the serene sound of music.

“World Tree, Eriantina greets you warmly.”

“Eriantina grants you the rights.”

“Prepare to meet the World Tree, Eriantina.”

The World Tree conveyed a passionate welcome.

 

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