Elf’s Forest (3)

,You gained Aurora Elder-nim’s support?

Yes. The Golden Leaf Alliance also promised cooperation.

Before I could even finish speaking, Sylvia jumped into my arms. The scent of herbs brushed against my nose. Sylvia always smelled good. Was that just how elves were, or did she prepare it specially?

As expected of Haru…! Haru can do anything!

I tried to escape from her embrace, but Sylvia’s arms tightened even more.

…Have I been a bit much lately? Sticking to you every day, watching you… But I don’t think I need to do that anymore. Because I know that Haru really loves me…

Now only the Black Thorns are left. Leave that to me as well.

I quickly changed the subject.

As a celebration, I’ll prepare dinner tonight too!

No, you really don’t have to…!

Spirits carried the food onto the table. A lavishly decorated salad and… blackened meat.

How is it? Is it less burnt this time?

Sylvia’s green eyes sparkled with anticipation. A vegetarian cooking meat for me.

Yes… It’s really delicious.

I forced myself to swallow a bite. I glared at the innocent spirits for no reason.

*

The Black Thorn family’s meeting room was dark. Only faint light leaked through the curtains made of tree shade.

The family head, dark elf Sorn’s eyes shone coldly. It was a murderous gaze.

We need the Black Thorn family’s cooperation.

Cooperation, you say…

Sorn took a step forward. Each movement was sharp like a beast.

Are you telling me to watch the noblest elf blood be mixed with a mere human?

Times have changed.

Times? How dare you talk about times in front of an elf?

Sorn’s purple eyes shone dangerously.

You insolent human.

Shwiik-

A black shadow curved towards my neck. It was a dark elf’s unique assassination magic.

To be so defenseless…

The air froze for a moment. Drawing the Demon Sword was instantaneous.

Crimson-purple darkness flashed and split the shadow.

Does I look defenseless to you?

The magic power emanating from the Demon Sword filled the meeting room. The pitch-black darkness scattered before my magic power.

Was that the dark elves’ ‘Shadow Blade’?

Sorn’s eyes wavered. He probably didn’t expect the thousand-year-old secret technique to be so easily seen through.

Our family’s secret technique… How did you…

Are you ready to talk now?

The Demon Sword was aimed at his neck. The darkness blooming at the tip illuminated Sorn’s face.

The Black Thorns have two choices.

I took another step closer. Sorn unconsciously took a step back.

Whether to adapt to the times and prosper, or…

The darkness of the Demon Sword deepened further. Sorn’s face twisted.

…to become obsolete and disappear.

Is this the attitude of someone seeking cooperation?

That was a warning earlier…

I pressed the Demon Sword close to his neck. The cold blade touched the dark elf’s black skin.

This time, it’s a threat.

Silence flowed. It was then.

Kung-

The meeting room door was violently opened.

How dare you!

A sharp cry rang out. A female warrior entered as the meeting room door was violently opened.

Short black hair, cold green eyes. The dark elf’s unique beauty and imposing presence coexisted.

Morgana?

Sorn’s daughter, the warrior considered the most outstanding among the dark elves, no, in the entire forest.

A mere human dares to threaten us?

Morgana’s voice was sharp.

A mere human dares to become the king of our forest? Foolish. And the same goes for Queen Sylvia. What right does someone who abandoned the forest and went on an adventure have to act like a queen…

Watch your mouth.

Hooh? So you can get angry?

It seems you have no intention of cooperating willingly. Then, let’s settle this in the traditional way. With a fair duel.

What?

The meeting room fell silent for a moment. Sorn’s expression changed subtly.

Ha, good. If you win, you’ll gain the Black Thorns’ support. We respect the strong. But if you lose….

A cold smile hung on Morgana’s lips.

Leave the forest immediately. Forever.

[Master, isn’t this a good opportunity?]

[That’s right! You can just lose on purpose, right? Then you’ll have a reason to leave…]

The swords’ whispers brushed through my mind. But…

‘No.’

Defeat could not be an option. For Sylvia’s sake… and for my plan as well.

Very well.

Morgana’s eyes sparkled.

Tomorrow at noon, in World Tree Square.

*

World Tree Square was filled with tension.

Morgana appeared, her short black hair fluttering. The dagger called ‘Whisper of the Night’ shone coldly like moonlight.

Shall we begin?

[Master, me! Me! I want to cut a dark elf too!]

[Anyone would think you’re a Demon Sword… Ah, you are a Demon Sword, aren’t you?]

I drew the Holy Sword. Holy light flowed along the blade.

Morgana’s body disappeared like a shadow. It was the dark elf’s unique swiftness.

Shwiik-

I heard the sound of wind cutting through the air from behind. I instinctively raised my sword.

Chaeng-!

The dagger and Holy Sword collided. Sparks flew.

