Today was the day we set off.
Perhaps because of that, a crowd had gathered in the forest specifically to see us off. It wasn't just the Master Carpenter and the other craftsmen who had gifted us the carriage; many people from town had come as well, including members of the Adventurer Guild and neighboring farmers.
The townspeople I was closest with had already departed for the Royal Capital earlier, but even without them, I never imagined this many people would show up. A lot had happened since I first arrived in this forest, and realizing that the relationships I saw before me were the result of everything we had built over the last few years made me feel a bit emotional.
I may have become a monster, but I had certainly been blessed with good friends.
Representing the town residents, the Master Carpenter spoke up.
"I thought things would get lonely once you were gone, Alraune-chan, but I see there’s still an Alraune staying behind in the forest."
"Yes. I’m leaving, my clones, behind, so please, don’t worry. Go on, say hello."
I made eye contact with the one I had newly appointed as the Child Alraune Representative.
"From this, point forward, I will be, managing the forest, in Mama’s, stead. It is, a pleasure, to meet, you all."
This particular Child Alraune was the one I usually entrusted with forest management. Among my many clones, she was the one who felt the most reliable. It was strange, but even though they were my doubles, they weren't all identical. Occasionally, one would appear with a distinct personality, like the Child Alraune currently undergoing cooking training at the Demon King's Castle.
I also shared a farewell embrace with my friend Barometz-san, who had come here for a temporary exchange study with that same cooking-loving clone.
"Alraune-san, please come back soon."
"You stay healthy too, Barometz-san. When I return, I’ll have, plenty of, travel stories, to tell you."
Ever since Barometz-san moved to my forest, chatting with her had become part of my daily routine. Since I was leaving that role to a Child Alraune, I was sure she wouldn't be too lonely. Regardless, I would leave the rest to the clones staying behind. I had already finished my greetings to Lady Dryades and the others, so I was sure everything would work out.
After all, they were my clones!
The last ones I spoke to were the Flashy Man and His Highness, Prince Leonhardt. For some reason, the two of them had their arms around each other's shoulders, happily stuffing their faces with bear meat. They had apparently started living together in town and, for one reason or another, had hit it off. They were close friends before I even realized it.
Just what had happened between them over the last few days?
The Flashy Man and the Prince were scheduled to begin their own journey to the Royal Capital shortly after us. Prince Leonhardt had originally fled to this forest to escape the Witches, but it seemed he had finally resolved to return.
"I’ve made up my mind. I will purge the corruption from the Royal Castle!"
In the Prince’s eyes as he spoke, I saw the true pride of royalty. His time in the Tower City seemed to have changed his perspective.
"After hearing what you told me about Zelma and the Witches, I was finally able to reach a decision. I cannot let those people have their way with this country. If things stay as they are, the deceased Iris will never find peace..."
The Prince said this while looking directly at me. My heart skipped a beat, wondering if he suspected who I really was. He shouldn't have been able to see through my identity yet, so I couldn't help but wonder what he meant by bringing up Iris’s name.
After staring intently at my face for a moment, the Prince turned his gaze toward the Flashy Man.
"The problem is that the Witches are still targeting my life, but I’ve asked Kyle to act as my guard. With his strength, he should be able to scatter any attackers."
"I don't really get the details, but he basically came crying to me to go with him because he couldn't get home alone," Kyle added.
"I was not crying! And besides, putting it that way makes me sound like a child who can’t find his way home!"
"Well, isn't it true? This guy can't even get home by himself."
"Grrh... Just you wait until we get to the Royal Capital."
It seemed the Flashy Man still didn't believe the Prince was actually royalty. At the same time, the Prince clearly didn't realize that Kyle was actually a Dragon from the Demon King's Army. I was happy they were getting along, but I worried about what would happen if they ever learned the truth about each other. I just hoped they wouldn't end up trying to kill one another.
Raising a hand, the Flashy Man called out a final farewell.
"We’ll be heading out in a few days. Maybe we’ll run into you somewhere!"
"I’ll look, forward to it, if we do."
With our goodbyes finished, we boarded the Wood Horse Golem carriage. Incidentally, I had reverted to my Bucket Alraune form. Traveling while full-sized would be far too inconvenient.
Once I confirmed everyone was inside, I spoke to the fairy fluttering around the interior.
"Alright, Kiri, are you ready?"
"You bet! Treant says she's ready too!"
Acting as the coachman, Amazoness Treant raised a branch to show she was all set. The Mandrake was currently in its "ornament" state, fast asleep, so there were no issues there.
"Are you okay, Rufe?"
"I'm okay because Alraune is here," the Little Witch replied, smiling brightly as she hugged my bucket.
This was the third time I had set out on a journey with her. The first was when we migrated from the forest burned by the Flame Dragon to Dryades' Forest. The second was when we visited her home village.
And now, the third.
I looked forward to seeing what kind of journey this would turn out to be. With a heart full of excitement, I gave a large wave with my vines to everyone seeing us off.
"Well then, we're, off!"
It was the beginning of our journey!