——On that day.
They were tracking.
「Ah. You-know-who, they’re moving together, aren’t they?」
It all began with a single word.
Not long ago, they noticed that the eerie humans with unusually immense magical power, known as ‘you-know-who’ who had taken up residence near the heart of the forest, were leaving their abode and heading somewhere else.
These individuals were never particularly settled, but this was the first time they had all vacated their dwelling simultaneously. Consequently, they remained vigilant, suspecting that something significant might be happening. By order of the king and queen, they were assigned the task of tracking these enigmatic beings.
And now.
Floating gently above the forest, five of them observed the lizard-drawn carriage as it made its way through the woods.
As they observed, they conversed:
「Oi oi, what’s that massive lizard pulling?」
「Don’t you know, Peacock? It’s called a lizard-drawn carriage.」
「A lizard-drawn carriage? A human contraption? I wouldn’t know—I’m different from you all. I’ve never ventured beyond the forest.」
「Come to think of it, didn’t Drizzle and the others visit the human city recently? How was it?」
「Hmm… It was rather dull. There were certainly many things, but in the end, humans can’t see us.」
「You think so? I found it quite fascinating. Rows of stone houses, bustling with activity… I’d like to go again.」
「Hmph, Bonfire enjoys noise, after all. Personally, I dislike it.」
Their banter remained as chaotic as any ‘human city’ they described, unaffected by their roles as participants. Oblivious or indifferent, they continued to express themselves freely.
「Bonfire, you were the one who got tired of it in the end, weren’t you? You’re the one who suggested we go back.」
「It can’t be helped. Over there, they seem to be having fun, but we can only watch from a distance. It would have been nice to play together.」
「That’s not allowed.」
「Absolutely not.」
「Yes, forbidden.」
「Unforgivable.」
「I understand, so that’s why I said let’s go back…」
When four negatives piled up on top of each other, he couldn’t help but sulk.
「……but」
The fourth one who denied said while looking at the group below.
「Leaving the elf aside, I’d really like to talk to the Cu Sith and the Alraune. After all, they’re like distant relatives to us.」
With genuine interest.
And a touch of familiarity.
「Oh, it’s that pesky habit of yours, Magpie. Always curious about everything.」
「Oya, Hanaikada*. So, you’re not interested? There’s no Cu Sith around here, so it’s rare to see them, right? And as for the Alraune, even more so. Such beings don’t appear often.」
TN: It’s a kind of flower with no English name.
「That’s… true… but…」
「Ah, Bonfire, you’re just as curious as the Magpie. Can’t help it, huh?」
「Well, that’s because Drizzle is—」
「—surprisingly timid.」
「Hey, I’m not like that! I’m just not interested in those things.」
「Yeah, I’m with Drizzle. They’re a bit scary…」
「Wait, Peacock!? I said I’m not scared!」
「Hmm… Hey, Bonfire. Do you think the Cu Sith, Alraune…….can see us?」
「Huh? Are you asking me?」
One of those who had been absentmindedly observing the argument was suddenly questioned. Their eyes widened as they responded:
「But haven’t you and Drizzle visited the human city? You both surely understand the mortal realm far better than we do, don’t you?」
「Unfortunately, neither the Cu Sith nor the Alraune were in the human city.」
They shrugged their shoulders and continued:
「Since the previous generation ‘Bonfire’ was supposed to have been in the southern valley, so they might have seen the Cu Sith back then, but I wouldn’t remember.」
「Besides, even if the Cu Sith and Alraune are somewhat akin to us, they’re still bound by the mortal flesh of this world. Perhaps it’s impossible.」
「Hmm. If Hanaikada says so, it might be true.」
「But…」
「What’s wrong? Peacock?」
Everyone turned their faces to him.
In a hesitant tone, he added:
「If…….. we could talk to them and become friends, I think that would be nice.」
「…….Indeed.」
「Absolutely!」
「Of course.」
「Hmph, I don’t care.」
The four affirmations softened the air between them.
「In any case, it’s up to the king and queen.」
「Yes, we have no choice but to follow their lead.」
「What should we do? Return for a report?」
「What would we report? You-know-who aren’t causing any harm at the moment, right?」
「That’s why we should report it.」
「Exactly. Determining whether they pose a threat is for the king and queen to decide.」
「As for me, I’d like to keep observing those humans a little longer…」
「I’d prefer a swift conclusion. It’s making me uneasy.」
With everyone’s opinions now expressed, someone stepped in to summarize the discussion.
「Very well, let’s proceed this way. Peacock, Bonfire, and Hanaikada, the three of you will head back for the report. Each of you should express what you saw and felt as impartially and calmly as possible, using your own words. Drizzle and I will remain here to continue tracking. Is that acceptable?」
「Yes, understood.」
「Roger.」
「Got it.」
The three assigned to report exchanged affirmations.
「And I’m the one staying behind? How bothersome… Being alone with you, Magpie, is quite disheartening.」
「I expected nothing less from you, Drizzle.」
The two monitoring each other playfully bantered.
※※※
And so…
The five split into two groups: one returned to the ‘▇▇▇▇’ while the other continued tracking the lizard-drawn carriage.
In the realm of ‘▇▇▇▇’—or rather, where they existed—there was no way to see or touch the mortal world from ‘▇▇’. Conversely, while they could observe the mortal world from ‘▇▇’ they were forbidden from interacting with it.
Legends, awe, and faith—these unconscious concepts barely connected the two realms. Yet only the king and queen, who ruled over ‘▇▇’ could spin the delicate, fragile thread bridging the gap. However, the king and queen were cautious and deliberate, unlikely to nod in agreement easily. Whatever report the returning trio provided, twisting the thread was out of the question.
The spinning wheel of fate would turn—inevitably, but not just yet.
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