You’re a disappointment for a hero.

Morgana’s lips twisted. A sneer contrasting with her cold gaze.

Her shadow scattered again. This time, a barrage of continuous stabs from the front.

Black afterimages embroidered the air. As if a spider was weaving a web.

Did you think you could persuade our family with just this much?

With her gesture, darkness wriggled and revealed itself.

A darkness spirit. The rarest among the elemental spirits.

Morgana freely controlled spirits that were difficult for other races, even elves, to contract with.

[Hero-nim, that dark elf is quite something, huh?]

[But Master is stronger.]

My vision was completely blocked.

‘It’s just like I saw in the original story.’

Morgana’s ultimate move, ‘Shadow Veil’. Darkness spread out as if ink was smudging in the arena.

Shwiik, shwiik-

Attacks continued endlessly from within the darkness. Daggers flew from all directions.

Shwiik-

The sound of wind from behind. I instinctively swung my sword, but missed.

Shwiik, shwiik-

Daggers flew from all directions. I couldn’t grasp how many daggers there were, or where they were coming from at all.

‘This is… a complete assassin’s domain.’

Morgana’s laughter echoed from within the darkness. It was a voice whose direction I couldn’t gauge.

Kkang-

I blocked the daggers one after another, but the attacks continued endlessly. A sense of pressure as if I was simultaneously surrounded by dozens of assassins.

At this rate, I can’t catch her… but I don’t just have the Holy Sword.

[Is it my turn soon?]

Let’s not overdo it.

[Aww~ Master is so mean~ I’m a good Demon Sword now, right?]

Hwiik-

I reverse-summoned the Holy Sword and summoned the Demon Sword.

A terrifying magic power obtained at the cost of immense life force.

What…?

Unruly gray aura spread out, cutting away the darkness as it was.

No, I expected this much!

Her movements paused for a moment. It was an opening.

An ominous trajectory cut through the darkness and headed towards her.

Do you yield?

Not yet…!

She attempted a final struggle. The darkness spirit spewed magic power as if it was going berserk.

But the light of the Holy Sword erased everything. Darkness was powerless before the sacred energy.

Dual wielding the Holy Sword and the Demon Sword. The combat style achieved through appropriate swapping was too powerful for Morgana to handle.

Cheolkap!

The dagger blocked the Holy Sword. But it was already too late.

Checkmate.

The Holy Sword was touching her neck.

Kung-

Morgana dropped her dagger. It was a complete defeat.

Sylvia is a better queen because she has a free spirit.

I opened my mouth towards the elves filling the square.

Having left the forest and seen the world, she can lead the elves with a broader perspective.

The square fell silent for a moment.

And…

The moment I continued speaking, my chest felt heavy. Because these wonderful words would eventually become another lie.

But it was necessary now. Even to gain the Black Thorns’ support.

I… want to help Sylvia.

Morgana finally nodded.

Indeed… So this is the hero.

Morgana slowly stood up.

Interesting… This is the first time I’ve met someone like you.

She took a step closer. A sweet fragrance brushed against my nose.

You know, I like strong people.

Her voice rang out seductively.

Especially someone like you… an unpredictable opponent.

Morgana’s fingers brushed against my arm. It was a cold sensation.

Alright. I promise… the Black Thorns’ support.

Haru!

Sylvia ran over, pushed Morgana away, and grabbed my arm. Her eyes were filled with pride and love.

The next day, an elder council was held under the World Tree.

You’ve gained the support of all factions.

Aurora’s white eyebrows twitched slightly. It seemed unexpected even to the eyes of an elder who had lived for a thousand years.

Now you can push forward with reforms. And you’ll be able to earn more money too.

Beryl said with a smile. The calculation of profit flashed in her golden eyes.

Morgana nodded silently. Acknowledging defeat was also a warrior’s pride.

The customized approach tailored to each faction’s tendencies worked.

Stimulating the righteousness of the Dawn Branch, guaranteeing the profits of the Golden Leaf, and subduing the power of the Black Thorn.

After the meeting, I headed to the royal palace garden. Under the softly shining moonlight, Sylvia opened her mouth.

I didn’t think you’d go this far…

She trailed off. It was a voice mixed with surprise and unease.

All for me… You did all of that for me, right?

Of course.

I had to continue acting for now.

Haru…

Sylvia hugged me. Her shoulders trembled slightly.

Now, no one… can stop us.

Her words sent a chill down my spine.

Spirits surrounded us and danced. It was a beautiful sight, but to me, it felt like the cage was getting smaller.

*

First, put your hands on my waist…

Sylvia’s voice trembled. Under the soft moonlight, her emerald hair fluttered in the wind.

Like this…?

I carefully placed my hands on her waist.

No, more… closer…

Sylvia pulled my hands closer. A sweet fragrance brushed against my nose.

