「Listen up. The world isn’t as sweet as you think, and the ‘Void Forest’ isn’t a kind place. To put it bluntly, you’re not that strong. Just because you received the title of ‘Witch’ doesn’t mean you’re invincible, especially since you’ve hardly left the Elf Kingdom of Alfheim. Don’t think being from one of the Six Founding Clans makes you superior. No matter how rare your bloodline is, to monsters and mutants, you’re just a tasty meal.」
「…」
「Ugh…」
「Do you understand? I want a response.」
「Y-Yes…」
「Enough already, just forgive us…」
「No, I won’t forgive you. Even though it’s been a while since we last met, I never expected you to remain this oblivious.」
About ten minutes ago, Karen started giving the Ejetia twins a serious lecture.
Since it wasn’t appropriate to stand around talking in the middle of the main street, we had moved to grandma’s workplace—the Sidera Branch of the Fusion Phenomenon Research Bureau.
We borrowed the reception room to continue our discussion, but—
「Hey, Sui. Isn’t it about time to stop…?」
「Yeah, we don’t really mind..」
Even Berde-san and Schnei-san, who had been belittled by the twins, were feeling sympathetic as they watched the ongoing lecture.
「Please, let her do what she wants. It seems like Karen isn’t just acting out of anger.」
But I shook my head.
In reality, Karen seemed genuinely concerned about the twins’ naive outlook. It was likely influenced by their race’s characteristic of being reclusive—there was a considerable lack of awareness about the outside world.
「You two have gotten it into your heads that you understand everything because you’ve seen it from the Elf Kingdom of Alfheim. That might be okay while you’re cooped up in your homeland, but you can’t go out into the world with that misunderstanding and cause trouble for others. Underestimating other races will only diminish your own dignity. Show some respect. Others know many things you don’t, and they can do things you can’t.」
Karen’s gaze as she continued lecturing was free of negativity; in fact, it even seemed gentle. Perhaps it was something only our family could truly understand.
So, while I stroked Chocola and watched over Karen, my thoughts drifted to something else: my own actions earlier.
「That was close. I had no idea the ‘Fairy’s Tear’ had that kind of power.」
「Bark…」
When the twins belittled me and Berde-san and Schnei-san, I definitely felt irritated. Anger got the better of me, and I couldn’t help but retaliate. However, I never intended to use my magic power to intimidate them.
That pendant amplified my magic power.
It reacted to my heightened emotions and unleashed its hidden effects.
「I need to be careful. And you too.」
「Bark!」
Fortunately, the amplification was a result of my ignorance, and I hadn’t lost control of it. As long as I’m aware of it, there shouldn’t be any issues. If I can master it, it could become an incredible magical aid.
In a way, it was good that I recognized it early on.
「…So, got it? Can you behave properly from now on?」
「Y-Yeah, I’ll do it. Just please forgive me…」
「I’m sorry… I got carried away…」
「I’m not the one you should be apologizing to.」
At last, Karen’s lecture concluded, and the twins were released. They approached Berde-san and Schnei-san.
「I’m sorry. Please allow me to apologize for my rudeness. Also, I’m sorry for not listening to your instructions.」
「I apologize too. We were wrong.」
Whether the reprimanding had genuinely affected them or they were just acting out of pride, Rick and Noemi were both showing humility.
Berde-san and Schnei-san, being the adults in this situation, graciously accepted their apologies.
「Well, as long as you understand.」
「Our magic power might not measure up to yours, but surviving in the ‘Void Forest’ requires skills beyond mere magic power. Would you allow us to teach you that?」
「…Thank you. I’m surprised you’d say that after our rudeness.」
「Thank you so much…!」
Schnei-san’s blunt demeanor contrasted with Berde-san’s warm, inviting smile. The twins bowed deeply, clearly touched by their words. I’ve thought about it before, but Berde-san has a certain charisma. The way he balances Schnei-san’s sharpness only enhances his charm. They probably know what they’re doing.
「Well then, it seems our conversation has come to an end, so we should be heading back.」
「Bark!」
I stood up from the sofa.
With all the chatter, I had lost track of time, and we were slightly late. I couldn’t keep Ji Liz waiting much longer, and Mint was relying on Grandma Seralinde too.
As I made my way to the door, the twins approached me again.
「Please let us apologize to you and your dog as well.」
「I’m sorry for saying such horrible things… I’ll reflect on this, so please forgive us.」
…To be honest, this was all my fault.
But the way they were looking at me was, well, incredibly fearful…
「I’m really sorry too. I’ll reflect on it…」
We all bowed to each other, repeatedly apologizing.
Chocola yawned at my feet, looking utterly bored. This dog… thinks it doesn’t concern him…
「Regardless, if you’re entering the forest, please be careful. There are certainly mutated creatures even in the outer areas. Berde-san and the others are really skilled at survival techniques in the forest, so if you learn from them, you can become even stronger.」
Just as I was trying to wrap things up and ease the awkward atmosphere,
「About that, Sui, and you too, Karen-chan.」
Berde-san said suddenly, his expression turning serious as he addressed us.
「Both of you are registered adventurers, right? Could we request a commission from you?」
「A commission? If it’s from you, Berde-san, we’ll do our best.」
「Hmm. But from the way you’re speaking… does this involve these kids?」
Karen shot a glance at the twins, who nodded in affirmation.
And then—
「The reason they, the ‘Witch of Annihilation’, came to Sidera was indeed to test their skills… that part is certainly not wrong, but the situation is a bit more complicated.」
「Allow us to explain.」
Rick and Noemi said, taking over Berde-san’s explanation.
「This matter is actually a request from the Elf Kingdom of Alfheim. We’ve been tasked with investigating a settlement of our kin that exists within the ‘Void Forest’.」
「You know about it, right, Karen? The clan that has established a settlement in this forest.」
「…Athenak. One of the six founding clans.」
Karen muttered, and the Ejetia twins nodded solemnly.
「Exactly. We need to make contact with them. To be honest, we underestimated the forest, thinking we could manage it with just a bit of training. That’s why we want to ask you for help.」
「We’d like you to train us alongside Berde-san. And if possible… would you accompany us to the Athenak settlement?」
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