Departure

Nightfall, Elven Forest, Emerald Holy City.

A discreet side gate near the city’s main entrance creaked open, revealing a plain, unassuming carriage. Inside, a petite figure lifted the curtain, her eyes meeting Karina’s in that fleeting moment.

“Ready to leave? Anything more to say to your mother?”

Karina’s gaze brimmed with maternal love and care. One by one, her daughters were leaving. Though she knew fledglings must eventually soar, this old bird felt a pang of reluctance.

It was the deep, unspoken love of a mother for her children.

“Take care of yourself. I’ll do the same,” Selina replied.

The planned two weeks had arrived. To avoid attention, Selina’s departure was clandestine, facilitated by Karina’s royal authority to open the side gate.

All necessary words had been said before parting. Knowing familial words of care were never enough, Selina wished only for Karina’s health, as her mother now held a vital place in her heart.

The farewell was private, attended only by Karina and her personal maid, Felin. A smaller crowd suited Selina—she wasn’t fond of grand send-offs.

The coachman, handpicked by Karina, was a trusted confidant. Accompanying Selina was her devoted maid, Cuibis.

Everything was prepared; all that remained was this final goodbye and the journey ahead.

Gazing at Emerald City under the night sky, Selina recalled a similar night five years ago, watching this same silent city as a fugitive hunted by the elves. Now, she was one of its masters.

Such a drastic change in identity—told as a story, it might spark laughter. Who could predict the future?

With a final heartfelt farewell, the carriage slipped away under night’s cover. As familiar scenes receded, Selina couldn’t suppress her emotions. Ignoring princessly decorum, she leaned half-out the window, turning to the figure behind.

Waving frantically, her delicate voice trembled.

“Karina! Wait for me—wait for me and Sister to come home!”

At the gate, hearing her daughter’s fervent cry, Karina’s stoic facade softened into a smile. She raised her hand, mirroring Selina’s wave, her emerald eyes rippling with the warmth of spring.

“I’ll wait for you, always. Come back safely, my children.”

Felin, silent until now, spoke softly. “The Highnesses have grown.”

“Yes, grown and caring for family. They’re my pride,” Karina sighed, turning back through the gate into the city. Felin, after her brief words, followed her sworn mistress in silence.

Inside the carriage, a shock-absorbing magic array ensured a smooth, quiet ride.

Selina and Cuibis sat across from each other. The melancholy of parting hung heavy, but Cuibis broke the somber silence, pulling a parcel from her bosom and offering it to Selina.

Curious but puzzled, Selina frowned. “Money or documents? Didn’t I tell you to store important things in the spatial ring?”

“Your Highness, this is from Her Majesty. She instructed me to give it to you only after we left the city,” Cuibis said, a hint of grievance in her tone.

Selina took the parcel, instantly sensing a familiar aura—blade energy. As a former blade master, her sensitivity to such things rivaled any in this world.

The potent blade energy suggested a divine weapon within. Her curiosity piqued, she unwrapped it swiftly. As the contents were revealed under the carriage’s magical light, her breath caught.

A pair of crystal daggers gleamed on her lap, crafted from rare silver-gemstone, their design an enhanced homage to the mithril daggers she wielded in her past life. No wonder the parcel felt so familiar.

Her gaze fell on a note tucked in the corner. Picking it up, she read two distinct elven scripts.

“Selina, my dearest sister, when you read this, I’ll be back at the academy. I’m sorry I can’t stay by your side. After realizing you regained your past memories, with your birthday nearing, I agonized over the perfect gift. I wandered Emerald City, passing the site of our past battle, now covered in grass and soil. Memories lingered, and I recalled your daggers, ruined by my magic. Those blades never left your side; they must mean much to you. So, I decided to recreate them. Mother agreed, and we each crafted one blade to give you on your birthday. The process was complex, and Mother’s blade wasn’t finished when I left, so I entrusted mine to her. I hope this gift suits you. Above all, I wish you joy, free from past burdens. —Your loving sister.”

Tears welled in Selina’s eyes as she fought to hold them back. She read the note’s lower half.

“All that needs saying has been said; you know it in your heart. As your mother, I have little more to teach, only that you live truly for yourself this time. As always, I’ll wait for your return. —Your loving mother.”

Perhaps the daggers’ brilliance stung her eyes, or maybe emotion overwhelmed her. Tears rolled down, dripping onto the note and blades, splashing faintly on their radiant surfaces.

“Karina, you self-obsessed fool!” Selina cried out, her voice trembling.

Though meant as playful retaliation, her quivering tone betrayed her true feelings.

In that moment, Selina realized elves embodied not just virtue, kindness, and purity, but a romantic depth only those cherished could feel.

On the daggers’ spines, in tiny elven script, were inscriptions: Karina will always love Selina and Felicia will always love Selina.

(Volume One End)