Two days later.
"Hey, sir Nein." A girl's voice calling him.
"What is it Lena?"
He's currently playing with the kids in the garden where he use his smoke to make a playground for them. And Lena, an elf girl that reads his journal with curiosity.
"About cotton-tails... Are they a... distant relative to the long-ears?" She ask, looking at him with wonder.
"Well, based on my knowledge...they are. They seemed to recognize each other very well. Why ask?"
"Um... Because I once saw them fighting in the forest, the long-ear lost and injured. So I thought they're enemies. Why they do that, sir?"
The question were interesting, he never saw such behavior before and make a quick analysis before speaking again.
"Based on what I know, it's probably due to territorial conflict or either one of them is sick and goes rabid. It's a common thing for wildlife."
Hearing his explanation, Luna nodding in understanding before returning to the journal.
The sight of children playing around with laughter, bring peace to his soul. It's something rare for him back to earth.
"Nein!" Ellie called from afar.
"What's up?"
"Father's... looking for you. He said that...he have something to tell you..." She said, somehow nervous the moment she get close to him.
"I see, well kids, I need to go now."
All the children whines by it, still want to play with him.
"C-can I borrow the journal, sir Nein? I promise to return it later." Lena said as she clutch the book against her chest.
"Sure thing, studying is good for you." He said with a smile while giving her a soft pat.
"You sure getting along with the children...is this also one of your abilities?" Ellie said after they get far enough from the garden.
"I don't have such power, kids know a person hearts by simply looking at them. I just letting them around me and more coming." He explain briefly as they walking through the well prepared streets.
The colorful decorations filling the kingdom's square for tonight's celebration. The feast were made by the people, the singer were practicing their choir while the kids playing around.
"Are you... really need to leave so quickly?" Her voice break the silence.
"I'm a quite busybody actually. There's probably new task waiting for me back home." He answered lightly.
"I see..."
She looks gloomy as she realize he doesn't have the feeling for her.
"Have Lucas told you about our conversation back then?"
"...He did...Is there...Really nothing I can do?"
Seeing her downcast face, he let out a soft sigh.
"Unfortunately. My journey not an easy one. You could at least have the same speed as mine in order to survive. So that you can follow my pace the moment thing goes wrong." He explain, tone serious as he keeping an eye on her reaction.
She goes silent again for the rest of the way.
"Father's waiting for you in his study. I'll be going now."
She leaves him in the hallway as she went elsewhere.
"Love...To think i could experiencing it at this age, heh." He mumble to himself while shaking his head.
He make his way toward Lucas's study and knock on the door.
"Come in."
With that, Nein enter the room and surprised that he saw a familiar face infront of him.
"Duke August?"
"We meet again, Nein winter."
August's sitting on the sofa together with Lucas. They're simply enjoying their tea and waiting for Nein to arrive.
All three sitting face to face.
"What brings you here Duke, or rather when did you arrived? I didn't know until now." Nein start conversationally to August.
"It's nothing serious, just visiting an old friend." He explain while looking at Lucas.
"I see you two already know each other, that save me the introduction. But yeah, I need to explain this situation first."
There's a pause a he clear his throat before continuing.
"Both me and August were growing up together. Our parents were tied by business that connects our territory together until now. We made a warp gate for that reason and that's why his arrival were so quiet."
Nein give a quick nod at the explanation before shifting slightly.
"I see, warp gate huh. I've heard of that. But that doesn't explaining the reason why the Duke's here. Is it because the celebration?"
"Correct. Well, my old friend who kept himself hidden for years suddenly sending me a letter, of course I need to attend to it." August replied with a light chuckle.
"It's surprised me also at how quickly you agreed. I thought you'd respond in like a day or so. But here you are." Lucas added playfully.
Nein feels like he's out of the place at how they talking at each other with familiarity. This is a good sign, at least the elf won't struggle much to explore the world again.
"And by the way, Nein. You must be wondering the reason why I called you." Lucas said, finally addressing Nein after an hour full of banter.
"Finally, spill the tea."
"Huh? What's that mean?"
"...It means 'say it'. It's a slang, doesn't matter."
The unique words caught both August and Lucas attention before focusing back to the conversation.
"Ehem, then let me be frank. We elves want to record you into our history. As the hero who freed us from our trauma and show us not all humans are evil." His voice steady and determined.
