Strange Women...!

The Demon Race Territory, Southern Continent.

One year had passed since my father's death. The blood in my veins continued to boil and rage whenever I thought of Dragnel's sword piercing through my father's body. My heart shattered each time I remembered my father's final smile. Grief relentlessly haunted me as I imagined what might have happened to my mother and the ending she faced.

Once again, my eyes burned with fury.

I wandered aimlessly through this barren and arid land. The sun's rays scorched my skin, yet no matter how intense the heat, I felt nothing. My emotions had long disappeared, drown in the depths of vengeance and hatred that swallowed my heart.

All I craved was the metallic stench and the dark hue of the Demon Race's blood.

Not far behind me, the bodies of dozens of Demon Race members lay scattered across the ground. They had all become immolation for my anger and hatred. My sword had ripped through their flesh, leaving their bodies shattered and strewn across this desolate terrain.

I was the punishment and the karma the Demon Race deserved.

My current objective was the Kingdom of Avernum, home to the most vile creature on this continent-the king of the Demon Race. I would sever his head with my sword, with my own hands. This would be the culmination of the vengeance borne by the Kingdom of Nefetari, a burden I now carried.

Forgive me, Father.

I could not live the life you wanted for me-a peaceful existence dedicated to protecting and upholding the Mistveil name, passing it on to future generations. My heart was too broken to find solace or tranquility in such a life.

A stinging dryness cracked my lips.

How many days had passed since I last ate or drank anything? I couldn't remember. Every other need had faded away within me. The only thirst I could feel now was the thirst for the metallic tang and dark color of Demon blood. I cared for nothing else.

...

...

Father... Mother... Soon, I'll be joining the two of you.

...

...

"Stop right there!"

"What's the matter, Estella-sama?"

"Look over there!"

Suddenly, I heard a woman's shout behind me, accompanied by the thunderous noise of galloping horses. Her voice rang out again, now closer.

"Hey... Miss! Wait a moment! Miss!"

I turned and saw a woman-a Human-running toward me. She was striking, with long silver hair and clad in battle armor, a sword hanging at her hip.

What could this Human want from me?

I summoned and gripped my staff, 'Indurtha', with both hands, prepared to face the Human who had appeared so unexpectedly.

"Wait... wait... hold on, Miss! I don't mean you any harm. Please stop pointing your staff at me. Eh... why are you aiming it even closer at me? Can you calm down a bit? Hey, do I look that scary to you? That hurts, you know!"

She waved her hands repeatedly in my direction, as if trying to dissuade me from casting a spell. But who was this annoying woman? Why was she speaking to me so informally? Was she stupid?

"What do you want from me, Human?"

"Human? Wait... wait a minute... those deep blue eyes... are you an Elf, Miss?"

"If I am, what do you want with me, Human?"

"Eh hold on... can't you calm down? Why are you pointing your staff even closer to me? Please, stop! You're going to make my heart give out. Now, lower that staff... yes... calm... okay, that's better now!"

She waved her hand continually as she urged me to lower my staff. Seeing no malicious aura or intent from this Human woman, I slowly lowered my 'Indurtha'.

Finally... relief seemed to flood her voice.

"Miss Elf, what are you doing here all by yourself? Did you kill all the Demons along our path?"

She pointed toward the area she had come from.

"That's right, Human. So what do you want from me?"

Her tone suddenly rose, filled with irritation.

"Stop asking me what I want! What could I possibly gain from a ragged-looking Elf woman like you-EH, WAIT! Why are you raising your staff again?! I'm just being honest! Eh... no, no, no-I mean... I just want you to understand I don't have any bad intentions! Can't you lower your staff again...? Yes, good... haah, this is exhausting."

Once more, I lowered my staff. But honestly, this Human woman was incredibly unchivalrous. I asked her again,

"So why are you approaching me, Human?"

"Eh... what are you saying? Isn't it natural to approach a young woman wandering alone in a dangerous place like this? And you-what are you doing here-wait... Miss Elf, are you okay? Miss...?"

For some reason, my vision began to blur. Perhaps this strange woman's presence had relaxed the tension in my body, allowing me to finally feel the accumulated exhaustion and pain that had amass within me for so long.

My legs gave out, and I collapsed to the ground. In the faintness of my consciousness, I could hear the strange Human woman's voice calling to me.

"Hey... can you hear me? Miss Elf... Miss Elf... stay with me!"

Her voice carried genuine concern as she patted my cheeks. I was now cradled in her arms, enveloped in unexpected warmth. Why did her embrace feel so soothing and calming?

Perhaps it was time for me to join my parents.

I would need to prepare the right words to apologize to them. Words to stop them from weeping over their daughter, who had led such a miserable life-and died in such a way. No, this wasn't so bad.

My death didn't feel so bad anymore.

I was passing in the warm and gentle embrace of a strange Human woman. Yes, I'd call this a decent way to die.

When I see my parents, I'll kneel before them, bowing my head while crying, to avoid a severe scolding... hahaha... yes, that's what I'll do!

"Hey, everyone! Come here quickly! Help me save this Elf girl!"

"Yes, Estella-sama!"

"Hand me that water bottle, now! And Healers, where are you?! Get over here!"

"S-sorry, Estella-sama!"

I could clearly hear the strange woman's urgent commands. So... her name is Estella.

What a strange woman...!

Why did she care so much about a stranger like me? A foreign Elf she knew nothing about. But... I suppose I should thank her. At least I wasn't meeting my end completely alone.

Goodbye, kind-hearted Human. May the Great Fairy Uriel bless your life...

†*************†

"Hello, readers!

After much thought, I've decided to split Estella Lightheart's story into multiple chapters. It felt like squeezing her backstory into one chapter was too much.

As for the next episode...

Well, I think I'll keep the title as a surprise this time to avoid repeating my past mistakes. The upcoming chapters will focus on Aella Mead's POV, recounting her past journey alongside Estella Lightheart. So stay tuned!

Bye!"

Matakatra (Author)