A tall, blonde elf gazed down at me.
I knew that the beautiful woman before me, who appeared to be in her early twenties, was actually an elf who had lived for centuries. I knew because this elf, equipped with a bow, was Iris’s—my—one and only friend.
I never imagined I would reunite with my best friend here. But that was exactly why I felt like everything was over. Was my secret about to be exposed again?
There were specific reasons why I didn’t want Merk, of all people, to find out who I was. Beyond the sheer embarrassment, my life was actually at stake.
"For an Alraune, you have a remarkably human-like expression."
Mercurée gripped one of my vines, holding on as if she had no intention of letting me escape.
"Now then, you cute little Alraune. Won't you tell me your name?"
My name?! If I said "Iris," I’d be outing myself! I had to remain silent. No matter what happened, I couldn't let her find out.
"I... don't... really... have one."
I didn't have a name as an Alraune. To the Little Witch, I was the only Alraune in her life, so the opportunity to give me a specific name never really came up. Since there weren't any other Alraunes around to confuse me with, it hadn't been an issue.
Regardless, that was a performance a professional actress would envy! For a former Saint, a little white lie like this was easy. I just hoped she’d fall for it.
I glanced timidly at Mercurée’s face, only to see a small smile play on her lips.
"Fufu... how truly adorable you are."
It was my old friend’s favorite phrase. For a moment, it felt like we were back in the old days. But I was dead now. I wasn’t even human anymore. It was impossible to have an equal friendship like we used to.
After all, Mercurée collected plants for a very specific reason.
Despite being an elf who lived in harmony with nature, she had ventured into the human world for reasons unknown to me. She traveled the lands, conducting research and collecting any rare plants she encountered.
If she found out my true identity was Iris, she would undoubtedly become obsessed with my new plant body. I could vividly imagine her face as she began to dissect me while cooing, "How cute!"
I wouldn’t be Mercurée’s friend; I’d be her guinea pig. I absolutely refused to have that kind of relationship.
If things went south, she might even harvest and store my Alraune Seeds. Collecting rare seeds was her hobby, after all. The humiliation of my best friend possessing my seeds was more than a former Saint like me could bear.
I had to get out of here, and fast! Little Witch, we need to leave!
"Hey, did you build this grave?"
Unaware of my internal screaming, the Little Witch addressed Mercurée. No, Little Witch! Stop! It’s dangerous here! Don't pay any attention to my grave—let’s just go!
"Yes, little white-haired lady. This grave belongs to a dear friend of mine."
I knew it. Mercurée really was the one who built it. I’d had a feeling from the moment I saw her face.
Now that the mystery of the grave was solved, the Little Witch should be satisfied. We needed to move on to somewhere—anywhere—else.
"Then you must know. Who exactly was Saint Iris?"
I hadn't realized the Little Witch was so curious about my name. To her, Saint Iris should have been a complete stranger.
"I keep hearing her name. Someone even said she looked like this Alraune."
"That girl and this Alraune certainly do share a resemblance. They’re both quite lovely."
Stop it! Don't look at me! And please, don't figure it out. Even if you do, don't ask for my seeds for old time's sake!
"Since you went to the trouble of building a grave, you must know a lot about her, right?"
"Indeed I do, my cute little witch. I know her... very, very well."
Mercurée was sharp. She’d already seen through the Little Witch's disguise.
"I don't mind telling you about Iris, but I have a condition."
"...What kind of condition?"
The Little Witch tensed up. She was being unusually talkative for someone so shy, but she was clearly on guard. That’s the right idea, Little Witch. Don't trust a word she says. Let's just run away.
"Does this adorable Alraune belong to you?"
"Yeah... she’s my little sister."
Technically, I was the older one, but that wasn't the problem. I had a very bad feeling about where this was going.
"You see, I travel the world collecting plant seeds."
Mercurée pulled an ancient-looking bag from her belongings. It was filled with a massive variety of seeds. That was definitely the Elf’s Secret Magic Bag, capable of holding an impossible amount of items.
"So, here is my trade: give me some of that Alraune's seeds, and I’ll tell you everything you want to know about Saint Iris."
"Oh, is that all? Sure."
The Little Witch triumphantly started to hand me over. No, that is not okay!
"Seeds... are... absolutely... forbidden!"
I crossed my vines into a firm 'X' of refusal! To a human, a plant's seeds might seem like nothing, but has anyone ever stopped to consider the plant's feelings? If you translate this into human terms, it’s much clearer: nobody wants their "seeds" taken by someone else!
"Oh, don't be so selfish, Alraune. It’s just a few seeds, right?"
I didn't care how much the Little Witch pleaded; the answer was no. Especially not to Mercurée. She would definitely study them and do... well, science to them.
