"Is that so...?"
Tiel nodded. Indeed, it seemed a bit early for Everard to openly welcome so many Beastkin at once.
It had been only a short time since Everard's revival, and just over ten years had passed since Arcadia regained its light and forests.
Had the temple not announced that the 'festival' would be held at Everard, they might have controlled the entrance of other Beastkin from different territories for an even longer period.
"Other Beastkin will be arriving soon. We came a bit earlier. I heard that the Wolfgang family is also entering Arcadia soon..."
"Is it just Sister Olivia coming, or will Aunt and Uncle be coming as well?"
"Only Olivia came. Usually, they don't all move around, as they need to look after their own territories. Each family sends one or two representatives. Besides, this isn't a formal festival."
"But we're all here, right?"
"We came to protect you. They don't have anyone to protect, so it's fine for them to send just one representative. Besides, Arcadia is far from the capital."
Tiel nodded at Karsus's words. The salamander, which had been perched on her shoulder, tilted its head and bit at Karsus's collar.
Soot was left in the spot it bit. Karsus frowned and lightly swatted the salamander away.
"And... this will need to be investigated as soon as we return. I've created thousands upon thousands of salamanders, but I've never had this happen before."
"So this little one is a very special salamander?"
"This one... it's just fire, nothing more."
Tiel shook her head.
"It's not just fire. It's my living, moving friend. I even gave it a name. Listen, its new name is Flame. It means fire..."
Tiel chattered on. Karsus said nothing but nodded as if to say, "If you're happy with it, then I'm fine with it too."
"By the way, aren't you tired? You've traveled a long way. Why don't you take a rest? I'll wake you up when it's time for dinner."
"I was going to rest, but it's been so long since I've been outside. I'm excited, so I can't sleep, Dad."
Tiel said, her cheeks ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ flushing.
In fact, she had been very worried before coming to Arcadia. Since Tiel couldn't leave easily, it made her even more anxious.
Also, considering the incident when her abilities had nearly vanished, it was hard for Tiel to avoid worry.
But now that she was here, Karl had grown up kind, and the Beastkin of Arcadia were all so kind to her...
Tiel was so grateful for their kindness and hospitality that she wanted to hear their gentle voices every day while she stayed in Arcadia.
Karsus, understanding Tiel's feelings a hundred times, gently patted her head and nodded.
"Everything will be resolved soon. You'll be able to come out freely."
"Yes, Dad."
"I'll get rid of everything that troubles you, I swear it on the name of Asterian..."
Tiel recalled the moment when Karsus, Alpheus, Ludian, and Ferdie had sworn to protect her a long time ago.
Just thinking about that moment made her feel that she could overcome anything that might come her way.
***
"Wow! We've arrived!"
Olivia exclaimed, and Clemence, standing beside her, smiled gently. Clemence's pink hair fluttered slightly in the wind.
"Yes, we've arrived. This land is truly beautiful, even after all this time."
Clemence said in a soft, whispering voice, as always.
Clemence was one of the Beastkin who had witnessed Arcadia's transformation firsthand.
Arne and Everard were located very close to each other, and since Arcadia first regained its light, Arne had never hesitated to help Arcadia.
If you are reading this translation anywhere other than Novelight.net, it has been stolen.
For this reason, Clemence often traveled to Arcadia to convey the wishes of her mother, Iris Hilde Arne.
Even so, every time she came, it felt new and amazing. Arcadia was recovering vitality at an astonishing rate, so much so that even Clemence, who visited often, was astonished every time she arrived.
Now she understood why Arcadia was called the land of honey, abundant with life and glory. It was overflowing with vitality.
The carriage carrying Clemence and Olivia disappeared into some part of the Everard Estate. They were headed to meet Karl. The maids guided them to Karl.
"The head of the house is in this room."
The maid who guided them to the head of the house's room bowed her head and gently knocked on the door.
"Lord, Clemence Arne and Olivia Wolfgang are here."
Once the maid finished speaking, a voice from inside called them to enter. The maid smoothly opened the door.
Clemence and Olivia stepped into the room. Karl, who had been sitting, stood up quickly when he saw them.
"Clemence, Olivia."
Karl greeted them politely, using their names. Clemence and Olivia greeted him in return.
Since they were here as representatives of Arne and Wolfgang, they didn't need to stand on ceremony, and the three were old acquaintances, so they were even more casual with one another.
"Lord Karl, how have you been?"
Clemence asked kindly. Karl gestured to the sofa, inviting them to sit, and responded.
"I've been well, thanks to you. How is Iris?"
"She's doing well, thank you."
"I haven't visited since that day. Wow, so much has changed! Back then, we couldn't even see a step ahead without the glowstones, and we couldn't walk more than ten steps without Tiel."
At Olivia's words, Karl smiled and nodded.
"Everything is thanks to all of you. Moreover..."
Karl carefully extended his hand and used his powers. A transparent water droplet floated gently above his palm.
"My abilities have also become stronger. Though they're not yet on par with the old Everard, they rival those of other families. The water flowing through this mansion is all powered by my abilities. If my abilities fade or I lose my breath, the water in the mansion will stop flowing. It's been like this since the past. In fact, it's said that the day the head of Everard dies, that's the only day the mansion is silent with no sound of water."
Upon hearing Karl's words, Olivia looked around. Even in the head of the house's room, there was a waterway flowing.
The transparent water flowed endlessly, and just seeing that the water was managed to flow through the entire mansion showed just how much Karl's abilities had grown.
Afterward, Olivia, Clemence, and Karl exchanged a few more words. Since the three were around the same age and were already old acquaintances, there was much to talk about.
Then, Olivia suddenly seemed to remember something and squinted her eyes as she asked.
"By the way... what about Nestian? Did Nestian say they were coming? Surely they're not staying at the Everard Estate, right?"
"Nestian is coming? I haven't heard anything like that."
Clemence tilted her head with a puzzled expression. Olivia mirrored her and tilted her head in confusion.
"Of course, I haven't heard anything, but do you think Nestian wouldn't come? I'm sure they'll force their way here since rumors of Tiel's arrival are spreading."
"But Nestian hasn't interacted with other Beastkin for years...?"
Clemence replied. Karl, who had been quietly listening to their conversation, murmured and added.
"I haven't heard anything about Nestian either, but according to Illem, Rowen Nestian is attending the festival. There hasn't been any other word about it on the Everard side, so I'm not sure."
"Rowen Nestian is coming?"
Olivia's eyes widened as she asked. Karl nodded. Clemence blinked, clearly surprised, and quietly asked.
"Rowen Nestian...? It's been so long since I heard that name. I almost forgot it for a while..."
Olivia felt the same way.
And Tiel probably would too. Olivia was certain that Tiel had almost forgotten the name "Rowen Nestian" during all the time she'd been away.
"Since news of Rowen stopped coming from some point, it's like it was all a lie!"