Shadows of the Forest

After a long walk, Fia pointed to an area beneath a towering tree. "…Here is the place where you fell."

The tree was massive; its main branches were twice the size of my palms. No wonder it had been able to hold my weight when I landed on it.

I quickly scanned the surroundings, taking a few cautious steps around the spot where I had fallen. But there was no sign of him—no trace, not even a single clue. I began to think that perhaps he had already been lost before we fell. To confirm, I asked Fia again. "Are you sure you didn't see him?"

She lowered her head, placing a hand on her chin as if deep in thought. "…Actually, half of what you said earlier was true."

My eyes widened in surprise, but before I could speak, she continued. "…Your Prime Minister… he's already gone. The moment I brought you down from the tree, he had already stopped breathing. I'm sorry… It wasn't that I didn't want to explain it to you earlier, but you've always been so stubborn. It's better for you to see it yourself and understand."

Stubborn… Yes, that's me. But how does she know me? We've only known each other for a day. Perhaps it's just a coincidence—or maybe it's because of her Guardian Angel.

"Miss Fia, I'm sorry, but where is he now? I mean, his body or maybe his grave?"

She smiled softly and took my hand, pulling me gently to follow her.

We continued walking deeper into the forest, leaving the stone path behind and stepping onto grass and soil. The dense foliage surrounded us, teeming with wild plants and insects. My heart raced—not out of fear of the atmosphere, but more from the thought of encountering poisonous bugs or animals.

Carefully, I watched every step I took, ensuring I didn't disturb anything dangerous lurking beneath the surface.

After some time, a clearing came into view. It was a plain area, nothing but soil and dirt stretching out before us. In the distance, something resembling a standing stone caught my eye. As we approached, it became clearer—it was indeed a headstone.

Slowly, I walked closer. A mound of freshly turned earth lay beside the headstone.

"…That's the Prime Minister," Fia said softly. "I'm sorry I couldn't help him. When I found him, he had already stopped breathing. To honor his memory, I tried to bury him properly. Are you all right, Lucferre?"

While she spoke, I knelt down to examine the headstone. It was an ordinary stone, uncarved and without any inscription. Hmm… perhaps it was best to leave it as it was. Should I dig up the grave to confirm the identity of the corpse? Deep down, I knew he was dead. His wounds had been far beyond healing—no doctor could have saved him. So, I decided to let him rest in peace.

I closed my eyes and prayed silently in my mind.

"…Prime Minister Kryosaeras, I'm sorry I couldn't protect you. May you rest in peace. If we meet again in the next life, let's be good friends. Oh… If I manage to return to our country, I will inform your family. Thank you for all your service and kindness. Goodbye, Prime Minister Kryosaeras. See you again in the next life."

As I finished my prayer, Fia placed a gentle hand on my shoulder.

"Are you all right, Lucferre?"

I rose from my kneeling position and nodded. "Yes, thank you, Miss Fia…"

"…It seems the sun is about to set. It's already noon. Let's head back to my house first."

I agreed with her suggestion and nodded.

Suddenly, at the edge of the clearing, I noticed the leaves trembling as if stirred by an invisible wind. Along with that, the chirping of birds grew louder—sharp and frantic, as though they were fleeing from something terrifying. Growls of wild animals echoed through the air.

Above us, birds flew swiftly out of the forest, while in front of us, wild animals bolted toward us, running fast and desperate. They were all fleeing, avoiding something ominous.

"What's happening?" I muttered under my breath, gazing ahead.

But then, something like dark mist began seeping out of the forest. It spread rapidly, enveloping every corner of the woods. The darkness was suffocating—like nighttime descending prematurely, gloomy and oppressive. Not even a sliver of light could penetrate it.

This was strange. The sky above was still clear, yet this unnatural darkness persisted.

My lips moved involuntarily. "How can this be? Dark mist?"

I stood frozen, stunned between doubt and certainty.