Besides, why was the Little Witch so obsessed with finding out about Iris? I was surprised my old name was even coming up in her circles.
"You’re quite the prickly one, aren't you, Miss Alraune? In all my years, I’ve never had a plant tell me 'no' to a seed request before."
Well, that’s because normal plants don't talk! Also, Mercurée, could you please let go of my vine? I can't escape if you're holding onto me!
I gave her my best glare, and she finally released me. It felt like a small victory. I'd actually managed to intimidate her!
"Well, if I can't have the seeds, I suppose the stories about Iris will have to wait."
"A-l-r-a-u-n-e!"
The Little Witch puffed out her cheeks like an angry squirrel. I didn't care how much she sulked. My seeds were staying with me!
"However, I will tell you one thing."
Mercurée stood before my grave, her gaze drifting toward the horizon.
"I wasn't able to be there when she died. That's why I came here—to mourn Iris's soul in the place where she passed."
I’d heard that elves had a different perspective on life and death than humans. Mercurée had come all this way just for me.
"I knew human lives were fleeting, but I never imagined hers would be so short... It seems I only thought I understood."
Oh, Merk... you really cared that much?
"Oh, look. The Alraune is shedding nectar from her eyes. What a peculiar, sweet little thing."
The realization that my friend still cherished my memory after all these years made my "tear ducts" give way. It was a bit embarrassing that my genuine emotion was just making the plant-obsessed Mercurée happy, though.
"That nectar... it has a mysterious aura. May I take a sample?"
"Absolutely... not. My nectar... is... premium... quality. I don't give it... to just anyone."
I used my vines to swat away Mercurée’s reaching fingers. She just smiled at me with an expression full of genuine affection.
"Fufu. I look forward to our time together, cute Alraune."
With that, Mercurée stepped back.
"Now then, everyone, you're welcome to stay in my humble home."
She led Yasmin and the others inside. It seemed she really hadn't realized who I was. I was safe! I'd actually survived!
However, I couldn't let my guard down yet. There was still the matter of Princess Frie. If I slipped up even once, someone would catch on. I had to be careful.
As night fell, we all gathered for a meal. The group had become unexpectedly large, but with me there, food was never an issue.
After dinner, Armin groaned, "I'm stuffed!" I had produced a bounty of vegetables, making for quite a lavish feast.
Today had been a whirlwind. Visiting the Little Witch's village, reuniting with Armin after three years, and then running into Mercurée, my only friend from my past life.
And then there was this—
"Armin! Don't you dare lie down right after eating!" Anna, the female swordsman, scolded him with a smack to the head.
"Ow! Sis, leave me alone! It’s fine!"
I still couldn't believe Armin and Anna were siblings. Armin was nearly thirteen, while Anna was nineteen. They had a bit of an age gap, but they were definitely related.
In this remote, backwater forest, a separated brother and sister had found each other. At the same time, I had reunited with both Armin and Merk. The world was surprisingly small.
"Wait, Mercurée-san is an S-Rank Adventurer?!"
Nearby, Yasmin and Mercurée were chatting over fruit.
"Being an adventurer is quite practical. People give me strange looks just for being an elf, but once they realize I'm S-Rank, they tend to be much more polite."
Mercurée was one of only three S-Rank Adventurers in the entire country. Elves were rare in human lands and often faced prejudice, but her rank afforded her special privileges that kept most bigots at bay.
Actually, Mercurée was the reason I’d always wanted to be an adventurer. She was so free-spirited, living exactly how she wanted. She was dazzling to me.
During dinner, she explained that she was staying here to mourn Iris. Even though there was no body left to find, she had wanted to do something for her friend.
As for Armin, he had come to the forest specifically looking for me. Mercurée had found him and taken him in, unwilling to leave a child alone in such a dangerous place. And then, we had stumbled upon them.
It was truly remarkable that such a diverse group had gathered in this vast forest. Perhaps the proximity to Rufe's village had drawn us all toward this specific hut.
When I thought about it, the lineup was incredible: An Alraune who was a Former Saint. Witch Rufe, who carried the Power of the Witch Queen. Yasmin the demon, a former maid from the Demon King's Castle. Kyle, the flashy guy who was likely the Flame Dragon Lord's Younger Brother. Mercurée the Elf, an S-Rank Adventurer and former Hero's party member.
Armin and Anna were both talented for their age, but they were almost overshadowed by the sheer "density" of the rest of the group. After all, they were the only two normal humans present. The non-human ratio was impressively high.
To be honest, this group alone could probably topple a small nation.
We had come together by chance, but looking back, I can't help but feel it was destiny. Because in a few months' time, we would all meet again.
In the Royal Capital, amidst a swirl of conspiracy.