kscans

Chapter 16 - The Hidden Truth of the Tree Sea

Leonhard-san didn't abandon me, he came back.

"I, I’m sorry... Leonhard-san..."

My voice trembled, the words catching in my throat. No matter how much I tried to steel myself, I was terrified. I covered my face with my hands, trying desperately to stop the tears, but it was no use.

It was as if the thread of tension I had been holding onto ever since Master disappeared had finally snapped all at once.

"It’s okay, I’m not angry..."

Leonhard also regretted his tone. He was used to a workplace filled with men, with a lot of physical labor. His way of speaking tended to become harsh.

In a situation like this, is hugging her the right answer...?

No, we don't have a special relationship, I should keep a certain distance...

He debated in his head.

If it were Kyle... no, he's not a good example. He'd just push her down.

Right, for now, he decided to gently place a hand on her shoulder.

"I’m not angry, but you need to be more aware of the danger. Do you know that there was a marriage proposal between you and me?"

Mireille lifted her tear-stained face and let out a surprised "Heh!"

"Hey, what’s with the ‘Heh!’, honestly."

Leonhard gently wiped her tear-streaked face with the handkerchief he had in his hand.

"There are plenty of people out there who will think whatever they want about you, without you knowing. Even if you have no intention of it, there are guys who will get the wrong idea from what you're wearing right now. I’ve arranged for clothes. You should have them by tomorrow. But you have to learn how to protect yourself."

At his words, Mireille gave a small nod.

---

Leonhard sat down beside the bed on the second floor and took a deep breath. Mireille, in front of him, watched him with anxious eyes.

"Mireille, did you know there was a forest like this to the south of the town?" His voice was quiet but held a strong will.

Mireille shook her head.

"No... I didn’t know there was such a big forest. If I had, I probably would have used adventurers to gather good materials."

Leonhard explained as he drew a simple map on a piece of paper on the bedside table.

"This is a secret place, close to town, yet no one knows about it. It’s hidden by inhibitor magic and is called the ‘Magic Tree Sea,’ under the direct control of the king."

Mireille’s eyes widened slightly.

"Magic Tree Sea?"

"That’s right. Ordinary people and adventurers can’t enter. The only ones who protect this place are the ‘Tree Sea Defense Force.’ The king commands them directly."

Leonhard marked their current location, the town’s location, and the defense force’s base on the map with circles.

"Far beyond this tree sea is Sacred Peak Mountain. The foothills here are teeming with monsters. Some monsters become active with the tides and the waxing and waning of the moon. If a stampede were to happen, it would be a disaster. That’s why the defense force is supposed to be active around here."

Mireille’s expression hardened slightly.

"I, I understand..."

Leonhard smiled gently and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Right now, the state has its eyes on you for some strange reason, so you must not make contact with the defense force. This is a safe area that isn't patrolled yet. So, I want you to limit your activities to this vicinity."

Mireille nodded deeply and said with a determined look.

"Yes, I understand. I’ll be extremely careful."

"Good, that’s a good girl." Leonhard gently patted Mireille’s head.