Chereads / Celestaris: Chronicles of Manga, Moon & Kizuna. / Chapter 19 - Chapter 9: Cherri, the Heart of Mythara (Part 2)

Chapter 19 - Chapter 9: Cherri, the Heart of Mythara (Part 2)

Part 2

Once inside the amphitheater, I found myself standing before the grand round table alongside a large gathering of elves, each accompanied by two attendants standing behind them.

To my right sat two elves beside Melodía. One had intense reddish hair and a determined expression, while the other appeared more delicate, with vibrant light-blue hair that seemed to exude softness.

To my left at the table was Mr. Kazeharu and another elf, robust and broad-shouldered, with brown hair and the bearing of someone accustomed to agricultural work.

At the center of the table stood a large, imposing white chair, unoccupied yet clearly reserved for someone of great importance.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed through the silent auditorium. From the side staircase, a figure emerged, radiating beauty with each step.

Behind her, a delicate trail of sakura petals floated in the air, enhancing the magic of her presence.

She wore a stunning pink dress that matched her eyes and her long hair, which swayed gracefully with the breeze.

Everyone seemed spellbound, bowing their heads in respect.

Without hesitation, I too knelt, like a knight before royalty, wanting to show my reverence for this imposing figure.

—Thank you all for honoring us with your presence on this beautiful spring afternoon —the figure said.

—Rise, young Kibou. My name is Cherri, the protector of Mythara. And these are the representatives of the tribes who dwell here.

—It is an honor to stand before you all —I said, placing a hand over my heart.

—I can see that you are someone with good manners. That speaks well of you.

—Let us begin by introducing ourselves to this young man.

The brown-haired elf was the first to rise.

—I suppose I'll start. My name is Terram Gaiaus, leader of the Terranis tribe.

—I am an earth elf. We are the guardians of flora and fauna. We also specialize in agriculture —he said with pride before returning to his seat.

The elf with light blue hair stood up timidly.

—M-my name is Eleonor Abiel, leader of the Ondaris tribe.

—I am a water elf. We are responsible for purifying the lakes and maintaining the magical barrier.

—We are a tribe of healers —she added, her voice trembling slightly, like a frightened pup.

Eleonor sat back down, and the next to rise was Mr. Kazeharu.

—My name is Zephyrus Kazeharu, though you already know that. I am the leader of the Aeris tribe.

—Our tribe is tasked with monitoring and maintaining order within the Mythara forest. We are a tribe of sentinels and advanced scouts, experts in both the bow and the sword —he said firmly, each word resonating with conviction.

Next, the intimidating elf rose from her seat.

—My name is Ignaria Flames, stick-boy —she said, eyeing me up and down with a mix of amusement and challenge—. You should train a bit and build some muscle, you know?

—I am the leader of the energetic and proud Ignaris tribe.

—As you can tell, I'm a fire elf.

—Our tribe specializes in close combat and wielding double-edged swords. We are Mythara's shock force, dedicated to protecting our borders from humans and other unwanted intruders —she added, her tone firm and her gaze intense.

Ignaria sat down, satisfied with her brief introduction.

Finally, with all her elegance and beauty, Melodía stood up.

—My name is Melodía Luminis, daughter of the leader Aurelius Luminis, who regrets being unable to attend in person —she said with a clear and confident voice.

—I am here as his representative and ambassador.

—I am a light elf. The Lumaris tribe primarily focuses on commerce. We govern the trade cities at the borders.

—We are also artists and experts in musical magic, which allows us to provide magical and logistical support in battle, —she explained gracefully, radiating a formality that made her seem completely different from the person I had met earlier.

Melodía sat back down with the same elegance with which she had risen, leaving the atmosphere wrapped in an expectant calm.

—My name is Haruto Kibou. I come from a place called Japan, and I'm still very confused as to why I'm here… I don't consider myself special.

Cherri gave a faint smile.

—I thought as much, Haruto.

—When I was just a seed, someone very much like you planted me in this soil thousands of years ago, infusing it with his magic.

—He was the one who brought the first cherry blossoms to Celestaris...

Everyone reacted with expressions of surprise.

—I hate to interrupt, Lady Cherri, —Yuna's father said—, but I wanted to inform everyone that this young man possesses the "Blessing of the Moon." I only know of one other person in all of Mythara with that same ability…

—Yes, I confirmed it when I checked his status, —she replied.

A murmur spread among the elves.

—That means he's an envoy of Mizuki… Something must be out of balance in this world.

—Now that you mention it, —Gaius interjected—, we've spent years trying to capture a semi-human of unknown origin in the forest. From time to time, it attacks the animals, and so far, we haven't been able to track it down.

—That's true, —Lady Cherri added—. I haven't been able to detect it either, and the same goes for the level 3 dungeon; every group of adventurers that enters disappears without a trace...

