Ch. 1: The Mysterious Forest
Hyule, Land of the Forests, Month of Brilliance…-.
The forest I walked through had a mystical beauty about it, more so than any forest I’d traveled through before.
A gentle moonlight streamed through the tops of the trees, creating a seemingly protective atmosphere that went on and on…
It almost felt like the trees were guiding me as I walked deeper into the forest…-.
OO: “Ah…”
I spotted a ring, protectively surrounded by the roots of a tree, and I put my hands together in prayer.
The bright light flowed out, and I closed my eyes against it. Then…-.
??: “……”
The prince I’d awoken from his slumber slowly stood up.
He had clear eyes, glossy hair, and slightly pointed ears…
(He’s so beautiful… like a forest fairy.)
As I watched him, there were no words to adequately describe the beauty I saw.
??: “Are you the one who saved me? Thank you.”
His beautiful face broke into a smile, one that held not a hint of ill intent.
At the same time, he easily held out his hand and I took it without thinking.
??: “Might you be the Princess of Traumere?”
OO: “Yes… I’m OO.”
I felt as if I would drown in his deep, clear eyes as he watched me.
Riel: “It’s nice to meet you, OO. I’m Riel. I’d like to express my thanks. Will you come with me to my castle?”
The voice that came from his perfect face was overflowing with friendliness…
I nodded without hesitation.
Ch. 2: The Spirits of the Forest
The leaves rustled overhead, combining with the notes of the birds…-.
As Riel guided me, I found myself going deeper and deeper into the beautiful forest.
Then…-.
(Is that… a deer?)
Ahead of us were three creatures that looked similar to deer, but weren’t like any I had ever seen.
I stopped in surprise, but Riel smiled in delight.
Riel: “Did you come to find me?”
Riel walked up to the animals with the innocence of a child.
Riel: “Sorry for making you worry.”
Riel gently stroked the bridge of their noses as he spoke to them kindly, and the scene made my heart warm.
Riel: “I know, Dream Eaters appeared. Thought it’s not like I had intended to be so careless… It was my first time seeing real Dream Eaters, so they ended up catching me.”
The animals gave their bodies a shake.
(It’s almost like they’re having a real conversation… can Riel understand them?)
Riel: “Yeah … well, there’s nothing I can do about it when you put it like that. It was just something I’d never seen before. But it’s alright now. The Princess of Traumere saved me… ah.”
Riel turned back to look at me and smiled apologetically.
Riel: “Sorry Princess. Let me introduce you.”
Riel called me over and I walked forward at his encouragement.
The animals had splendid fur and carried the same mysterious aura that Riel did.
Riel: “So these guys are the spirits that protect the time of the forest. They’re called pokkle.”
OO: “They protect time…?”
Riel: “They each protect and govern over the twelve months of the forest.”
OO: “That’s amazing.”
Riel: “Haha, yeah, and they’re my precious friends.”
OO: “Spirits…?”
Riel: “Yeah. They protect the forest.”
OO: “I see. So that’s why they have a sense of something divine about them.”
Riel: “Yup. I’m glad you like them.”
Riel smiled happily, as if he were proud of the fact.
Then he turned his attention back to the pokkle and introduced me.
Riel: “Iyuli, Mai, Jukab. This is the Princess of Traumere. Isn’t she lovely?”
Riel spoke without a care in the world, and I felt my heart leap a little.
OO: “Um, can you understand what the pokkle are saying Riel?”
Riel: “Yeah, I can.”
(That’s amazing; he can talk to the spirits.)
Though it seemed unbelievable to me, Riel said it like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Then…-.
OO: “Ah…”
The pokkle came up to me and slowly bowed their heads.
Riel: “Do you want to pet them on the nose? It feels really nice and it’ll make them happy.”
As Riel said it, I nervously reached out my hand to touch them.
OO: “Wow…”
Their fur was so soft and supple, and the pokkle made a pleased sound as I pet them.
Riel: “Haha, and with that, OO is now friends with Jukab and the others.”
The one called Jukab was noticeably larger than the other two pokkle.
