After the conversation Fern had with Ryuu, she felt much calmer.
She realized she could trust Ryuu—and that Ryuu would take her to the elves' village. Along with feeling calm, she also became quite excited.
She couldn't wait to continue her journey.
However, that would take some time.
Unlike Ryuu, who was a powerful adventurer, Fern was just an ordinary girl. She needed plenty of preparation before starting such a trip—lots of water, food, and, of course, a tent to rest in.
Ryuu, on the other hand, could travel for days without needing rest. She preferred it that way since she didn't want to deal with annoying bandits.
It wasn't that she feared them—she could easily defeat them—but fighting them was simply bothersome.
So, it was decided that their journey would begin in five days. Naturally, Ryuu would help Fern prepare everything. After all, Fern didn't have any money to buy supplies. There was no way she could get what she needed on her own.
And Tiona, who had been watching as they made their plans, could only think, 'I have to make the most of these last five days.'
It was clear Fern wouldn't give up on the idea.
She had to make the most of the time Fern was still here.
'I'll make sure she has so much fun that she'll never forget these days!' Tiona shouted in her mind, flashing a wide grin.
"Are you all right, Tiona?" Ryuu asked.
"Hm?"
"Well, you're smiling like that… You must've thought of something nice, right? What were you thinking about?" Ryuu asked. Hearing that, Fern also looked at her.
"It's nothing…"
Tiona didn't want to spoil her plans, so she said nothing more.
Fern tilted her head, not understanding a thing.
####
POV: Frieren
When I woke up, I didn't feel well. My body was hot and sweaty—a terribly unpleasant sensation. My mind was a mess too, filled with memories of that person.
That woman, that child… all those people.
Their smiles.
"Damn it, I don't want to see this." I know he's inside me, but I don't want to see it. I don't want to relive those memories. Every time I see them, I feel sad, even though I wasn't the one who lived in that place.
Huff~
I sighed and stood up.
After getting up, I took off my clothes and tossed them aside, standing completely naked.
Then, I opened the window. A strong breeze rushed against my bare skin, sending shivers down my body. "That feels so good~~" I said, not caring if anyone saw me like that.
I took a deep breath. "All right, let's have breakfast and take it easy today. I'm not in the mood for training."
After a bath, I put on clean clothes—a white dress that reached down to my knees. "Does this suit me?" I asked myself in the mirror. It didn't look bad, but my usual clothes fit me much better.
When I left the house, I saw a few elves sitting near the World Tree. There were three of them, sitting together, drawing and laughing. I couldn't help but smile softly.
'It's so peaceful and beautiful. How wonderful,' I thought.
But then, my thoughts were abruptly interrupted.
[Enemies detected!]
"You've got to be kidding me…" I muttered, incredulous.
I just wanted to rest today! What are they doing here this time!?
"My Queen?" one of the young elves called out.
I turned and saw all of them looking at me.
I smiled and said, "It's nothing, don't worry."
Then, I flew up into the sky.
'Let's deal with this quickly.'
####
POV: Third Person
After taking complete control of Rakia, Phobos began rebuilding the city's economy with remarkable skill. In no time, the residential areas started to feel "alive" again. Even the nobles had begun returning to the city.
Of course, she had the help of people who once worked for Ares.
But that wasn't enough for her.
"What did you just say?" one of the generals asked Phobos.
"I said I want to take control of the Elven Forest. Ares tried and failed, didn't he? I want to succeed where he didn't."
"T-That's…" The general's heart began to race.
He had encountered elves before. He remembered one in particular—a powerful elf named Serie. Many years ago, he had met her on the battlefield. She alone had managed to repel his entire army.
He and a few others were the only survivors.
"What's wrong? Are you afraid?" Phobos asked, her gaze sharp and cold.
He bowed his head and knelt. "No, of course not. I'll do as you command. I'll prepare the army and place it at your disposal."
"Good."
The man said he would gather the troops, though he doubted they'd all agree to join this "war."
Everyone knew how dangerous the elves were.
Ares had been killed by them.
Not just Ares—many powerful generals had fallen to their hands.
Sweating nervously, the man left the throne room.
"Let's do this," he muttered, his voice trembling as he followed Phobos's orders.
In a single day, he gathered every available adventurer in Rakia—most of them from small Familia that Phobos had conquered.
When they heard the mission, their excitement was unbelievable.
The general thought bitterly, 'They have no idea how strong the elves really are.'
And so, the army led by Phobos marched toward the World Tree. Their mission: to seize control of the elves.
Phobos didn't even bother leaving any defense behind for the city.
When they finally neared the forest, the army began to crumble—within seconds.
####
Read more chapters on my patr eon: patr eon.com/parodygirl
Next chapters: Chapter 47 - I didn't know a God could feel so much fear. / Chapter 48 - I don't like people who lie to me.