Melodía looked thoughtful and, after a few moments, shared what she had been holding back:

—Lately, in the city of Veredel, there have been rumors about mysterious disappearances. They say demons are behind it… It's possible their army is starting to move.

—Miss Yuna Kazeharu also mentioned seeing a Netherian assassin lurking in the forest, and no one was able to detect them, —she added, casting me a concerned glance.

—Now that you mention it, we recently stopped an incursion, —Ignaria chimed in with a proud smile—. Those foolish humans thought they could cross our borders.

—I see… all the players are moving in the shadows, —Cherri said, gazing thoughtfully around the room.

—Young Haruto, what do you think of all this?

I wasn't sure what to say, but everything seemed to point toward the classic scenario of having to face a demon king, with unexpected powers appearing out of nowhere.

—I know I'm new here, and I don't consider myself special, much less powerful, —I replied, taking a deep breath—.

—I don't have extraordinary abilities, but there is one thing I know for sure: I want to help protect this forest. Miss Yuna, Mr. Kazeharu, and Miss Melodía have shown me the warmth of this place and its people.

I bowed my head respectfully, resolved.

—I'll do everything I can to be useful to you all, —I said, offering a deep bow.

—Well, I think that's all for now, —Cherri said, dusting her hands off with a smile—.

—We look forward to your collaboration. Show us through your actions why Mizuki brought you to this forest.

—What do the rest of you think? —she asked, glancing around.

Everyone present nodded silently, showing their approval without adding any words.

—Very well, without further ado, I, Cherri, along with the elemental elves, welcome you to the forest of Mythara and consider you one of our own.

Honestly, I didn't know how to react, but I felt a deep sense of relief and gratitude.

—I thank you for your trust and would like your guidance to follow the right path. I will give my best effort to help make Mythara an even better place, —I said, kneeling respectfully before everyone present.

Everyone stood and applauded before beginning to greet each other and converse animatedly. Lady Cherri approached me and offered a final farewell before departing.

—Kazeharu, I'm entrusting the young man to you, —she said, giving him one last serious look before leaving. Yuna's father simply nodded.

Ignaria approached me and gave me a strong pat on the back.

—If you need to train that scrawny body of yours, don't hesitate to call me. I'll be here every morning before the sun rises, —she said with a grin, walking away with the energy of a passionate trainer.

—Don't mind her; she's always so energetic, —Terram laughed—. If you ever need something good to eat, feel free to visit our village. Of course, we'll charge you, but it'll be top quality! —he added with a hearty laugh.

—Y-you're also welcome to visit us anytime, young Haruto, —said Eleonor, the water elf, giving a small bow before nervously stepping away.

Yuna's father approached with his escorts, looking at me seriously.

—See you later at home. Don't be late… and be careful with my daughter; I haven't forgotten what happened this morning, —he said, gripping my shoulder lightly, making me shiver.

After Mr. Kazeharu departed, Melodía appeared, having finished her conversation with her attendants and looking ready to leave.

—If you don't mind, I'll join you. I can't leave Yuna alone with a savage, —she said, slipping back into her usual attitude.

—You're always welcome at home! —Yuna responded warmly, smiling at her friend.

That evening, we had a quiet dinner at Yuna's house. The atmosphere was relaxed, and her father even seemed less strict, giving us less severe looks while Melodía shared a few anecdotes from her days.

Kizuna and Simo were also enjoying the feast, occupying their tiny plates as if they were distinguished guests at a formal banquet.

After dinner, Melodía stood up and, after a brief pause, addressed Yuna.

—If you don't mind, could I use the terrace? I'd like to keep up with my habits, —she said in a calm, respectful tone.

—Of course, this is your home too. If you'd like to use the piano, don't hold back, —Yuna said with a smile.

Melodía nodded gratefully and, opening the balcony door, made her way to the Kazeharu terrace.

—Tell me, Yuna, why do you have a piano on the terrace? —I asked, surprised.

Yuna let out an innocent laugh.

—You're so funny, Haruto. That piano is just for her; we don't know how to play it. Melodía's been my friend since I was five, and without fail, she comes every week to play and clear her mind.

—Why don't you go listen to her? I'll help my father clean up, —she said, standing up.

I nodded, noticing in Yuna's gaze that she truly wanted me to go. As I climbed the stairs to the terrace, my steps halted for a moment as I recognized the melody beginning to flow through the air.

With the large moon illuminating the sky, the choice of piece seemed perfect, as if it were crafted for this moment. But what truly unsettled me was how they could know it in this world.

Moonlight Sonata, by Beethoven. A piece so characteristic of my own world resonated with precision and emotion I never expected to find here, in Mythara. How was it possible that something so intrinsically human had crossed the barriers of this universe?

Putting my doubts aside for now, I decided to join the magic of the moment. I activated Materialize and summoned my violin, Kazuhira Sakura, ready to add my own notes to the night.

