Sounds of joy echo within the mystical Forest of Huyle…-.
Juno: “ ‘The Melody of Bliss’ …so that’s why the two of you are journeying together.”
Vicky: “Yeah, we’ve gone to quite a few different countries. That is, Kerota and myself.”
Kerota: “That’s because Vicky would be in trouble if he didn’t bring me along!”
Juno: “I see. I spend a great deal of my time in the temples, so I can’t really imagine it… but I’m sure it’s a difficult journey.”
The frog, Kerota, puffed out his chest as he perched on Vicky’s shoulder, taking in Juno’s apparent nod of admiration.
Riel: “Haha, I’m not sure if this ‘Melody of Bliss’ can be found in this forest, but I think it can at least heal some of the fatigue from your journey.”
Vicky, Kerota, and Juno walked deeper into the forest under Riel’s guidance.
Vicky: “This place really is more beautiful than the rumors say. I’ve been to many different forests, but this one is full of animals I’ve never seen.”
Juno: “Yes, this place truly lives up to its reputation. My heart feels purified just by experiencing the beauty…-.”
As Juno breathed in the scents of the verdant, living things, abruptly, a deer-like creature nuzzled its nose against his cheek.
Juno: “U-um… is this creature a deer?”
Juno spoke up despite the feeling of bewilderment, and Riel simply smile, giving no indication if this was an unusual event or not.
Riel: “It’s a spirit called a pokkle. I think it likes you.”
Juno: “A spirit… you say. I’ve never come into contact with one before… so it startled me.”
Vicky: “All of the spirits and animals around here are quite friendly, seeing as they come so close to us.”
At some point, a group of more pokkle had surrounded the princes, along with other animals, including birds with vibrantly colored feathers.
Riel: “It’s because they know you are good people. When the poachers… when there were bad people around, these creatures would never show themselves.”
As Riel spoke, he stroked the beak of one of the birds that had settled on his arm.
Kerota: “Anyone who would dare do something bad to such a beautiful place is truly despicable!”
Riel: “Of course we protect it from outside invaders… but I still want more people to know how wonderful this forest is. I know it’ll be difficult, but the Forest of Hyule is very important to me.”
Juno: “God says to guide all those who are lost equally. I shall endeavor to find a way in which I can help this forest too.”
Riel: “Juno…”
Juno held his hand over his heart as he nodded his promise, and Riel opened his eyes wide in surprise.
Vicky: “In that case, I’ll spread the news about this forest and share your wishes with the crowds of people we come across on our journey.”
Kerota: “Yeah! I’ll sing it far and wide!”
Riel: “…thank you, everyone.”
The pokkles and other animals let out a cry as if approving of Riel’s words.
Juno: “I pray for god’s divine protection over the Forest of Hyule.”
As if in answer to Juno’s kind prayer full of thoughts of the beautiful forest and its living creatures, a warm breeze washed over the princes.
END