Chapter 221: Escape (3)

Sylphrien let out a sigh.

Despite spending the entire day in deep contemplation, it seemed inevitable that she would have to speak with Arwin.

Arwin had secluded herself in her room ever since Berg had left.

Sylphrien didn’t even know if she was eating properly or, at the very least, still alive.

The two shared many memories together. Sylphrien understood all too well how much Arwin had suffered in the Celebrian estate.

She knew how deeply Arwin had yearned for the outside world and how desperately she had longed for a life of freedom.

Arwin, who used to read the same books about the outside world over and over during her breaks, finally ventured out into that world and met Berg. That encounter seemed to have changed Arwin’s life forever.

For a time, Sylphrien had hoped that Arwin’s feelings for Berg were fleeting.

She wanted to believe that Berg was merely the first stimulus Arwin encountered after stepping into the outside world, a brief moment of confusion.

After all, the short-lived races and the long-lived ones were fated to exist in separate timelines.

Arwin must have understood that at first as well.

But after divorcing Berg, Arwin began to crumble.

Sylphrien, who had watched over her closely, knew this much for certain:

Arwin’s feelings for Berg weren’t temporary. They were special—unlike anything else.

No matter how much time passed, her heart wouldn’t change.

She cried endlessly.

She protested, begging Sylphrien to find a way for her to share lifespan with Berg.

She performed sacrificial rituals daily.

She drowned her sorrows in alcohol.

Throughout her entire period of separation, Arwin suffered deeply.

It was likely the time when Arwin, whom Sylphrien thought had run out of tears, cried the most in her life.

Arriving in Stockpin had somewhat improved her condition.

Even though Berg didn’t give her a single glance, simply being near him seemed to bring Arwin a sense of relief.

Watching this, Sylphrien came to a realization once again:

Arwin couldn’t survive without Berg by her side.

...But now, that Berg had passed away.

What could Arwin possibly be feeling?

How much pain was she in? Sylphrien couldn’t even begin to guess.

It must have felt as if the only light that had illuminated her life had been extinguished.

Knock, knock.

And so, Sylphrien knocked on Arwin’s door, determined to check on her condition.

She had given her a day, but now it was time to talk.

If Arwin needed comfort, Sylphrien would offer it. If she was about to make a foolish decision, Sylphrien would stop her.

“...Arwin, it’s me.”

‘Come in.’

“...?”

The strength in Arwin’s voice left Sylphrien momentarily stunned.

She hadn’t expected any kind of response.

Regardless, Sylphrien decided it was a good thing and opened the door.

Arwin was standing by the window, enjoying the cool night breeze.

“You’re here?”

Arwin turned to Sylphrien with a smile.

“...”

Sylphrien couldn’t comprehend that smile.

She began to worry that Arwin might have lost her senses.

“...Are you okay?” Sylphrien asked hesitantly.

At her question, Arwin chuckled softly.

Sylphrien had never seen Arwin look so at ease.

Arwin nodded and replied, “I’m fine.”

“...”

“Unnie, I’ve been waiting for you. Let’s have a chat.”

Sylphrien, still unsure of what to make of Arwin’s mood, approached her cautiously.

She sat down where Arwin gestured for her to sit, moving carefully as if she might break something.

Even now, Sylphrien couldn’t understand what Arwin was thinking or why she seemed so cheerful.

Arwin spoke first.

“I couldn’t go out because I had to act like I was grieving. I’ve been waiting for you to come.”

“...Acting...?”

As Sylphrien listened to the incomprehensible words spilling from Arwin’s mouth, her worry only deepened.

Yet, all she could do was quietly listen to Arwin’s story.

“…Unnie.”

Arwin looked at Sylphrien with a bright smile.

Then, with an expression of pure happiness, she whispered:

“...Berg is alive.”

“…”

Overwhelmed with joy, Arwin covered her face with trembling hands.

Sylphrien could only remain silent.

