We wrapped things up by investigating together, but the real problem was what came next. Cluna coldly told me to leave, and since an Order to Leave had actually been issued…
If I wandered the streets and got caught, I was sure I’d be immediately seized and exiled. So, I reluctantly decided to seek cooperation from someone I knew. Not that I liked it.
Right now, we were hiding in the basement. It was because Amelie, who promised to help us, hid us down here. I crossed my arms and frowned.
What the heck? I had this really, really bad feeling. An indescribable discomfort had been bothering me since earlier, like leaving a cat in charge of fish…
“Clara.”
“Yeah?”
“Amelie is really your mom’s comrade, right?”
“Of course! She’s a Guardian of the Forest, you know? Besides, they once fought together against the Invasion of the 12 Tribes.”
From the time of the 12 Tribes’ invasion until now, they had been interacting all this time? Well, if they weren’t close, Clara wouldn’t be calling Amelie ‘Aunt’ so affectionately.
So, was it just me being overly sensitive? No, that didn’t quite fit since I felt a bit of a vibe similar to that of the Comprachico. But nothing felt like mind manipulation was going on.
As I thought about it, no answers came, so I gave up. If I couldn’t figure it out right now, I’ll find out through action. That’s the best method.
“Should we just wait?”
“Let’s do that. If it’s Aunt Amelie, she must have some thoughts on this.”
“That much is certain.”
Now was not the time to complain about being in a basement. After all, I almost got kicked out of the forest for real once. Sure, it was a bit frustrating that there were no windows to see outside, but…
“This is my first time in the Elven Forest. It’s a really beautiful place.”
“Right? It’s just as nature intended!”
“It was a bit unexpected that it’s not managed at all.”
Since staying silent felt a bit off, I decided to switch to another topic to lighten the mood. I had quickly checked things out as we entered the forest, and the natural beauty was splendid.
When I mentioned that, Clara broke into a bright smile for the first time in a while. We chatted about it for what felt like at least 30 minutes before the previously closed door of the basement finally opened.
“Did you behave well and wait~?”
“Aunt Amelie!”
“You finally made it.”
“I told you it wasn’t an easy task, right? Figuring out Cluna’s destination.”
Clara and I both instantly shut our mouths. The cheerful atmosphere from just now had vanished without a trace. If Amelie’s words were true, where exactly was Cluna headed?
However, Clara was told to go away. Basically, that meant it was a very dangerous situation. So, it was best to stop her first…
“Really?! Do you know where Mom went?!”
“Of course~! Did you ever see me lie?”
“No! Aunt has never really lied.”
“Wait a moment…”
“Let’s hurry over there! Commander!”
“Calm down, Clara.”
If it had been a normal day, it wouldn’t have been such a big deal. I would have reluctantly gone along with her exuberance. But this time was different. Our lives were at stake.
If it were just me, it might have been different. But I couldn’t forget the image of Cluna harshly sending off her beloved daughter. Cluna was definitely in some immense danger right now.
I didn’t know the reason why. It’s true that I felt a bit upset about why she hadn’t told us. But as the commander, I had to distinguish between public and personal matters.
“Where’s Cluna right now?”
“Let’s see, probably the heart of the forest?”
“Isn’t that a dangerous place?”
“It’s not just dangerous; it’s really, really dangerous.”
“Then we absolutely have to go!”
I had to separate business from personal feelings. But before that, I didn’t want to head to a dangerous place because… I was scared! It’s better to avoid fighting whenever possible. Getting hurt in a fight is no fun.
I didn’t want to die either. Especially the last time when my arm got twisted, after everything calmed down, it was truly hell. So, I tried to stop Clara before she said anything.
“Didn’t the Commander say? We need to confirm with our own eyes!”
“…….”
Ah, that was it. I just blurted that out to care for her mental state. And yet, here it was biting me in the foot. Hearing that, Amelie started whistling as she spoke.
“Exactly~ Until you check, you can’t be certain, right?”
