★4
ASTERI'S POV
It's been two months since I came into this world. I've been looking for the Fairy Rueen Ramiris all along with my fellow Stars Atlas and Elaine.
After spending a month and a week in the Kingdom of Grada, I moved to my next location, namely the Republic of Ulgracia. With the Kingdom of Spiru and the Kingdom of Grada being my first two destinations, respectively, I can't wait to see what the Republic of Ulgracia will bring.
Ulgracia is in the southern part of the Sarion Dynasty. Based on what my informant told me, they're under the divine protection of the Spirit of Wisdom. Furthermore, he told me there are many kinds of spirits, and it's rare to find someone unable to make a contract with a spirit.
This little information means there's a possibility I'll encounter a spirit or someone who's in a contract with them. That's all I need to fish out the Queen of Fairies.
As I made my way towards the city, I couldn't help but feel something was wrong with me. I closed my eyes and analysed my body, but nothing seemed odd.
<
I teleported into the woods where no one could see me, and with a mere thought, a copy of me materialised. The moment I saw it, it disappeared, and I couldn't help but wonder.
<
I asked the inner me.
<>
He said. He's right, though. The vessel I used two months ago was that of a 13-16-year-old. My body glowed, and my clothes began to change.
<
Although he's teasing me, he's right. I need to appear like a regular citizen for the time being. The light around me transformed into a majestic robe.
The outfit features an inner layer of a dark, elegant robe with a white shirt and tie, complemented by a luxurious white coat adorned with gold embroidery and decorative sashes
"How about this?"
I asked him.
[[IMAGE]]
[[IMAGE]]
<
With that, I teleported once more, approaching the Republic of Ulgracia. I set foot into the city, and as usual, merchants can be spotted buying and selling goods. Perhaps due to being close to the Sarion Dynasty, the population here is mixed with both humans and elves.
My sharp senses helped me listen to faraway conversations while I asked potential individuals about fairies, but all was fruitless.
Sometimes, I beat around the bush to waste time, and at times, I'll just go straight to the point. I would raise suspicion if I kept asking, so I take frequent breaks to enjoy the meals, attend events, or do something else to wash my suspicions away.
Slowly but surely, four days have passed. This is how I wasted weeks in the previous kingdoms. The human culture was amazing, and sometimes I ended up forgetting my initial goal.
The next day, after strolling around the city, the sun was beginning to set, and I did what I was programmed to do. That is to go and watch the sunset.
On my way to the outskirts of town, the conversation between two ladies caught my attention. I kept walking, but my attention was focused on their conversation.
"I am sorry to hear this, but..."
She whispered to the other lady.
"Why not take him to the Sylvi Village. I heard there's a spirit that grants wishes there."
<
At the mention of a fairy, I turned sharply and headed toward their location. After all, this was the first time I had ever heard someone speak of them.
"The Sylvi Village? That's.."
"Well, I've never told you, but my village isn't that far from there. The main problem is you'll have to puzzle your way out of the dream forest to get there."
"The terrifying forest that toys with the minds of adventurers before casting them into darkness only for them to awaken outside its borders, memories blurred.
Not even an A-Rank adventurer has ever crossed that forest. The only one who did was the Sun Priest, Lord Granbell. A Hero of legend, so for someone like him, it wasn't impossible. At this rate, Issei might..."
Her voice was trembling as she broke down emotionally. If only I could get a test of how she feels.
"I'm sorry."
"Looks like I'll find another way. Thanks for the suggestions though."
She sniffed, wiping her tears.
"That's no problem."
"Well see you later then, Sasha."
I caught sight of the long, brown-haired lady just as she turned to leave. The two parted ways, and I chose to follow the one who seemed to know about the village, Sasha, was it?
I shadowed her all the way to the forest beyond the kingdom's borders. With my concealment skill active, not even the sharpest magician could sense my presence. She finally arrived at her destination, and…
"I don't know how you feel, but you want to help that woman's child, don't you?"
I said quietly.
The long, brown-haired lady froze. She turned, startled, her wide brown eyes reflecting me as though I were made of crystal.
SASHA'S POV
"Y-you've been following me, haven't you? What do you want?"
