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Chapter 304

“I’m throwing a party. You should come.”

Chloe burst into the room where Yeon-woo’s party was resting and bluntly stated that. Yeon-woo, with her eyes rolling in curiosity, responded.

“A party? So suddenly?”

“Yeah. Since my sister returned. The Swordmaster and the Shieldmaster both came back, so there’s no reason not to celebrate. Plus, it’s also an opportunity to introduce you.”

“Uh-huh. Is there a dress code or age limit? The kids want to go too.”

“Doesn’t matter. I make the rules. I’ll prepare outfits, and you just need to wear those.”

After sorting through the torrent of information like a rapid-fire barrage, Yeon-woo nodded in agreement. It seemed there was no issue for now. It didn’t appear that there were any special arrangements planned either.

Perhaps sensing Yeon-woo’s worries, Chloe continued speaking.

“Oh, I’ll just be there for a bit. Only my sister and your family will attend, so just have fun without a care.”

“Really now.”

“Looks like you understand. That’s how it’ll go.”

As she said, it felt like they were getting the hint. The most important queen missing from a banquet celebrating Claire’s return could feel like a facade of hospitality while actually indicating a tense rivalry.

Nobles were particularly sensitive to such atmospheres. Balancing between the king and someone of equal status could be considered an essential skill for nobility.

In that atmosphere, the ones maneuvering would likely be the faction trying to elevate Claire to queen.

The queen does not welcome your return; you must reclaim the throne that was rightfully yours.

For someone like Claire, who isn’t very skilled at deceiving, trying to garner their support would only lead to her being discovered, and she’d honestly refuse, saying Chloe is more suited to be queen.

Saying that might make the nobles retreat momentarily, but some would surely start plotting. They might see it as a good opportunity.

“Those types usually disregard the opinions of the parties involved.”

“You know it well. They’ll approach your sister and then you. After all, if they can gain the support of the Dragon and its contractor, they’d have clout in international affairs.”

In a coup, justification and backing are incredibly important. Surprisingly, Yeon-woo had seemingly grown to become a figure who could be their backing in this situation.

It seemed more about her symbolism than her actual strength, for now.

“Then you shouldn’t be hanging around here. Who knows who might be watching.”

“That’s not a problem. I teleported here.”

Yeon-woo snorted in incredulity at the queen’s nonchalance.

Is she really talking about teleportation like it’s an elevator? Well, considering the World Tree is a territory she’s prepared for her whole life, maybe it’s not surprising.

“Just remember who tries to make a play for your sister and report back to me. Easy enough, right?”

“Super easy. Just have to enjoy myself.”

Seeing Yeon-woo shrug in that manner made Chloe chuckle.

*

“Ah~ I want to set something on fire.”

“Don’t say that out loud, you idiot.”

In some dark, unknown place, two figures engaged in such a conversation. It was closer to murmuring than actual talking.

The man, having just been struck on the back of the head by the woman, glared back in anger before turning away again.

There was no reason to hold back now. Soon, there would be plenty of chances to unleash power, so why waste any on this chick?

“When can we start burning things? I’m so excited.”

“Who knows, soon?”

They say things are happening up top. Soon, soon. Just a little more patience, and they could set this country ablaze.

Imagining that moment made the woman feel ecstatic.

“I wish the world would be engulfed in red flames…”

“Tsk.”

The man clicked his tongue at the woman who mumbled dreamily, wrapping her arms around herself. You can’t reason with a lunatic.

If he’s a lunatic, he is, but this woman had gone way beyond that.

The Violence Cult, worshipping the Demon King of Fire, lay in wait not far from the World Tree.

*

Since arriving in Igrdahl, the children always seemed genuinely happy. It was natural to be excited on a trip, so that wasn’t odd. Their joy was heartwarming in and of itself.

“I can’t believe even the nun is in a good mood.”

“Hehe, isn’t she cute?”

Sitting in a café with an impressive wooden structure, Yeon-woo and Nea observed the scene.

For the first time in ages, Claire was running around gleefully in traditional elven attire instead of her usual nun’s garb. Just seeing her like that made it easy to imagine how she must have been as a child.

It’s such a peaceful country. Under the influence of the World Tree, even the ferocious monsters and beasts lose their aggressiveness.

Unlike the Academy, where occasional monster attacks are old news, this place was genuinely at peace.

Of course, what might be lurking behind this peace was anyone’s guess. Perhaps a giant conspiracy was hiding nearby, subtly within Yeon-woo’s surroundings.

