Mistress Of The Evil Forest-Case 207: Preparing for second year.

Ever since Goatman was summoned, Zircon hasn't changed all that much.

No, maybe it has.

Now, thanks to everyone's effort, the place has become even more formidable than before. Artificial monsters and traps aside, we've made some changes to the terrains as well. For one, since the dragons wreaked so much havoc on our territory, we actually had to replant the trees. They might seem like dead trees, but according to Sikare, they are an entirely different species.

It looks rather lively now that all sorts of creatures roam amidst the dense forest, truthfully. Of course, everything is now under my control, which is nice.

To outsiders, Zircon must look like an even more mystical forest at this point. Even more dangerous than before, and... more resourceful?

''...Thieves?''

''Yeah. A border patrol monster accidentally overheard the soldiers on the other side. Apparently, there might be some thieves attempting to raid the forest.''

On a relatively uneventful evening, Sikare, the creators of most monsters in the region, comes up to me with a surprising report. She appears rather troubled, which puzzles me.

''Didn't the imperial family place a strict no-enter order on Zircon?'' I narrow my eyes.

The witch scratches her cheek, sighing, ''Well, yeah. Most wouldn't go against the emperor's decree, but my spies found out the reason.''

Spies.

I had planned to place spies inside the empire's government some time ago, but couldn't find a way to go about it. As such, I tasked Sikare instead. It has just been a few days since they began infiltrating, but to think that results are already here...

Nonetheless, the situation is quite annoying.

''Go on.'' I nod at Sikare.

''Those raids are backed by the nobles. High nobles. It seems many of them regard us as a mortal threat and are scheming to take over. It's pretty chaotic in there.''

''...Right.''

So they intend to send reconnaissance into our territory, and if those 'thieves' are ever caught, the nobles would have an easy excuse. Disposable pawns, I suppose.

What do I do? This is so annoying. I'm annoyed.

My mood is actually quite good these days. Everything is peaceful, and I just found out that mama owl has laid a new batch of eggs, too. Zircon's defense is obviously not perfect, and the people they would send over won't be pushovers either. If by any chance, they hurt one of the owls...

''Hah...''

''Ah... so that's why you're here...?''

''Yes.''

Nydia, who sits opposite me, lets out a tired sigh. Beside her, Sierra bears a curious grin.

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''Don't look at me like that,'' The latter chuckles. ''I can't be responsible for everything the imperial family can or cannot control, right? The nobles are like hyenas—rotten to the core. Given an opportunity, they wouldn't hesitate to overthrow us.''

''...Fine. I guess some intimidation is needed.''

Hearing the word 'intimidation,' Nydia visibly flusters, ''W-Wait! What do you mean by that? They could turn against you!''

''It doesn't matter.''

As much as I don't want to sound cold and hostile, this is something I just can't give up on. Zircon will maintain its integrity, and no one can touch it.

Releasing a part of my domination, I sternly speak, ''We had a deal, and if the imperial family is so incompetent that it cannot manage its underlings, then Zircon won't have to trust it.''

''Ah...''

Sighing, I teleport away.

The scene changes, and I stand right before the emperor's study. This matter can only be resolved if I talk to this guy.

''Stop.''

But of course, right before that, I have to deal with this guy first.

Grandmaster Graham.

It's someone I neither favor nor hate. If I had to say something about him, I'd say he is strong—that's the kind of impression I got of him. Oh, and he is quite dutiful.

''His Majesty is resting.'' Graham firmly says as he blocks my path. ''You can turn in a request for an audience, and I'll pass it on to him.''

''I need to meet him now,'' I reply. ''You know I won't bother visiting for trivial stuff.''

Not losing to Graham, I also remain firm with my conviction. But his impression of me must be quite respectable, seeing that he actually softens somewhat, ''...Look, I understand, but His Majesty is overworked these days. Can you come back another time?''

Honestly, looking at that face, I can't help but want to take his words. I also have sympathy. Maybe.

''...!''

So, cranking up my domination to the maximum, I stare directly into Graham's widened eyes, ''Tell the emperor this—manage your unruly subordinates well, or we don't have an alliance. Zircon isn't a place your empire can take on lightly.''

''What do you mean by that...?''

''Who knows? Tell your boss to find that out himself. Really think about it, and do not make me say this again.''

Leaving a stunned Graham behind, I teleport away once again.

This time, everything depends on that side. If they have goodwill, we'll cooperate; if not, then we won't. Like it or not, they all have to fight for the same cause anyway—to ensure their survival.

I don't have so much time to deal with this kind of trouble constantly either.

''...''

Looking at the lingering aurora borealis in the sky, I slowly let it soak in.

Summer is almost over. Break is almost over.

I guess it's time to prepare for a new school year—a new stage.

''Ah, Aurora!''

And the most important character in this stage is none other than Claire, the heroine. Even deep into the night, she is diligently training with her mentor. As soon as she spots me, the sharp, focused look on her face vanishes, replaced by a silly grin.

Like a baby owl running to its mother, Claire snuggles up to me instantly.

''Are you here to see me?'' She asks.

''Yeah. Do you have time for a talk?''

''Ah, sure...?''

After exchanging a glance with Skylar and receiving a nod, Claire excitedly takes me to her favorite resting spot, which is on the training building's rooftop.

''It's breezy here, right?'' She hands me a drink before uncapping hers. ''So... what do you want to talk about?''

''Your family.'' I bluntly reply.

''...''

At my words, Claire turns silent for a few moments. She lets out a few peculiar noises, gazing at the sky.

''Ah... well, I see.'' She smiles somewhat bitterly. ''I guess I have that going on, too.''

''Do you still see your old family?''

''Sometimes. I know they're just fabricated memories shoved into my head by a demon, but... they feel so real each time I remember them.'' Claire chuckles. ''You know, I tried contacting them some time ago. The people at the postal service said the address didn't exist.''

''...''

''I wonder how I even grew up, heheh...''

''...''

''Hey, Aurora. At one point, I started to ask myself—Do I even exist in the real world?''

Claire buried her face in her knees. Amidst the tearing wind, I hear faint sobs.

At some point, I, too, think about this aspect of Claire. In the game, Claire is the player's avatar. Though she has dialogues, she isn't really her own person.

But in this world... Claire is only Claire. She is a real person.

If she is supposed to save everybody's fate, then who will save hers? Well, since I'm here, I guess it'll be me.

Hugging the girl, I ponder.

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