“Well, something like that. Still, just in case, I will reveal my destination to you. I intend to go to the Great Forest as soon as I leave the Estel duchy.”
“…By the Great Forest, do you mean the forest where elves live?”
“Is there another Great Forest on this continent besides that one?”
At Iris’s natural reply, Kris finally had no choice but to sigh.
Aside from the fact that the distance from the Duke of Estel to the Great Forest was not a short one- or two-day journey, he could not understand why she wanted to visit the elves’ territory to search for Cain’s whereabouts.
“Why? If that’s the case, it’s simple. According to the information you gave me the other day about Bianca del Castana’s past, it’s because Bianca stopped by the Great Forest right before visiting the Black Tower.”
The Bianca del Castana that Iris knew was a woman with a typical sorceress’s personality—an arrogant mage who judged everything in the world by her own standards. There was no way Bianca, with that kind of attitude, would visit the Great Forest just for sightseeing. Bianca must have had a specific purpose.
If Iris went there, she might uncover a clue that would lead her directly to Bianca del Castana.
…Yes, even if it meant facing someone unpleasant in the Great Forest.
Iris wore a puzzled expression, as if recalling some unpleasant memories.
“Guardian of the World Tree, Kyrie el Denaris. That old, undying monster might know something about this matter.”
****
“…My lady, I will now leave for the Marquis of Castana.”
“Go ahead, Kris. Don’t forget how important this task is.”
After seeing Kris off, Iris turned around. It was time for her to begin her own journey toward the Great Forest. However, as a guest, it wouldn’t be proper to leave without informing Duke Estel, so she moved quickly to meet him.
“…Princess, may I say something as a subject of the empire?”
Just then, a voice came from behind Iris—without warning or sound.
“…!”
A chill ran down Iris’s back. Ever since she reached the level of a Master, no one had ever managed to sneak up on her undetected. Even those on the same level as her, or Kyrie—who was considered among the strongest on the continent—would find such a feat nearly impossible.
Iris slowly turned, her eyes filled with astonishment. Standing behind her was a white-haired girl she knew well, bowing her head.
“Apologies. I know it’s improper to approach someone stealthily like a thief in the night, but since the princess seemed in a hurry, I had no choice but to risk being rude.”
With those words, Aria lifted the hem of her skirt and gave a graceful bow.
“…What urgent matter brings you here?”
Iris released a slight pressure in her voice, as if warning Aria not to waste her time. But despite the subtle threat, Aria’s expression remained calm.
“Princess, if I want to accompany you on your journey, will you allow it?”
“…What?”
Noticing Iris’s raised eyebrow at her bold statement, Aria continued in a steady tone.
“I heard everything you and the escort knight just discussed.”
“…..”
Aria’s brazen admission that she had eavesdropped could have been seen as either audacious or shameless.
“I’ll get straight to the point. I agree with you, Princess—I don’t believe that the Young Lord went on a journey alone with Bianca del Castana. No, it’s impossible. Young Lord didn’t like her that much.”
Hatred flickered in Aria’s voice as she mentioned Bianca, and Iris couldn’t help but appreciate Aria’s attitude. She, too, despised Bianca del Castana just as much, if not more.
“I am the Young Lord’s personal maid. If anything had happened to him, I should have shielded him with my own body. Instead, I returned alive and unharmed. The shame of that is unbearable.”
“…..”
“So, please let me join you in searching for Young Lord. I promise I won’t be a burden. While I may not be as skilled as Bianca del Castana, I know enough magic to offer some assistance. Please, Princess—take me with you.”
Aria bowed her head once more, but her posture was far from servile. To Iris, it seemed almost elegant.
“…Hmm.”
Iris hesitated for a moment. Should she bring Aria along? Could she trust her with such a delicate mission?
“Raise your head.”
The hesitation was brief. Iris nodded, meeting Aria’s steady gaze.
“You make a valid point. A servant is obligated to assist their master. Very well. I’ll acknowledge your loyalty—come with me.”
“…Thank you, Princess.”
There wasn’t any particular reason for Iris allowing Aria to join. It was more of a whim—a small curiosity to see what Aria was capable of and how far she could go.
Aria, seemingly unaware of Iris’s thoughts, bowed deeply in gratitude.
“This time, I will not be a hindrance.”
Yes. This time, Cain would not be lost. No matter what, they would rescue him from the clutches of the wicked Bianca del Castana.
This time, without fail.
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