IRE 19

chapter 19

“Are you out of your mind?”

Irian blurted out reflexively.

It was rare for him to use such a harsh expression that didn’t suit the spirit of the forest, but that was how sincere he was.

That elf—was he really in his right mind?

What sane person would request a Trial of the Forest from him in a situation like this?

“Of course I’m sane.”

Yet the elf standing before him—still faintly carrying the look of youth—answered without hesitation.

At that, Irian found himself directly under the piercing gaze of the elf’s mother, Eshiria Arhitea, standing behind him.

Her eyes said it clearly: Do not accept that duel.

It was a sharp warning filled with strong will. Her hand was inching toward her bow.

Suddenly, Irian burst into laughter at how absurd the situation was.

Should he call them foolish? The resemblance between mother and son was uncanny.

Like mother, like son—those words came to him naturally.

And the fact that this resemblance revealed itself in such a moment was so ridiculous, and at the same time enviable, that he couldn’t help but laugh.

“What’s so funny?”

Had Eldmir even dropped all formalities now?

At his cold question, Irian quickly stifled his laughter.

“It is funny. How could it not be?”

He spread both arms wide.

“This is Chi Taen. And I told you before, didn’t I? That I am the El Sentinel of this place. Yes. I made it clear, Eldmir.”

Then he pointed a finger at Eldmir.

“And yet, looking like you can’t even hold a bow properly, you’re asking me for a trial? Are you serious?”

“Dead serious.”

Eldmir’s lips twisted upward.

That smile, almost like a sneer, carried something chilling.

“And saying I can’t even hold a bow? That’s a bit much, isn’t it? Look at what I’m doing right now. Hm?”

With those words, he shook the fist that was gripping Irian’s collar, swaying him left and right in rhythm.

Irian’s body rocked helplessly. Several Sentinels rushed to pull Eldmir off him, but that fist didn’t budge.

The sheer strength made Irian break into a cold sweat.

‘What a monster. Even in this injured state, he’s this strong?’

Just a day ago, Eldmir had been on the brink of death. He had lain unconscious for an entire day, and on the second day, the moment he woke, he unleashed this overwhelming strength—and then demanded a trial.

Even most orcs didn’t have such power.

Irian gently patted Eldmir’s fist with his palm.

“Calm yourself. You and I both are far too agitated right now.”

At those words, Eldmir narrowed his eyes.

“All this agitation—you caused it. You first raised me up as some ‘hero,’ creating a good mood, then you provoked me by holding one of the children I brought hostage. After that, you subtly revealed killing intent. Every step—deliberately staged.”

Then Eldmir leaned close, whispering into Irian’s ear with a voice dripping in menace.

“What are you plotting, Irian? Why are you trying to provoke my anger?”

“…”

“…”

“…”

Well, well.

Irian thought to himself.

Better goods than I expected.

He forced his twitching lips downward. Tensing his face muscles to suppress the urge to grin, he ended up with an oddly stiff expression.

“…What are you doing?”

Eldmir asked, frowning at the bizarre look. Irian almost laughed again.

But now was the time to stay calm.

So he dredged up memories he’d rather have forgotten.

The moment he’d been told by another Sentinel about his parents’ death.

The grief.

The incomprehensible behavior of his kin.

Rage.

Rage.

Rage.

And then, as if it had never surged, the storm of emotion subsided.

His expression returned to calm. With a grave look, Irian gently clasped Eldmir’s fist.

“Lord Eldmir, I was rude.”

“…What?”

“I apologize. I will apologize again and again. But for now, please calm your anger. I fear such wrath may harm your health.”

“Cut the nonsense! Answer me—!”

“Killing intent? A misunderstanding. I admit I lost my temper and behaved rudely, but I swear on the forest I never intended harm to you or Lady Eshiria.”

“Still spouting lies…”

“Please, believe me. We never wished to harm you.”

“I asked you,” Eldmir said coldly, “why did you try to enrage me? You still haven’t answered. Don’t try to dodge.”

Irian found him more perceptive than expected—which, ironically, made him all the more troublesome.

How should he handle this young elf? He measured his words carefully.

“…I truly had no ill intent. But when thoughts of my parents overwhelm me, sometimes I lose control. Even I am startled by how shaken I become.”

He looked Eldmir straight in the eyes.

“Again, I apologize. Just now, I let my feelings toward the Beastkin spill out onto your mother. Yes, it was unforgivable rudeness. Call it petty venting if you must. That’s all it was.”

Then he turned to Eshiria.

“Lady Eshiria, you told me not to overstep, did you not? You were right. I apologize. Overcome with emotion, I spoke in ways unbefitting the forest. If not for your admonishment, I might have committed even graver offenses. I do not blame you. The fault lies with me alone.”

