-1340- The ordinary encounter

At that time, Estonia's regime had not yet transitioned, nor had it announced its entry into the League, and only five years had passed since Edelweiss had annihilated the 300,000 troops dispatched by both the Union and the League.

Therefore, Edelweiss was still being hunted by both the Union and the League, unable to return to her homeland, and constantly on the run to avoid their pursuit.

Although the two major powers couldn't do much against Edelweiss, she was still a wanted criminal. If she stayed in Estonia or elsewhere without caution, it would only attract the combined forces of the Union and the Alliance, dragging innocent people into the conflict. If those people were suspected of colluding with her and wrongfully accused, it was not something Edelweiss wanted to see.

Moreover, Edelweiss didn't want to resort to killing, so she chose to avoid conflict and aimlessly wandered the world.

Fortunately, the Rebellion provided her with funds, hiding places, and intelligence in an effort to ally with her, allowing her to evade the Union and the League's pursuits successfully.

Of course, there were times when Edelweiss got caught, but she always managed to break free with her strength, making the Union and the League increasingly wary of her.

Gradually, however, Edelweiss began to feel a sense of loneliness and desolation from this kind of life.

Unable to return home and unable to interact with others normally, Edelweiss wandered the world like a ghost, inevitably feeling lonely and desolate.

This continued for a full five years. Even Edelweiss' spirit began to waver, her vitality slowly draining, feeling like a walking corpse with no sense of purpose.

"Is there really a need to continue such a life?"

This doubt arose in Edelweiss' mind at that time.

Then, one day, she encountered someone.

Someone who would become inextricably linked to the rest of her life.

"Our meeting was very ordinary, just passing by on the street."

Indeed.

On a bustling street, Edelweiss immediately noticed something unusual about him.

"That young boy was wearing a black coat, but for some reason, his face was blurred, unrecognizable, and unforgettable."

"That young boy was clearly walking through the crowd, but for some reason, no one noticed him, nor did anyone perceive his presence."

"Like he was completely invisible, the boy wandered there."

"That appearance, was truly like a ghost."

Perhaps he used some ability.

Perhaps he used some method.

So, even with such conspicuous features, people didn't notice him while he walked through the crowd.

Only Edelweiss clearly locked onto his presence and noticed his appearance.

So, without much thought, Edelweiss followed him.

Following him led Edelweiss to the outskirts.

It was only then that the boy stopped.

"I say, following me this far and not coming out, you're a real stalker, aren't you?"

These were the first words Edelweiss heard from him.

Though the words were quite rude, to Edelweiss at that time, they were different.

In the past, people who met Edelweiss either showed hostility or fear.

Only this boy showed neither hostility nor fear, just casual indifference and a bit of curiosity.

Thus, Edelweiss stepped out, appearing in front of him.

To this...

"I didn't expect you to be so beautiful."

The boy spoke as if surprised and unexpected.

His words still carried no hostility or fear.

Edelweiss couldn't help but think.

"Maybe he doesn't know who I am?"

If he knew she was the world's most notorious criminal, even a three-year-old child would be scared to tears, wouldn't they?

Ignorance is bliss, Edelweiss thought.

With this in mind, Edelweiss introduced herself to him.

Edelweiss couldn't explain why she did that at the time.

Perhaps Edelweiss wanted to see if this boy would still be so nonchalant and curious after knowing her true identity?

However, the boy's reaction was completely beyond Edelweiss' expectations.

"Is that so."

The boy responded without any particular emotion.

Yes.

That was all he said.

Then...

"So, you're not a stalker but a kidnapper? The world's most evil criminal is planning to capture a child like me and sell me for some travel money?"

The boy playfully threw out these words.

At that time, Edelweiss felt a mix of anger and joy.

When Edelweiss explained that she was just passing by and noticed the boy's abnormality, so she came to check it out, the boy seemed to understand.

Unfortunately...

"This isn't a particularly amazing thing. If you have the skills, go ahead and break it."

Leaving those words, the boy turned around and left.

Watching the boy's departing figure, Edelweiss inexplicably followed.

From that moment on, Edelweiss' life changed.

Her journey was no longer dull or lonely.

Her wandering was no longer tedious or boring.

For some reason, the boy, like Edelweiss, had no fixed abode, wandering the world, and he knew various magical abilities. With these abilities, the two could openly enter cities, stay in inns, and appear in front of people without any issues.

Even though Edelweiss was the older one, she felt like a child being led around by the boy. They spent several years together, enjoying countless delicious foods and fun activities, allowing Edelweiss to experience entertainments she had never encountered before.

Edelweiss started to enjoy this life and could no longer be without the boy, who gradually grew older but whose face remained unclear.

Edelweiss once asked the boy his name, but to no avail.

Instead, the boy said this to her.

"Your name is quite a mouthful, let's just call you Edel."

Upon hearing this nickname, Edelweiss had only one thought.

"Quite cute."

From then on, Edel became Rozen's way of addressing Edelweiss.

Throughout their time together, Edelweiss could never see through the boy's true appearance or learn his real name. She was merely led around by him.

However, it wasn't all just fun. The boy seemed to be searching for something very important. Sometimes, he would show an unexpectedly serious and solemn expression. Although Edelweiss still couldn't see his face clearly, she could feel it.

But soon, this happiness was finally shattered.