(I wonder if Jukab is the leader.)
Jukab was watching me attentively.
(So these spirits protect the forest…)
As I thought that, I formally bowed to Jukab and the others.
Ch. 3: Clear Eyes
Riel: “Haha, and with that, OO is now friends with Jukab and the others.”
I spent more time with the pokkles I met deep in the beautiful forest.
Riel: “We should head on to the castle.”
As Riel started walking, the pokkle suddenly darted away with a braying sound.
(I wonder what got into them?)
Riel: “Oh, that was them going to tell the other pokkle that they found me.”
OO: “Oh, I see.”
After that, we walked down the path to the castle, protected by the pokkle.
…
……
As we walked, my heart swelled as I took in the beauty and the quiet of the peaceful forest.
(It feels so nice here.)
Riel saw me looking up in delight at the forest and chuckled.
Riel: “Your eyes are really sparkling. They’re lovely.”
OO: “……”
(Riel’s the one who has beautiful eyes…)
But I couldn’t say that aloud, and I tried to calm the pounding of my heart.
OO: “I’ve never seen a forest this wonderful. It’s beautiful, but it’s not just that. It feels sacred, and the air is so clear and pure.”
Riel: “It makes me happy to hear you say that. It’s our mission to protect this forest after all.”
I heard the certainty and determination in his soft voice.
(This forest is really precious to Riel.)
Riel looked at each and every tree with love and affection in his eyes…-.
…
……
Riel and I arrived at the castle, and immediately the king and queen came out to greet us.
Queen: “Aah, Riel.”
King: “Thank goodness you’ve returned safely.”
The queen grasped Riel’s hands, and the king bowed his head.
(The king and queen seem so nice…)
Riel: “I’m so sorry for worrying you. This is… she’s the Princess of Traumere, and it’s thanks to her that I was able to come home safely.”
Queen: “Oh my, how delightful. We must offer you our deepest and most heartfelt thanks. Please, take your time here within the beauty of the forest.”
OO: “Thank you very much.”
(I’m sure that it’s because these are the people who govern the forest that it’s as beautiful as it is.)
My heart was warmed at the sight of the lovely family.
…
……
As I sat for dinner that night, Riel excitedly talked to me about all sorts of things.
Riel: “You know, when I was younger, I was raised with the spirits of the forest. That’s why everyone here is so precious to me. They’re like family.”
OO: “That’s so nice.”
OO: “I’d love to meet other spirits other than the pokkle.”
Riel: “Really? I’m so glad.”
Riel smiled happily.
OO: “It sounds wonderful, getting to spend time with the spirits.”
Riel: “Yeah, it’s really fun.”
Riel smiled, perhaps thinking about the spirits.
After that, Riel taught me a lot of other things.
He told me about the climate when the cold time of year came and the snow would start to fall.
Adorable-sounding flowers called snowdrops would blossom and then briefly welcome the spring. And…
Riel: “And deep in the forest, there’s a sacred bonfire that the spirits all protect so that not even strong winds, or heavy rains, or snow put it out. If it were to ever go out, it’s said the forest would disappear too… that’s why everyone protects it.”
OO: “A sacred bonfire…”
OO: “That sounds so incredible…”
Riel: “Haha, yeah I guess it is.”
Riel smiled slightly as I looked at him in puzzlement.
OO: “I’d love to see it.”
Riel: “It makes me happy that you’re interested in our forest.”
Riel smiled in delight, and I felt that same emotion grow in me as I looked at him.
OO: “But… when I think about how it could go out, it makes me pretty anxious.”
Riel: “Sure, but it’s fine. It won’t go out that easily. Oh, and also, there’s this part in the forest where the water runs so clear and pure…-.”
(Riel truly loves this forest, from the bottom of his heart.)
I completely lost track of time as I listened to him talk.
The pleasant feeling that carried on Riels’ voice continued to echo deep in my heart.
Ch. 4: The Shrine in the Forest
The night was quiet as the stars glittered outside the window…-.
After dinner, Riel walked with me back to my room.
Riel: “OO, aren’t you cold?”
