This princess will not back down

chapter 5

With only four months remaining, we must embrace every moment. But before we dive into that time, there's another destination calling our names.

"And where might that be?" Gale inquired.

"The Forbidden Forest," I replied.

"Why? I didn't disclose it for you to venture there," he protested.

The Forbidden Forest, also known as the Forest of Vetiti, lies southeast of Islerus, shrouded in an aura of mystery and danger. Its very name serves as a warning, as entry into its depths is strictly prohibited. Within its confines dwell vicious, unknown beasts that strike fear into the hearts of those who have heard the tales.

The slightest shift in the mana of the forest triggers concern throughout the empire. In response, the Royal Knights and seasoned adventurers of B-rank or higher are swiftly dispatched to confront the enigmatic forces that dwell within, aiming only to tame the initial boundary of this mystical woodland. Venturing beyond the first boundary is an uncharted and perilous endeavor, as no one has successfully made their way deep into the forest and returned unscathed.

Even within the relatively safer zone of the first boundary, caution prevails. Gale, bearing the title of the Spirit King, possesses a heightened sensitivity to mana fluctuations. Sensing disturbances emanating from the heart of Vetiti long before they become noticeable at the forest's edge.

if possible, mitigate the potential threats that lurk in the unseen depths. The Forbidden Forest beckons, and the enigma it holds demands exploration. I must get there, before the subtle shifts in the forest's mana become more pronounced and the mysteries within unravel beyond our control.

"Considering the fluctuations, it seems the creature within could be formidable," I remarked.

"Indeed, and that's precisely why I advise against it," replied Gale.

"I wonder what new skill I might acquire this time," I mused.

"Are you even paying attention to what I'm saying?" Gale interjected.

"Can't your expertise compensate for my lack of skills?" I inquired.

"Certainly, that's the plan," he affirmed.

Following the guild quest, each skill acquired now seamlessly fuses with me instead of materializing into cards. My aspirations are grand, and I firmly believe in the principle of no pain, no gain.

"Let's proceed; the earlier, the better. You mentioned we can't teleport inside the forest," I reminded Gale. "Yes," he affirmed.

A faint black mist shrouded the forest entrance, growing thicker as we ventured deeper. True to its name, the Forbidden Forest exuded an ominous aura. Contrary to the unsettling atmosphere outside, the interior appeared surprisingly tranquil.

The further we advanced, the more pronounced the silence became, accompanied by escalating mana fluctuations. Guided by Gale, we navigated without incident until we stood before a cave, enveloped in complete darkness.

I gathered dry wood, channeling sparks through mana to ignite a torch. Though lacking the fire element, mana served as an effective trigger. With torch in hand, I ventured into the cave. The fluctuations intensified, exerting pressure, yet insufficient to impede my progress. As my vision adjusted, a colossal form came into focus—movements hinting at wings. A dragon?

"No, not a dragon but a hybrid," Gale clarified.

"A hybrid of what?" I queried. "I'm not entirely sure, but it bears resemblance to a leviathan. Those creatures haven't been sighted in 500 years," Gale responded.

The hybrid creature, with golden-hued eyes, fixed its gaze on me. Incomprehensible whispers urged a nod of agreement. Sword drawn, I charged forward.

"Wait! It's undergoing ascension!" Gale urgently shouted.

"What? You should have told me sooner!"

With my charged attack unstoppable, I had no choice but to redirect it elsewhere. Without time to ponder, I swiftly dove to the side, colliding with a rock. Blood splattered, marking the consequence of my hasty evasion.

Within moments, I found myself engulfed in a radiant golden light, my vision fading into darkness, met by the concerned countenance of my Spirit King.

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"My lady, the Duke has arrived."

"Father?!"

"Quick, get me the handkerchief. I wonder if Father will like it."

"Of course, my lady. Master will surely appreciate it since you made it yourself."

I rushed downstairs, finding all my brothers already assembled, anticipation evident in their expressions. When Father entered, my initial joy dimmed as I noticed a woman and a girl my age accompanying him.

"It seems you are all gathered here. There is something I would like to announce," Father declared, taking the girl's hands in his and leading them to the front. "This is your mother and sister from now on. Greet them."

"Acacia."

"Yes, F-Father."

"Claudia is the same age as you. Treat her well."

"Yes, s-s."

Father never once looked at me the way he did at her. While he may be a respected leader to others, was he truly a father to me?

"Hi, Claudia. Nice to meet you?"

"Nice to meet you t-oo."

"Urgh," I grunted.

"Aaaaaaaaah..." cried Claudia.

"Claudia, dear, what happened?" her mother inquired.

"She-e... my hand, it's hurting."

"A NAIL. What is this?!" Father demanded.

"Acacia, what is this??" he shouted.

"It's not me, Father," I pleaded. "After what I just told you, you dare do this."

"Go to your room, young lady, and do not come out for a month," Father ordered sternly.

"Father, please listen to me... It's not me." In the midst of the chaos, I couldn't help but wonder, am I not your daughter too?
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Aah... My eyes feel heavy, yet I manage to open them and sit upright. Something heavy rests on me—a black ball? No, it's a curled-up baby dragon. What?

"Gale?...."

"Ha... you finally called me. I was worried sick; I couldn't stay there anymore when you blacked out."

"I'm sorry. But could you tell me what this is about?"

"It seems like you formed a contract with it...."

"Jokes aside, Gale, now is not the time." I implore Gale to be serious, and to my surprise, he assures me that he isn't joking. This doesn't make sense.

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To be continued..