But pondering what might be out there while constantly searching with eyes ablaze was far too exhausting. It’s best to take a break when you need to and have fun when it’s time to play.

By maintaining a slight sense of tension, they could react nimbly when something did happen.

“As long as the kids are happy, that’s what matters. I believe you’ll protect them if need be.”

“Me, with these legs?”

“What can’t you do? It’s just inconvenient, isn’t it?”

“That’s true.”

Fights don’t choose a favorable moment to arrive. It doesn’t matter if Yeon-woo’s calves are missing; her opponents won’t care.

Rather, if they come charging in with the right mindset, they won’t pause and think, “Oh, she doesn’t have legs. Should we wait?”

Using the attribute mana of courage could create something below her calves, but conjuring nonexistent body parts consumed too much mana, so she was practicing fighting just as she was.

“Staying balanced can be tough, but it seems like I’ll manage somehow.”

“Don’t overdo it. What if you get used to having no legs and struggle when you have them back?”

“I have to work hard and get it to stick. Who knows when this experience might come in handy again?”

“Oh dear, that sounds excessive.”

Seeing Nea frown with a sulky expression made Yeon-woo burst into laughter. A warm, gentle atmosphere spread between them.

It felt good. She wished to live like this forever, watching the children with Nea.

“I won’t bother asking.”

The fingers on Nea’s hand, resting on the table, trembled slightly. Yeon-woo placed her hand over Nea’s. The subtle vibrations traveled from Nea’s fingertips to Yeon-woo.

“Let me hold on for a little while. Okay?”

“…Hmph, do as you please.”

Nea turned her head sharply, an expression that was both sad and joyful, revealing a hint of red ear peeking through her golden hair. So cute.

*

“Wow, looks great on you!”

Claire beamed at her party in traditional elven dresses. And as she said, it truly looked that way.

The attire resembled ancient Roman togas, albeit a bit different. The men’s version felt slightly heavy and baggy, while the women’s was quite fitted, resembling a unique dress.

“Oh wow, I’ve never worn anything like this before.”

“It does seem like something you wouldn’t have a chance to wear anywhere.”

Yeon-woo stared at Nea, unable to hide her admiration. She looked absolutely stunning—the very definition of a goddess.

With her braided golden locks and flowing fabric dress…

“Can’t Nea skip out on this?”

“Why do you say that all of a sudden?”

“What if the elves fall for Nea?”

“Oh dear, you’re being ridiculous again. Acting out of nowhere like this puts me in a tough spot too.”

She was serious… yet Yeon-woo felt a flying creature named ‘Hug Me’ unexpectedly fluttered in and collided with Shar and Tae-oh.

“What about us?!”

“We demand feedback!!”

“It doesn’t matter what Shar and Tae-oh wear; they’ll look good in anything. Oh, Tae-oh and Down are matching. You look great together.”

They were using slightly more subdued fabrics. Down, startled by Yeon-woo’s compliment, trembled a bit. The way she twisted her hair nervously felt so endearing.

‘That kid must have asked the queen on purpose.’

Although it looked like she was shy about matching with Tae-oh, that wasn’t the case. She was embarrassed that it had been revealed she asked Chloe to coordinate outfits for her and Tae-oh.

That’s the kind of devotion you expect from the goddess-fox; such dedication to her romantic affairs is something to be admired.

“Looks like everything’s ready. Shall we head out?”

At Yeon-woo’s words, the kids got off the floor. Hmm, how should they enter? After pondering for a brief moment, Yeon-woo clapped her hands.

“Okay, like this, like this…”

Following Yeon-woo’s guidance, they adjusted their positions. Tae-oh nestled into Nea’s embrace, while Shar jumped into Yeon-woo’s. Down stood between Yeon-woo and Nea, holding their hands.

Thanks to the temporary prosthetic prepared by the queen, balancing while holding a child wasn’t difficult.

Claire, gazing at the delightful scene, opened the door first. The family, smiling at each other, slowly stepped out.

The beautiful sound of instruments filled the air, and sweet scents wafted around. It felt like they were stepping into a paradise of pure happiness, but beyond that door lay a different kind of battlefield.

As the light faded, the grand banquet hall came into view. In a space so immense it was hard to believe it was inside a tree, countless tables and elves took their places.

Numerous gazes fixed upon the family. Yeon-woo, unfazed, looked straight ahead. At the end of those gazes stood Chloe, observing them from the top of the stairs.

Slowly, her lips parted. As if preparing to sing, she gently raised her arm.

“Hmph, it seems all the main characters are gathered. I declare the start of the banquet.”

(To be continued…)

 

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