The Forest Race Clonne

Chapter 34

“But why didn’t that guy do anything after seeing you? Was he so focused on the patient that he didn’t care about you?”

My fingers instinctively twitched. Unsure how to respond, I decided to be honest.

“He did show interest in me. He asked me several questions and then requested my blood.”

“Oh, really? Well, confirming with blood is the most reliable method to identify a young Clonne.”

“…The most reliable method?”

“Seeing with the eyes has its limits. Checking the blood is the best way. But since you’re here not knowing anything, you didn’t give it to him, right? I mean, who would hand over their blood to someone out of the blue?”

Serige chuckled, and I took a deep breath while looking at him. The memory of that day’s Semeion overlapped on his face—his puzzled, troubled expression. The look of someone whose expectations had been shattered.

“No, I gave it to him.”

“What?”

“He seemed disappointed.”

“Huh? That doesn’t make sense.”

A puzzled Serige hurriedly approached me. When he asked if it was okay to draw blood, I nodded, and he lightly cut my finger with a blade. As the red blood oozed out, he gently rubbed it with his finger, just like Semeion had. I wondered what he was thinking during that brief moment.

“See, it’s exactly as I thought.”

Only after hearing Serige’s voice did I snap out of it. I exhaled the breath I’d been holding.

“…Exactly as you thought?”

“Anyone can tell it’s Clonne blood. Without a doubt.”

“Then… I’m really a Clonne?”

“Absolutely. He saw this and didn’t recognize you? That can’t be right. Oh, maybe your camouflage instincts were too strong at that time?”

“Camouflage instincts?”

“When Clonnes are in their young state, their defense instincts are strong. In threatening situations, their instinct to camouflage their identity intensifies. They might even bleed human blood when injured.”

This phenomenon was said to be possible only during the period when they were still in a half-blood state. Indeed, during that time, I was very cautious, and Semeion’s demeanor was also quite wary. Being suddenly asked for blood was truly surprising. Serige seemed to understand.

“Well, imagine some young Clonne wandering around alone during this time. Anyone would be shocked. Naturally, they’d start questioning you. They wouldn’t have realized it strengthened your camouflage instincts.”

“I must have caused trouble for him.”

“You were just trying to survive. It’s his fault for demanding your blood out of nowhere. Look at me; isn’t this a much safer and milder method?”

I wasn’t sure feeding me poison constituted a mild method, but I smiled and nodded.

“Still, you must be quite a strong tree. Even with enhanced camouflage, it’s not easy to completely deceive an adult Clonne.”

“Really?”

“Unless that guy was particularly weak. Anyway, it’s not a common occurrence. I’m really looking forward to finding out what kind of tree you are. If it turns out your rank is higher than mine, you shouldn’t pretend you don’t know me, okay? We should stay friends.”

It seemed there was a hierarchy within Clonne society as well. While his tone was joking, I found it hard to laugh along, so I awkwardly smiled and let it pass. I half-listened to his playful complaints about me being stern and slightly cold-hearted.

“About Clonne hair color, is it green at this time of the year because of the leaves?”

“Yeah, exactly. When it’s the blooming season, hair can take on the color of flowers. In autumn, it changes to the colors of the leaves. Some even have eye color that changes along with it.”

“It’s amazing that you’ve managed to stay unnoticed until now…”

“Most of us dye our hair in human society. Meeting Clonnes like me and the one you met is actually rare. Honestly, green hair is too conspicuous.”

It was hard to disagree, even as a polite lie. Semeion’s face was quite striking, but his green hair was the only thing I could focus on. Of course, his very long hair didn’t help.

“Does the change start when one awakens?”

“Originally, this period is when it begins to change.”

“Ah…”

“When your awakening progresses, the first thing that will change is your hair color. Judging by the current stage, it will likely start mid-autumn.”

Autumn—it was sooner than I thought. When he asked if I now understood why he was worried, I nodded. Even if I started moving right away, by the time I returned, it would probably be autumn.

“Three months. That’s the maximum grace period I can give you. You must be back by then. Can you do it?”

Return.

Strictly speaking, this place should feel more foreign to me. Yet, for some reason, the idea of returning didn’t feel uncomfortable at all. It was just a bit strange to be confronted with a phrase I thought I’d never encounter in my life.

“I promise. I’ll come back.”

Only then did Serige’s expression relax, and he continued making the remaining medicinal pills from the herbs. It was time to get back to business.

