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During our few days at the Marquis House, Shione and I tried to keep a low profile.

After the second son and third son of this household had an intriguing conversation in the hallway, the Count’s House was quite busy.

Something new seemed to be spreading, and accordingly, the second and third sons began to move around busily.

Retainers frequently gathered for meetings, and the second and third sons often visited the military base of the territory or even called their retainers for discussions.

‘Alen’s failure to fulfill duties. And Abel is taking over Alen’s role in the West.’

It appeared that a deeper conversation was taking place within the family regarding this matter.

While it might be interesting to gather bits of information by asking questions in this chaotic situation, that wasn’t why we came to the Kalia Marquis House.

We had simply stopped by briefly before entering the Great Forest. Nothing more, nothing less.

We were just quietly hiding in our lodging to avoid getting swept up in this situation.

‘…There’s no good to be gained from getting involved in the issues of another family.’

Even for the common folk who farm modestly on that little land, if someone were to tell them to plant potatoes or wheat, they would lash out angrily with a scythe while complaining about meddling in others’ affairs.

Aren’t nobles the same? They’re just people after all.

Thus, we avoided the people of the Marquis House and focused only on conversations within our lodging or with those affiliated with our Count’s House or the Great Forest.

It was unavoidable.

Unlike ordinary commoners, nobles—especially families above Counts—were interpreted politically more than anyone else, and thus were compelled to be more political than anyone in the kingdom.

If something were to happen in such a high family, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Count’s second daughter got dragged into something questionable by just loitering around.

The Count’s House and the Marquis House are still somewhat awkward with each other due to past fights between their ancestors.

I occasionally took a stroll around during the day to get some fresh air, then returned to my completely closed-off room, distancing myself from the outside world. I ended up summoning a spirit named Cotton Puff to toss at Shione.

Just like now.

Whoosh!

A cool breeze blew in through the open window.

Soon the wind swirled around my palm and gathered together.

Where the wind had pooled, naturally—

Suddenly, Cotton Puff appeared, bright-eyed and looking up at me.

—Meow!

“Ready?”

—Meow?

“I’m going to toss you like before, and you’ll zoom straight to Shione. Got it?”

—Mew.

Cotton Puff seemed eager to be tossed.

Puffing up, it grew in size and struck a commanding pose.

Honestly, it looked more like a fluffy little bird than anything.

I saw Cotton Puff turn around toward Shione and gently picked up the small spirit.

“I’m throwing!”

—Meow!

As I lined up my aim at the moment Shione sat dozing in her armchair—

“Shione?”

“Hmm…?”

“Wake up.”

“Mmm…”

Since Shione wasn’t showing any signs of waking up, I called her name a little louder to get her attention.

At least I wanted her to snap awake and look over here.

“…Shione!”

“Wah, w-what…!”

Shione finally jolted awake, her heavy eyelids lifting, and her bright, sky-blue pupils met my gaze.

In her eyes reflected the image of me all set to throw Cotton Puff.

“…Eh? Ray?”

Whoosh!

At that moment, my hand shot out.

—Kyaaa!

Whoosh!

Cotton Puff took off.

The small spirit soared into the air, flying smoothly in a parabolic arc.

With a gentle curve, Cotton Puff flew—

Thwack!

“Eek!”

—Meow!

Right into Shione’s nose.

Cuddled up into a ball, Cotton Puff didn’t seem to be hurt much.

But Shione looked rather stunned, a tear welling up in her right eye.

“Ugh…”

Letting out a small groan, Shione shot me a pointed glare.

“Ray, didn’t I tell you not to throw that moth…!”

“Did you?”

“You promised you wouldn’t throw it…! Now you act like you don’t know—”

Just as Shione was about to say something further—

—Meow!

After hitting Shione’s nose, Cotton Puff flapped its wings and returned to curl up on her shoulder.

The rounded Cotton Puff rolled into her clothes.

“Ugh…! Get out! What are you doing!”

—Meow?

“…Just stay still. I’ll get you out soon—”

—Meow!

“Oh come on… really…!”

Ah, it’s peaceful.

Honestly, this time when I have nothing to do and am feeling so bored, watching Shione and Cotton Puff play together is not bad at all.

After some playful back-and-forth between the two, Shione would eventually admit defeat, collapsing on the bed, while Cotton Puff looked over at me, sparkling as if to say, “Did I do well?”

At the moment I was about to call Cotton Puff back with my hand raised—

Knock, knock—

Someone arrived at Shione’s lodging.

“…Ray, you go. I can’t move.”

“Understood.”

Leaving Shione sprawled on the bed, I went to check on the guest.

Opening the door, the first thing I saw was beautiful golden hair.

Next, I caught sight of turquoise eyes and a familiar face.

An elf from the Great Forest.

Our guest was none other than Friel Arielte.

“…Friel, hello.”

“Oh, Ray, you’re here too?”

Friel’s nose twitched as she said that.

Sniff, sniff…

Why was this elf sniffing around again? Her green eyes sparkled with light as if sensing something.

I pushed away the uneasy feeling creeping in and simply responded to her normally.

“The scent of spirits fills the room. It’s a lovely fragrance… I almost lost myself in it. You’ve been summoning a spirit, haven’t you?”

Ah, spirit.

It was true that I had summoned Cotton Puff.

It seemed that the pure power of nature emanating from Cotton Puff had filled the room.

“Yes, I just summoned a spirit.”

“Hmmm—”

Friel’s lips curled up slightly as she nodded at my words.

Her unusual gaze turned toward the interior of the room visible through the door frame.

Her previously closed mouth slowly opened.

“Ray, is the Young Lady inside?”

“If it’s Princess Shione, she’s inside…”

“Perfect. I don’t need to take a long detour. I have something to deliver, so I’ll just come in for a moment. Is that alright?”

At Friel’s words, I turned to check on Shione.

She was still sprawled on the bed, and Cotton Puff had proudly claimed victory on her forehead.

It would be better if such embarrassing matters were not seen by others.

Glancing back at Shione, it seemed she had heard Friel’s arrival.

With Cotton Puff still perched on her shoulder, she got up and straightened her clothes.

A nod.

A nod indicating that it was okay to let her in.

Following her intent, I opened the door to allow Friel entry.

“Of course. Please come in.”

“Thank you, Ray.”

Friel, with a bright smile, stepped into the room.

Shione, now sitting properly, greeted her.

“Friel, what brings you to my room?”

“Your Highness. I’ve come to convey some information.”

“If it’s information you need to convey… does it mean a schedule has been set?”

“Yes, I’ve informed the head of the Kalia Marquis Family of everything to be conveyed……. Additionally, I’ve completed the discussions with a trustworthy individual. There’s no need to delay any longer.”

Friel whispered softly, a smile that was not lightweight gracing her lips.

In the tranquil room where only the occasional breeze entered and exited, the Elf’s exquisite voice lingered.

“Your Highness, it’s time to prepare.”

The reason Shione and I had come all the way here with such effort.

“In no more than two days, we will finally head to the Great Forest.”

A battlefield destined to be turned upside down with demons and cultists—a homeland of the elves.

We are finally going to enter the Great Forest.

 

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