“…Truly?”

Irian felt Eldmir’s grip on his collar begin to loosen.

Though doubt still lingered in his eyes, Irian knew he was nearly won over.

“Of course. You said you wished for the Trial of the Forest? If that will ease your anger, I’ll accept. But not like this, Eldmir. A trial held while both sides are blinded by rage is no trial at all—it’s mere conflict. I don’t wish to see our kin torn apart because of my rudeness.”

With that, Irian gestured for the Sentinels to stand down again. This time, they hesitated but obeyed, stepping back.

Eldmir still glared at him while holding his collar, but gradually, his grip weakened.

Irian decided it was time to close the matter entirely.

“Let’s finish this discussion about the Beastkin when both of us are calmer. For you and for me.”

“…Hmph.”

Finally, Eldmir released his grip and pulled his hand away.

Irian bowed his head.

“Allow me to apologize once more, formally.”

“No… no, I wasn’t blameless either. I’m sorry.”

“I as well. I disrespected a companion of the forest.”

Irian smiled gently then.

The warmth in that smile seemed genuine.

“Though there was discord, the fact that we reconciled and asked forgiveness of each other is a joy. Surely the forest guided us.”

Then he added:

“Come. Let’s move elsewhere. Standing here like this isn’t the place to talk.”

All the while, behind his gentle facade, he wore a dark smile within.

Eldmir and Eshiria entered the house Irian guided them to.

It wasn’t far from where the commotion had happened—practically next door, really. Eldmir wondered if they had simply stepped into the nearest house at random.

The room inside was ordinary, much like any elf’s dwelling. The only difference from L’Ruel village was a subtle variation in style.

“Where are the children?”

Eldmir asked the moment he stepped in. He didn’t care for pleasantries—he wanted to see with his own eyes that they were safe.

“They are unharmed. With Lady Eshiria’s request in mind, I ensured nothing happened to them.”

“I’d like to see them myself.”

“…Very well.”

As if expecting it, Irian walked deeper inside.

Eldmir followed, anxious.

When Irian opened a door, four catfolk huddled together on a bed came into view.

“…You all.”

“L-Lord Eldmir!”

“You… you’re alive!”

“Lady Eshiria…!”

Their tear-streaked voices rang out like a chorus.

Esrin rushed forward, crying, while Keris and Ershi sighed in relief. Ketrit softly murmured Eshiria’s name.

“Haah… you’re all safe.”

“I told you, didn’t I? I know how to exercise that much judgment.”

Though, if not for Eshiria’s restraint, he might not have. Irian averted his eyes from her sharp gaze.

“Lord Eldmir!”

“Oh—ah, yes, I’m glad to see you too.”

Even as his body ached, Eldmir embraced Esrin as she leapt at him. His face nearly twisted in pain, but he forced a smile.

Seeing that, Keris asked with concern:

“Are you really alright? You were unconscious for two whole days.”

“Two days?”

That was news to him.

Eshiria, as if just remembering, explained, “Son, I forgot to tell you—it’s been two days since that night.”

“Ah… I see.”

No wonder his wounds had healed so much. He’d thought his recovery was unusually fast, but two days had passed.

Shaking his head with a wry smile, Eldmir said,

“I still have plenty of small injuries, but I’ll live. What about you? From the looks of it, you don’t seem too well.”

“We were… treated kindly enough. Though, they didn’t let us visit you while you were sick…”

Esrin added the last bit with a pout. Eldmir stroked her hair, and her sulky face quickly brightened into a grin.

All her initial wariness was gone. Eldmir smiled warmly in return.

Still, mindful of the wounds she was pressing against, he gently set her aside.

“I’m glad you’re safe.”

The others quickly spoke up.

“Eldmir, what will happen to us now?”

“Lady Eshiria worried about you constantly.”

“Are your wounds… truly healed?”

Keris, Ershi, and Ketrit asked one after another as if rehearsed. Eldmir chuckled helplessly.

He answered them in turn:

“Nothing will happen. You needn’t worry. Yes, I know my mother worries a lot—and with how badly I was hurt, I can’t blame her. But as you see, I’m not perfectly fine, yet nothing life-threatening remains. Thank you for caring.”

“‘Nothing life-threatening,’ you say. I went to pray to El R’darel countless times because of you…”

“Mother! Don’t say things like that in front of them.”

“You hush. If you ever appear before me in such a state again, I won’t let it go.”

Eldmir broke into a cold sweat.

The scariest people when angry weren’t those quick to flare up, but those who never showed anger—until everything they’d bottled up burst at once.

And it seemed he had just seen the first cracks forming in that dam.