We were immediately exiled from the forest.
In a way, it was expected. To the Elves, the World Tree was a being close to God, a protector that kept their home safe without any conditions, and a principle of nature.
Even though there was a condition of offering an Elf as a sacrifice, the other Elves would never know such a fact. If you think about it, it was rather fortunate that it ended with exile.
However, while the polluted World Tree was dealt with, not all issues were resolved. In fact, the real beginning was just now. They had to move forward without the World Tree.
“Exile, huh. I guess we won’t be able to see the forest again.”
“Probably.”
“Any regrets?”
“No, I have no regrets.”
“I see.”
Before leaving, Cluna had a brief encounter with Amelie. At first, they worried about possibly fighting, but fortunately, the meeting began in a calm atmosphere.
“With what face do you come to find me?”
“Touchy, huh~ Well, is that really surprising?”
“It was a mistake to touch my daughter.”
“I know. But, I have no regrets either.”
For just a moment, Cluna and Amelie locked eyes. The unwavering momentum clashed and pressured the surroundings. The only one who could stop it was Clara.
“Mom, I’m okay.”
“Clara….”
“I can’t forgive you for manipulating me, but I understand, Aunt.”
“Are you still calling me Aunt?”
“Yeah, after all, Aunt tried to save Mom.”
“…You’re so naive, Clara. Or maybe just a fool?”
This time, Clara seemed ready to charge at Amelie, but Cluna barely managed to hold her back. Watching them made it feel less like they were enemies and more like unpleasant rivals.
However, Amelie made a wrong choice. She was willing to sacrifice everything for Cluna. And that included Clara. Naturally, they became foes.
With that brief confrontation, we immediately boarded the carriage. Soon, the horses let out a neighing noise as they started running forward. We could only sit quietly as the horses gained momentum.
“Are both of you really okay?”
Inside the carriage, I brought up a sensitive topic. It was about our exile from the forest. Amelie would face punishment, but she wouldn’t be hit with the huge penalty of exile immediately.
According to the elders, sacrificing a person was apparently the right decision at that moment or something like that. It was certainly annoying how those old geezers kept showing up from start to finish.
“To shift the responsibility, huh.”
“Pardon?”
“Nothing. What about my answer?”
“I’m fine.”
“Me too.”
Cluna and Clara didn’t regret leaving the forest. They had already decided to leave in the first place, and having seen so much until now, they were unwavering.
In the end, it turned out to be a good thing for me. At least it wouldn’t be a rebellion like in the Elven Forest. Unlike them, I said I’d remember this incident back at the Elven Forest.
“That means the relationship with the Elves will be rocky for a while.”
“It can’t be helped.”
“I guess ignorant beliefs can be frightening.”
For now, things might go poorly, but I still thought the day would come when harmony would return. Just like in this game meta. Ultimately, I departed alone once more.
“Well, speaking of which, I never expected to bolt out of the forest this soon.”
“Is that really surprising?”
“Of course.”
While joining the storyline, the Elves were famously known for being very conservative. Even when a sword was thrust at them, they defended the system of the World Tree.
The evaluation of the Elves also wouldn’t change much. Even if they were to resurrect the World Tree, I sighed. They were quite the bothersome lot.
Our carriage continued without rest. There were ways to go back using the forest paths, but Cluna and Clara were too worn out for that.
Having been away from the fortress for a while, I thought I’d just hole up and sleep when we got back. However, as we approached, Clara appeared worried.
“Is something wrong?”
“No, it’s just… a bit awkward.”
“Awkward?”
“Yeah, I’m not sure what to say.”
“Aha.”
I smirked and laughed. Come to think of it, Clara had been really angry in front of everyone when Cluna left the letter. She probably felt embarrassed about that now.
“Don’t worry too much. Everyone won’t think too deeply about it.”
“R-Right?”
“Um, yeah. Of course, I remember everything though.”
“Commander! That’s unfair!!”
“What are you talking about?”
At that moment, Cluna, who had left earlier and didn’t know the circumstances, tilted her head in confusion. Just as I was about to explain it to her, Clara grabbed me as if to trap me. It was a bit noisy, but not a bad atmosphere.
When we returned to Lionheart Fortress as expected, everyone welcomed us without care. Especially, they were relieved to see Cluna with us.
“Wasn’t I right? Everyone’s welcoming us.”
“…Well, you’re right, Commander.”
“Hm, they’ve probably forgotten everything that happened.”
Of course, it was too recent to refer to it as ‘the past.’ Clara blushed and turned her head away at my words. Seems like she got convinced by what I said. That’s good enough.
“Great job, Commander.”
“Thanks for working hard in my place, Yuren.”
“Eh, this is nothing.”
Yuren shrugged as she said that. However, this time, Yuren also contributed a lot. She had done an excellent job acting as the interim commander in my absence.
If she hadn’t been there, I wouldn’t have gone crazy and charged into the Elven Forest. Nothing would have worked without the commander. I wondered if there were any other unusual matters.
“Speaking of which, there was a peculiar request.”
“A peculiar request?”
“Yeah. We haven’t dispatched anyone yet since we still have some leisure time. But I think it’s best to read the contents first.”
Yuren said that and handed me a letter. Damn, I can’t catch a break at all. I couldn’t openly complain, so instead, I grimaced as I took it.
*
I truly owed the commander a lot.
From the time I first met the commander to now, I could never repay the kindness I received from her with anything. Coincidentally, the mother and daughter had the same thought.
To Clara, she was a wonderful commander who rebuilt the fallen Royal Knights. To Cluna, she was a savior of the family who saved both herself and her daughter.
The commander said it was good to have many talks with family once we got back. They agreed with her. So, as soon as we arrived, they dashed into their room.
Of course, there was a barrage of questions from the comrades, but it was none other than the commander who blocked that. It seemed I was relying on her once more. Cluna thought that and started off first.
“I’m sorry.”
“Huh? For what?”
“For always acting without telling you.”
“…….”
I thought it was for family. Now and back then, what was most precious to her was family. But I hadn’t considered that it might hurt them.
If it weren’t for the teachings from the commander, I wouldn’t have noticed. Clara, who was shocked by Cluna’s apology, eventually smiled bashfully and replied to her.
“I’m the one who should apologize. I didn’t listen to mom well.”
“Clara….”
“So, let’s promise. We won’t let this happen again.”
“Yeah, let’s do so.”
Clara extended her pinky with a smile, and Cluna responded with her own. The promise made by linking fingers carried a weight much heavier than what it appeared to be.
“By the way, I wonder what the commander is doing right now?”
That was simply a matter of curiosity. It’s only natural to be curious about what someone interesting is doing. But an unexpected reaction came back.
“C-Commander? Why are you suddenly bringing that up?”
“……???”
Clara narrowed her eyes. A panicked answer that slipped out without her noticing. Her blushing face and unsure gaze were signs that couldn’t be mistaken.
“Mom, could it be…?”
“Y-you! What are you trying to say in such a shameful manner?!”
“No, it’s okay. I understand.”
I understand. I truly do. After all, her mother had a politically arranged marriage. It can’t be said there was no love, but it’s been a long time.
And for sure, the commander was an incredibly handsome man, even from the Elves’ perspective. Once you say something, you have to take responsibility and never run away from it, no matter the situation.
“But I won’t give in either.”
“Clara? What does that mean? You too?”
“Right. Somehow, it turned out that way.”
Cluna silently looked at Clara. Clara also didn’t shy away from that gaze. In the middle, a feeling like sparks flying began to brew—was it just an illusion? No, it surely wasn’t.
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