The spirits played a soft melody. The whistle of the wind spirit, the water sounds of the water spirit, harmonized.

And like this…

She placed her hands on my shoulders. Her long ears turned slightly red.

Dance practice for the ‘Day of Communion’ ceremony in a week.

I had to dance with the queen at the elf race’s most important festival. It was a ceremony to be formally recognized as the king of the forest.

Haru, don’t be nervous.

Sylvia smiled. But her heart was also beating fast.

Ah, my foot…

I missed a step. Sylvia suddenly came closer.

It’s okay. Slowly…

Her breath touched my ear. The tip of my ear turned even redder.

‘Will we be able to practice like this…’

The distance narrowed more and more with each mistake.

Just a little more…

Sylvia subtly stepped on my foot. It seemed like she was even making up excuses haphazardly now.

Haru… this is… because it’s a necessary procedure for the ceremony…

Sylvia’s eyes closed subtly. Her lips were getting closer and closer.

Ah, now that I think about it! How does the ceremony proceed?

Sylvia’s expression was tinged with regret. But she soon smiled brightly.

First, we receive the blessing of the World Tree… and then we swear eternal love under the moonlight…

Her ears trembled with excitement.

And… and… a kiss of oath…

I heard from the elders that there’s no such tradition?

Uh… um… then we can just create a new one! I’m the queen, you know!

You shouldn’t use your queenly power for things like this…

A few days later, finally the day of the ceremony.

The circular stage in front of the Moonlight Falls was filled with elders. The branches of the thousand-year-old World Tree looked down on us.

Are you nervous?

Sylvia held my hand tightly. Dressed in traditional attire, she shone like moonlight.

Not at all.

The spirits’ performance began.

My feet moved naturally. Sylvia seemed surprised as well.

The dance filled the stage. The elders’ sharp gazes softened.

I held Sylvia’s waist. Her body temperature was transmitted to my palms.

Sylvia and my bodies moved as if they had become one. Perfect harmony created by practice.

The spirits’ performance gradually intensified. Our dance also deepened accordingly.

The elders’ expressions began to change. Their cold gazes gradually softened.

They are… becoming one.

I heard Aurora’s whisper.

Swaa-

The branches of the World Tree moved. Green magic power rained down on the stage like rain.

This is…

Sylvia’s eyes wavered as if she couldn’t believe it.

The World Tree’s blessing…

The elders knelt down in unison.

It was a blessing bestowed directly by the thousand-year-old tree, the heart of the forest.

The spirits scattered flower petals. Moonlight and flower petals mixed together, creating a fantastic sight.

Aurora rose from her seat. Her white hair sparkled in the moonlight.

I will recognize you as the true king of the forest.

The celebration began. It was called a celebration, but it was almost like an engagement ceremony.

The spirits embroidered the sky. The flames drawn by the fire spirits harmonized with the moonlight.

Haru, try this.

Sylvia handed me elf wine with a sweet smile. Her cheeks were already flushed.

It’s traditional wine. A thousand years old…

As I took a sip, a sweet fragrance spread. My head felt slightly dizzy.

How is it?

Sylvia came closer. Her sweet breath touched my ear.

It’s good.

Then… drink more.

She handed me another glass. The tip of her ear turned even redder.

A soft singing voice echoed among the dancing elves. It was a song of blessing.

Haru…

Sylvia leaned on my shoulder. Whether it was because of the wine or not, her body was flushed.

Now… we’re really together forever…?

Where had the usual haughty queen gone? She was just a drunken girl now.

Yes, forever…

A lie flowed out naturally.

Pwomise… Is it a pwomise?

Sylvia’s tongue was twisted. The tip of her ear was dyed bright red.

Hey, maybe you should stop drinking now…

Nooot… I don’t want to! Today… until I want to drink…

She emptied her wine glass. A spirit refilled the glass.

Haru, you drink too… together…

I…

Sylvia brought the wine glass to my lips. A sweet fragrance brushed against my nose.

Her hand groped my chest. Where had her usual elegant appearance gone?

Sylvia, stop…

I don’t want to.

Eueung…

The skinship became increasingly bolder. Sylvia’s hand touched my chest.

Your heart is beating too fast…

Her fingers traced over my heart. The moonlight shone on us.

Do you… want me too, Haru?

Sylvia’s eyes were dyed with desire.

She clung even closer. The surrounding spirits sparkled as if they were excited.

Sylvia’s voice rang out sweetly. But the madness hidden within sent a chill down my spine.

I’m only Haru’s… Haru is only mine…

Her words trailed off. Whether it was because of the wine or her emotions.

The spirits surrounded us. As if to prevent us from escaping.

A festival night with pouring moonlight. A moment everyone rejoiced in.

Now that I had received the World Tree’s blessing, Sylvia’s obsession only deepened.