Hearing this, Nein immediately frowns, pondering.
"I'm a mercenary from Patio mercenary groups. I sent here to help the elf with investigating weird movement in forest. It's a bit wrong if I'm the only one getting the credit for it." He said, voice devoid of any pretention as he simply state the obvious.
"So you're saying we can add your name as long as we mentioned Patio?" Lucas making sure.
"Correct. As long as it's clear what I'm affiliated with, I'm cool with it."
Hearing his confirmation, Lucas nods in approval as he sips on his tea before setting it down with a soft clink.
"Perfect. That's all I want to say. You're free to go, Nein. Enjoy the kingdom before evening because I'll need you to give your speech later."
"Please don't. I'm not good with words."
"Oh please, you're better than you think. Well then, see you soon."
With the soft click of the door, Nein exit the room, leaving the two with their own conversation.
"Mhm, seems he's really just like that." August remarked lightly.
"What do you mean?"
"At our first meeting, I thought he'd be as the same as other mercenaries. He came because a mission, carrying it on and somehow putting an end to it. He could just leave that place behind for me to handle, but he dealt with it anyway." His voice lowered, recalling the scene where Nein surrounded by the hostages.
"I've heard about that from Ellie and I'm grateful because of that. If he doesn't stepped in that moment..."
The possibility of it made him frown and letting out a long sigh to calm down.
"But none of that happened and everything's were dealt with. Say August, have you considering taking him as one of your knights?"
The question makes him laugh at the memories of Elias refusing the idea strongly.
"Well...I've tried, but his boss won't give him to me no matter how much I willing to pay. She even accusing me for taking advantage of our friendship." He said with a smile.
"Ho...then try introducing her to me. I'd like to see what kind of woman managed to make you smiling like that." Lucas tease with a smirk.
"Heh, that woman only cares about profits, she probably want him all for herself." August replied with a weak grin as he sips on his tea.
"Are you jealous?"
"Cough! Cough! W-what? Jealous for what?"
Lucas watching him fumbling with his tea with a knowing smirks as he offer him a clean handkerchief while holding back laughter.
"Oh my friend, this is why you're still single. You always give up so quickly. Be more bold would you?"
Lucas teasing words makes him even irritated as he snatched the small cloth before wiping his mouth.
Meanwhile, deep inside the jade forest. Nein back to his dailies. Wandering around to look for something new to add into his journal.
He still have time before evening, the kingdom's square probably filled with people now and he want to avoid it, hence why he went deep in the woods while doing particularly nothing.
"Another shrooms. I wonder what this does." He said while picking up a bright colored fungi before eating it.
"Mhm...?"
He frowns as he begin to see colors around him got inverted. His body automatically releasing the poison and neutralize the effects.
"This will be useful."
He start scribbling on the small note since his journal borrowed by Lena. And with that, he begin eating any strange plants he saw to see what they can do. For research purposes.
Hours passed and the celebration about to begin.
"Nein, it's me, can I enter?" Ellie knocking on his door.
"Come in."
With that ,she pushed the door open, revealing her wearing an elegant white gown.
"Huh, you're not lying when you said your coat made from smoke. You almost give those poor maids heart attack after they saw it dissolved in the water trying to wash it." She remarked when she saw that same dark coat of his.
"Heh, I already explain it to them, are they still apologizing?" He asked playfully before walking to her.
Seeing him getting close to her makes her flinches, only for her to realize he just want to get outside first.
"Come on, everyone's waiting."
Seeing not even her looks working to get his attention, she's a bit disappointed and doesn't say anything as they walk through the corridor toward the square.
"Ah. There he is! Our savior!" Lucas shout the moment he saw Nein approaching.
Everyone turn their attention to him immediately. While others wearing silk and pretty dress, Nein simply wore his dark and heavy coat. After refusing every suit offered to him.
"Stop saying that. It makes me uncomfortable." He retort lightly.
"Oh come on...just for tonight. Let us treat you with the feast of your life." He sounds desperate.
Nein relent with a defeated sigh before nodding.
"Well...just don't exaggerate it. This celebration's for everyone."
"Yeah, yeah. We can do that."
And with that, Lucas guide him to the podium, along with August, Ellie, Valix and also the rest of his ministry.