“Why do you look so thrilled?”
“Me? No way. But if you really hate it, you could stay here!”
“No! I wanna go! I’ll go even alone!”
“……let’s go together.”
I couldn’t possibly beat the passionate heart of a daughter worried about her mother. Besides, having already let that slip, I had lost my reason to stop her.
Before we left the basement, Amelie handed us a mask and a purple robe that could cover our bodies. She said it was the official uniform of the tracking squad she operated?
“Tracking squad?”
“In easy terms, they’re my soldiers~ The Guardians of the Forest have a lot of work to do to protect the forest.”
“Soldiers?”
Even if they’re Guardians of the Forest, is it okay to have soldiers so openly? I felt a slight doubt but shrugged it off and accepted what she handed me.
The mask was some weird stone mask. It didn’t have any expression; it only had eye holes cut out. Putting on the outfit made me feel like I turned into some sort of villain.
“Looks good on you~ Clara!”
“Really? Thanks!”
“Yeah~ It’d be great if you could keep wearing it.”
“Sorry, can’t do that. I’m busy right now.”
“Amelie, I’d appreciate it if you could hold back on your suggestions.”
“You’re too sensitive~.”
Amelie mischievously laughed as she stepped away from Clara, who was stuck close to her. No matter how I looked at it, it felt off. But for now, there wasn’t much I could do.
We stepped out of the basement. A house made of vines and leaves hung up on a tree came into view. I heard it was made using natural materials that had completed their lives…
“But why is Cluna in a place like that?”
“To fulfill the Guardian’s duty.”
“Guardian’s duty?”
“Yeah, it’s about risking your life to protect the forest.”
“……”
“Of course, I hope she doesn’t die, but~.”
That made it clear. The Elf named Amelie hoped for something regarding Cluna. What on earth could it be? She’s a fellow Guardian of the Forest? Could it be jealousy?
However, I couldn’t say for sure. Amelie didn’t give off any negative vibes right now. In fact, there was a friendly feeling coming from her. But I knew.
Having been treated like a fool for over 20 days without a break, I could sense it. Amelie wanted Cluna to die right now. I was about to say something when…
“Ugh…!!”
“Clara?”
“Ah~ It seems to be starting~.”
Clara let out a moan. I startled and quickly tried to support her, but she was faster. Clara’s swaying body stopped like she was gripped by a headache.
“This mask has a special spell engraved.”
“…….”
“Once you put it on, your mind fades away and you become a puppet, moving according to what I say.”
“……”
“It’s a pretty basic engraving, so most people would catch on quickly. But those Royal Knights, why is it so easy for them?”
She seemed to think I had completely fallen for it. She kept rambling on. Since Clara wasn’t responding, it looked like she really had turned into a puppet.
But for some unknown reason, it seemed I was unaffected. Could it be that the engraving was messed up? A thousand thoughts crossed my mind, but right now, it was crucial to play it cool.
“It seems almost everyone’s gathered.”
Amelie stuck her finger in her mouth and whistled. Immediately, Elves wearing the same stone masks and purple robes moved in perfect unison. Clara was among them.
Worried I might miss Clara, I quickly ran to stand next to her. Thankfully, Amelie didn’t seem to notice at all. If we got caught here, it would be all over.
Of course, escaping wasn’t hard. I could just use Time Stop and run away. Since she mentioned it was a basic engraving, the brainwashing effect would vanish once I took off the mask.
However, if I ran away like this, Cluna might end up in danger. So at the very least, I had to find out what Amelie was aiming for.
It seemed Amelie was unaware of the thoughts swirling in my mind. She burst out laughing. Her smile had a hint of a blush, which was seriously creepy.
“Finally, I can have you in my hands~ Cluna!”
The drool dripping from her mouth was nothing short of being labeled a freak. Watching that made me click my tongue. So, this was that infamous Bovimchung, huh?
But for now, she didn’t know anything.
Let’s wait a bit longer until things become clearer.
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