As the night deepened, a coldness had crept into the corridors of the castle.
(I am a little, but…)
OO: “It’s not that bad. Thank you though.”
Riel: “It’s nothing, but tell me if you need anything since it can be hard adapting to an unfamiliar climate, okay?”
OO: “You’re so nice.”
Riel: “Eh? Really? But thanks.”
OO: “What about you Riel? Does the cold not bother you?”
Riel: “I’m fine. I’m used to it after all.”
Riel’s wide smile was gentle.
Riel: “Oh, right, before I head back, do you have a minute?”
OO: “Sure, what is it?”
Riel: “I want to show you something.”
He gently held out his hand.
OO: “Riel…?”
Riel: “Come with me OO.”
I placed my hand in his elegant one.
Riel: “…you’re cold. Have you actually just been enduring it all this time?”
He gently wrapped my hand in his large, beautiful hands.
(It’s warm…)
Warmth spread from where we were touching.
Riel: “Sorry. But I still want to show this to you.”
Riel smiled as he spoke, then we turned and walked in the opposite direction of where we’d come from.
(I wonder what he wants to show me.)
Anticipation filled me as I followed Riel deep into the forest…-.
The place he led me to was a magnificent shrine that stood out even in the night.
Despite the coldness outside, the inside of the shrine was pleasantly warm.
Riel: “…now then.”
With a nimble grace, Riel moved to stand in front of me…
Riel: “Do you know what’s here?”
His smile was like that of a mischievous child, as if he found something amusing.
(He’s cute. But I have no idea what could be here…)
OO: “I don’t…”
(Something I’d want to see… maybe this is where the sacred bonfire of the forest is kept?)
Riel: “Haha.”
Riel smiled in delight as I thought it over.
OO: “Hm… tell me what it is?”
Riel: “What? You want me to tell you already?”
Riel smiled, but he seemed slightly disappointed.
Riel: “Well then… you’ve probably already figured it out… but the truth is, this is the shrine for the sacred bonfire I was telling you about. I wanted you to see it. It’s really beautiful.”
OO: “Is it… really alright for me to see it?”
Riel: “Of course. You saved me, and…”
Riel held his hand out to me, still smiling.
Riel: “I couldn’t help thinking about how much I wanted you to see this.”
I tried to keep my heart in control as it started to pound and I took his hand.
Ch. 5: A Vow to the Forest
The shrine in the night was wrapped in an austere and wondrous aura.
As Riel pulled me along, the two of us walked through the quiet shrine…
OO: “Wow… it’s beautiful.”
I couldn’t help the exclamation of wonder as I saw a pale flame flickering in the center of the altar.
I felt like the mysterious flames would suck me in as I looked at it.
Riel: “Isn’t it pretty? This is the soul of the forest that the spirits protect. And we help them with it.”
OO: “Help?”
I looked up at Riel, not understanding.
His eyes were full of affection as he watched the swaying flames.
Riel: “We didn’t make the forest or the natural world. It was the spirits, the plants, and the animals who took care of it. My family was given custody of this forest, and so we’ve sworn to protect the forest and this country for all eternity…”
OO: “Riel…”
Riel’s face in profile was beautiful as he spoke quietly, and the pale flames reflected in his eyes made them seem even more sacred.
Then, at that moment…-.
*BANG*
OO: “……!”
Riel: “Huh…?”
There was a loud sound from somewhere far away, and the two of us jumped in surprise.
Riel: “A gunshot…?”
OO: “It can’t be…”
Riel: “No, that was… why… !?”
OO: “Ah…!”
As Riel was about to run off, I…
OO: “Riel! I’m coming too.”
Riel: “Eh? But we don’t know how dangerous it is…-.”
I watched as Riel stood there and thought it over.
(Riel…?)
OO: “Riel! Wait!”
I immediately grabbed onto his arm.
Riel: “OO… I have to go. I have to protect the forest and everyone in it.”
As I continued to look at him imploringly, and Riel seemed torn, his brow furrowing.
Riel: “…though it might be even more dangerous for you to stay.”