All attention fixed to the figures standing before them. Everyone stopping their doing to listen on what the king have to say.
"The people of Elven, we've been suffering for a decade. All because what happened that day that takes some of our loved ones. And since everything's cleared, I shall tell you the truth."
He had discussed this topics with his men the other day and Nein also approved for everyone to know about it.
"The one responsible for that day is no other than our own kin who driven by greed and lead that terror by paying human mercenaries." He pause, looking for reaction from his people.
"I hide the truth so that none of you suspecting your own family and breed another chaos. That is why I blame it all to human for everything but refused to take revenge. Not because I feared them, but because what we need is not war. But rather a moment of peace to mourn for those who lost their life. And finally, we've passed that phase, all because one man decided to take part in this." He turn slightly to see Nein standing behind him.
"People of Elven, I herebly announce that we'll open ourselves to the outside world again!"
The announcement getting variety of reaction and most of it were concern.
August stepped in, Lucas give him his spot to speak.
"Greetings people of Elven kingdom. I'm August Bellona, the Duke of Bellona. Most of you probably wondering what am I doing here although I'm not contributing in your fight. I'm here to help you regaining back your start. Truth to be told, even during the lockdown, I kept sending his majesty a letter, asking whether he need help or not, only for me receiving no reply. If you ever wondering on how your daily necessity never dwindled over the past ten years, it's all because of me. That's all I want to say and thank you for your attention."
August words hang in the air for a moment as he returned to his spot.
"All he said was true. He's a persistent man who keep sending me letters even when I clearly ignoring him. To make things clear, I never ask him to help, he's the one insisting to help. He's the first human I trusted at that time, but now I have two."
Lucas looked at Nein before returning to the audience.
"As a saying said, "Fear the sin, not the person.", as long as we stay in the right path, nothing bad will happen." He end the speech with a message before turning around to Nein.
He's looking at him, expecting him to say something.
"I don't have anything to say. Can we skip it?" He said reluctantly.
"The peoples eager to hear your voice. Just say anything." He give him a light pat on the shoulder as he stand beside him.
"Come on, don't keep them waiting." He added with a smirk.
Seeing that, he had no choice but to step forward. Everyone's looking at him with excitement, the sight make him a bit nervous.
"Ehem, well...there's not much for me to say. But seeing everyone no longer depressed is actually pretty nice. Unlike when I first get here, now everyone's smiling and simply enjoying their moments. I just wish when I happen to visit this place again in the future, that smiles on yours still there to greet me. That's all I want to say."
His speech linger for a moment before Lucas suddenly clapping his hand. Followed by August then Ellie and Valix, then everyone present.
The sounds of their cheering and applause filled the square in a warm and comfortable atmosphere.
"Haha, a decent speech for someone claiming he doesn't have anything to say." Lucas remarked playfully as he standing beside Nein on the podium.
"Well then everyone, enjoy the feast!" He declare with spirit.
The music starts, bringing a festive and energetic melodies through the square. Everyone busy with their own plates while some dancing with their partner.
"Cheers!"
The sounds of wood meeting wood echoing through the air. Each table having their own things, the elderly, the adults and the children all simply living their lives without worry.
The night goes deeper as one by one returning to their houses to sleep. The music slowed, now playing a calm and relaxing melodies.
"Ugh...my head hurts..." Lucas groaned against the wooden table.
"Oh, there goes our king. Should I carry you back?" August suggested as he's half drunk himself.
Their tables now only filled with five of them. Both August and Lucas were in drinking competition while Valix making sure they're not hurting themselves.
"No...I can still...going..." Lucas takes another mug before slamming his head to the table.
"Haha! Ugh...I don't feel so good..." August do the same and fainted on the spot.
Seeing that, Valix act immediately, calling his men to help carrying August while he takes his father.
"I'll leave you two now. I'll take care of this." He said before walking away.
Now there's only two of them now, Ellie sitting beside him in awkward silence. Watching her brother dragging her drunken father with amusement.
"You'll be leaving tomorrow, right?" She start, her voice calm.
"Preferably." He replied almost immediately before drinking his mug.
Another silence stretches between them. She haven't touched any alcohol, yet she looks so flushed. While Nein showing no reaction after emptying his mug for multiple times.
"You can go if you're tired, no need to keeping me accompanied."
