“She’s just a child who recently came of age. And as for the so-called ‘New Hero,’ that’s just a title given to her by the Church and some of the populace. You and I both know very well… being a Hero is far more than just a title.”
Iyue responded… At that moment, she suddenly remembered the things Lian had told her:
According to Feiyin, because Milin became the Hero, Lian’s power was gradually transferring to her—
But such an absurd thing couldn’t possibly be true… because this information came from a member of the Demon Race, a Magus, and the Sage, one of the two who performed the Summoning Ritual, knew nothing about any of this.
Like the other companions of the Brave’s Party, Iyue never questioned the Sage’s judgment. When it came to forbidden knowledge and hidden secrets, there was no one on the continent who understood more than she did.
“She doesn’t need to be the true Hero.”
Unconsciously, the two of them had walked back to the edge of the camp. The rangers on sentry duty in the trees greeted them… Iyue waved a greeting to Se La among them.
Alexis glanced at the campfire, then turned to look at Iyue. Her graceful silhouette was outlined by a shimmering golden border from the firelight:
“Or rather, whether she is the Hero or not is irrelevant to the family. What the family is focused on is her other identity—she is that Duchess’s daughter. And that Duchess is the one driving the changes of our times… She is also the head of the largest human company currently cooperating with the Sea of Trees to develop its environment. That company’s name is—”
“…Clausure Company.”
Before she could finish, Iyue spoke the company’s name.
She subconsciously touched the “Silver Moon” at her waist.
“So you already know… Of course. It seems the company developing that village is indeed the same one. Ironic, isn’t it? You work for the Duchess, yet her company’s people want to cut down your family’s forest and tear down your house.”
“…I don’t work for her.”
“Is that so?” Alexis clearly didn’t quite believe her.
She scrutinized Iyue’s expression, then continued, “I don’t know what purpose that girl has for coming to the Sea of Trees… but even if she doesn’t say a word, these identities of hers speak for her position. And right now, she’s being entertained by your sister.”
Alexis truly didn’t know Milin’s motives… because Iyue hadn’t explained it to her earlier. But Iyue understood that it was only natural for Alexis and the faction she represented within the family to imagine things this way.
“You said Nefi is the leader of those in the family who embrace change… and that child is the Duke’s daughter. You believe she represents the company, and the will of humanity.”
“Yes. So when the Queen receives both of them, it will send a signal to everyone—that the Royal Family, along with our family, approves of the changes currently happening in the Sea of Trees… even though we, as members of the family, don’t think that way at all.”
“After that, our faction will likely lose our voice.” Alexis smiled self-deprecatingly. “The balance within the family will be broken… Your sister will be able to push through and realize all the changes she desires without any hindrance.”
“And we all know that whenever anything related to the Hero is involved, Her Majesty the Queen becomes uncharacteristically stubborn… No one can persuade her to change her mind.”
“It sounds like everything is already beyond saving,” Iyue said. “Since your faction can’t stop Her Majesty from receiving them… why rush so desperately towards Fenglin City now?”
“Because we can’t just sit back and wait for the end. We must get there before the audience to try and dissuade that young lady from the Northland.”
“You know the chances of that are minuscule. Nefi is no fool… and that child isn’t either. I don’t understand why you’re telling me all this—”
“Because we must try! Even if we have almost no possibility of turning the situation around, we must struggle—because I don’t want to see the Sea of Trees, my homeland, become like that!” Alexis’s tone suddenly intensified.
Her eyes, usually like placid ancient wells, now flickered with emotion… and the feeling that surfaced was one of urgent pleading:
“Iyue Nairfu… you should feel the same, shouldn’t you? Even though you’ve changed into these clothes, swapped your bow and arrows for human weapons… you are still that noble Ranger, that great Hero, aren’t you? Do you wish to see every village in the Sea of Trees, every one of our kin, become like what you saw in Jingye Village?!”
“What do you want me to do?”
Her impassioned words made Iyue frown slightly.
“Join us.” Alexis gazed at her with an unprecedented seriousness in her eyes.
“Nephtalia is currently representing the reformists by entertaining that ‘New Hero’… This is the focus of the entire Sea of Trees right now. But what if the partner of the Hero who disappeared over a decade ago, our elves’ greatest hero, were to appear again?”
The campfire crackled. Iyue listened quietly, not making a sound.
“If you publicly announce your return, Her Majesty will undoubtedly summon you as well.” Alexis stated with absolute certainty.
“And I, along with our companions in the family, will host you. When you go to see Her Majesty, change back into your old clothes, wear your longbow, carry your quiver… In doing so, you will become our symbol. And we will be able to maintain the balance, buying precious time for the Sea of Trees to adapt to the changes.”
“We know this change will ultimately transform everything—but we elves must decide our own path forward. We cannot be swept along by the times and by humanity, drifting aimlessly—”
“So, join us. You are our hero… Just as you did in the past, save and guide our kin once more.”
Alexis reached out her hand towards Iyue, who stood amidst the dappled tree shadows… At the same time, the spirit lingering in the campfire noticed their return and excitedly hopped towards the two of them.
In front of them, it paused and hesitated for a moment… then resolutely hopped onto Iyue’s head, rolling around in her hair.
Iyue’s gaze lingered on Alexis’s face for a moment. She knew this invitation from her kin was sincere… because unlike her fellow villagers who had lost their elven nature, she saw in her eyes the sincerity their race had always maintained.
“…I’m sorry.”
For an instant, she wavered.
Her father’s and mother’s distant, blurred faces, the familiar yet strange expressions of the villagers… and the look of utter disbelief and profound sadness on her sister Nephtalia’s face when they parted—all flashed through her mind in an instant.
In the past, she had thought about it, thought about changing the family, changing traditions by her own power… but in the end, she failed.
After a century of drifting in a daze, she was moved by a man’s sincerity and courage, launching a reckless challenge against an unchangeable fate.