Chapter 68

Ah, this dream again.

The green expanse and the rich scent of the vegetation. Even though it’s a place I’ve never been to, it feels nostalgic, a mysterious... the Forest of No Return.

Then, from ahead, comes an overwhelming pressure.

"It must be telling you to come and meet quickly."

There it is, just as I thought, that unidentified presence from before.

Ever since I came to Fulftbal, there have always been signs. I’ve felt a constant call from the direction of the Forest of No Return.

It’s not that I hear something, but rather, a feeling that I need to go to the Forest of No Return as soon as possible, a feeling that wouldn’t stop.

That’s why, when I met that... person, or is it even a person? From the atmosphere, it doesn’t seem like a person. Anyway, I felt that presence might appear.

Even if it tells me to come quickly, I have my own circumstances, and I need to prepare to go there.

I can’t just go to a place full of monsters without any preparation.

"People are such complicated beings."

That’s not the point. You’re the one who called this complicated being, after all.

"Ugh, my ally is always the same. There’s not even a trace of reverence for me."

Huh? What? Are you pouting because I haven’t gone there yet? When you feel that way, you should just say it’s boring and ask me to come play.

"That’s not it. Since you have returned, it’s necessary to renew the pact."

So, what’s this pact about? Ah, it’s cut off again! Why does it always cut off at the crucial moment? At least tell me there’s a time limit on the conversation from the start!

"Ah, why don’t you tell me the important things?"

I sit up groggily and end up spacing out on the bed.

There’s something in the Forest of No Return. I don’t know what it is, but it’s definitely calling me.

Actually, on the first day I came to Fulftbal, I thought about going to the Forest of No Return.

Naturally, I was met with resistance. Of course, it’s a really dangerous place. It’s not somewhere you can just go casually. Even the soldiers of Fulftbal, who hunt monsters, can only go to the shallow areas near the entrance for a day trip. A complete novice can’t just say they want to go and get permission. Besides, I’m still a prince.

If I go to the Forest of No Return unprepared and get injured, the Chancellor will surely be angry. And I might be banned from going to Fulftbal until I come of age.

The reason I came to Fulftbal this time is because my mother is getting married. The main purpose is to attend my mother’s wedding.

I’ll go to the Forest of No Return after the wedding.

I feel like I’m being urged to hurry, but there’s nothing I can do about it.

I’ll just have to wait patiently until the wedding is over.

But since there’s nothing to do, I often visit the blacksmith’s workshop, explore parts of the capital I haven’t seen yet, and I’m currently learning horseback riding, so I visit nearby villages to pass the time. However, this morning, my mother asked me not to go out.

"Do you have something for me to do?"

"Today, a family of my friends is coming to Fulftbal Castle."

"Are they wedding guests?"

"Yes, they are. They are very important friends. They are bringing their son, who is the same age as Albert, so I want you to meet him."

It’s about building connections between the children. I understand.

"Alright, then I’ll spend the day in the castle’s library. Can Nebel come with me?"

"Yes, of course. I think they will also bring their servant’s child."

If they have a servant’s child, they must be at least a baron’s family, right?

After breakfast, I told Silt and Lanz to let Nebel into the library when he arrives, and I decided to stay in the library.

It was perfect. I wanted to look for historical books and family records of the Marquess Marcocius. If there are any materials related to the Forest of No Return, that would be great.

The presence in the Forest of No Return must be related to the Marquess Marcocius. I’m sure I’ll find some clues by researching historical documents.

I asked the librarian where the historical books and family records of the Marquess Marcocius and materials related to the Forest of No Return were, and he showed me the shelves and even helped carry the books and materials to the table.

"Still, why are you looking into the history of the Marquess Marcocius?"

"Huh? Well, I’m studying the territory, but I don’t know anything about the Marquess Marcocius."

"Ah, I see. The lord often meets with the young master, but he is also busy with monster hunting and managing the territory."

"Right, so since I’m here in Fulftbal Castle, I thought I’d learn about the history of the Marquess Marcocius."

"If you have any questions, please call me. I can answer within the scope of my knowledge."

"Sure, thanks."

While talking to the librarian, Nebel appeared at the library entrance.

"Al."

"Nebel, over here."

I beckoned Nebel to sit next to me.

"What’s this about?"

"Historical books of the Marquess Marcocius. Actually, I have something I want to consult with you. Can you listen?"

I decided to tell Nebel about the dreams I had before and the one I had today.

I didn’t think it was something I needed to hide. I believe that presence is interfering with me because I have the blood of the Marquess Marcocius.

Besides, Nebel has said he will entrust his life to me, so it’s better to share this.

If something happens to me in the Forest of No Return, Nebel can tell my grandfather.

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