BRAND NEW WORLD

The savory aroma of spices mingled with the salty scent of grilled meat, filling the air and gently seeping into the senses of anyone who breathed it in. Thin wisps of smoke rose from the surface of the grill, dancing along with the breeze blowing from the direction of Lake Dewata.

With calm, practiced movements, Lusserina flipped the meat that had begun to turn golden. The layer of melting fat reflected the sunlight, adding an enticing glimmer to its surface.

That afternoon, we held a small picnic by the lakeside. The water sparkled like thousands of gems, every ripple breaking the light into tiny flashes. The wind carried the fragrance of cooking across the whole meadow.

"Mmm… that looks delicious," Phina said as she walked closer, her eyes fixed on the roasting meat.

"It'll be ready soon," Lusserina replied with a faint smile.

Al and Kyle were busy slicing vegetables and herbs. Rima lay relaxed on a long chair, sunbathing with sunglasses covering her eyes, as if the outside world could no longer bother her. At the lakeside, Elise and Lynn played in the water with Bamby and Arimby. Their laughter rang out among the splashes that formed tiny rainbows in the air. Langit, Griffa, Riffon, and Putih lounged on the grass, their tails swaying slowly every time the aroma of cooking grew stronger.

It had been a month since we returned from Arvastan. With a bit of magic, we instantly arrived at my cabin — the place that left Elise and the others gaping in awe during their first visit. Since then, they have come here almost every day.

During the first week, they went back and forth from the capital of Nuzantra to Lake Dewata without any missions, just relaxing. But by the second week, Al began to scold them for lazing around too long. Eventually, they returned to taking quests, though they still often stopped by or stayed overnight. I even considered expanding the house — better to have too much space than too little.

I had also introduced them to Rania, Radhimar, and Bartasz. At first, it was a bit awkward, but they quickly grew close — not only with my summoned creatures, but also with my children.

"The food is ready, My Lady," Lusserina said softly.

"Everyone, let's eat," I called out. Laughter and footsteps soon filled the table, bringing warmth to that afternoon.

[Meanwhile, far from Lake Dewata…]

In a hall with gleaming white marble floors, jeweled walls reflected the light of crystal lamps. At the far end of the chamber, upon a silver-carved throne, sat a young-looking elf with long silver hair flowing freely. Her ears were short, yet the pink gown, adorned with delicate engravings and tiny gemstones, radiated a regal authority. The tiara on her head sparkled as it caught the light of dusk.

Several vital figures stood in a semicircle before the throne. Silence weighed heavily until the raspy voice of an old dwarf broke it.

"Based on the field agents' reports, it is confirmed… the one who saved the city of Movento and the capital of Nuzantra is Lunaria — Her Majesty Selene's aunt."

Queen Selene straightened her posture, her blue eyes widening. "Oh! So it was Aunt Luna?"

"Indeed," replied a demon man in military uniform. "In fact, during the incident in Arvastan a month ago — the Catastrophe of the Sandworm Queen — both of Your Majesty's aunts, Lady Lunaria and Lady Rimaria, were also involved."

"So… they were the ones who saved Arvastan?" asked one of the council members.

"Correct. And the greatest contribution came from the two Ladies."

Selene fell silent for a moment, then let out a sigh. "In that case… could we ask Aunt Luna to handle this matter? But… she prefers spending time in a little tavern rather than at the palace. As if she's forgotten that she is a noble. A High-Elf, no less."

The old dwarf dared to speak again. "Is Your Majesty speaking of the Forbidden Land? I heard Lady Luna is searching for clues about the Guardian Tower. If we provide her with information…"

Selene tapped the armrest of the throne with her finger, her gaze distant. "I don't want to manipulate her…" A thin smile formed on her lips. "…but perhaps I have no choice."

She looked out the window. The evening light shimmered on the jewels of her tiara, glowing like embers.

"Prepare an envoy."

"At once, Your Majesty," the demon man replied with a bow.

Before dispersing, the old dwarf asked quietly, "Will Your Majesty reveal… the whole truth about the Guardian Tower?"

Selene's smile thinned further. "No. Only enough… to make her move."

The shadow of the throne stretched across the marble floor, reaching as if to grasp a future the kingdom had never faced before. The silence of the night felt like the calm before the storm.

[Back at Lake Dewata…]

That morning, the dew had just been swept away by the sun when Rima and I sat facing each other at the dining table. Only the two of us, accompanied by the aroma of warm tea and the lingering scent of last night's cooking.

"Thank you for the meal," Rima said, pressing her hands together at her chest.

"What is it, Rim?" I asked when I saw her take a long breath.

"The Nuzantra royal court summoned me."

"Oh? An urgent matter?"

"I don't know for sure, but it seems important."

"In that case, be careful on the road."

Rima pouted. "Hey, you should come too."

"They only summoned you. Why should I trouble myself?"

"You've always been like this," she muttered, "avoiding politics and nobles… as if you've forgotten that you are one yourself."

Her words weighed heavily on my chest. A flash of the past surged forth — a peaceful elf village, treehouses, a pair of elves I believed were my parents, and two girls my age… one Rima, the other hazy, veiled in mist.

