But this time, she had won.
She possessed unprecedented power and achieved unparalleled feats… The glory she attained was unmatched, both before and after her.
Even the once-insurmountable barrier that was her family now seemed utterly insignificant before her.
She easily obtained most of the things she had once dreamed of—the family’s recognition, supreme honor…
Yet, she suddenly realized that the thing she wanted most, the thing she yearned for most, could never be obtained again.
That empty house, and the mother who quietly, eternally watched over her father in that grove, were proof.
And Nephtalia.
When was the last time they met? Sixteen years ago, during the triumphal parade, they had looked at each other across the sea of people… That child had glanced at her with an expressionless face, then turned and left.
So, the only things left in her heart now were the bonds she had forged with her former companions… and the heavy responsibility that had weighed on her shoulders for over a decade—maintaining this hard-won peace.
“The goal of my journey is only to bring that child back to the Northland… and to capture those two Demon Race fugitives.”
Alexis watched her without changing her expression.
“After that, I will leave and continue wandering,” Iyue said.
“The years I disappeared were spent searching for those lost Relics. The Demon King’s remnants have been searching for those things, attempting to take revenge on the Human Realm. And now, the Daughter of the Demon King has appeared, causing such trouble in the Northland of Yilansiya… I cannot ignore this matter to participate in your political struggles, which may never end.”
“Moreover, I do not believe I am qualified to lead our people forward. Because I… after all, have only half Elf blood.”
“…No one will know, as long as you don’t admit it. Even if those in the family who oppose us expose it, we will do everything to legitimize you.”
“I cannot join.”
“…”
Silence spread between them.
After a long while, Alexis slowly spoke, “I respect your choice. After all, as you said… you intend to take that girl away, which aligns with our intentions. Personally, I hope you take her away before she meets the Queen.”
“…I cannot promise you I can do that.”
The passion in Alexis’s eyes slowly faded. Then she turned and took a step toward her resting place by the bonfire.
“But I believe you understand better than I do—sometimes, even if you don’t make a choice, the vortex of Fate will pull you into its center. Especially since your current goal is moving directly toward it.”
“I hope you are not swept away by it, Hero.”
She walked away slowly. The firelight flickering on her cloak looked like burning wings.
“…Let’s go.”
Iyue shook her head and, carrying the Spirit on her head, sat down on the other side of the bonfire. She rested her forehead against her clenched hands, letting those thoughts flow silently.
What she didn’t notice was… on a tree branch not far away, an emerald gem had been following her, reflecting her shadow.
“Natalia… are you listening?”
The night was quiet… but in Fenglin City, the main Nelf Family mansion built upon the giant tree was still brightly lit.
In a guest room, Milin was chatting endlessly with her friend, who was sleeping back-to-back with her, the one nicknamed Natalia—Nephtalia—about all sorts of girlish nighttime topics.
They talked about food, fine wine, their experiences… and also about those novels and plays published by Nolan and circulating throughout the Empire.
They were chatting animatedly, but from a certain moment, Natalia fell silent, leaving only Milin to chatter on.
“…”
Natalia still didn’t reply, so Milin turned over, looking at her slender back. She gently poked the smooth skin with her finger—
“Are you asleep?”
Natalia gave a slight shudder.
“…No.”
“Then why aren’t you talking?”
“I’m just a little sleepy.”
“Then let’s stop talking. I’m feeling a bit sleepy too… yawn.”
Milin yawned, then reached out to hug Natalia’s waist. Ever since the day Natalia got drunk, the two had been sticking together like this.
“You’re hugging me too tightly.”
Natalia’s soft voice didn’t sound like a complaint. Sensing this, Milin hugged her even tighter.
“Hehehe… because it’s warm. Your blanket here is ridiculously thin, so I have to use you as a heater, don’t I?”
“…As you wish.”
“Then I’m going to sleep soundly.”
So Milin happily rested her chin on Natalia’s shoulder… but she saw that Natalia, who was facing away from her, was holding a hairpin.
It was the one she had worn in her hair all day, its inlaid emerald gem emitting a faint, hazy glow in the dim light.
“Huh…?”
For a moment, she seemed to see a familiar figure flickering within the gem. She rubbed her eyes and found the figure in the gem had vanished, only reflecting Natalia’s open eyes.
“Natalia, what are you looking at?”
“Nothing. Go to sleep quickly… tomorrow we still have to meet those guests. Maybe the two Demon Race people you’re looking for are mixed in among them.”
Natalia placed the hairpin at the corner of the bed, then turned over, burying her head in Milin’s chest… which prevented Milin from seeing her expression.
“Mmm… such useless lumps of flesh. I can hardly breathe.”
“Then don’t press so close!”
Milin’s cheeks flushed slightly as she puffed up her cheeks, trying to push her away.
“Just kidding, it’s actually quite comfortable.”
“R-really…? That’s good… D-don’t squeeze!”
“Ah, it’s a bit enviable. Why can’t we grow this big? But thinking about your mother… I think I understand why.”
“I said don’t squeeze, mmm, ah~! You’re mean!”
Milin pushed her away forcefully… then turned over, her face bright red, hugging her own chest.
“Don’t be mad. You can squeeze mine too.”
“You don’t even have anything like that! How can I squeeze it!?”
“…That’s so mean. They’re small, but to say I have none…?”
“Who cares! Let’s sleep! Tomorrow we have to catch the Demon Race together… you’re the one who told me they might be mixed in with the guests at your house!”
She buried her head deep in the covers and closed her eyes.
Thus, she failed to see the tear tracks and reddened corners of Natalia’s eyes… and didn’t notice the damp spot on her own nightgown over her chest.
“Alright, alright, I’ll listen to everything you say… my dear sister.”
This time, it was Natalia’s turn to reach out and hug Milin. Clinging to the searing warmth radiating from her body, for a moment, Natalia seemed to feel she had returned to the past…
“No, no.”
“That time will never come back. What I have now is something completely different. I won’t let go this time… never.”
Her whisper was extremely faint… Milin, with her head buried in the covers, couldn’t hear it.
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