We live in the foothills of Dragon Peak.
The Undertaker of the Sage
“…It is only because we were insufficient that Yun-sama was involved, and the Forest of Dawn has fallen into the hands of the Giant Tribe.”
The long story of Yun and Gorigal has ended.
A step towards peace and betrayal that occurred at the eastern end of the Great Forest. Gorigal and the Mimicho Race who live in the Forest of Dawn had their hopes crushed, leaving only the seeds of hatred between their kin.
Grave, who had initially listened as if it were someone else’s problem, stating he would not interfere in the disputes of different races in different regions, became serious midway through. Carly and the others, who had held a considerable amount of rejection towards Yun for his taboo act, began to shift their anger not towards Yun, but towards the betraying Mimicho Race upon hearing of the incident in the Great Forest.
And so, as we listened for any potential solutions to the problem, we found ourselves empathizing as if the events were our own. Lyra, in fact, had started shedding tears midway.
I have experienced many battles before, and I have desperately pushed forward to protect those precious to me and the world. I have faced numerous difficulties, compromises, insurmountable walls, and absurdities. In such times, I always recall the words of Jiludo, one of my masters.
“If you truly do not wish to lose what is precious to you, do not hesitate to use dirty tricks at times.”
Ideally, I do not want to resort to dirty tricks or cowardly means. I wish to face and overcome problems head-on, with integrity.
But the world is not that gentle.
No matter how hard you try, there are times when your opponent is far more skilled.
That is why, if necessary, yes, if it means protecting my family, I will do anything.
And there is someone who has proceeded with the same thought process as me, and has actually resorted to taboo acts to protect their companions.
It is Yun.
It seems Yun has not only absorbed the Light Spirit who guarded the Jewel of Dawn, but also the Spirits of fire, wind, flowers, and stone who guarded the jewels in other regions.
From what I hear, all the Spirits entrusted themselves to Yun. The Spirits, wounded by the loss of the jewels they guarded, entrusted their future to Yun and became sustenance for him.
Of course, everything was told by Yun, and I do not know the truth.
However, there was something I could be certain of.
Yun is someone whom everyone likes.
During the long story, the Mimicho Race gathered in the back of the room, and everyone was worried about Yun’s condition. Gorigal, who was supporting him, also spoke while being concerned about Yun’s state.
Furthermore, Carly was perplexed.
To prevent interference from the outside or unrest from within, Carly had covered the area around the room with a barrier of Spirit Arts.
Then, strangely, the natural Spirits that existed outside of her command began to gather during the discussion.
The gathered Spirits seemed worried about something, milling about the barrier Carly had erected.
“Um, Yunyun is worried, she says.”
Then, with Priscilla-chan’s words, I understood.
The Spirits are concerned about Yun, who should have committed a taboo. This would not happen unless they held him in very high regard.
…Or rather, you shouldn’t question why Priscilla-chan, instead of Carly, the caster of the barrier, could communicate with the Spirits outside.
In any case, I finally understood the incident in the Great Forest and the situation of Gorigal and his kin.
The Forest of Dawn, betrayed and trapped, was attacked by the Giant Tribe. The Bewildering Technique was ineffective, and the people of the Forest of Dawn, who had their villages invaded, lost their treasured forest in vain resistance.
Nevertheless, it seems that the few who managed to escape like this were saved by Yun.
However, the Mimicho Race of the Forest of Dawn, who lost their companions and their forest, would face further hardship.
The tribes that had originally opposed peace with the Giant Tribe were furious at Gorigal’s failure, and without even asking for an explanation about the taboo Yun had committed, they sent pursuers.
As Carly and the others showed, resorting to taboo is a grave sin.
Yun committed a taboo to protect everyone. But the price was immeasurable, not only being driven out of the forest but also having his life threatened.
For what is truly precious, one does not shy away from getting their hands dirty. However, even if one dirties not only their hands but also their body and soul, things may not improve.
I cannot help but feel that Yun’s predicament is not entirely unrelated to me. I want to help him somehow.
“So, why did it turn out this way?”
“That’s not it. It’s a misunderstanding, Mistral.”
“I understand Elnea-kun’s feelings, but are you alright?”
“It ended up with relying on Ruiseine, but I thought this was for the best.”
“I am the only one who agrees.”
“Then, Lyra will be in another room instead.”
“Then, I’ll offer Lyra in your place.”
“Hahahaha!”
“Um, this is Ares-chan.”
“Sleepy sleepy.”
“…P-pleased to meet you.”
Yun, who had not only wielded powerful Spirit Arts but was also constantly being eroded by the Spirits he had absorbed, was impossibly weak.
If it were me, I would have lost consciousness with a simple pat on the chest.
Still, Yun acted with surprising fortitude while explaining their current situation, but it seemed he had reached his limit.
Therefore, we interrupted our discussion and took a break.
Grave and his group also seemed to have various thoughts after hearing Yun’s story. We were also tired from the long journey and the commotion.
So, we rented a room to rest…
Even as a guest room, this place is one of the key points protecting the nation’s border. The simple room has only the minimal furniture and one large bedding.
Lying on that bedding was Yun.
“Because, it’s better than a jail cell, right?”
The problem that arose when we took a break was how to handle Yun.
