Is it wrong to try to meet someone in a dungeon?

"Hmm, what's wrong? Is Finn not used to being with elves?"

"It's not so much that I'm not used to it, but rather the other person's reaction. Dwarfs are easily looked down upon by other races, and I would say the elves are the most unbearable... But I don't think all elves are like that... In any case, I can imagine the sight of them snorting at my head."

Finn had experienced that several times before.

The elf said, "How short they are," insulting the dwarfs.

"You'll definitely be looked down upon for treating the dwarves as your first kin, Loki."

Finn, who wanted to change societal perceptions of dwarves, didn't harbor any prejudice or dislike towards elves. However, everything has its 'order.' At least in terms of persuading the elves, it wouldn't be too late to wait until he had a few new allies.

For the clever and cunning Finn, having companions of races other than dwarves would make it easier for elves to set aside their pride and join the party. After all, having a rare magical race is a great help, but in this situation, it's not essential. Therefore, Finn openly shared his considerations with Loki.

"I see~"

"Do you understand now?"

"Then let's set off for the royal elf village!"

"Did you hear what I said...?"

Loki, with a broad smile, swaggered back to his original point. It should be said that his belief in beautiful women and pretty girls remained unwavering. Looking at that smile, bubbly with ale on his lips, Finn knew he couldn't sway the Supreme God's decision.

He sighed again, saying helplessly.

"I understand... Let's leave here first thing tomorrow morning and head towards 'Alfred's King's Forest.' Even if you don't succeed in persuading the person you want, don't complain, okay?"

"Yay! I love Finn the most! Little people are so easy to talk to, hehehe!"

"You've spoken the truth, Loki."

With a wry smile, Loki pointed out, "Oh, just kidding, just kidding." He tried to smooth things over.

And so, Finn and Loki decided to set off for "Alfredo's Kingdom".

As the sun sets and night falls, the "King's Forest of Alford" presents a dreamlike landscape.

Moonlight, filtering through the gaps in the foliage and reflecting off the branches and trunk of the sacred tree, transforms the forest into a bluish-white glow, as if fairies' wings are fluttering in flight.

"Aina...do you really want to come with me?"

In the lush green forest, avoiding the eyes and ears of others, Riveria emerged from the stable, holding the reins in her hand. Following her was the royal village, where only one tamed unicorn was kept.

While coaxing the sacred beast that had come closer, Riveria asked the attendant who was leading the white horse beside her.

"Yes, Lady Riveria. I will travel with you."

The elven beauty, slightly less stunning than Riveria but still remarkably pretty, nodded, her green hair swaying gently. An innate composure and gentleness emanated from her smile.

Her name is Aina Tengluo. Although she wasn't allowed to use the ancestor's name, she was a collateral descendant who inherited the same ancestral bloodline as Riveria, and was Riveria's personal attendant. She was Riveria's best friend and sister who had been with her since birth.

Three nights after Riveria decided to leave the village, Aina, who had been trying to persuade the wild-headed princess, learned of her master's firm resolve and said she wanted to leave the village with her.

"I am a lonely person whose parents have passed away. Even if I leave the village, I have no regrets."

"But……"

"Besides, Lady Riveria, you probably wouldn't know how to do anything without me taking care of you..."

"Is it alright, okay? Don't treat me like an idiot."

Although they are the same age, Aina sometimes displays the expression of an older sister taking care of her younger sister who always causes trouble. Riveria would always pout in protest, but she preferred Aina as she was now to the respect due to a royal servant. Just like girls of the same age, laughing and playing together as children.

Using a secret passage known only to royalty, they emerged and arrived at the outskirts of the capital. Gazing at the capital bathed in the soft glow of the Holy King Tree, Riveria glanced at Aina with eyes that held her still within reach—

"We'll go see the world together someday... I still remember the promise we made when we were little."

"Aina..."

"I swear my loyalty is indeed to the great royal family... but my heart is truly willing to be devoted to Riveria, only to you."

Riveria had never experienced such joyful emotions since birth.

For someone as dissatisfied with her life in a birdcage as she was, if there was anything she could be proud of, it was the existence of this confidante. Riveria returned the smile to Aina, whose cheeks were slightly flushed as she smiled at her.

"I understand. Let's go!"