That memory whispered: I was destined to lead the elf village. But my adventurous spirit rebelled, driving me to secretly run away… and Rima followed.

"Lun…"

"…."

"Hey, Lun!" Rima called, breaking my reverie.

"Yes?" I answered quickly, slightly breathless.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing… hehe," I replied with an awkward smile.

Rima sighed. "Well then, I'll be off."

"Take care," I answered softly.

Her back grew smaller in the distance, yet my heart whispered: I must return to that village. Perhaps… that's where the answer lies.

Not wanting to dwell further, I headed to the adventurers' guild. Five minutes flying from Lake Dewata, I arrived at the capital. My earlier worries — that people would praise me for flying — proved unfounded. Thanks to Rima, people had already grown used to it. Elise, Phina, and Lynn were even inspired to learn flight magic.

At the guild, the morning atmosphere was bustling. As I stared at the request board, a cheerful voice called out.

"Sis Luna!" Elise waved.

I approached them.

"Good morning, have you found a quest?"

"Yes, we're going to hunt orcs," Al replied.

"Oh, right, C-rank is indeed the requirement for orc subjugation," I said.

Their faces flushed with pride.

"Then be careful," I added, watching them until they disappeared through the door.

Yet my thoughts were still troubled by that memory. So I decided to seek fresh air.

Using teleportation, I arrived at the summit of the Temple of the Moon and Sun. Strong winds struck my face as my eyes swept over Lake Dewata, the capital of Nuzantra, and my cabin by the lakeside.

It was there that I realized — my resolve had grown firm.

When I returned home, Lusserina was sweeping the yard.

"My Lady, back so soon? Is your quest already done?"

"No, just something on my mind."

"Oh? May I know?"

"I want to return to the elf village."

Thud!

The broom slipped from Lusserina's hand. Birds flew off, as if sensing the shock. Her gaze was full of disbelief.

As daylight gave way to night, fireflies began to glow, owls called out, and moonlight and starlight reflected off the surface of Lake Dewata.

Rima returned when evening had already fallen. By the time she arrived at the house, Lusserina and I had just finished preparing dinner.

"I'm home!" Rima called as she closed the front door.

"Welcome back," I replied.

"Wow! Smells delicious! The aroma reached me from the doorway," Rima exclaimed, inhaling deeply.

"Perfect timing, we just finished cooking dinner. Come, let's eat together."

The three of us enjoyed dinner warmly.

I turned to Rima. "Oh, yes, how was your meeting with the king?"

"They asked for my opinion on the Forbidden Land."

"The Forbidden Land?"

"Yes. To the southwest lies a sealed, forbidden area. From there, many evil creatures are emerging… far stronger than usual."

"Strong enough that you can't defeat them?!" I asked in shock.

Rima snorted. "Of course not. I can handle them. But reports from a neighboring country… a platoon of fifty soldiers was nearly wiped out by just five goblins."

"Goblins?" My brows furrowed. "Are you sure?"

"That's the testimony of the surviving soldiers," Rima answered.

I narrowed my eyes. "If they were nearly wiped out, how did they make it back?"

"They said… a warrior happened to pass by, and he was the one who defeated those goblins."

I fell silent. Those were certainly no ordinary goblins — likely high-level elite goblins. But that mysterious warrior… could he have been a player?

"…"

After careful consideration, I have finally made my decision.

"Rim, I'm going to the elf village."

The moment she heard it, Rima coughed in shock, nearly choking. Her hand quickly reached for a glass of water nearby. Soon after, she recovered and immediately stared at me.

"What did you just say?" she asked, her face filled with surprise.

"I want to go to the elf village," I answered.

"I thought I misheard, but you did say it," Rima muttered, leaning back in her chair.

Moments later, she crossed her arms over her chest, her eyes fixed on me. Only my heartbeat echoed as she stared sharply.

"I can't believe you'd say that. Are you sure? You might not be able to come back once you're there."

I drew a deep breath, then met her gaze. "Yes, I'm sure. Whatever it is, I'll face it."

"Hmm… It's been a long time since I've seen such determination on your face. The last time was when you decided to leave the village. And now you want to return, huh?" Rima chuckled softly, hiding her unease behind laughter.

"Hey, I'm serious!" I protested.

"Sorry, sorry. I couldn't resist teasing you," she replied, a faint smile replacing her laughter.

She looked at me for a while before speaking softly, "In that case, I'll go with you. Father and Mother will surely be happy to see you back."

"By 'you,' you mean…"

"Of course, you — their golden child."

"No, they'll be happy to see you too," I said firmly.

Rima lowered her gaze, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. "…Thank you."

"Lu, what about you?" Rima asked.

"Of course I'll follow you, wherever you go. Even to the ends of the world. Because I am a servant of the Oberyth family."

"You're not just a servant, you're part of this family," Rima said.

"Thank you, Lady Rima."

We spent the rest of the night in light conversation, accompanied by the moonlight and the calls of owls — a calmness before a journey that might change everything.