…Arwin had truly lost her mind.

“…Arwin, I don’t know how to say this, but… Berg is—”

Before Sylphrien could finish her sentence, Arwin smiled and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

“Unnie. I’m not crazy. Berg… he’s really alive.”

“…What?”

“I offered up every fragment of my lifespan vessel to bring him back. I know it, Ner knows it, and even Sien knows it.”

“…”

Sylphrien blinked, unable to process what she had just heard.

Arwin then closed her eyes.

A faint light seemed to stir from her chest, preparing to emerge.

It was the ritual for revealing her lifespan vessel.

“…Huh?”

But instead of light, a dark, ash-like phantom seeped out of Arwin’s chest, only to fade away.

Sylphrien immediately understood what it meant.

Arwin’s lifespan vessel had been destroyed.

“…You saw that, right?”

Despite the ominous sight, Arwin spoke with a satisfied expression.

Her face carried the serenity of someone freed from a long curse.

Clatter!

Sylphrien shot to her feet in panic.

“A-Arwin! Your lifespan vessel…!”

“I told you. I sacrificed it to save Berg. I’m not crazy—Berg is truly alive.”

Arwin’s voice was calmer and steadier than it had ever been.

“I’m so happy. To think that my lifespan could bring Berg back… My life, which could have been a thousand years of torment, has been transformed into a few decades of happiness.”

“…”

Sylphrien was speechless.

Arwin had possessed the potential to live for over a thousand years.

But now, with her lifespan vessel destroyed, she was left with the lifespan of a typical short-lived race.

Sixty years. Maybe seventy, if she lived in good health.

That was all the time Arwin had left.

Sylphrien stammered out a response.

“…But that means you’ll only live as long as—”’

“As long as Berg lives,” Arwin corrected her with a shake of her head.

“…”

“I couldn’t be happier with that. A long life doesn’t always mean a good one. My past life proves that, doesn’t it?”

The firm conviction in Arwin’s voice gradually began to persuade Sylphrien.

It didn’t seem like Arwin had gone mad after all.

And so, Sylphrien returned to her first question.

“…You’re saying that Berg is alive?”

“Yes. He’s hiding in the southern forest.”

“…Why? If he’s alive, why doesn’t he come back?”

Arwin shook her head.

“Berg doesn’t want to live a life of fighting anymore. He wants to abandon all his obligations and live peacefully.”

“…”

“And besides, if he’s going to accept me and Ner as his wives… living as a noble would only make things harder.”

“…Ah.”

“Berg has always dreamed of living a peaceful life. Everyone thinks he’s dead… There’s no better opportunity than this.”

Sylphrien found herself slowly being convinced by Arwin’s words.

She figured time would tell how Ner and Sien would react, but for now, she couldn’t argue with Arwin.

Finally, a small smile crept onto Sylphrien’s face as she asked again.

“He’s really… alive?”

“…Yes.”

Tears began welling up in Arwin’s eyes as she nodded.

“…Yes, he’s alive.”

Taking a deep breath, Arwin approached Sylphrien.

Then, in a calm voice, she began to speak.

“Unnie.”

“…”

“…I’m going to leave with Berg now. I’m going to live the life he wants to live. Together, in a secluded place… We’ll build a home and have children.”

“…Arwin.”

“…But since I’ll be disappearing without a word, I wanted to tell you this. Unnie, please tell Father… not to look for me. Berg wants a quiet life. Please, don’t let anyone search for us.”

Sylphrien finally understood why Arwin had waited for her.

If what Arwin said was true, there were indeed things that needed to be done.

Even Arwin couldn’t simply disappear without leaving a word; people would inevitably search for her.

“…When are you leaving?” Sylphrien asked cautiously.

Arwin simply shrugged her shoulders.

“As soon as everything is ready. We’re planning an escape together, but I’m not sure how far along the preparations are.”

“…Do you need help?”

