Book 17.5: Chapter 1


    We need to go and save those children!


    Inard looked at Vyvyan and Elizabeth with a dumbstruck look. The two of them ran back and looked furious. Dumbfounded, he sat up from the sofa and looked at them feeling puzzled: Whats the matter, my Princesses? Who do you want to help this time? ording to my memory, we helped three careless men who were stuck in mud. Oh, they happened to be wanted criminals, too. Afterwards, they even tried to kidnap Vyvyan and you.


    The mention of that incident caused Elizabeth to go red in the face. She softly replied, Im sorry Last time, I was too kind and almost got in trouble. However, Im still very grateful that you saved me


    Dont misunderstand. I dont regret saving you. When ites down it, wasnt it Vyvyans overconfidence that led to that crisis?! But, as her brother, I cantin Inard noticed his sister about to re up, so he immediately added something to calm her. He then looked back to Elizabeth before asking, So, go on, who are we saving this time?


    Howe you gave me attitude when I asked, yet took the initiative to inquire for more detail when Elizabeth had yet to mention it?! Vyvyan poured herself a cup of water and loudly protested, but Inard ignored her.


    Elizabeth grew ustomed to Vyvyans fondness for getting jealous over petty things. Initially, Elizabeth was afraid and worried itd damage her friendship with Vyvyan that she worked hard to establish. Nheless, after spending a long time with her, Vyvyan reacted jealous so many times that Elizabeth eventually couldnt be bothered with them anymore.


    Needless to say, Vyvyan perceived it as Inard giving Elizabeth preferential treatment. He always prioritised Elizabeth regardless of what happened. Additionally, he never rebuked Elizabeth for what she did. In fact, he neverined. Inard always cleaned up Elizabeths messes.


    Inard would do his everything to save the three of them when they were in danger as a consequence of Vyvyans overconfidence. Vyvyan had a knack for strangely getting them into situations. Nevertheless, Inard would lecture his sister afterwards. Vyvyan possessed overpowered mana, true, but she always rapidly exhausted it when in humanitysnds. Due to her not being able to control the mana in her body too well yet, she was always first to be a liability after thoughtlessly casting spells, thereby exhausting her mana. As a result, Elizabeth had to carry her, which made it almost impossible to swing her sword.


    Elizabeth expounded, Simply put, we found a new castle built nearby. Inside is a nobledy. Sorry, but I dont know who exactly she is. Anyway, ever since she appeared, young girls would continue to vanish. Lots of girls from other ces, who entered the castle, also never appear again. Everyone thinks theyre killing the girls in there, but the upper echelon is never responding to the matter. As such, we must investigate it.


    I see. In summary, youre interested in a castle that eats children? That is interesting, indeed. To be honest, I think its interesting, too. Lets go to a castle that we dont know is safe or not and, by the way, they only want girls. Inard tugged the corner of his lip up condescendingly. He then sighed and stood up: No, no, dont misunderstand. Elizabeth, we may be good friends, but theres one problem, and hats were not humans. We shouldnt be sticking our noses in humanitys business. We ran around to all sorts of ces helping because because it was your idea.


    So, youre sick of it? questioned Elizabeth. She was dead serious. Inard looked back at her feeling somewhat surprised. Elizabeth didnt budge: Are you sick of it? You want to continue leading the same life as before? I can ept it, as youre right. Youre my friends, but we arent of the same race.


    But youll go there alone even though I said that, wont you? remarked Inard, keeping his gaze on Elizabeth. He scratched his head in a slightly irritated manner then took in a deep breath: Elizabeth, I think there are some things you need to understand. Im not an almighty elf. How shall I put it? You could say that I do my best to live for the sake of myself and my sister. Yes, I admittedly am someone who likes to run around in the outside world; however, Ive started to grow tired of it. Think about the precarious situations weve found ourselves in. I now want to have some peace


    But those children cant wait! You cant dy saving someones life! No matter how much weve gone through, we still have to help them. Im positive youll go and help. I believe in you!


    Inard met with Elizabeths ck eyes. Doubt gradually seeped into her firm gaze. In the end, he heaved a heavy breath. Suddenly, Vyvyan jumped in between the two and cut off their eye-contact. She eximed, Hey, hey, hey! I will not allow you two to exchange such flirtatious eye-contact, and forget about me!! The atmosphere youve created makes me an unnecessary existence! So, what are we going to do? Brother, you cant be so heartless. Regardless of what the case is or what race we are, we need to help those in need!! Its all right, Elizabeth, even if this cold-blooded man refuses to help you, Ill definitely help you! I wont slip up this time, oath!


    You should quit while youre ahead. If you go and help, something might end up happening suggested Inard. Ah, whatever Fine, Ill help Man Youre just a human, yet why cant I refuse you? However, Elizabeth, I must make one thing clear. Our journey is almosting to an end. In one more year, we will have to return to the elvennds. Thus, we will have to separate in the end. If you want to reminisce the rxing lifestyle in our forests, thats fine. How about this: how about we return to the forest and experience life there after this? One yearter, well send you back.


    What? eximed Elizabeth, surprised. Youre leaving? You two are abandoning me?


    No, were not abandoning you, Elizabeth. You werent from ournds in the first ce