"I'm...not tired yet."
Another silence. There's a lot she want to say, but the word died inside her throat.
"Nein I-"
"THERE YOU ARE!"
Sidir appear from nowhere, shattering all of her confidence.
"Sid-"
"SIDIR!!! HOW DARE YOU TO INTERRUPTED MY DAUGHTER!!"
Lucas jumps out from his hiding furiously. While Valix holding him back.
"F-father...?" She stammered, realizing not only her father but also the rest of the ministry were eavesdropping all this time.
"There's...a lot happening right now. What are you saying again?" He asked, pinching the bridge of his nose before looking at her.
"N-n-nothing!...j-just forget it." She stammered, embarrassed by her own thoughts.
"NO! TELL HIM RIGHT NOW!! DON'T LET THIS MOMENT-"
"AHH!!! I HATE YOU GUYS!!"
She ran away while covering her face, her shouting caught him off guard as he watch her fleeing from the scene.
"Vide illud. Puellam flere fecisti."
"Zip it, I don't need your comment on this." He mutter before sighing deeply.
And just like that, the celebration comes to an end.
With the sun rising, bathing the kingdom with it's golden lights. Nein already making his way toward the front gate. He already got his pay and everyone probably still sleeping, a perfect time to leave without making a scene.
"Aha! See? I told you he'll leave early."
Lucas voice caught his attention as he saw the villager already waiting for him at the gate, not everyone, but most of them were present.
"...There's no need for this you know. Who told you I'll be leaving early anyway?"
He then saw August between them and figured it out already. He can see that everyone forcing themselves to stay upright despite being tired and sleep deprived.
"Well, we can't just let our savior leaving without a goodbye." Lucas said after Nein standing before him.
"Sigh...so you force everyone to participate although they can't even keeping their eyes open? How thoughtful of you." He replied with sarcastic remarks.
"Ehem! I don't know how the word spread, originally it's only me and...some of people."
Seeing this kind of parting takes him back, he shook off the thought before before extending his arm for a handshake.
"Well then, this is where we part."
Lucas watching his hand for a brief moment before closing in and give Nein a big hug instead.
"I've told you that we're equal. There's a lot happening in a short time and I'm glad everything's ended up happily. So that's why..."
He pulled away just enough to held his shoulder firmly.
"Whenever you need a help, just send me a message and I'll help you not as a king. But as a friend."
"...I'll count on you for that then, Lucas."
"Of course, Nein."
Everyone's applauding, cheering for this moment engraved in their history.
Lucas finally let go of him and step aside to make a way.
"W-wait! Sir Nein!"
Lena rushed to him, holding the journal she borrowed.
"Y-you almost forgot the journal." She hand back the book with both hands.
Seeing this, he can't help but smile before crouching down.
"Thank you Lena." He said before taking the book.
"U-um... will you visit us someday sir Nein?"
"...Probably. We never know."
"T-then I'll also be a writer! So that I can travel around the world and make my own journal!" She said with determination that caught everyone with surprise.
"Haha, yeah. That'll do. I believe you can do it." He said with a smile while rubbing her head.
The crowd begin to tearing up, knowing this is the time for him to leave. As he gets up, he feels the weight behind their eyes. He begin to walk toward the gate before someone suddenly yells from the distance.
"OI! DON'T LEAVE YET!"
It's Sidir, rushing toward him while holding a metal staff in his hand.
"Heh, seems you got something there."
"Pant...pant...Take this with you... this is the least I can give you for now."
He hand him the staff, the weight, the texture and the quality of it surprise even him.
"Is this...titanium staff?"
"That's right! I made that after I realized that you doesn't need the blade. You, yourself are the blade and I made you the handle. BUT! I promise you this! The moment you returned to this place, I'll gave you the one you asked!"
His declaration hand in the air, and sinking deep into everyone's hearts. It gives them determination to change for the better.
"...Thanks. I'll accept this."
Clack,clack,clack!
The long staff folded into three shorter parts that interconnected with his ability, so he can hide it underneath his coat.
"Well then, goodbye...everyone."
He finally left the kingdom's gate. He keep walking forward without looking back.
"GOODBYE NEIN!!" Everyone said in unison.
Even without looking, he knows how wide their smiles is. And with that, his mission in Elven kingdom, concluded.