Even though they understood the circumstances, she had indeed caused damage to the fortress. From Grave’s perspective, she was still a dangerous person. It’s understandable that they would be hesitant to let her rest with her own people, fearing she might plot something nefarious. However, taking Yun underground to rest also seemed questionable.
Outside, a winter storm was raging, and the weather was harsh. So we couldn’t just drive her out into such conditions.
And so, I became her guarantor!
“Please don’t interfere with Ares-chan, okay?”
“No problem. I have already lost my ability to interfere with Spirits, as I have broken the taboo. Besides, there are likely no one in the forest who can interfere with such powerful Spirits.”
Priscilla-chan and Ares-chan lie down with Yun on the bedding.
Priscilla-chan seems to be quite fond of Yun. Since Yun is already close to being a Spirit, perhaps she is treating her as an equal and trying to befriend her?
Ares-chan, while wary of Yun for eating Spirits, shows no signs of abhorrence or judgment.
What do the Spirits think about the Mimicho Race’s taboo?
According to Yun’s story, it seems the Spirits offered themselves.
“Well… fine. It’s true that everyone will feel most at ease if you stay by our side.”
Everyone nods at Mistral’s words.
I’m not bragging, but among the Dragon Race in this fortress, my family is the most reliable.
Even if Yun were to rampage again, I believe we could handle her.
It is one of the reasons I became Yun’s guarantor.
I have no wicked intentions. It’s true.
As she lay down with the young girls, Yun’s eyes soon closed.
Her labored breathing gradually became regular, and her brow, which had been furrowed in pain, softened into a peaceful expression during sleep.
Looking only at her sleeping form, she appears to be a delicate, ordinary girl.
However, according to Gorigal’s story, the Sage of the Great Forest is a great Spirit User who is over four hundred years old.
Hmm, you really can’t judge a person by their appearance. Especially the Mimicho Race.
“Elnea, you’re staring too much.”
“I’m sorry.”
As I was gazing at Yun’s sleeping face, Mistral pulled my ear and forcefully turned my face away.
Ruiseine, who was watching Yun’s condition like a Miko by the bedside, also glared at me askance from her lowered gaze.
It’s not that I was looking with any impure thoughts, though. Still, I have no intention of doing anything that would displease my wives.
As I was honestly reflecting, there was a knock-knock at the room door.
“May I come in for a moment?”
When Lyra opened the door, Carly entered.
Carly gave a brief glance at the sleeping Yun, then brought a consultation to us.
“I never imagined such a major problem was occurring in the Eastern Great Forest. So, what are your plans from now on, Elnea?”
I was the one who first approached Carly and the Mimicho Race of the Dragon Forest.
Therefore, Carly seems to want to confirm our future course of action.
Carly and her group are probably undecided on what to do.
As Mimicho Race themselves, they cannot ignore the problems of the Great Forest. They probably want to lend a hand if possible. And, similarly, they cannot abandon the innocent people who have been driven from the forest. However, there is Yun’s problem.
Although they understand the circumstances, they still have reservations about Yun, who has touched upon taboo.
Therefore, they want to consult with us, who have been brought here, on what they should do going forward.
“Um, well, I…”
“It’s a disaster! The forest is in chaos!”
“Wh-what did you say!?”
As I was about to voice my own thoughts regarding the future, Lily’s voice suddenly reached me from my shadow.
What in the world could have happened!?
Carly looked bewildered at me, who had suddenly become flustered.
Damn, Lily’s voice while she’s hiding in my shadow can only be heard by me.
Upon looking, Mistral and the others were also looking at me with concern, my behavior being suspicious.
“N-no, it’s not that. It’s a misunderstanding. Lily has returned. And it seems there’s a problem in the forest.”
Lily had been tasked with tracking the Mimicho Race who were chasing Yun. I had wondered why she hadn’t returned for so long, and it seems she went all the way to the Great Forest.
“So, what’s the problem?”
Putting aside the consultation with Carly for the moment, I placed my hand on my shadow and asked Lily.
“Monsters are overflowing! It’s possible a large number of them might rush over here too!”
“Monsters!?”
At my cry, everyone’s expression turned serious.
“Everyone, this is an emergency! It seems monsters might be pouring in from the Great Forest!”
We must not forget.
The eastern border of the Yorttenitos Kingdom. The numerous fortresses scattered there are bases to counter the threat of monsters from the Great Forest.
But to think that a monster commotion would happen at a time like this!
The torrent of events that has come crashing down at the start of the new year leaves us no time for rest.
“I’m going to tell Grave about this. Everyone else, get some rest for now.”
“Elnea-kun should rest too. Even if you hurry, you can’t go out in this storm.”
“Elnea-kun should also rest. Rushing won’t accomplish anything in this storm.”
“Indeed. Even if monsters attack, we can repel them.”
“Yes, but… Lily was chasing the Mimicho Race, right? And she noticed the monster commotion then…”
That’s right. It’s possible that the Mimicho Race in the Great Forest is about to be attacked by monsters.
I intend to side with Yun to some extent. However, I do not believe that this makes all the Mimicho Race of the Great Forest our enemies.
The current problem is solely with the Giant Tribe invading the forest and the Mimicho Race who betrayed Gorigal and his kin.
I quickly rushed out of the resting room.
