章 5: Towards the elven kingdom of Alferusia

Bella listened to my story with mixed feelings radiating from her innocent face. Her eyes were wide open, looking incredulous at what she had just heard. As if she couldn't help but react, she closed her mouth tremblingly, her expression of confusion clearly reflected on her innocent face.

"I-that... If that's true, then my sister. Sis Anna's is also needed like...Ugh," she muttered, sounding like a voice strangled by confusion and fear. Unable to bear the fact that she had just found out, she closed her eyes for a moment, trying to deal with the wave of emotions that swept over her.

Bella's body was shaken by the wave of emotions that hit her, making her feel vibrations in every fiber of her body. She closed her eyes in an attempt to calm down from the shock she had just experienced, trying to contain the wave of emotions that filled her. Meanwhile, an unstoppable nausea swept through her stomach, forcing her to feel the unpleasant sensation inside her. Hesitantly, she tried to hold back the yam flakes that were about to fall out of her mouth, trying to respond to the painful reality in the most humane way possible.

"Relax, I hope that's just a possibility. Your sister will probably be treated differently," I said in a soft voice, trying to calm her down from the fear that was enveloping her.

Bella nodded slowly, her facial expression reflecting unspoken nervousness and worry. Her lips trembled with an almost irresistible urge to vomit, yet she held herself back fiercely. Carefully, she covered her mouth with her small hand, trying to curb the sensation of nausea that continued to plague her.

"It's late anyway, we'll talk about it tomorrow," I said in a slightly softer voice than before. Although those words sounded light, they contained a deep meaning for both of us. We already knew each other's situations clearly, and right now, I felt that I could give Bella a bit of my confidence, that tomorrow there was still hope for both of us.

The little elven girl nodded slowly and I told her to sleep first in my camp and I would keep night watch.

…

The next morning.

The sun hadn't fully risen when I woke up from my short sleep. With light movements, I prepared myself for the new day. I felt a rush of energy flowing through me, ready to face whatever was to come.

My steps were light as I moved out of the resting place. The fresh morning air greeted my face, sending a refreshing new spirit into my body that still felt stiff from last night's sleep.

I walked over to the location where I had previously set up a trap to catch small animals that could be a source of food. Carefully, I peered into the trap and found several small animals entangled in it. They had a strange shape, like rabbits, but with the addition of horns that rose above their heads. Although they looked menacing, I knew that they could be a valuable source of nutrition.

With quick and skillful movements, I ended their lives with a single blow, feeling resilient in the decision I had made. Light crunching sounds filled the air as I meticulously skinned and cleaned the animals, preparing them to be processed into delicious dishes. Every sharp movement of the knife I wielded displayed well-practiced skill, accomplishing the task quickly and efficiently.

Luckily, I had gotten two catches that morning, giving me hope for a satisfying breakfast. My heart was pounding with enthusiasm as I returned to the resting place, carrying the game I had collected with pride.

While I prepared the spices that I had obtained from exploring the ruins of the ruined village earlier, the fragrant scent of kitchen spices filled the air, adding a pleasant touch to the cool morning. After feeling satisfied with the preparation of the spices, I focused on the next stage.

After I carefully skinned the rabbit, I brought it to the riverbank to clean it. The gently flowing water provided a soothing backdrop as I washed the rabbit meat and meticulously cleaned its innards. When I was done, I searched for dry, strong branches to stick the rabbit meat on, preparing them like skewers to be burned in the fireplace.

With an eager heart, I lit a fire in the hearth, igniting a warm, smoldering flame. Meticulously, I added a pinch of salt to the skewered rabbit meat, ensuring that the delicious flavor would linger in every bite.

...

[POV change]

The fragrant smell of meat that began to waft across her nose woke Bella from her deep sleep. Her eyes slowly opened, greeted by the morning sunlight shining down on their resting place. With slow movements, she crawled out of the tent, noticing the presence of Eric who was busy with his preparations.

Eric's small but strong back was plastered in front of her, exuding an aura of courage and assertiveness. Bella couldn't help but compare herself to Eric. Although both are elves, their lives are much different. Bella was born as a member of the royal family and raised in luxury, while Eric came from a challenging background in a village that was subjected to slave hunting by humans. Nevertheless, Eric remains resilient and strong in the face of the adversity he faces.

Eric's sharp and strong eyes caught Bella's attention, reflecting a steady decision and firmness in the face of the situation. Although both of them had just experienced the same fate, Eric's resilient and calm reaction amazed Bella, inspiring her to face the future more strongly.

'Will I be like him someday?' Bella thought, swallowing her dry saliva. With careful steps, Bella walked out of the tent to greet Eric with a cheerful smile that was very different from their first meeting the night before.

…

[Pov Eric]

Bella stepped in with light steps, her smile radiating warmly on her innocent face. I turned to her with a friendly smile, welcoming her presence sincerely.

"Morning, Bella. How did you sleep last night?" I asked while adjusting the bonfire that was still burning in the fireplace.

"I slept very well, thank you, Eric," Bella replied, her voice full of cheerfulness. "Thank you for everything you've done. I feel safe here."

I smiled in relief at Bella's words. "You're welcome, Bella. We have to support each other."

The two of us sat in front of the fireplace, enjoying the tantalizing aroma of grilled meat. The fresh morning air flowed around them, adding to the warm and peaceful atmosphere.

I took a piece of roast meat and gave it to Bella. "Try this, Bella. I hope it tastes pretty good."

Bella accepted with a smile of thanks. "Thank you, Eric. I'm sure it will be delicious."

While enjoying our meal, I gazed into the distance, her mind starting to drift to the next step to take.

"Bella, there's something I want to talk to you about," I said after a moment of silence.

Bella turned to me enthusiastically. "Yes, Eric? What is it?"

"Do you remember the way to the capital?" I asked.

It made her flinch and turn her eyes elsewhere nervously.

'I guessed it... Besides, if he knew the way home there's no way we'd meet in a forest like this.

"By the way, which way did you come?" I asked again.

Bella immediately turned her head. "That's the east, right, the kingdom of Alferusia is in the east!" She jumped up in excitement as she remembered the way home.

Me looked at Bella with a serious expression, trying to figure out the little elf girl's reaction to my question. Although Bella tried to hide her nervousness, but me could see the uneasiness radiating from the look in her eyes.

'Did she really forget the way home? Or is she just pretending?' I wondered to myself, but didn't express my doubts to Bella.

Meanwhile, the aroma of grilled meat is even more appetizing, filling the air with an appetizing fragrance.

Meanwhile, Bella quickly turned her attention away from my question. She seemed excited when she found the answer to the question, remembering the way back to the Alferussian kingdom.

I nodded in satisfaction at Bella's answer. "Alright, Bella. We'll follow the east to find our way back to your kingdom."

The two of us continued to enjoy their breakfast, while discussing their next plans.