Chapter 71
The sky was gradually turning red.
Even though the sun had not fully set, the forest was already filled with darkness as if all light had vanished.
From afar, it looked like an ordinary forest, but up close, the trees were extremely strange in shape.
Thick, twisted trunks were tangled like monsters frozen in the throes of agony, and the bare branches spread in all directions like claws, ready to scratch anyone who came near.
The ground was strangely damp, and even the faintest breeze made the grass quiver as if hiding something.
Silent, without a single bird’s song, this place was…
“…the Monster Forest.”
Beyond the border, a place where only monsters breathe.
Seeing the forest with one’s own eyes, it truly seemed as if all life were denied entry, justifying its name.
The borderlands could be reached via the portal.
For this, the palace’s elite knights gathered in front of the Amur Temple portal.
There were thirty of them.
Since only the “elite” directly under the Grand Duke were present, the number wasn’t large.
Moreover, in the Monster Forest, having too many people could be a liability. If they scattered, the miasma would likely claim their lives.
“That’s… a scary thought…”
“Princess, or rather, Saint. Is something wrong?”
“No, Locke. It’s been a while since we last met.”
“Yes! Once we enter the forest, our knights will protect you. Please rest assured!”
“Thank you. I’m counting on you.”
I smiled politely at Locke, who looked unusually delighted. Yes, yes. Everyone, please protect me.
Once we pass through the portal, we would quickly reach the borderlands.
However, from the Monster Forest onward, we had to travel on foot—or rather, ride horses in reality.
During the initial exploration of the forest, only the knights entered to pave the way.
But from the middle of the forest, unless the Saint purified it, the miasma was so strong that entry was impossible. From then on, Count Arsen accompanied the party.
‘At first, they weakened the miasma with magical tools and the Grand Duke’s special powers. In the middle, Count Arsen purified it. Now, the count is busy with his domain, so I’m going in instead…’
This meant that the forest was already in the midst of being explored.
Over ten years, the Grand Duke and the knights steadily developed the forest, so the first half was relatively safe. To reach the point where monsters appeared would take several days on horseback.
If that happened, the quest would fail without a doubt.
And now, only three hours remained on the quest timer.
Yet I remained calm because…
“Are you ready, sister?”
“Edwin.”
“It’s warm now, but the forest is cold. I brought extra clothing for you.”
“Thank you, Edwin. I’m fine. You take care of what you need.”
“Packing for you is the most important thing for me right now.”
Edwin had joined this expedition!
‘I knew my little brother was a genius, but this much…!’
To shorten travel time, Edwin planned to teleport from the borderlands to the previously explored forest in one go.
That’s a massive number of people, covering such a distance, in a single jump. Only the current Head of the Mage Tower could even attempt that. And he was already considered an extraordinary mage.
“Edwin… thank you for coming with me.”
“Don’t mention it, sister. I will do anything for you.”
Originally, another mage from the tower was supposed to accompany us, but Edwin volunteered, allowing the expedition schedule to be greatly shortened.
“I will ensure your safety, sister.”
Edwin had joined solely with the goal of protecting me.
‘…Heh. I feel a bit guilty, but seeing him so determined is just too cute!’
I had really lucked out with a little brother…!
Feeling emotional, I gently stroked Edwin’s head.
“Are you ready?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
At that moment, I heard a familiar voice behind me. Turning around, Grand Duke Blake stood there in full knight armor.
‘…Hmm.’
I thought I had grown accustomed to his unreal appearance, but…
The subtle gray knight’s attire rested neatly on his broad shoulders, and thick muscles were clearly visible beneath the fabric.
His dark eyes appeared beneath hair casually swept back.
The sword at his waist made him look like a living painting.
Honestly, he was ridiculously handsome.
As I stared, squinting slightly from the brightness, the Grand Duke approached, puzzled.
“Is something uncomfortable?”
Yes. Your appearance is a bit…
“…No, I’m ready.”
“I see. If anything is uncomfortable, tell me, Priscilla. Above all, your warrior’s safety is most important.”
Saying such kind words with such a stoic face…
‘What does he want from me?’
Caught off guard, I struggled to maintain my composure, though outwardly I tried desperately to appear calm.
“I’ll go say goodbye to my parents before we leave.”
“Do so. I’ll wait at the portal, Priscilla.”
Each time he said my name, my shoulders twitched.
‘Sigh, I have to get used to this.’
I hurried to my parents—not running from the Grand Duke, just eager to say goodbye.
…Really.
“Priscilla.”
“Father, and…”
…Mother…
“…Mother, if you keep crying like this, your head will hurt.”
I had seen my father just hours ago, but it was my first time seeing my mother since awakening.
Even after only a few days, her face was still worn and tired, as if I had delivered terrible news, like when I received a prophecy not from the Goddess Iris.
“Pri, Prisc… Priscilla…”
“…Mother, I am truly sorry…”
“No, I… I’m the mother here. I’m sorry, my daughter, my daughter…”
“Mother…”
She pulled me into her embrace. Seeing her sobbing and so pitiful, I hugged her tightly in return.
My father, visible over her shoulder, unusually let his eyebrows droop as he watched.
“…Camilla. That’s enough now…”
“Yes, you’re right. You must let me go since there’s a long road ahead…”
Due to the curse, I didn’t have much time left.
The Grand Duke’s timely excuse was appropriate at the moment, but seeing my grieving parents, I felt guilty.
“You must return safely, Priscilla.”
“…Go well.”
‘…Once I complete this quest, I must repay my parents…’
Tears in my eyes, I left with my parents’ farewell.
After saying goodbye to Chelsea, who could not come, all preparations were complete.
“Shall we go, Priscilla?”
At the portal, the Grand Duke, mounted on a horse, reached out his hand.
…Hmm.
“Shall we ride together?”
“…? Of course. It would be dangerous to let you go alone.”
True, but…
In the Monster Forest, one never knows what might happen. Riding together would be safer. Yet the thought of riding with the Grand Duke made me blush.
But I reluctantly reached toward him.
“No. Sister must ride my horse.”
“…?”
“…Lockhart, sir?”
Suddenly, Edwin appeared, blocking my path.
“Your Highness, you must be busy leading the knights, correct?”
“I don’t think my abilities are lacking to the point where the prince should worry.”
“I do not underestimate Your Highness. I simply want to ensure my sister’s utmost safety.”
“Being by my side is the safest.”
“Who can protect her better? Your Highness, responsible for the entire knights, or I, who can focus solely on her?”
“….”
“….”
After their bickering, both turned and looked at me.
“Priscilla, of course you’ll ride my horse, right?”
“Sister, you’ll ride my horse, won’t you?”
“….”
What is this…?
I feel like this has happened before. Deja vu?