“Help would be nice, but the fewer people who know Berg is alive, the better—”

“—Of course, Arwin. I swear on my honor, I won’t tell anyone.”

Arwin hugged Sylphrien.

For someone who usually maintained a cold and distant demeanor, this display of affection spoke volumes about how happy she truly was.

“…Unnie, thank you.”

“…”

Sylphrien nodded.

Although she had entered Arwin’s room full of worry and left with shocking news, there was a sense of relief.

If Arwin had found happiness after all her struggles, that was all that mattered.

She seemed truly happy, and Sylphrien was grateful for that.

****

At the same time, Ner was speaking with Lan.

“…What?”

Lan frowned as she looked at Ner.

Ner carefully continued.

“…I’m leaving. Please explain this to my brother as well.”

Lan’s voice turned cold as she asked, “Leaving? Where to?”

“…To Berg’s side.”

“…”

Lan’s frown deepened at Ner’s answer.

“If you’re going to spout nonsense—”

But before Lan could finish, Ner’s laughter interrupted her irritation.

After chuckling for a moment, Ner replied, “I’m sorry. I was just teasing. It’s true I’m going to Berg’s side, but it’s not as grim as you’re imagining.”

“…”

With a smile, Ner added, “…Because Berg is alive.”

“…”

Lan blinked.

She stood frozen for a long moment before letting out a hollow laugh.

“…You’ve finally lost it.”

“…”

Ner could understand Lan’s disbelief. Berg’s return was nothing short of a miracle.

Lan bit her lip before speaking.

“…You might not want to hear this, but I saw it with my own eyes. I saw the body of Loard Berg. He was dead—there’s no changing that, no matter what anyone says.”

But Ner, who had found a profound sense of peace in knowing Berg was alive, simply observed Lan calmly.

Lan, who had once tormented her in the past, seemed different now.

Even now, her tone was surprisingly cautious.

For someone as cold as Lan, this was an immense gesture of consideration.

Before leaving for good, Ner felt a sense of warmth from her family that she had never experienced before.

Swish.

Ner pulled something out from her belongings.

It was something Arwin had given her, saying she would convince Sylphrien herself while providing Ner, who wasn’t as close to her family, with a persuasive tool.

“…That’s…”

Lan’s expression changed as she saw what Ner had pulled out.

It was Berg’s World Tree Leaf.

The leaf, which had once been torn, was now vibrant and glowing with life.

Even Lan fell silent at the sight of the peculiar World Tree Leaf.

Unlike ordinary leaves, its texture was utterly unique.

Given how rare elves were, and how much rarer married elves were, the presence of this World Tree Leaf alone served as undeniable proof.

“…Isn’t that Lady Arwin’s?”

Lan whispered as if refusing to believe Ner’s words.

But Ner only whispered the truth in return.

“Lady Arwin’s World Tree Leaf belongs to Berg. You saw him wearing it as a necklace during the funeral, didn’t you?”

“…”

Lan blinked and crossed her legs, beginning to bite at her nails.

It was clear she was wavering.

After staring at the World Tree Leaf in Ner’s hands for a long while, Lan finally uncrossed her legs and leaned closer to her.

“…Is it really…”

“…Yes.”

“…You’re really saying he’s alive?”

Ner smiled.

“Yes. He’s alive. He’s in hiding for now, though.”

“…Why…”

“…Because he’s grown tired of the life of a noble.”

Ner explained further, recounting Berg’s reasons for staying hidden—his dreams, his aversion to his heroic legacy, and his desire to escape the obligations of nobility. She even included the detail about his willingness to embrace a polygamous life.

Lan listened silently, absorbing every word.

“…So, I’m going to Berg’s side,” Ner said firmly.

“…”

“Wherever Berg goes, that’s where I’ll go.”

Lan blinked again, clearly struggling with a storm of thoughts.

Her gaze remained fixed on the World Tree Leaf in Ner’s hands, and she kept scrutinizing Ner’s expression.

“…You’re running away?” Lan asked again.

