Part 2
Yuna guided Haruto along the elevated wooden paths, pausing occasionally to point out special places.
A tree that served as a gathering point for the elders, a magical fountain where children played with glowing fish, and a shrine dedicated to the goddess Mizuki.
—This place is… incredible —Haruto said, stopping in front of the shrine. The air here felt purer, almost vibrating with energy.
Yuna nodded, her gaze softening as she contemplated the stone statue of Mizuki.
—I always come here before an important mission. It reminds me why I fight —she confessed, her voice calm but filled with conviction.
Haruto observed her in silence, feeling a newfound admiration for his friend.
—I guess I should find a place like this too —he said, scratching the back of his neck with a nervous smile—. Though, in my case, it'd probably be the nearest ramen shop.
Yuna's soft laughter filled the air, making Haruto's heart feel lighter.
Finally, after exploring the elevated paths, they arrived at her home. A large spiral staircase wrapped around a monumental tree.
Thick, twisted roots embraced the earth like part of a sacred network.
At the treetop stood an imposing house with sliding doors adorned with carvings of leaves and flowers—a perfect harmony between nature and elven architecture.
The sun slowly dipped toward the horizon, painting the sky in golden and orange hues, while the first stars timidly appeared.
The interplay of light and shadow enveloped the place in a calm atmosphere that only Mythara could offer.
I stopped in front of the wooden door, its sliding design evoking memories of my grandmother's house.
Yuna slid the door open smoothly, revealing a cozy and harmonious interior, where the warmth of the forest seemed to embrace you in every corner.
As I entered, a tranquil warmth enveloped me, as if the house itself shared the serenity of the forest.
The walls, decorated with natural carvings, were softly illuminated by hanging magical lamps, highlighting every detail.
Yuna led me to the dining area and, with a warm smile, asked me to sit while she prepared tea. I settled onto a cushion beside a low wooden table, letting my eyes wander around the room.
Everything seemed seamlessly integrated with the forest: furniture and decorations crafted from carefully arranged branches and small gems that reflected the light hypnotically.
There was a unique harmony between nature and the home, as if they were one and the same.
Soon after, Yuna returned with a tray in her hands, moving with the innate grace of the elves.
She placed the tray carefully on the table, revealing a delicate tea set adorned with sakura motifs.
Yuna poured the tea into small cups, allowing the rising steam to fill the air with a fresh, floral aroma.
I picked up one of the cups, savoring the comforting warmth in my hands before taking a sip.
The flavor, smooth and refreshing, spread across my palate, as if I were tasting the very essence of the forest.
—This is… incredible —I said, unable to hide my amazement.
She smiled with satisfaction, taking a sip of her tea before responding.
—It's called "Blessing of the Earth." It's a special blend of leaves that only grow in Mythara, carefully cultivated by the earth elves. It's one of our main exports —she explained, with a hint of pride in her voice.
—That's fascinating. Do you trade with other villages, or…? —I let the question hang in the air as I enjoyed the tea, allowing its flavor to transport me to the forest itself.
Yuna tilted her head slightly, thoughtful, before answering.
—Yes, we trade between villages, but our main exports pass through two commercial cities controlled by the light elves.
—The closest one is Veredel, right on the border between the Kingdom of Estelaris and the Mythara forest. It's a vibrant place, full of life, where merchants of all races gather.
She paused briefly, her eyes reflecting a mix of nostalgia and contemplation.
—Although it's not always easy with humans. Some respect us, but others… they don't understand our way of life or our traditions.
Her honesty made me reflect. Even in a world as harmonious as Mythara, tensions between nations remained a constant challenge.
—It must be difficult to maintain that balance —I commented, admiring her conviction.
Yuna nodded, her expression serene but resolute.
—It is, but it's our responsibility. To care for the forest and share its blessings only with those who respect them.
The atmosphere in the room felt warmer, as if her words strengthened the connection between us.
I took another sip of tea, wondering how much more I could learn about this vast, mysterious world.
Yuna continued naturally.
—To the north is Stonehollow, at the base of the Valdurn mountain range. That city marks the boundary with the Dwarven Confederation of Durkheim —she added, taking another sip of tea before continuing—. It's a bustling and fascinating place.
—The light elves have achieved a balance between natural elegance and the grandeur carved into stone; every structure seems to tell an ancient story.
—In those border cities, permits are granted for adventurers who wish to explore dungeons within our territory. There are even small adventurers' guilds there.
As Yuna spoke, each of her words seemed to open a window to a broader, more vibrant world.
I felt small compared to the vastness and complexity of Mythara.
—And do only elemental elves live in the Mythara forest? —I asked, trying to understand this unique place better.
Yuna shook her head softly, and a warm smile formed on her face, her eyes lighting up as she touched on the subject.
—Mythara is the main home of the light, earth, wind, water, and fire elves. Each of us plays an essential role in maintaining the balance of the forest.
—But there are also other beings who live alongside us.
She leaned forward slightly, as if sharing a special secret.
—For example, the semi-humans, like the silver wolves, live in small packs that roam the forest. They're always on the move, but they never disrupt the natural balance.
—Then there are the fairies, spirits, and the dryads—magical guardians who watch over Mythara's most sacred corners.
—Each of them has a unique and vital purpose, as if they were pieces of a puzzle that holds the forest together.
Her words painted vivid images in my mind, a mosaic of life and magic that seemed like something out of a dream.
I could imagine each creature playing a part in a magical ecosystem where every action contributed to the harmony of the environment.