Riding on unicorns and white horses, Riveria and her companions turned their backs to the fairy palace where they had lived ever since.

The two rode side by side, galloping out of the night forest bathed in bluish-white light.

"We can't run into other elves. The road might be rough, but let's go that way!"

"OK!"

The vast "King's Forest of Alf," far surpassing the size of a kingdom's capital, could aptly be called a sea of ​​trees, but to Riveria, who had ventured out hunting several times, it was no different from a "courtyard." Even the forest at night was the same. The tamed unicorns, undeterred by tree roots, galloped away with incredible speed. Avoiding the regular routes taken by their hired merchants and soldiers, they headed north into the great forest.

Aina, who often accompanied her on these hunting trips, was also skilled at riding a white horse and followed beside her.

(Of course, I have a bow and arrows, and I also brought a staff. I shouldn't have to worry about monsters or anything like that...)

Sadly, even in the elven holy land of Alf's Royal Forest, monsters still dwell. The unicorn Rivia rides carries a short bow and a staff of "magic" reserved for royalty.

If you're talking about whether it's for protecting against monsters, this equipment is actually a weapon for self-defense after leaving the forest.

Beyond this forest, besides bandits, there are also the reckless "Favored Ones of the Gods." The outside world isn't all sunshine and rainbows, and Riveria knows this very well. She's not some ignorant, sheltered princess.

(The real problem is whether we can escape "Alfredo's Forest". Although I remember seeing a map of the forest, I've never actually been far from the village...)

Thickets of trees easily exceeding 50 meters in height. Entangled within silent, chilly spring water. Unseen scenery gradually unfolded before her eyes. The journey ahead was also 'unknown' for Riveria.

Anxiety and fear, mixed with anticipation and excitement for the 'unknown,' made my heart pound harder and harder. Just as my hands unconsciously tightened their grip on the reins—from the distant rear came the commotion of birds taking flight.

"Have we been discovered...!"

The princess's escape became common knowledge. She knew it would cause a huge uproar that would turn the entire capital upside down. Then, immediately, the sound of several horses' hooves approached.

"As soon as the unicorn's tracks are found, it will be caught up immediately!" Riveria shouted.

"Speed ​​up, Aina!"

“Okay, okay!”

Speeding up, Riveria and her companions traversed the forest at night.

"Whoosh! We've finally arrived at the royal elf forest! Wait for me, my lovely elf!"

They traveled by carriage from the post town, then walked for half a day to a nearby town. After about three days' journey, Finn and Loki arrived at the "King's Forest of Alfred".

Before them lay a vast forest with its open entrance, its entirety obscured from the viewpoint of the plains. Beside the suddenly excited Loki, Finn, clutching his newly purchased spear, uttered a troubled sound.

"Hmm... but what should we do next? If we just barge in, I know we'll get caught by the spirits without even thinking."

"Hey Finn, you claim to be a really smart little man, but you haven't come up with a single battle plan!"

"I wanted you to understand that this is a situation where there's nothing we can do, and I hoped you would give up, Loki."

You could say you're having a familiar conversation with Loki, while adding, "And I've never referred to myself like that before, okay?"

"It seems quite ordinary, with a huge forest entrance at the front... but there's a gatekeeper."

"Yes, they are the guardians of the elves. They only allow passage to their own kind or those with permission. Even if we pass through the entrance, we will get lost in the sea of ​​trees ahead, and it is said that we cannot reach the village without a guide."

Some distance from the forest entrance, a group of elves dressed as hunters stood in formation like guards. Although Finn, having received the 'Blessing,' was certain of victory, unnecessary conflict should be avoided. However, even if they invaded the forest from another direction, they would ultimately fail to reach the village.

To be honest, Finn, who had absolutely no desire to clash with the royal elves, thought he could prepare to leave after Loki saw "The Forest of Alfredo," but—

"Finn... over there."

"Hmm...? The elves...?"

Looking towards Loki, whose expression had suddenly turned serious as he pointed in a certain direction, the guards at the entrance suddenly became agitated. It seemed some emergency had occurred; from this angle, it was clear that the guards were all heading into the forest.

"...It seems like something has happened."

Seeing that, Loki revealed a bright, wicked smile.