I demanded, forcing my voice to stay steady as I ignored his unnervingly perfect face.
"I mean no harm."
They said calmly, raising both hands in the air in a gesture of peace. His tone was soft, but his expression, utterly blank, almost emotionless, made something in me tighten.
"W-what do you want then?"
I pressed, taking a cautious step back. He might be handsome, too handsome, even, but no man follows a woman into the forest at night without a reason.
"You have no reason to trust a stranger who followed you all the way here but, I'd like to meet the lady you spoke with, and I want you to arrange that."
The way he spoke was more like an order than a request.
"What do you plan on doing?"
I asked, worried about Hina and what he might do.
"If you want to find out, I'll be in the Golden Café all day long tomorrow. I am expecting two guests, you guys, that is."
He said before walking away.
"My time here is limited."
He said evenly.
"I'll be the first and last person to leave the Café for the next four days. By the fifth, I'll be nowhere near Ulgracia. I've found what brought me here, but that depends on you. The child will be saved, and I'll get what I came for. It all rests on your shoulders."
Before I could say anything, he turned and vanished into the forest, his presence fading as though he'd never been there.
The next day, fear kept me indoors. I couldn't stop wondering what he might do or what he meant by those cryptic words. On the second day, I finally gathered the courage to step outside. When I reached the Café, my heart froze. He was there, sitting by the window, casually sipping coffee as if he belonged to this world.
Our eyes met. His gaze was calm, deliberate, and expectant. I flinched and ran straight home.
By the time I collapsed onto my bed, my thoughts were a storm. Can I really trust him? I wanted, no, needed, to save Issei. But every instinct screamed that this stranger was dangerous.
On the third day, I didn't even try to leave.
ASTERI'S POV
It was past midday, and she still didn't show up.
"She has all the cards, but I have nothing to lose."
I murmured to myself, sipping the so-called coffee, a bitter, mortal beverage I still wasn't sure I liked. It was only to blend in, nothing more.
I kept to my corner, hand resting thoughtfully on my chin as I watched the world move around me in quiet detachment.
Then, the doorbell chimed. Two women entered, one of them with a small boy clinging to her side. They scanned the room briefly before walking straight toward me. Without a word, they sat across from my table.
"You came."
I said, not bothering to look up from my window.
"Of course I did.. here they are."
"H.. hello, my name is Hinamatsuri, and this is my child Issei."
I glanced at the two with my golden eyes.
Hinamatsuri appeared to be no older than twenty-five, dressed in simple brown robes. Her hair was a striking contrast, mostly black, yet streaked with pure white at the front, framing her face. Her deep brown eyes carried both exhaustion and quiet resolve. And, admittedly, she bore a sexy figure that reminded me, perhaps too much, of my Lady.
The boy, Issei, shared his mother's hair but not her eyes. His eyes were a vivid azure, bright and piercing reminiscent of something long forgotten, something closer to my True Body.
"Pleasure to meet you both."
I know how to be polite, but no feelings to back them up.
"Um, Sasha said you wanted to see me?
She asked, and our eyes met. For a brief moment, a strange familiarity washed over me, a feeling I couldn't quite name but had definitely known before.
<
Enta's voice echoed within, sharp and dismissive. I ignored him, keeping my gaze steady on her.
"Yeah, of course. I'd like to help you visit Sylvi Village."
Her happiness was quickly wiped away by a sad face.
"But you know there is a forest surrounding the village and it..."
I cut off her words.
"Yeah, the hallucinations stuff. That's where I'll be of help."
"I get it, you look handsome, but that doesn't mean you can dapper your way through the forest."
Sasha teased.
"Sasha will lead the way, I'll get us past the forest."
I ignore it for her own safety, though.
"I see...but, what is my role?"
Hinamatsuri asked, not wanting to be a dead weight.
"This is about you two. Just be prepared when we encounter the fairy. Sasha, are you sure there's a fairy that can remedy Issei's illness?"
"I haven't seen it myself, but my great-grandmother had some issues, and she was saved by a fairy. So I believe it. But back then, the forest didn't exist, and the fairies could be seen all around Ulgracia."
She replied almost confidently.
