The silver moon hung high… and the thick mist over Mirror Lake still lingered.
It was the largest freshwater lake in the Sea of Trees region.
In the center of the lake was a small island, and on that island stood the giant tree that bore the name of both the continent and the Forest Sea Royal Family—the “World Tree,” Aitixila.
“It’s still as magnificent as ever, isn’t it?”
Standing by the lake, Lian gazed at the distant giant tree’s mighty branches and canopy, letting out a sigh of admiration.
The captain of the Imperial Guard, Waletidina, who stood beside her, cast a curious glance at her.
“As before… Does Miss Lian have some previous experience visiting this place?”
“Uh, I just saw it from a distance once. But even without being at the side of Mirror Lake, it was already quite breathtaking… haha.”
Lian quickly made up a small lie to smooth over the slip she’d inadvertently let out.
Back when she was fleeing with Senia to avoid being hunted, part of their journey had taken them past the lakeshore.
She had drawn some water there and briefly chatted with Senia about the World Tree and the mist over the lake.
“You must not try to go toward the island. That mist is a barrier set up by our ancestors. If you rashly enter, you’ll lose your life.”
—That was what Senia had said back then, if she remembered correctly.
“I think… I’m ready.”
Just as Lian was recalling that dangerous, perilous past, a voice from behind made both women by the lake turn around at the same time.
It was Senia, having changed her clothes.
The outfit she wore was clearly ceremonial formal wear—the same clothes she had been in when she’d collided into Lian’s arms all drenched.
The pure white robe was adorned with gold and silver embroidery, balancing elegance and solemnity.
But perhaps considering that the wearer would need to row a boat to the island by herself, it lacked any overly complicated decorations that might hinder movement.
“Your Majesty.”
Waletidina stepped forward, took Senia’s hand, and guided her over.
The three of them were at a small camp by the lake reserved exclusively for the royal family.
By the shore, where Lian and Waletidina had been gazing at the giant tree in the lake’s center, a small pier was built, with several simple wooden boats tied to the moorings.
This was the boat Senia would be taking. According to tradition, she had to row such a small boat alone through the mist to reach the World Tree on the lake island.
“I know I might sound a bit naggy asking this… but are you really okay, Senia?”
Although the Sea of Trees was springlike year-round, the wind blowing off the lake carried the unique chill of the night.
This cool breeze couldn’t break through the mist of the barrier, but it could make anyone standing on the shore shiver in their thin clothes.
“I’m fine. My mental state is good.”
Noticing Senia’s shoulders trembling slightly, Lian unfastened the cloak that the maids had forcibly draped over her before leaving, and tied it around Senia’s shoulders.
“This outfit is pretty, but you should wear a bit more. I feel the wind on the lake… it’s a bit chilly.”
Lian gave an awkward laugh—she’d originally wanted to say “as chilly as it was back then” to lighten the mood, but remembering that Waletidina was still attending the queen, she quickly changed her words.
Senia looked up, gazing at her as if in a daze.
Stars seemed to flicker in her eyes… along with the unforgettable experiences that were engraved on her soul and would stay with her for life.
From the bravery and gentleness that still fresh in her memory, she drew strength, stopping the trembling caused by the cold and the wavering in her heart.
“Thank you.”
She expressed her gratitude earnestly to the person before her, then raised her head and walked toward the pier.
In the clear moonlight, Lian followed Waletidina as she saw Senia onto the boat, watched her slender arms take up the oars.
According to tradition, before entering the lake island, she was not allowed to use any magic power.
So she had to rely solely on physical strength to row across this lake, which was larger than the entire Lower District of Fenglin City.
This was probably no small challenge for her.
If Lian hadn’t known that anyone outside the royal family who entered the barrier would die, she would have rowed for her and escorted her all the way to the foot of the giant tree.
“Your Majesty, please be careful. If the situation takes a turn, please turn back immediately.”
Waletidina, standing on the pier, gave a final reminder to the queen who was about to set off.
In response to her concern, Senia smiled gently.
“Don’t worry. Even if I fail, I should be sent back to the shore by the ancestor’s lake water like last time. Though I’m not saying this on the premise of failure… but if it comes to that, I’ll leave it to you to fish me out.”
“Your servant understands.”
“And Lian… thank you for accompanying me this far.”
“You don’t have to be so polite. Because this is something I promised. Do your best… but don’t push yourself.”
Lian stood on the shore, giving her a thumbs-up.
—I’m fine. This little injury is nothing to worry about!
That was the gesture the young hero had once made to Senia. Even covered in wounds, drenched in blood… he still patted his chest, gave her a thumbs-up, and smiled.
“Then I’m off.”
Senia smiled knowingly. Then, under the watchful eyes of the two on the shore, she pulled the oars, guiding the small boat slowly into the depths of the mist.
“How long does this process usually take?”
Watching the boat and her figure disappear, Lian asked Waletidina beside her.
“According to past years’ traditions, the mist will dissipate at dawn.”
Even though her sovereign’s back had vanished, the female knight’s gaze remained unwavering on the mist.
“I will wait here. I have already prepared a bed for rest in the camp… If you don’t mind, Miss Lian can wait there.”
“No need. I’m no delicate little girl. Since you’re going to wait here, I’ll keep you company.”
With that, Lian plopped down next to Waletidina, took off her shoes, and gently played with the lake water with her toes.
“Mm… it’s cold.”
“…Have you always been like this?”
“What do you mean?”
“No, nothing.”
For some reason, Waletidina’s tense spirit also relaxed. She unbuckled her sword from her waist and slowly sat down like Lian.
…
…
…
“Has Her Majesty departed?”
“Yes, Captain General.”
Not far from the royal camp where Senia had departed, a patrol team was moving in secret.
They were wearing the uniform of the Fenglin City Patrol Team… and leading them was Se La, one of Iyue’s two disciples from the Stillwind Forest Realm Patrol Team.
She and her companions climbed to the treetops of a tall tree, monitoring the actions of the three in the royal camp.
To avoid detection by Her Majesty the Queen, who was a mage, and the captain of the Imperial Guard, who was also a mage, this team had specially purchased a newly invented device from humans—the telescope.
The reach of this device exceeded the maximum range of low-level spirits that could be summoned…
So Se La was able to use long-range communication magical tools to report the events at the camp to the Captain General of the Fenglin City Patrol Team, Levianther Nelf, who was far away in Fenglin City.
“Good. I just received information that Nefi, Iyue, and the new hero along with Prince Consort Alvin are heading toward Mirror Lake. Split off some of your people to monitor them… Remember, don’t expose yourselves, and don’t act rashly. Contact me immediately if anything happens.”
“Understood.”
After Levianther gave the order, the communication from Fenglin City ended. Se La pulled aside a few subordinates and instructed them.
“You keep an eye on the camp.”
“But Captain, you…”
The subordinate she handed the telescope to was taken aback.
“The Captain General gave a new mission. I’m going to monitor the people arriving soon… including the new hero and the instructor.”
“Instructor… Lord Iyue? You’re going alone?”
“Yes. That’s why I have to go alone. If I don’t keep the distance right, they’ll definitely notice.”
Seeing her subordinate nod in understanding, Se La leaped from the treetop.
As she sprinted through the forest, she pulled a bottle of liquid red as blood from a pouch at her waist.
“Are you sure you want to pour it into the lake… Lord Nine Night Moon?”
Gazing at the ominous color, she confirmed one last time with the person who had been issuing commands in her mind.