Ner nodded.

“…With Lady Sien and Lady Arwin as well.”

“…”

“You’ll soon see that I’m not lying. When Lady Sien also disappears, you’ll believe it then.”

“…”

“But even so, unlike Lady Sien, who has no close relatives, I have the Blackwood family behind me. I know that if I disappear, someone will come looking for me—whether it’s you or my brother.”

“…”

“…That’s why I’m telling you. Please don’t look for me. Please tell my brother not to worry about me either.”

Lan remained frozen, seemingly processing everything Ner had said.

Her sharp eyes kept flicking between Ner’s face and the leaf in her hand, as though she were trying to assess the truth behind her words.

“…If you’re going, where are you going?”

“I don’t know. It hasn’t been decided yet.”

Lan let out a wry laugh and asked, “If I tried to stop you, would you stay?”

Ner laughed softly in return.

“…Of course not.”

“So, this is just a notification.”

“Yes, exactly. But you’ll understand why I’m leaving, won’t you?”

“…”

Lan took a deep breath, clicking her tongue cautiously before speaking in a quiet voice.

“…Before coming here, brother had a request for me.”

Ner stiffened slightly at the mention of Gidon, her instincts immediately on edge.

“…Elder brother was conflicted. He hoped you’d let go of your feelings for Lord Berg while also wanting you to find some measure of happiness. That’s why, when he sent me, he said this.”

“…What did he say?”

Lan replied, “He told me to respect whatever decision you make. Just make sure things don’t spiral out of control.”

“…”

Lan looked into Ner’s eyes.

“…If this is your choice, I’ll respect it. I’ll explain it to your brother properly.”

“…Thank you.”

“I just hope you’re not delusional and that I’m not being fooled.”

Ner laughed at those words and lifted the World Tree Leaf higher.

Lan smirked as she glanced at the leaf.

“…When are you leaving?” Lan asked.

“I’m still deciding,” Ner replied.

“Will you let us know before you leave?”

“…Maybe. It depends on the situation.”

“…At least send us updates about your life occasionally.”

At that, Ner teased her with a sly grin.

“You’re being surprisingly kind now that I’ve said I’m leaving.”

Lan chuckled softly.

“Well, the family troublemaker is taking herself off our hands. I can afford to be a little nice.”

The two looked into each other’s eyes.

Lan’s smile slowly faded, replaced by a more serious expression.

“…Ner. In the past—”

“-Don’t,” Ner interrupted, cutting her off before she could apologize.

Ner adjusted her tone carefully, ensuring her words didn’t make the atmosphere too heavy.

“…I can’t accept your apology just yet. I know I also share the blame for taking Mother’s life, but… I had such a hard time when I was a child. Those memories still hurt me.”

The verbal abuse, the physical violence. The meals she worked hard to prepare being thrown to the ground. The moments when she couldn’t even sit at the same table. The years without greetings, without words of concern.

Even now, thinking about those times was painful. They were lonely, grueling moments.

Until she met Berg, she thought that was simply how the world was.

That was why it hurt so much more when Berg died.

Lan spoke bitterly.

“…I see.”

She showed a willingness to acknowledge her wrongs.

But Ner now had Berg in her life.

With him, she had found enough peace to grant her a measure of generosity.

“…However.”

And so, she spoke to Lan.

The desire to bring closure wasn’t something that only Lan felt.

“…If you promise to never look for me for the rest of your life. If you stop anyone else from searching for me. If you can help me and Berg live in peace… if you can let me live happily… Then, I’ll forgive you.”

“…”

“When the time comes for me to leave this world, I’ll forgive you.”

Lan froze at her words, then let out a weak laugh.

For a moment, her nose seemed to redden, but Ner convinced herself it must have been her imagination.

Lan took a deep breath and nodded.

Finally, she spoke to Ner.

“…I’ll have to explain everything to our brother properly, then.”

– – – The End of The Chapter – – –

 

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