Chapter 22
‘We’ll have to develop the forest.’
Fernan looked around.
Because the trees were so densely packed, the deeper into the forest one went, the warmer it became.
Especially beneath the forest—close to the center of the capital—the trees blocked the wind, making the area unusually warm.
He thought it wouldn’t be a bad idea to develop the territory now, not just to make a place for Liam to live. It would be difficult to live on such barren land at first, but that was a problem money could solve.
Besides, Liam’s magic was in the symbiotic school of magic, which was specialized in growing crops. He would adapt quickly.
‘Things are going to get busy.’
Fernan rotated his stiff shoulders. The creaking of his body didn’t feel good.
‘Feels like I’m going to lose control soon.’
He had only just regained his human form—he didn’t want to turn back into a demon.
He wanted to be with Elrdin again soon, and the frustrating circumstances made him irritable.
Leaving behind Liam, who kept shouting thanks, he headed deeper into the forest.
***
Knock knock—at the sound of a knock, Elrdin opened the door to find Liam standing there.
“Liam? What’s going on?”
Elrdin asked curiously. He beamed brightly as he replied.
“I look forward to working with you, my lady! I’ve just become the first resident of the territory!”
Hearing this, Elrdin joyfully took his hand.
“Really? Congratulations! I look forward to working with you too. I’ll do my best to make this a wonderful place to live.”
“Oh no, there’s no need. Just your presence here is already a huge help.”
Elrdin laughed at his cheerful words. After exchanging greetings, Liam bowed deeply.
“Then I’ll go fetch my little sister who’s waiting outside.”
“You have a sister? Be careful and come back safely, both of you.”
Elrdin smiled warmly and waved.
***
‘Why isn’t he coming?’
Eventually, Elrdin began eating alone, staring at the empty seat across from her.
Dinner time had long since passed, but Fernan was nowhere to be seen.
He wasn’t the type to skip out without saying anything. Could something have happened?
She finally put down her utensils and called for Molek.
“You called, my lady?”
As always, Molek approached with a smiling face.
“Where is Fernan?”
“Oh, the master said something came up. He’ll likely return tomorrow. Please don’t worry.”
He laughed lightly as he replied.
Elrdin hid her disappointment, forcing a smile and nodding.
After finishing her meal alone, she was about to head up to her room but instead picked up a candle and went outside the castle.
If she was going to look at the night sky, she wanted to do it from the greenhouse—the one he had gifted her. On the way to the garden, she looked up. The sky was particularly dark tonight, and the stars were shining vividly.
‘Maybe I’ll even see the Milky Way tonight.’
With excited little steps, she quickly made her way to the garden.
“Oh my…”
As she entered, Elrdin was left speechless.
The dark sky was already filled with countless stars, forming the Milky Way.
The cluster of stars shimmered with a greenish glow, and fireflies lit up the fields as they fluttered about.
Enchanted by the scene, she began walking through the garden, recalling the spaces Fernan had escorted her through that morning.
Elrdin tilted her head and gazed into the lake.
The transparent waters were already overflowing with stars.
It was almost as if she could reach in and grab one. Stars filled the lake to the brim.
Placing the candle down beside her, she knelt and dipped her hand into the water. Ripples spread gently across the surface.
Suddenly, an unexplained impulse hit her—she wanted to go in.
She reminded herself not to act on such whims, but her eyes were already scanning her surroundings.
She had never entered the water without permission, so even dipping her toes in felt like a big step.
Just then, as she glanced around, something caught her eye. Her expression grew serious as she stared into the forest.
Something was distorted deep within those woods.
She knew she should return to the castle and not approach it—but strangely, her heart wouldn’t listen.
An odd sensation tugged at her, insisting she had to go there.
‘Something’s wrong.’
Since coming here, Elrdin had been doing things she never would have done before. Strange urges kept rising in her.
Her previous impulses hadn’t exactly brought good results—only regret—but in the end, she moved her feet once again.
Elrdin took the candle and slowly stepped into the dark forest.
***
“Grr…”
Fernan’s body began to transform back into his demonic form. Black fur and scales spread across his body. His arms grew massive, his claws thick and long like a beast’s. His legs shortened, hidden beneath thick fur.
His whole body ached as if it would shatter.
Perhaps sensing his presence, the forest had gone utterly silent. No animal cries, no insect buzzes. Not even a breeze.
