Bear School Astartes

Lann stood by, listening and shaking his head slightly.

From the perspective of someone who chose humanities in college entrance exams and is a history enthusiast, Aisne indeed should accept a 'bandit' as a friend.

Although humiliating and dangerous, when the gap between tree spirits and humans reaches this point, it's a strategic necessity.

But on the other hand, no one has the right to persuade the tree spirits to accept cooperation with those who want to annihilate their race.

No one has that right.

After a moment of speechlessness, Vesemir straightforwardly asked, "Then what about my mission, Lady Aisne?"

"I'll listen to you finish, but that doesn't mean I have the slightest interest in your rhetoric. I'm just letting you report to King Venceslav, proving that you've done your best to earn your due reward. That's all."

"Much appreciated."

Vesemir knew he couldn't change the tree spirit queen's mind; he was just an old Demon Hunter who should focus on his commission.

Suddenly, with a fingerless glove, he subtly grasped Geralt's forearm beside him.

The Old Demon Hunter was familiar with his apprentice he brought up; Geralt hadn't spoken yet, but Vesemir already knew he wanted to talk.

Ordinarily, Geralt always listened to the elder's advice, unlike another foul-mouthed and arrogant Wolf Demon Hunter.

But this time was different... Vesemir did not hold back Geralt.

"That child, Lady Aisne! What about that child?"

"Why are you asking this?" Aisne looked at Geralt with eyes devoid of warmth, "You already know what will happen to her."

"But she isn't an ordinary farm girl; she's a princess!"

"Princess or queen, it doesn't matter in Brokilon, and nobody cares. If you wish to discuss further..."

Aisne paused, glancing at the young man.

"I'll offer you an opportunity to witness it for Lann, just tonight. Whether you come or not is up to you."

The slim, yet imposing and regal tree spirit queen exited the room, leaving the four men behind.

Vesemir and Geralt both frowned, looking troubled and serious.

Lann stood against the wall with arms crossed; his expression didn't show distress, just some hesitation.

The atmosphere fell into silence as everyone wrestled with their own internal dilemmas.

Until the knight on the bed hesitantly spoke up.

"Uh, you, are you really... Lann of Sintra, the Hunting Marquis?"

The tone was filled with toe-curling embarrassment.

Lann snapped out of his thoughts upon hearing this, casting a glance at the knight lying on the bed.

Causing the injured man's body to involuntarily tense up.

"Yes, sir. I am that 'damned Hunting Marquis' you mentioned. But you don't need to display that expression; I won't draw my sword against you just because you said a few light words."

"In fact, if my actions have truly caused you trouble, I find it quite normal for you to complain a bit."

Baron Bodrog lay back in the nursing posture Lann had arranged for him with a peculiar expression.

Maybe the rumors twisted the Hunting Marquis' character and style into something brutal and ferocious, but now seeing a handsome and reasonable person, the absurdity even surpassed the panic.

The interaction between the knight and Lann broke the room's silence.

Geralt's usually stoic face revealed a rare anxious expression.

"Lann, earlier Old Aisne seemed to view you differently. I don't want to press about the situation; I just want to ask, um... Can you take Ciri away? Out of Brokilon?"

The young man raised his eyebrows.

In front, it's Lady Aisne; behind, it's Old Aisne, huh?

You're really bold saying that in the tree house of Brokilon! They can hear everything, you know!

Before Lann could respond, Vesemir interrupted Geralt's questioning.

"I stopped you earlier, White Wolf. Why do you insist on continuing in front of Aisne? Do you know how dangerous that is? We nearly couldn't walk out of this forest!"

"This concerns Ciri's future; she can't become a tree spirit."

"Yes, I admit the little girl is quite endearing. But my priority is your safety, White Wolf!"

Vesemir grabbed the gaps in Geralt's shoulder chainmail, forcing him to make eye contact. His tone was like an old father scolding a son who refuses to learn.

"Geralt, I'm here for a mission! A mission not much different from killing Water Ghosts and Specters! Earn the payment and leave, just that simple. But you came, and the nature changed! I have to take care of you! I won't allow..."

"I won't allow you to do foolish things in front of me! Do you hear me?!"

This was the first time Lann saw this usually amiable-looking elder genuinely angry after meeting Vesemir.

Geralt, the stoic face, lowered his head under the elder's spit, not daring to look him in the eye.

Yet, simultaneously, Geralt stubbornly kept his lips tightly shut, the 'son who refuses to learn' declined to admit fault.

The situation reached a stalemate, the tense atmosphere almost made the baron wish to crawl away despite his injuries.

But a pair of large hands wearing studded leather gloves directly pressed on both Vesemir's hand and Geralt's shoulder, forcibly separating them.

"There's no need to be so tense, Vesemir. Aisne won't do anything to you; Geralt merely spoke a few words."

Even just for my sake, you will safely exit the forest.

Lann thought.

After soothing the angry Vesemir, Lann turned towards Geralt.

"If Aisne meant to keep Ciri just to expand the race, I have the confidence to retrieve her. But the issue is, Geralt..."

At this point, the young man's cat-like eyes looked seriously at the other cat-like eyes that were already filled with joy.

"I'm not sure if Ciri's life outside the forest will definitely be good?"

"What do you mean? She's a princess of Sintra. Of course, she'll live a life of luxury and carefree outside!"

"Yes, luxury is certain. But carefree?"

Lann questioned.

"While enjoying luxury, she would have to marry someone she despises, have children. If she truly can accept such circumstances just for luxury, it would be fine. But... Do you think Ciri is like that?"

Geralt was momentarily at a loss for words.

He recalled snippets from the past few days, the grey-haired green-eyed little one's dismissive tone when talking about court life, and the joyful laughter while freely running in the forest... No.

The world is full of people willing to marry and have children with someone they don't like for luxury and wealth.

But that could never be Ciri!

She is a free Swallow. If living in a golden birdcage is the only way to be materially affluent, she'd rather fend for herself, seeking adventure.