"I'm telling you, Finn... if we follow that guard, we might encounter something interesting. It'll definitely be related to the royal elves who live in the forest, no doubt about it."

"...Seriously, I can't stay still when I'm with you."

Facing the smiling Loki, Finn sighed, a mocking smile playing on his lips, and gave a weak laugh.

With Loki, who was full of energy and exclaimed "Yay, let's go!", Finn began to follow the elven guards.

"Lady Riveria! Please come back! Do you know what you're doing?!"

The knight commander shouted as he had caught up with a group of elves that were now visible to the naked eye.

The only response the Knight Commander received was the sound of Riveria's unicorn horse's hooves accelerating.

"Hmm... Begin chanting the spell! Use the 'magic' of wind! Aim at the horse!"

At the knight commander's command, the elves riding horses began chanting incantations.

That is part of the innate 'magic' possessed only by magical races. Through repeated training and rituals, and through systematic long incantations passed down from 'ancient times', magical races, starting with the elves, can use magic without 'gift'.

The elven knights of "King of Alfredo" fight using a "singing on horseback" style. (Here, "on horseback" doesn't mean immediately, but rather while riding a horse.)

Actions such as tracking and evasion are left to the horse, while the mage repeatedly attacks with 'magic' projectiles. Even a non-skilled mage can use similar 'parallel chanting' tactics simultaneously.

"Respond to the contract, O winds of the underworld! Obey our commands and vanquish the enemy!"

"...Respond to the contract, crimson flames of the earth! Obey our command, unleash your explosive power!"

As the knights behind her began chanting, Riveria also took out her wand and began chanting a spell.

Both had to chant incantations of at least twelve verses. However, the princess, who possessed exceptional talent and had already mastered horseback chanting after several hunts, was a step slower in her chanting, but still managed to complete the incantation and cast the 'magic' faster than the knights.

"[Rapid Storm]!"

"【Burn & Explode】!"

The knights chose wind magic, fearing it might harm the princess, while Riveria used fire magic. Several gusts of wind magic, attempting to penetrate the gaps between the branches, were all deflected by the heat waves from the fiery wall.

but--

"Aaaaaaaah!?"

"Aina!?"

Although it prevented a direct hit, the wildly swirling wind grazed the hooves of the white horse that Aina was riding.

She fell to the ground with tremendous force, her body thrown into the air.

Caught off guard, Riveria's unicorn was also struck by an arrow.

“Guuuu!?”

As the sacred beast let out a piercing cry, Riveria was also struck by a tree. Enduring the intense pain, she looked up and saw that the knights had already surrounded the area.

"As a servant, how dare you deceive Lady Riveria... Don't you have any shame?!"

“Ugh!?”

"stop!?"

One of the enraged knights walked up to Aina and mercilessly beat her with the butt of his gun.

He half-embraced his fallen friend, sheltering him, and looked up at the knights with sharp eyes.

"Leaving the village was my own decision! Why did you attack Aina?!"

"It was because of this person acting as an inside agent that you were able to escape from the capital, am I wrong?"

It's undeniable. It's true that with Aina's help, she reached the stables without arousing suspicion. But that doesn't mean Riveria would just watch her suffer.

While struggling, Rivera's gaze swept quickly across her surroundings. The unicorn had been struck by an arrow, and the white horse's foreleg was broken. There was no way to escape.

"We will not harm you in the slightest. But this person will be taken back to the village and executed."

"What……!?"

"It's alright to be a little rough... that's what the king instructed."

"—Severe punishment is necessary." The speechless Riveria seemed to hear the voice of her biological father, the king, who was not present, and clenched her hands tightly. At the same time, she saw Aina's face turn completely blue in her arms.

"This is the medicine to wake you up. Please discard your pointless fantasies about the filthy outside world."

The knight commander, with a calm and indifferent voice, spoke as if he were a puppet, despite his handsome features.

Yes, that emotionless gaze. Just like always. The same gaze as an elf locked in a cage.

To prevent it from touching the 'unknown,' to prevent it from knowing the 'unknown,' and to prevent it from 'taking risks,' is to let it drift aimlessly through life like a plant.

Day after day, the dissatisfaction, disgust, and anger she felt in her daily life stirred up a mess in Riveria's heart.

"Lady Riveria, it's alright, please don't worry about me..."