"What happened to those making contracts with the spirits?"
I asked to find out more.
"Huh? That was in the past. After the Demon Lord's invasion, a lot of people and spirits were either captured or killed. The Mother of Spirits was able to save a few of her children, and since then, that forest came into existence.
Back then, anyone who set foot into the forest either had their corpse thrown out or was lost forever. It still applies to date, though."
Sasha explained.
"I..it seems to me she got a little soft."
"Exactly."
"Which Demon Lord attacked Ulgracia?"
I asked, curious. Do Demon Lords usually harass the weak in this world?
"Curse Lord, Mimon."
She leaned out and whispered, afraid he might hear every word.
"Hmm... we'll see for ourselves whether it's just a story or reality. We're moving out now."
I said, steering the conversation away.
"W–whoa! Hold on, I... I have somewhere I need to be, right now! Just wait here, I'll be back!"
Sasha shot up, clearly startled, and hurried toward the door.
"Don't keep us waiting."
I said, pausing for a beat.
"I won't!"
She called back with a quick wave before vanishing outside.
Turning back, I faced the other woman, Hinamatsuri.
"What about you? Anything to attend to?"
I asked, my gaze lingering on her despite my efforts not to.
"No... I am good. We leave once she gets back."
I nodded before asking the question that's been on my mind.
"So how long has he been like this?"
"Um... It's been a pretty long time."
She began softly, her hands trembling in her lap.
"Issei, he was just seven years old, snuck out one day and went into the bushes. We heard him crying, so my husband, Mikoto, and I rushed over to check. There he was, sitting on the ground, sobbing. He wasn't hurt, not physically... but he kept saying he saw black figure things that haunt him."
Her voice cracked, the memory clearly fresh.
"He wasn't the first, you know. Others who've gone near the woods... they come back seeing the same figures. The healers call it a curse, or maybe the work of some evil spirit. Those who are... infected, don't live longer than four years after."
She paused, breathing unevenly, tears spilling down her cheeks.
"His father died three years ago. Since then, it's been just us, fighting, surviving, trying to hold on."
For a moment, I said nothing. Watching her break down before me, I felt something twist deep inside. My first apology in this world, and somehow, it felt earned.
"Oh..."
I paused, processing it.
"I am sorry. I shouldn't have asked."
"No, it's no problem."
She began wiping her tears the poor kid was already asleep.
<
I clench my fist. The urge for vengeance flared hot and immediate.
I reached for one of my Mega Arts to read her thoughts, not very effective against Stars, but perfectly useful on mortals. The truth filled my mind in jagged, pitiless fragments.
The door opened. Sasha returned, and without wasting a moment we left.
Night fell as we pushed into the forest; there was no time for hesitation. I knew how humans endured the woods, so I raised a small campfire and watched as they spread their blankets or whatever and tried to sleep.
"This is all your fault, Sasha. You said 'as soon as possible' and it took forever."
I flinched, my mouth flapped out of my control, meaning, Entares is sliding for dominance again.
<
I hissed through me.
I tugged my jaw shut, words choking back the promise of violence.
<
He hissed back.
"Heh? It's really your fault."
"Point it out then."
My lips snapped, unable to stop myself.
"I waited for three whole days, and you didn't show up. You arrived in the afternoon, then took a meaningless break before appearing again in the evening."
I really wanted to stay quiet, but my mouth just wouldn't stop.
"Whatever."
She muttered, pulling her blanket tighter and turning away.
"We'll get there tomorrow. Good night."
"Yeah, yeah…"
I sighed, leaning back against a tree.
"You should get some sleep too."
I said softly to Hinamatsuri, who was still awake. Issei was already asleep, his small frame rising and falling in rhythm with the crackle of the fire.
"..um ok, what about you? You need to rest too."
"Don't worry about me, I'll keep an eye on the surroundings."
"O..ok, good night."
She turned without a word, curling up beside Issei and wrapping her arms around him protectively. The faint glow of the firelight traced her silhouette as she pulled the blanket over them both, holding him close as if shielding him from the world itself.
<
I crossed my fingers, ignoring Entares's revelations.
...
...
..