Yuna, with an expression full of affection, added in a softer, almost reverent voice,
—And the most important of all is Lady Cherri.
—She's a sakura dryad, the very heart of the forest. It's thanks to her that Mythara remains in bloom and protected.
—Maybe tomorrow, if you're lucky, you'll get to meet her.
I nodded, amazed by the magnitude and complexity of Mythara. Every detail she shared made this place feel more alive and unique.
—Why is the presence of semi-humans allowed but not that of humans? —I asked, unable to contain my curiosity.
Yuna paused, as if carefully choosing her words.
—Semi-humans are spiritual beings who have learned to live in harmony with nature.
—Humans, on the other hand, tend to see our resources as something to take without considering the harm they cause —she explained seriously, her gaze fixed on mine, ensuring I understood the gravity of her words.
—That's why Lady Cherri doesn't allow humans to access the forest freely. It's a protective measure for our home.
Her words echoed in my mind, forcing me to reflect. It was true; humans were the same everywhere: always seeking to conquer, to take what wasn't ours, and to destroy natural beauty out of ambition.
Cherri must have understood it better than anyone else.
As I thought about her, I recalled the majestic sakura tree that was her physical form—imposing and protective. The image filled me with respect and awe, a reminder of how small my existence was compared to a place like Mythara.
At that moment, I remembered the gift I had bought for Yuna.
I reached into my pocket, trying to steady myself as I searched for the necklace.
Nerves coursed through me, but there was something about this moment—the peace of her home—that made it feel like the right time.
—By the way, Yuna… I wanted to give you something —I said, my voice faltering as I extended my hand toward her—. You've done so much for me… I thought this would be a good time.
When she saw the necklace, her eyes lit up with surprise, and a sincere smile, warm as sunlight filtering through the leaves, appeared on her face.
Without saying a word, she sat down beside me and gently swept aside her beautiful green hair, exposing her neck.
—Could you put it on for me? —she asked, her voice soft and calm, yet filled with a warmth that made my heart race like never before.
Time seemed to slow as I carefully leaned closer.
The delicacy of the moment enveloped me, and my hands trembled slightly as I fastened the necklace around her neck.
Every movement felt imbued with a significance I couldn't quite explain but deeply felt.
—There —I murmured, letting out a sigh of relief as I stepped back to look at her.
Yuna turned to meet my gaze, her fingers gently touching the necklace as if she feared breaking it. Her face radiated gratitude, but also something else—something I couldn't fully decipher.
—It's beautiful, Haruto… thank you so much.
Her smile, so genuine, made everything worthwhile. Despite the exhaustion, uncertainty, and challenges, that small moment reminded me why I was here.
Just as I thought the moment couldn't be more special, I felt an unusual weight on my shoulders.
A familiar presence—though not entirely welcome at that moment—brought my nerves rushing back all at once.
As I slightly turned my head, I saw Kizuna and Simo staring at me intently, as if they had been there the whole time.
—Wow, what a pretty necklace, Kizu! —Kizuna exclaimed, breaking the atmosphere with her characteristic enthusiasm.
Simo, for his part, let out a brief caw that somehow sounded almost like judgment.
—How long have you two been there? —I asked, trying to hide my embarrassment as I felt the heat rise to my face.
Before either could answer, a deep voice echoed behind me, making the air feel as if it had frozen.
—Since you were about to put that necklace on her, boy…
I froze, feeling a chill run down my spine. The tension in the air was palpable, and I didn't even dare to turn around.
Kizuna and Simo, as if sensing the danger, remained completely still—like statues—their unanimous silence was as suspicious as their presence.
Then I felt it: a firm hand rested on my right shoulder, and the pressure gradually increased, amplifying my nervousness.
—Yes, Yuna, my dear, it is a beautiful necklace… —came the voice of Yuna's father, with a neutral, almost polite tone that somehow made the situation even more terrifying.
Time seemed to stop again, but this time for completely different reasons.
I couldn't describe the fear that engulfed me; it was the kind that makes you reconsider every decision in your life, from accepting a mission to simply waking up that morning.
—Please don't execute me… —I murmured in a trembling voice, as I felt panic take hold of me.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Simo and Kizuna slowly backing away, as if trying to disassociate themselves from any responsibility.
Don't abandon me, traitors! I screamed in my mind, feeling utterly forsaken.
Yuna's father tightened his grip on my shoulder. I could see a vein pulsing on his forehead, and though he maintained a calm exterior, every word he spoke seemed laden with warning.
—I would never do anything inappropriate to my… daughter's… friend —he said, his tone a mixture of thinly veiled threat and absolute restraint.
Before I could respond or even breathe, Yuna, completely unaware of the tension in the room, leapt toward her father with a radiant smile.
—Daddy! You're back! —she exclaimed, her enthusiasm lighting up the room.
The change in her father was immediate. The hardness in his face vanished instantly, replaced by a warm paternal aura as he embraced Yuna tenderly.
—Yes, my precious daughter, Daddy is back —he replied in such a loving tone that it left me completely bewildered.
I watched the scene, unsure whether to laugh or cry.
It was like being trapped in one of those slice-of-life comedies, filled with heartwarming and familial moments… except the persistent weight of his hand on my shoulder reminded me that this particular "slice" leaned more toward psychological horror.
Definitely, this is a supporting role I never asked to play, I thought, feeling a mix of resignation and relief. At least I was still alive… for now.