“Is this really necessary?” [Young Evelyn]

A ten-year-old Evelyn asked as she practically glared at the two cards in her hands and at the black-haired dhampir sitting in front of her.

“Of course it’s necessary.” [Ryner]

The dhampir, Ryner, answered casually while staring at the two cards in his hands. The two were sitting at a table that had three cards face up and the deck of cards next to them.

“Weren’t you hired to be my tutor?” [Young Evelyn]

“Yuuup.” [Ryner]

“Then, shouldn’t you be doing your job and teaching me properly?” [Young Evelyn]

“I am in the middle of teaching you a very important lesson in life.” [Ryner]

“We’re playing poker!” [Young Evelyn]

Evelyn shouted, mad, but Ryner just calmly nodded to her outburst without breaking his carefree attitude.

“That we are. Now, are you in or out?” [Ryner]

Faced with his improper behavior, the young girl could do nothing but sigh tiredly and shake her head.

“You’ll definitely be killed one day for your impudence.” [Evelyn]

“That’s impossible. I’m so hard to kill, I may as well be freaking immortal. More importantly, in or out?” [Ryner]

“… In.” [Evelyn]

“Great. Get ready to lose.” [Ryner]

Ryner said as he drew a card from the deck and flipped it face up on the table.

“I’d rather have those piano lessons again.” [Evelyn]

The young lady grumbled so.

“Later. Poker is more important.” [Ryner]

“… Honestly speaking, when will you leave me alone?” [Evelyn]

“When I’m done helping you. That’s the job.” [Ryner]

The dhampir casually said while looking at the cards in his hands and the ones on the table.

“When will that be?” [Young Evelyn]

The girl asked as her glare intensified, annoyed by what she just heard.

“Some idiot once told me that the best way to help someone is to become unneeded.” [Ryner]

“And how exactly does that idiot’s saying answer my question?” [Evelyn]

To her inquiry, the dhampir leaned back on his chair, looked up and thought for a moment before replying.

“When you no longer need me, I’ll be gone.” [Ryner]

Evelyn opened her eyes, waking up from her nap and finding herself in bed.

“… A dream.” [Evelyn]

She muttered as she recalled her past. At that time, she had repeatedly lost to Ryner at poker, which frustrated her to no end.

“(To wish for Ryner’s departure… I really was young and innocent back then.)” [Evelyn]

She thought to herself as a bitter smile slowly formed before she buried her face in the pillow.

“*Sniff sniff sniff sniiiiifff*… Alright.” [Evelyn]

Having recharged herself with plenty of energy, Evelyn pulled the blanket off her and sat on Ryner’s bed. Looking around, the room was the same as ever. However, it felt cold and empty because it had been many days since its owner last came by. In Ryner’s absence, the vampire had been doing her best to run the company that they had recently established. Although it was important work, she couldn’t help but want to drop it all and chase after him.

“Ryner, please come back soon…” [Evelyn]

Evelyn wistfully muttered and got off the bed. Fixing her clothes and putting her underwear back on, the blonde-haired and red-eyed woman headed for the door.

“Hmm?” [Evelyn]

However, after taking four steps, the heel of one of her black shoes snapped.

“… I supposed I’ll have to get a new pair.” [Evelyn]

Evelyn thought as she looked at the broken high-heeled shoe.

“So? How is it? Being the head of the Catallard clan?” [Suky]

Suky asked her friend, Maya, while drinking from a bottle of alcohol. The two were in her house, sitting at a table and exchanging small talk. Around them, animals like dogs and cats were running around the place, or lazing about like a certain old tiger.

“I’m not quite the head yet. There are still some things I need to do before it’s official. The most important part is still to come.” [Maya]

Maya said as she took a sip from her cup of tea.

“Then, how’s it been, living with your family? They treated you like a nuisance before and all.” [Suky]

“Mmm~, so-so. After beating my big brother, they don’t complain about me anymore. But, I am a bit worried about my sister. She’s still depressed about her husband’s betrayal.” [Maya]

“That’s just how men are. She’ll get over it after she finds someone new.” [Suky]

“At her age?” [Maya]

“Stop it! If you think like that, then it’s also too late for us!” [Suky]

The woman covered in reddish orange fur scowled at her friend before sighing and shook her bottle.

“You sure you don’t want any? I got my hands on some good booze.” [Suky]

“Thank you, but I’ll stick with tea. It tastes good too.” [Maya]

“Suit yourself.” [Suky]

Suky shrugged her shoulders before taking another swig of her drink and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

“You know, I thought you became a bottomless well after discovering the taste of good booze. But, now you’re mostly drinking tea or water.” [Suky]

“Well, I have to deal with a lot of stressful things~.” [Maya]

“So becoming the new leader of the Catallard clan is stressful enough to make you lose your booze appetite? Go figure.” [Suky]

“… Something like that.” [Maya]

Just as Maya lifted her teacup, a crack suddenly ran through the white surface and the handle broke off.

“Aw, damn it.” [Suky]

Suky got off her chair, startled as the cup fell and spilled its content all over the table. On the other hand, Maya just sat and stared blankly, even as her clothes became wet with tea.

“Maya, you okay?” [Suky]

“… Yes. I’m fine.” [Maya]

“I just bought that teacup too. Was it badly made? I’m gonna punch the guy that sold it to me.” [Suky]

The reddish brown-haired woman grumbled as she began to clean up the mess while her friend absentmindedly gazed at the broken handle still in her hand.

“That was a lovely speech. You really made it sound like our victory is guaranteed.” [Lovel]

Lovel said to Gerard as the two walked towards the twisted tree that would lead them to Hossylei Nac. In front of them was the hooded guide and behind them was their team that had once again boarded the wagons. Everyone was wearing a thick, black cloak over their clothes, hiding their armor as well as the various gear and weapons strapped to their waists and backs.

