We live at the foothills of Dragon Peak.
“Elnea-kun, you’re late?”
“This is troubling, isn’t it?”
“Fufufu, that’s just like Elnea-kun, isn’t it?”
Beside Mistral, who offered a wry smile, I too couldn’t help but let my shoulders slump.
The reason for this was quite simple.
“The crucial Elnea-kun is the only one late.”
“Our guide, Elnea-kun, is the only one missing.”
So laughed Yufilia and Nina.
“Hahahaha! I’m worried about Elnea-sama!”
“If Laira is here, it means you didn’t sneak ahead, did you?”
Laira flustered and Sefina, stroking her, advised.
“Elnea-kun wouldn’t break a promise without a reason. Therefore, I ask everyone from the Shooting Star group not to misunderstand.”
Madrine explained to the Shooting Star members, who had all arrived at their destination without anyone falling behind.
“Fufu, fufufu. As expected, Elnea-sama is quite an amusing person, isn’t he?”
“That idiotic Dragon King. Making us go through all this trouble, and what is he doing himself!”
Elin and Astel, who arrived together.
Were these two really in constant conflict with each other? Now, they were firmly united by the friendship of teasing Elnea-kun.
“Honestly, that boy…”
And then, Mistral again looked around and gave a wry smile.
Yes, it’s Ruiseine.
Inspired daily by the Shooting Star Miko who is staying long-term in the Forbidden Territory, I am Ruiseine, constantly realizing my own shortcomings.
Fufufu. Perhaps Elnea-kun would think so?
He is always full of energy, our beloved and precious husband.
However, that husband is currently missing.
When Elnea-kun left the mansion, he said he was going to pay his respects to the Wind Spirit King who had settled in Wind Valley, and for the training of the Mimicho race.
“Let’s gather at the entrance of Wind Valley in five days.”
Anyone who is late or doesn’t reach the destination will be disqualified.
For us and the Shooting Star Miko, disqualification would not be a major issue. However, for the Mimicho race, being late would incur a severe penalty of being unable to participate in the training that would take place in Wind Valley.
Therefore, the Mimicho people desperately made their way to this gathering place.
Splendidly, neither the Shooting Star Miko nor the Mimicho people had any dropouts or disqualifications.
However…
“Oh my, oh my, that’s just like Elnea-kun, isn’t it?”
Remarkably, Elnea-kun, the planner of the event and tasked with the important role of introducing the Mimicho people to the Wind Spirit King, was late.
Even when Mistral sensed for his presence, unfortunately, there was no sign of Elnea-kun nearby.
I also strained my eyes to look around, but I couldn’t see Elnea-kun’s Dragon Energy.
In other words, Elnea-kun alone would not make it in time for the appointment.
“Knowing Elnea, perhaps he first climbed the Sacred Mountain?”
Everyone in the family nodded at Mistral’s speculation.
“But, since it’s Elnea-kun, he probably got caught up in some trouble after that, didn’t he?”
“As expected, we shouldn’t let him act alone, should we?”
“Fufufu, indeed.”
Although Mistral spoke words that sounded troublesome and offered a wry smile, in his heart, he was genuinely smiling.
The fact that Mistral’s beautifully shining Dragon Energy was pure was proof of this.
Not only I, but all of Elnea-kun’s closest family members were smiling from their hearts.
However, considering the Shooting Star Miko and the Mimicho people who had desperately reached their destination, we couldn’t openly laugh at Elnea-kun’s “trouble-attracting nature.”
“…The scheduled time has already passed.”
We departed from the front entrance of the mansion five days ago, early in the morning.
Exactly five days have passed since then, and the sun is now at its zenith.
Unfortunately, Elnea-kun is confirmed as a dropout.
“It can’t be helped,” Mistral said, giving up on Elnea-kun’s arrival, and turned his attention to the Mimicho people and the entrance of Wind Valley.
“That person is a rare individual, unswayed by my machinations of wind.”
I see. Standing at the entrance of Wind Valley, though not materialized, the great Wind Spirit King was present. And, just like us, he was smiling.
“I read the winds over a wider range than you. Therefore, I am more knowledgeable about that person’s movements than you are. The fact that he did not show himself at the appointed time must mean he entrusts this place to you. Therefore, I forgive it. Mistral, daughter of the Dragon Race, you shall proceed in his stead.”