As I approached her, I began to play, accompanying her gently. My violin sounded good, but the grace and precision Melodía displayed on the piano were unparalleled. Each note seemed to invite us to a different world.

She glanced at me, a little surprised, but without faltering, she continued playing with exquisite delicacy, as if the piano were an extension of herself.

I could see her dedication in every movement; her nimble fingers were covered in small bandages and scratches—the marks of someone who practiced tirelessly, almost with devotion.

Yuna and the others listened from below the balcony. Without a doubt, that duet created a special harmony, transmitting a profound serenity.

The final notes played, and silence returned to the terrace.

—How rude, interrupting a lady while she's playing the piano, —she said, attempting to sound serious, though we both knew she didn't mean it.

—My apologies. It's one of my favorite songs, and I thought it would sound even better as a duet; sometimes, when played on piano alone, it can feel a little melancholic. —As I spoke, memories of my days playing solo surfaced, when that melody was my only companion.

—I never imagined that an unkempt man would have such talent for the violin… —she said, her tone a mix of surprise and gentle teasing.

—Well, I don't know if I'd call it talent.

—Yes, I play well, but I assure you it has nothing to do with innate ability.

—Then what is it? —she asked with genuine curiosity.

—If I had to describe it, I'd say it's pure effort and hard work.

Those words seemed to hit her like an arrow. Melodía looked at me, and I continued, opening up a little more.

—When I was a child, I wanted my parents to notice me, so I spent hours and hours learning the violin and the piano. My fingers were always marked, covered in small wounds and calluses.

Unconsciously, she covered her hands, as if trying to hide the marks of her own efforts, unaware that she wasn't wearing her gloves.

—I know what it's like to work tirelessly to perfect an instrument, only for people to call it "talent" without understanding the sacrifice behind it.

—The way you play the piano, so incredible… it's not natural talent. It's the result of years of dedication and effort, isn't it?

My words seemed to resonate deeply with her. For the first time, Melodía felt understood—someone had recognized and valued her hard work. Her heart raced, as though something new and unfamiliar had awakened within her.

—Excuse my forwardness, Haruto, —Melodía said in a formal tone before quickly turning and retreating.

Yuna, observing from below, noticed a tear on her friend's face. It didn't seem like one of sadness, but rather of unexpected happiness.

—Yuna, if you don't mind, I'll retire to my room, —Melodía murmured as she continued toward the guest room the Kazeharus had prepared for her.

—I already told you this is your home; you don't need to ask, —Yuna replied softly, though her friend was already out of earshot.

Yuna watched her leave with a smile. Wow, Haruto really struck a chord, she thought. I've never seen her this happy in my life. He truly has a way of touching hearts.

After the emotional night, everyone decided to rest. The dinner, music, and conversations had left a pleasant sense of exhaustion in the air, and the silence of the village wrapped the house as they all drifted into a deep sleep.

The next morning, the first rays of sunlight lit up Haruto's room, making him half-open his eyes.

Barely conscious, he felt a familiar weight beside him. Not again, he thought, with a mix of resignation and surprise.

Turning his head, he confirmed it—Yuna was sound asleep next to him, her breathing soft and calm.

But then, something else caught his attention.

On the other side, he felt something soft and delicate. Elegantly nestled and equally deep in slumber was Melodía.

Haruto froze, his eyes darting between the two of them, unsure whether to laugh, cry, or simply pretend he was still asleep.

—This can't be… not again, —Haruto whispered, trying to move without making a sound, afraid of waking either of them.

At that very moment, the door to his room slid open slowly, and Yuna's father appeared in the doorway, still groggy and half-asleep.

—Kibou, have you seen the girls? Perhaps they went to the village for breakfast…

When he fully opened his eyes, he froze upon seeing Yuna and Melodía in their pajamas, each clinging to one of Haruto's arms.

—I swear this isn't what it looks like! —Haruto exclaimed, feeling a cold sweat trickle down his back.

—You were amazing, Haruto… I was so impressed… —Yuna murmured in her sleep, hugging him even tighter.

You always have to speak at the worst moment… Haruto thought, looking at Yuna in despair.

—Humph! Don't think I'll be yours just because you play so well… —Melodía murmured in her sleep from the other side.

Don't say things like that! They're going to get me killed! Haruto thought as he watched Yuna's father's expression grow dangerously dark while glaring at him.

—You know, Kibou, I think Mr. Luminis would be very interested in hearing about his daughter's stay here, —Yuna's father said, wearing a smile that was far from comforting.

Haruto swallowed hard, imagining how Melodía's father might react to this… "situation."

Without a doubt, my life felt more like a manga with each passing day; and if I kept piling up misunderstandings like this, my "story" would come to a swift end.

These two are definitely going to get me into trouble… serious trouble.