Riel hesitated as he looked back between me and the shrine, then…
Riel: “ …don’t leave my side. I swear I’ll keep you safe.”
OO: “Riel… alright, understood!”
Riel protectively put his arm around my shoulders as we walked towards the forest.
Then…
Riel: “There…!”
As soon as we stepped into the forest outside the shrine, we saw the pokkle running straight for us.
OO: “……”
At the center of their herd was a wounded pokkle and then ran with it as if protecting it.
Riel: “……”
I didn’t know if it was from shock or anger… but Riel’s hand on my shoulder started to shake.
Ch. 6: A Quiet Anger
Alarm and tension quickened our steps after the sudden incident…-.
Alongside Riel, we supported the injured pokkle and arrived at the courtyard of the castle.
Servant: “Lord Riel! Are you alright!?”
The servants ran over, but they all fell silent as they saw the injured pokkle.
Riel: “Apleli… you poor thing, we’ll get you better in no time.”
Servant: “I’ll call a healer!”
The servants rushed back to the castle…
While we waited for them to come back, deep lines etched themselves in Riel’s forehead as he gently petted the pokkle.
(Why did this happen…)
The injured pokkle was still a young one.
Riel: “Can someone tell me what happened? Is this related to the gunshot we heard earlier?”
Riel’s sad eyes turned to the herd of pokkle.
Then one of the pokkle put its head against Riel.
Riel: “!? Poachers…?”
As soon as he said it, Riel’s expression turned sharp.
Riel: “They’re the ones that did this to Apleli…”
Riel’s beautiful face twisted in anger to such a degree it sent a shiver down my spine.
It was so intense that I could physically feel the anger deep in my stomach.
(What did he mean by poachers…?)
OO: “Riel…”
Riel: “……!”
Riel was shocked back to himself as he turned to look at me.
Riel: “…sorry for scaring you.”
OO: “It’s alright…”
Riel: “It seems there are poachers trespassing in the forest. The number of poachers entering the dark forest have decreased since the Dream Eaters started appearing but… we were careless.”
Riel bit his lip in frustration.
Riel: “I will not allow this to continue.”
The words of anger that passed his perfect lips made felt like they were suffocating me.
…
……
Riel immediately went to see the queen and king.
A fierce rage exuded from him as he took broad steps.
Riel: “I’ll chase down the poachers!”
Queen: “Riel. Think about this. Short-sited and impulsive actions fueled only my anger will surely end in failure.”
Riel: “But…!”
Queen: “Shouldn’t you know that better than anyone?”
Riel: “……”
Riel balled his hands into fists…
(Riel?)
As I watched him closely, his shoulders were shaking slightly.
King: “Riel, think logically about this. Everyone here feels the same as you about the poachers. However, if you are not careful in hunting them down, it will only make things worse. This time, is there only one poacher or is it a group? What weapons do they have, and how do you intend on chasing them down? Have you thought these things through with a cool head?”
Riel: “That’s…”
Riel muttered regretfully to himself, and a suffocating silence dominated the air.
OO: “Riel, let’s think about it together.”
Riel: “OO…”
Riel turned agonized eyes to me.
OO: “Riel, I also think it’s too dangerous to just go chasing after them.”
Riel: “But I want to protect it.”
There was a determination in Riel’s eyes as he looked at me.
(This forest is important to Riel. And to me as well…)
I thought of the beautiful things I’d seen with Riel, and the adorable animals of the forest…
And I turned to face the queen and king.
OO: “Your Majesties, please let me help.”
Riel: “Eh…?”
OO: “I’ve come to your country and learned of your forest, and I truly think it’s wonderful… that it’s a very special forest. So please, I want to help protect this forest and the spirits alongside you.”
At my words, the king looked troubled and shook his head.
King: “Knowing the dangers out there, we can’t simply let the Princess of Traumere become involved.”
OO: “But that’s precisely why… I think I might be of some assistance.”
Riel: “OO…”
OO: “Please…!”
I felt Riel’s gaze on me as I refused to back down.
After that, I managed to get the king and queen’s permission, and Riel and I headed into the forest, accompanied by a number of servants.