Although I could not see the materialized form of the Wind Spirit King, those of the Ys Family could hear the voices of all things. And so, Mistral became Elnea-kun’s representative.
The Mimicho people have been tense since they arrived at this place.
And it’s no wonder, is it? The great Wind Spirit King is nearby. And from now on, under the guidance of the Wind Spirit King, the Mimicho people will learn the correct way to form bonds with spirits.
“Then, I willpresumptuously take charge in Elnea’s stead.”
Saying this, Mistral stood between those gathered at the appointed place and the Wind Spirit King.
A mighty wind began to blow.
And finally, the Wind Spirit King materialized.
He appeared as an incredibly beautiful adult male, with long, beautiful, deep green hair flowing in the wind.
“As expected, it’s a male form when Elnea-kun isn’t here.”
“As expected, it’s a male form when Elnea-kun’s influence isn’t present.”
The Mimicho people were half male and half female. However, the rest were women, like us and the Shooting Stars. Therefore, the materialized form of the Wind Spirit King was male. The Shooting Stars were astounded by the Wind Spirit King’s extraordinarily beautiful appearance. Conversely, the Mimicho people became even more tense at the presence of the materialized Wind Spirit King.
“Wind Spirit King. These individuals are the ones who will undergo the trial this time.”
Mistral, on behalf of the frozen Mimicho people, introduced each one. The Wind Spirit King looked at each of the Mimicho people being introduced with his beautiful, thoughtful eyes.
“Oh, Mimicho people, who once committed a transgression. I shall forgive you. However, you are still immature beings who have not even set foot on the foundation of being Mimicho. Therefore, shall I not mercifully guide you? But, it will not be easy.”
When all introductions were finished, the Wind Spirit King’s words were carried by the wind. Surely, the Wind Spirit King’s voice could reach the Mimicho people who remained at the mansion, having decided to forgo this trial due to their lack of ability.
The Wind Spirit King’s magnanimity in forgiving the past sins of the Mimicho people. However, he also possessed the sternness of a Spirit King, the father and mother of spirits. A profound wind filled the gathering place. In my eyes, I could see a world dyed a dazzling deep green.
The Wind Spirit King turned his gaze to Mistral, the representative. Understanding the Wind Spirit King’s intent, Mistral conveyed the details of the upcoming trial to the Mimicho people.
“Then, unlike Elnea, who arrived here as promised, I will convey the trial to you in his stead.”
At Mistral’s words, the tips of the Mimicho people’s long ears twitched. No matter how tense they were by the Wind Spirit King’s presence, it would be meaningless to miss the details of the trial Mistral was about to convey. All the Mimicho people awaited Mistral’s words, as if bracing themselves.
We had been told in advance by Elnea-kun. What kind of trials awaited the Mimicho people in Wind Valley. The meeting between the Mimicho people and the Wind Spirit King was not a trial itself. It was an important greeting to those who would be taking care of them.
Therefore, if they were already frozen with tension just by the Wind Spirit King’s presence, the future would be truly difficult, we inwardly worried for the Mimicho people. However, Mistral, unconcerned with the Ys Family’s worries, smoothly conveyed the details of the trial.
“You will now enter Wind Valley. And you will learn to command spirits. However, it is not without a deadline. Those who do not forge bonds with spirits by the end of this year will be considered to have failed the trial.”
At Mistral’s declaration, a wave of unease spread through the Mimicho people, who had been tense until then. And then, some began to look at each other or express their anxiety. And it was indeed understandable.
Because ever since the Mimicho people began living in this Forbidden Territory, they had desperately tried to regain their bonds with spirits. However, with the exception of a few who were able to relocate to the Dragon King’s Forest, they were still unable to command spirits. And yet, they were told to accomplish a difficult task within the year that they had never been able to achieve before, so it was natural for them to panic.
However, Mistral ruthlessly cut through the Mimicho people’s anxiety.
“Elnea once underwent a similar trial to yours. At that time, Elnea, who was so immature that she couldn’t even perform the Dragon Sword Dance properly, was given a trial by Lord Jiludo to inherit the title of Dragon King by the end of the year, or their marriage promise would be broken.”
