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I couldn’t help but let out a sigh at the sight of the elf calmly and subtly pressuring me as if the answer was already decided.

‘That’s why you shouldn’t trust those long-eared folk easily.’

In stark contrast to Friel’s dazzling appearance back at the royal capital, once she stepped into the Count’s House, she seemed to demonstrate a bit of restraint, aware of her surroundings.

But of course, no sooner had we entered the carriage path in the Count’s territory than I felt the subtle pressure that came with sixty years of experience.

It was frankly annoying.

No matter how noble the Great Forest’s elite might be, barging in like this was bound to be irksome.

I raised my guard slightly, considering the current subtle pressure and Friel Arielte’s past actions.

“If we are to discuss the current state of the Great Forest, wouldn’t it be better if Princess Shione joins us as well?”

I stated firmly, not yielding even an inch.

I may be a commoner, but my treatment was set higher than most, after all.

And I had Ainel’s backing from the Count’s House, didn’t I?

Furthermore, I was a person of importance destined to aid them together with Shione.

Friel wouldn’t dare try to manipulate me as she did during our previous meeting in the royal capital.

Surely, I could act with this level of confidence in this delicate battle of wills.

Moreover, if she wasn’t planning to drag me away alone during Shione’s absence, she would surely answer my question with ease.

‘If she tries to give me a vague excuse…’

I had no desire to become entangled with an elf unnecessarily; whether she plans to call Diolia or wake Shione is something I have to use as an excuse to escape this situation.

As Friel crossed her arms and tilted her chin slightly, the angle naturally made her move to look at me, exuding an air of superiority through her turquoise eyes.

It was a gesture typical of an arrogant elf, creating the impression of a noble gazing down upon the world.

“Well, that would be nice, but there’s no need for such lengthy discussions right now. In a way, those not skilled in Spirit Magic wouldn’t need to worry too much about this matter. It’d be simpler to just speak with you, who can handle Spirit Magic, rather than with the Young Lady.”

Friel slowly closed her eyes.

“Moreover—”

A gentle breeze wafted in, intertwining with the fragrant scent of grass, wrapping around Friel Arielte before dissipating.

Ears perked up!

Friel, having heard something in the wind, opened her eyes once again.

Her pupils were blank and empty, simply reciting in a gentle voice what she had just heard.

“Your breathing is quite steady and rhythmic; it seems you’ve entered into a deep meditation. Wouldn’t it be inconsiderate to disturb you? Therefore, all you need to do is follow me for a moment, Ray.”

Friel Arielte’s demeanor shifted dramatically.

In this world where roles and personalities of men and women are reversed, the sharp and resolute vibe that a seasoned mercenary would typically embody began to fill the space.

The fragile men of this world might feel considerable pressure or intimidation from such a presence, but thanks to Ray, who shares an essence much like her own from another world, I felt nothing but disdain for her whimsical pressure.

As I faced her with my chin held high, refusing to lower my gaze, she took another step closer.

“Hmm—”

Friel mused, advancing a step closer to me.

“This will not merely be clumsy advice; it will undoubtedly be a time that directly assists your Spirit Magic. It would definitely be beneficial for you. It would be a shame to let it slip away so easily.”

Friel Arielte’s voice sank heavily.

“Have you ever summoned a spirit or made a contract with one? If not, have you at least caught sight of those who blend into the world?”

To begin with, finding a spirit living in nature is no easy feat; if I have never stepped foot in those expansive natural surroundings next to Shione, that would explain why I have yet to see one.

Yet, for some reason, while my abilities were restored, the spirits weren’t summoned. And the mention of contracts intrigued me.

My interest finally started to turn towards her on that captivating topic.

“Summoning and contracts, huh? Unfortunately, I haven’t done either. For some reason—”

I gathered the wind.

A small vortex formed nearby, swirling and gathering before ultimately dissipating.

“No matter how I try to use my energy to summon spirits, it ends up scattering like this. Regrettably, I’ve never had a connection with a spirit thus far.”

At that, Friel finally seemed to seize her opportunity, smirking slightly.

