After leaving the A rank party, I aim for the deep part of the labyrinth with my former students
"Lord Feldio, I do not have the time to be entangled with you right now."
"Grandfather, that's too harsh…!"
As expected, Elder Elran's attitude was cold and dismissive.
Given the sudden crisis and the need to handle it, it was understandable.
"Elder Elran, we have a fair amount of knowledge about what is happening now and what is about to happen."
I understood that speaking out like this to a king would be considered disrespectful.
That said, doing nothing here would go against my sense of duty.
"Please listen to Sensei, Grandfather. I—we—recognize this anomaly."
At Silk’s words, Elder Elran remained silent, waiting for the explanation.
Sensing that we were finally allowed to speak, I got straight to the point.
"Elder Elran… the Abyss Gate, the 'Door of the Abyss'—the path leading to the 'Achromatic Darkness'—exists on this island, doesn't it?"
"……"
"I have a certain sensitivity to the air of this otherworld. Right now, it manifests as a disturbance among the spirits, but soon, it will turn into a massive distortion. You must be aware of this as well."
Elder Elran let out a small sigh and slowly nodded.
It was a gesture that seemed both resigned and resolute.
"Indeed, the Abyss Gate exists on this Vilmuren Island. Deep within the Amber Forest, in a forbidden land, there lies a labyrinth dungeon leading to it."
Even though I had expected it, hearing it confirmed sent a cold shiver of anxiety crawling up my spine.
I understood—no, I was made to understand—the true danger of that place.
…Just a few months ago, at a great cost.
"A few months ago, the seal was suddenly broken, and it became active—at the same time that you challenged the gate on the continent."
"So the effects reached here as well…"
"However, I was able to suppress it with the help of the Great Spirits. The 'World Tree' in this Amber Forest is deeply synchronized with our Amber Clan."
—The 'World Tree'.
At those words, I involuntarily held my breath.
A legendary great tree said to bear fruit that could revive the dead and leaves that could cure all ailments.
And it was here, on this Vilmuren Island.
"Grandfather, is that really true…?"
"There is no point in hiding it anymore. Silk’s return to this land is a blessing. She is the beloved child of this forest, for she possesses the 'Amber Eyes'."
Elder Elran spoke words that were beyond my understanding.
The 'Amber Eyes' likely referred to Silk's unusual ability, which she occasionally displayed. That much, I could grasp.
But I didn’t understand what connection that had to her being "the beloved child of the forest."
It seemed Silk didn’t either.
"What connection do I have with the Amber Forest…!?"
"Before I explain that, remember—it was you who ran away, Silk."
At Elder Elran’s admonishment, Silk averted her gaze.
That gesture made her seem less like the strong-willed woman she usually was and more like a child caught misbehaving.
"Among the bloodline of the Elders, there are those who are sometimes born with 'Amber Eyes.' I have them as well. You should already understand the power they hold, don’t you?"
"Yes."
High-speed synchronization with spirits, an increased number of spirits that can be communicated with, and greater depth of communication.
That was what Silk had taught me about the power of the 'Amber Eyes.'
According to her, it felt like she was "becoming one with the ambient mana, almost as if turning into a spirit herself."
But perhaps… there was more to it than that.
"I cannot say any more. There is an outsider present."
"Sensei—Yuke is not an outsider. He is my family. He is the most important man to me."
"Human lives are short. I cannot entrust you to someone like that."
Unlike the harshness from yesterday, Elder Elran’s voice now carried a tone of gentle persuasion as he placed a hand on Silk’s shoulder.
Silk placed her hand over his and shook her head.
"No, Grandfather. Yuke is the one to whom I have entrusted everything. I swore to be with him. And that will not change—even after he reaches the end of his life."
"……"
Elder Elran fell silent at Silk’s words.
His expression remained unchanged, but I could see his inner turmoil as if it were laid bare before me.
He, too, cherished Silk from the depths of his heart.
"Yuke Feldio."
"Yes."
"Are you worthy of Silk?"
My heart leaped at the sudden question.
I needed to carefully consider how to answer.
I needed to—but instead, I responded without hesitation.
"If Silk desires me to be, then I will be."
Whether I am worthy of her or not—I do not know.
People call me a Hero or a Red Warlock, but those are just titles given to me. They are not something I claim for myself.
It is not for me to decide my worth—it is for the one I love to determine.
And I will strive to live up to that.
"…Hah. A difficult man to grasp. But I will allow this, for now."
"Grandfather!"
Silk threw her arms around the tall Elder Elran.
A gentle smile appeared on Elran’s face as he looked at her.
He had not necessarily acknowledged me.
Rather, he had chosen to trust Silk. That was the kind of man he was.
To honor that trust, I knelt and bowed my head.
"Lord Feldio… Since you are the man my granddaughter has chosen, I shall place my hopes in you. Prove yourself worthy of Silk by earning honor and distinction."
"…Yes!"
As I responded, Silk took my hand and helped me to my feet.
Her face was a mix of joy and a hint of embarrassment—an expression befitting a girl her age.
…Ah, I see.
I had just, in essence, told Silk’s guardian, "Please allow me to marry your daughter."
The thought made my face flush with heat.
"…Now then, did you receive the letter I sent?"
"Letter?"
"I gave it to you just before I was imprisoned by Ilwen… Did you receive it?"
Hearing my words, Elder Elran furrowed his brows.
"Imprisoned, you say?"
"Yes. I assume you are already aware of the situation, Elder Elran…"
"…I’ve found you, Silk!"
As Elder Elran’s expression grew grim, the very person in question appeared before us.
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