I know it well. How much Elnea-kun struggled to overcome the rigorous trials imposed by Lord Sleigsta. That is precisely why I understand how lenient the trial awaiting the Mimicho people is. Because, isn’t it?
Unlike Elnea-kun of the past, the Mimicho people have another chance if they fail this trial. Mistral did not say it was a trial that could only be attempted once in a lifetime. Although there is a deadline, if they fail this time, they can challenge it a second time. Moreover, the trial in Wind Valley will be conducted under the guidance of the Wind Spirit King. Compared to Elnea-kun’s trial, where he had to risk his one and only chance at forging a bond with Mistral, and could not receive Lord Sleigsta’s help or Mistral’s assistance, this is much easier, isn’t it?
Not only I, but all of Elnea-kun’s family know this. Especially Mistral, who had been silently watching Elnea-kun’s struggles at that time, knows deeply what a truly difficult trial is, so she shows no mercy.
“Of course, you will continue to live self-sufficiently. As Mimicho, it is only natural that you can live self-sufficiently in the deep forest, isn’t it?”
Eek! A female Mimicho cried out. By the end of the year, they must forge bonds with spirits under the strict guidance of the Wind Spirit King. On top of that, if they are to live self-sufficiently, the burden on the Mimicho people will be considerable. But that is the trial this time.
To live in harmony with nature. To coexist and prosper with spirits, and to survive by commanding them. To overcome hunger and thirst, they must learn and acquire the ability to interact with nature. To endure the harsh cold of winter that will rapidly arrive, they will inevitably have to rely on spirits. The meaning of this trial is to learn how to interact with nature and spirits, something they could not experience in the mansion in the Forbidden Territory.
However, no one wishes for them to lose their lives or suffer physical or mental harm. Therefore, Mistral finally said gently.
“Absolutely do not overdo it. I want you to learn the importance of knowing your limits and having the courage to retreat sometimes.”
That’s right. It’s different from the trial Elnea-kun underwent. Even if they fail this time, they can challenge it a second, or third time. What’s important is their unceasing effort to overcome the trial and their unwavering spirit.
Did they correctly receive our feelings? At first, the Mimicho people were tense by the Wind Spirit King’s presence, and were shocked or perplexed by the trial details conveyed by Mistral, but their eyes began to light up with strong will. At the same time, their spirit power, which had been wavering like an unreliable wind, began to stabilize.
“Everyone, please be careful on your way.”
In response to our farewell, the Mimicho people nodded firmly. And with strong determination, they walked towards Wind Valley.
“I am grateful to you. For entrusting this land to me. For entrusting me with the guidance of the Mimicho. Please convey this gratitude to Elnea, who is not present.”
The Wind Spirit King, turning into the wind itself, returned, as if following the Mimicho people who had entered Wind Valley through spatial jump. Seeing off the Wind Spirit King and the Mimicho people, we, too, relaxed our shoulders.
“Shall we wait a little longer for Elnea’s arrival?”
Without Mistral having to say it, Sefina began to set up a resting area.
“Muki! Elnea-kun will be punished when he arrives!”
“But Elnea-kun will surely not arrive while we are waiting.”
“But Elnea-kun will surely not arrive even when we are leaving.”
“Hahahaha! I want to go look for Elnea-sama!”
“Oh my, oh my. Laira-san, that won’t do, will it? The promise was to act alone until we got here, wasn’t it?”
Therefore, Elnea-kun. Even if you get caught up in some commotion with someone, you must not bring them here when you arrive! As we all laughed and looked up at the sky, it was then.
Five black pegasi were seen flying away in the distant eastern sky, and this time, everyone was surprised.
“Were there pegasi, or magic beasts, living in the Forbidden Territory?”
“Whoa, oh. Look, a horse with wings is flying! Priscilla wants to ride a flying horse!”
“Priscilla, that’s impossible. Even if we chase them now, we won’t be able to catch up to those black pegasi.”
“And besides, I don’t even know what pegasi are!?”
Priscilla-chan, from within Rin-san’s arms, spread her hands towards the sky. Yun-san was comforting her. Priscilla-chan’s mother also stared curiously at the five black pegasi flying away into the eastern sky. Everyone wondered about the appearance of the black pegasi, which no one had ever seen before, and talked about where they lived.
However, only my Dragon Eye captured it. The presence of those riding the black pegasi, and their overwhelming magic power.
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