“Still holding doubts?” [Gerard]

“Doubt is important and I am doubting the use of a wild trump card.” [Lovel]

Their subordinates were following them from a distance and the two were whispering, so their conversation couldn’t be heard. After all, it wasn’t the kind of talk that anyone should hear before the mission.

“So long as we do everything we need to do, then there won’t be a need for it. Besides, we have you for a quick escape.” [Gerard]

“… How easy it would be if the First Order just told us to throw that stone in Hossylei Nac instead of raiding it.” [Lovel]

“Can’t argue with that, but the Order wants everything we can get. Not just the elves, but all of the races hiding in that city. Now, no more talking. We’re here.” [Gerard]

As they got closer to the lone tree that looked like a spiraling cone, a light green-skinned woman emerged from the trunk. Though some people couldn’t hide their shock from seeing her unusual and beautiful appearance, nobody was surprised. Everyone was already informed of Rosaminta’s existence, the Gatekeeper.

“Well, well, well, what do we have here?” [Rosaminta]

Rosaminta asked as she walked towards them while seductively swinging her hips. Everyone stopped except for the guide who stood in front of the Gatekeeper. Then, she lowered her hood and revealed her fair features. With golden blonde hair that reached her shoulders and emerald green eyes as well as long, pointy ears, there was no doubt that she was an elf.

“… Are you… Melda?” [Rosaminta]

Recognizing her face, Rosaminta slightly widened her eyes in surprise.

“It’s been a while, Gatekeeper.” [Melda]

The guide, Melda, said as she showed her a soft smile.

“… My. My, my, my. To see so many Travelers come back so quickly makes me happy~.” [Rosaminta]

“Have other Travelers returned not long ago?” [Melda]

“That’s right~. It’s a long story~. Still, to think I’d see you again. How many years has it been?” [Rosaminta]

“Twenty, maybe…? I lost count in that cell.” [Melda]

“It sounds like you’ve went through some hardships during your travels.” [Rosaminta]

Rosaminta said understandingly and avoided digging deeper into the matter as Melda’s face clouded with pain and hatred for a moment.

“But, my darling saved me and now I’m really happy.” [Melda]

“Your darling?” [Rosaminta]

“Yes. My beloved who means the world to me. Ah, he’s not here right now.” [Melda]

The guide told Rosaminta after noticing how she was looking at the group of cloaked individuals standing behind her.

“That’s too bad. I would have liked to meet him. Then, who are these people? Are they merchants that came to trade?” [Rosaminta]

The Gatekeeper asked, wondering what she was doing with them. The two at the front, a man and a woman, gave her a quick nod as a greeting. So far, none of them had spoken a word. It would appear that they were leaving the talks to Melda.

“That’s right. Actually, I’m lending them a hand since my darling asked me to.” [Melda]

The elven woman who had been serving as a guide said and walked passed Rosaminta. She went towards the tree behind the light green-skinned creature that her people revered and pointed at it.

“Anyway, before we start anything, could you open the gate? I’d really like to see my home again.” [Melda]

Rosaminta chuckled and walked back to the tree that allowed access to the elves’ homeland. At that moment, she had turned her back on Gerard. As such, she didn’t notice how he had slightly shifted his position.

Putting her hand on the trunk, the tree started to move by itself while looking like it was made of clay. Leaves grew on the branches and the trunk untwisted itself into two, forming an arch that had a single red rose at the top.

“Everyone will be happy to see you. Oh, I almost forgot. Don’t be surprised, but there’s a gue-.” [Rosaminta]

Suddenly, just as Rosaminta was trying to tell Melda about the recent events that had happened in Hossylei Nac, a powerful force assaulted her. In the corner of her mind, she realized that someone had attacked her from behind and sent her flying through the gate. Her vision was wildly changing as her body spun erratically and tumbled on the ground. Her surroundings had changed from a gloomy swampland to a green forest. However, Rosaminta was just looking at the sky as she laid on her back.

The smell of burnt plants attacked her nose and when she tried to raise her upper body, she realized that it was coming from her. Everything below her waist was gone. There was no blood or entrails for her body was composed of plants. But, the newly made cross section was burnt black with a few embers still alit. The Gatekeeper, after having seen her injuries, didn’t panic or scream. She felt no pain, but was overwhelmed with confusion.

Even then, she didn’t have time to ponder over what had just happened for she was still under attack.

A human showed up right next to her and brought down his oversized fist that seemed to be made of magma and molten steel. The ground shook from the loud impact and a crater was formed.

“… Now this is a surprise.” [Rosaminta]

Rosaminta said as her upper body emerged from the ground, a distance away from the man. From his previous attack, she intuitively understood that he was the one who blew her away along with half of her body.

“… I actually let my guard down. How embarrassing.” [Rosaminta]

The Gatekeeper said, acting calm while besieged by her confusion. But, soon, her confusion disappeared as her doubts were confirmed.

“And?” [Rosaminta]

Though she was keeping an eye on the man before her, she was more preoccupied by the one standing behind him.

“What do you think you’re doing?” [Rosaminta]

Though she was blown away, Rosaminta could see the gate from her position.

“Melda.” [Rosaminta]

Melda had passed through it and was simply standing there, watching as one of the humans she had led trespassed on elven lands and attacked the Gatekeeper. In the palm of her right hand, a green seed had emerged from her flesh. The Traveler’s behavior and the cold look on her face confirmed Rosaminta’s doubts. It was something that no one thought possible because of how much the elves valued their own. They would not hesitate to sacrifice themselves for the sake of their home and brethren. It was a big reason for why Travelers were allowed. But, reality spoke differently.

An elf had betrayed Hossylei Nac.