* * *

“Halt!”

The guard at the gate raised his hand. His sharp gaze was full of suspicion as he looked at the ragged group. Already scruffy, their appearance was even more conspicuous because everyone else was dressed up for the upcoming Foundation Day celebration.

“State your purpose and identify yourselves!”

At the loud command, the person at the front dismounted from his horse. He dusted off lightly and removed his hood, but his face was equally grimy. They had been riding without rest for over two weeks. Naturally, the guard who didn’t know their circumstances looked even more displeased.

However, he couldn’t ignore the identification badge the man presented. The guard’s indifferent glance turned into wide-eyed surprise as he gasped. He recognized the emblem of the Security Department engraved on the badge. Seeing the guard’s reaction, the man—Hale—smiled despite his weary face.

“Hale Raydan and six others. We’re returning from an extended assignment.”

“W-Welcome back, Officer Raidan!”

Sighing softly as the soldiers saluted like a thunderstorm, I noticed my companions wore similar expressions. The journey back on horseback had been far more grueling than climbing cliffs. Any sense of relief from finishing the journey was overshadowed by the overwhelming desire to collapse and sleep. My own expression was probably no different.

Raising my head, I gazed at the fortress looming ahead. Perhaps because it had been a while, the scene felt oddly unfamiliar despite its tiresome familiarity.

Two months into the expedition.

Compared to the stealthy departure, it was a smooth return.

My real tasks were only just beginning.

* * *

We woke the sleeping party the next morning. After administering the antidote, they began to regain consciousness, and, aside from looking a bit dazed, they seemed fine. They actually looked quite refreshed, possibly from a good night’s rest.

Wrapping up the rest of the situation went smoothly. We explained that the sudden loss of consciousness was due to the potent recovery effects of the herbal tea and that Serige had to leave urgently. They accepted the explanation, though the disappointment was clear.

“It’s embarrassing we couldn’t even say goodbye, knocked out as we were.”

“Yeah, really slept like a log. How many hours did we sleep?”

“No one expected the tea to be so effective. Serige did mention it was a sign of how much fatigue had accumulated. He said there wouldn’t be any major side effects, but is anyone feeling unwell?”

Fortunately, everyone shook their heads. In fact, they felt more refreshed than usual. Still, to be safe, I made them drink more water mixed with the antidote. They drank it without suspicion, as it was colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Camille even commented that the water tasted better than usual.

“Sei, when did you wake up?”

“I woke up not long before you. Serige left shortly after I regained consciousness.”

“I see, so he kept watch alone throughout the night.”

A look of regret spread across everyone’s faces once more. Knowing that I hadn’t actually kept watch but had simply left them there, I felt a slight twinge of guilt but chose to remain silent. Sometimes, ignorance was bliss.

“There’s something I need to tell you.”

Everyone’s attention turned to me as I tried to change the subject. After taking a deep breath, I began to explain the situation as planned.

I revealed that Serige was knowledgeable not only about herbs but also about the Forest of Life. I had subtly inquired about the Lupinus fruit, and to my surprise, he actually knew something. Thanks to him, I learned that the Lupinus fruit wasn’t an actual fruit but rather a medicinal name. The group was shocked.

“So the Lupinus fruit was actually a medicine?”

“But the ancient texts described the tree’s appearance and the fruit’s form in detail.”

“It turns out the inventor fabricated that information to keep the recipe a secret. It seems to be a well-known story among the local herbalists.”

“Is there any evidence?”

“There’s no way to verify it, but I believe it to be reliable information. He knew other things we didn’t.”

“Like what?”

“The creator of the medicine is said to be from another race.”

Everyone sighed at that statement. There was no sign of disbelief or rebuttal. From the beginning, the Lupinus fruit had an almost legendary status, so it seemed more reasonable to them this way.

“But we can’t halt the expedition based on one person’s word.”

Lisa spoke, her face pale. Even the usually laid-back Hamar’s expression was stiff.

“You’re right. Still, I’m unsure if it’s wise to continue the expedition as planned. If Sei’s information is accurate, this would merely be a waste of time.”

“…We should report to the Crown Prince first. Let His Highness decide.”

Hale sighed and took out a red orb from his inner pocket. It was a communication device given only to the Captain. Just before he inserted the mana stone and activated it, I spoke up.

“Uh, before that, there’s something else you need to see.”

“Hmm? What’s this?”