HINAMATSURI'S POV
I woke up later in the night and couldn't find the mysterious beauty. I heard faint voices in the woods, so I decided to check it out.
Their voices became louder and clearer, and I was able to identify who it was; it was him, but the second person remained mysterious. I got this feeling they possess the same aura. I took cover behind a broad tree and peeked out.
My gaze was drawn to him, whose white robes shone brighter, and the gold buttons and design glowed in the moonlight. He was not alone, though; there was another man dressed in black and white with golden designs that glowed in the moonlight. He was on one knee, his eyes buried in the ground.
"Any word about the person I'm looking for?"
Our enigmatic companion was sitting at the base of a tree, his right arm resting on a bent knee and his eyes closed. His presence right now was different.
"No, Young Master. But we'll continue to find out."
The red-haired answer.
<
"That's great. I think I found her, but I am not sure yet. I'll have to confirm first."
"That's good news."
"Well, keep it up. I know I can count on you guys. I'll be back soon enough."
"We await your return."
The individual fades away. Our companion opened his golden eyes and bore straight into the starry night.
"Never expected Grand Lord's precious world to have some cruel humans."
He shook his head, his white hair swaying.
"It's his choice, though. All I know is she has less than 24 hours to live. For fun, I'll burn the entire domain to ashes."
An evil grin was plastered on his face, which started me. I took a step back, stepping onto a branch.
<
My blood went cold, but this isn't the time to reach. I turned and ran away back to the camp, lying low and tightening my grip around Issei.
<
My heart skipped a beat when I heard footsteps approaching the camp.
<
He came and sat across the bonfire as if nothing had happened. He knew I was there, so I asked despite being scared.
"What do you intend to do if you get to that village?"
"You awake?..."
I nodded slightly, my face away from his.
"Looking for someone in particular."
"What will you do when you find that person?"
"I don't know where these questions are coming from, but you'll see for yourself. It's barely midnight. Get back to sleep. You'll need it tomorrow."
"..."
I opened my mouth to respond, but nothing came out. I was forced to sleep with one eye open for the rest of the night.
The next day, disturbed by what had happened last night, I asked Sasha about anything she knew about him.
"Hey, you know what this guy plans to do?"
"No, I don't even know his name. You can trust him, though. After all, he kept his word to me. What's up?"
She asked.
"Yesterday I saw him talking to someone..."
My words were cut short as he appeared out of nowhere.
"I caught some fish for breakfast."
He said casually, setting them down by the fire.
"After eating, we move out."
He said.
ASTERI'S POV
I stared for a moment, realising how human I must look right now, going through the motions, pretending to care. But practicality ruled above all; I couldn't have them, travelling on empty stomachs. That would only slow me down.
<
Entares' voice echoed faintly in my mind.
<
I replied calmly, my tone unbothered.
<
"Humans need something in their stomachs, after all."
"Learn to greet people, at least. I'll cook the fish leave that to me."
Sasha walked up and collected the fish.
<
"Had a good night?"
I asked.
"Ummm, yeah."
He probably knew but didn't care.
"How are you, Issei?"
"I had a bad dream. Mama, they came to me again."
The kid complained, his mother grabbed him tight and hugged him to comfort him, at least. We ate breakfast and continued our journey.
"I never asked your name."
Sasha, who was leading the way, asked
"Asteri."
I replied blankly.
"Wow, Asteri? That's a cool name. Today is the fifth day, and if I hadn't shown up yesterday, you'd have gone far away from this nation. This nation isn't that big, but I can't see anyone leaving in such a short time unless they have magic."
"Magic? I can't use that, but I have similar skills."
"Oh, what are they?"
"Cheap skills."
"What cheap skills."
"When the time comes, you'll see."
"Ugh, why do you plan to leave this nation? You said you're looking for something right and I am sure it has something to do with that village."
I kept quiet, probably a bit irritated by the way she kept talking.
"Blah, you're so boring. Wow, you can see the forest from here."
She snapped, pointing ahead.
Just below the slope, a vast forest stretched out, its trees tall and ancient, their interwoven canopies veiling the ground. The air ahead looked thicker and darker, almost humming with unseen life.
To be continued...