Only one massive creature stood in the forest.
And then, rustle—footsteps on grass came from behind.
Startled, Fernan turned around.
‘How?’
He couldn’t believe what he was seeing.
How was Elrdin here? How had she found him? He had placed wards so no one could ever find this place.
Beyond the faint candlelight, he saw Elrdin’s pale face.
Blood-red pupils stared at her.
“Ah…”
Thud—the candle dropped from Elrdin’s hand.
The flame that had lit the space between them vanished. Fernan quickly turned his head.
The sight of him now was enough to strike fear into anyone.
He felt her breath tremble in the wind. She was afraid of him.
Fernan’s face twisted with pain.
His head knew it was natural—but his heart refused to accept it. His chest ached with anxiety.
He couldn’t bear to look at her face. He was certain her eyes were now filled with fear and disgust.
The moment he sensed her hand reaching out, Fernan bolted. He had to hide—somewhere, anywhere.
He began tearing through the forest in search of a cave. His heart pounded as if it would burst. He couldn’t shake the feeling that she was chasing him.
Eventually, he spotted a hollow beneath a large tree.
“Grrr…”
In pain from bones twisting, he let out a low growl and rushed into the dark cave. Sharp scales tore through his skin, scraping against the cave walls.
Dust fell with every movement. He had to go deeper, deeper still.
He didn’t want to see the light outside. Just the thought of it burned his eyes.
Breathing heavily, he shoved his body into the farthest depths of the cave.
From afar, Elrdin reached toward the fleeing creature. Her outstretched hand trembled violently.
‘He must be hurt.’
Elrdin clasped her hands tightly. She hadn’t meant to scare or hurt him.
She had simply been startled by a creature she’d never seen before. But the wounded look in his eyes wouldn’t leave her mind.
Still, it was too late to chase him now. The distance between them had grown too far.
If she’d just had a little more courage, this might never have happened.
She should return to the castle—but her feet wouldn’t move.
In the end, Elrdin stood there for a long time, unable to turn back or move forward, staring at the place where he had disappeared.
***
“My lady! Where have you been!”
“I’m sorry. I lost track of time while walking.”
“You have to dress more warmly when you go out!”
Cyllene took Elrdin’s cold hands in hers, upset.
Elrdin gave a sheepish smile and let her lead her back inside.
Back in her room with the warm milk Cyllene had brought, Elrdin recalled the creature she had seen.
Remembering the sorrowful eyes of the beast, she slowly drifted into sleep.
***
That night, Elrdin had a dream.
She was a young girl living in a small rural estate.
Her legs were full of energy, her heart full of confidence, and her eyes sparkled with mischief.
Elrdin would always run around, playing tricks on the villagers.
But they all just laughed and affectionately called her a rascal.
Each day was full of joy and love.
But there was one place the villagers strictly warned her not to go—the forest on the village hill. They said it was okay to play there during the day, but never at night.
In the dream, Elrdin always followed their words—until one day, a sudden urge made her want to go at night.
So she left a note and snuck out under the dark sky.
Passing the blue hills, she stood before the dark forest, heart pounding, and took a step forward.
“This is boring.”
She kicked a rock at her feet.
It wasn’t as thrilling as the adults made it out to be. Turning back in boredom, she caught sight of a black figure.
Eyes sparkling, she hid behind a tree.
“Oh my…”
The black figure wasn’t human. It was something else entirely. Her eyes gleamed with wonder. The black creature was searching for something.
Then, rustle—a sound made it jump and look back.
“Hehe, hi!”
Elrdin smiled brightly and waved. The creature looked confused and glanced around.
“What’s your name?”
As she stepped closer with a smile, the creature flinched and backed away.
With each step she took, it moved further back—until it bumped into a tree and realized it had nowhere else to go.
It bared its fangs and growled.
“It’s okay, it’s okay.”
Elrdin tried to calm it, approaching slowly.
It growled louder, but when she didn’t retreat, it shrank back again, seemingly confused.
Just before her hand could touch it, the creature suddenly twisted its body and bolted.
“Wait!”
She reached out, her fingertips brushing the edge of its fur.
Already, it was far off in the distance.
But there was no reason to just watch.
Her legs still held strength.
‘I have to catch him.’
The girl version of Elrdin vanished, and she returned to her true self.
She stomped forward with determination.
“Fernan!”
At her shout, the creature came to a stop.