“Then it seems I can undoubtedly assist you this time. Wouldn’t you like to try forming a contract with a spirit?”

Indeed, the temptation of a contract with a spirit was irresistible.

Just having one spirit would significantly widen my tactical options.

In the end, I nodded in agreement to her proposal.

*

In an open area slightly distant from the carriage, our conversation began once we had reached a place that even the skilled knights could scarcely hear.

Just as Friel had said, her subordinate, Elisa, was already waiting here.

Elisa began her explanation.

“The World Tree oversees the Great Forest and transforms it into a terrestrial paradise; it also serves as a crucial bridge connecting the spirit realm and this world.”

“Unfortunately, however, recently, due to the vile cultists and demons’ schemes, the World Tree has suffered considerable damage.”

“Thus, as a result, the gap between the world the World Tree opened and the spirit realm is gradually narrowing—”

As Elisa continued speaking, Friel suddenly interjected, cutting her off.

“Since last summer, the number of spirits crossing over from the gaps has significantly decreased… one after another, they began returning to the spirit realm, and now even our elves, who are superior in Spirit Magic, occasionally struggle to summon spirits they’ve made contracts with. Especially, the further we are from the World Tree, the worse it gets.”

Elisa, perhaps eager to finish her last line, looked at Friel with the eyes of a sad puppy who had lost its snack.

“… Yes, that’s the current situation concerning the Great Forest and the elves.”

Ignoring Elisa’s somewhat reluctant murmuring, I fell into thought.

‘Last summer.’

That would coincide perfectly with the time I was getting my arm pierced while protecting Shione, regaining my spirit-summoning abilities as a result.

It seems that the anomalies regarding the World Tree began around that time.

However, while the number of spirits had decreased, it didn’t mean they had completely vanished, so I’m somewhat puzzled by the idea that summoning them altogether is impossible.

At least, it was important to have a lead on the reasons behind it.

I nodded in response to Friel’s words, and she smoothly continued.

“That being the case, if it’s this difficult for us elves, just imagine how much harder it will be for you, a short-lived species… no, a human. It’s only natural that summoning spirits and making contracts would be a challenge. The reason I called you here is so that you can form a contract with a spirit. And to help you manage better than most men.”

I held back my joy at seeing her smile while increasing my rationality.

Elves don’t easily offer kindness without reason unless they’ve bonded with someone for life.

“Friel, if it doesn’t offend, may I ask why you are going to such lengths to help?”

“A reason… I have my reasons, and I’m simply acting on them. The Grand Elder referred to you as one who shall reconnect the dwindling spirit realm and the current world. I’m only here to assist you.”

Me, the one to reconnect the spirit realm and the earthly world…?

Just hearing that made my head spin and exhaustion settle upon me, and in that moment, Friel stepped forward, extending her arms behind her as she bent slightly towards me.

True to her nature as an elf, she managed to convey an agility that dwelled within her frame even through such ordinary gestures.

With her suddenly closing the distance, her lips lightly curled as she whispered,

“Well, it would be rather undignified if a human, the one to mend our foundational power, cannot even summon a spirit. That would be disgraceful for both you and us elves.”

“…”

“And personally, it feels like having you harboring a favorable impression towards me wouldn’t hurt either. I’m merely trying to make a good first impression.”

“My favor, you say?”

“Of course.”

As she approached me, her eyes began to shine.

“Even though the Grand Elder’s oracle has been declared, there are still quite a few in the Great Forest who look down upon you. Especially our soldiers and those from the Ianette Family, one of the three families along with the Arielte Family. The very fact that you are a short-lived species is already a disadvantage—”

“…”

“At the very least, if you can’t even summon a single spirit while claiming to be skilled in Spirit Magic, just imagine how much scorn would be directed at you.”

“…”

“But you’re in luck. I’ll be here to support you. And from the very moment you set foot in the Great Forest—”

Friel elegantly pushed her long hair behind her ear and said casually,

“You’ll be genuinely grateful to me.”

The arrogant elf seemed thoroughly convinced of her words.

 

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