I squinted against the light filtering through the canopy as we walked through the lush forest.
I hadn't slept a wink the night before, and my limbs felt heavy, but the breathtaking scenery seemed to breathe new life into me. Sieg walked just a few steps ahead, occasionally looking back with a gentle, reassuring smile.
"Are you doing alright, Kaito-san?"
"Yeah. The air out here is incredible."
To put it simply, Sieg and I were out for a stroll. This was my second day in Rigforresia, and she had suggested showing me the woodlands surrounding the city, since I hadn't seen much beyond the city itself and the Spirit Forest during the Treasure Tree Festival. I had been curious about this vast wilderness, so I had been more than happy to accept her invitation.
Sieg led me to the area that had served as the stage for the Hunting Festival. Apparently, it was teeming with wildlife. Since it was a regular hunting ground for the Elves, the paths leading from the city were well-maintained and surprisingly easy to navigate.
The trees were a vibrant, deep green. Not only was the scenery stunning, but the air felt crisp and clean. Just as she had described, I could see small animals scurrying about here and there.
A high population of animals usually meant a high population of monsters, making this a place I could never visit alone. However, with Sieg by my side—and Alice likely lurking somewhere nearby, ready to intervene if things went south—I felt perfectly safe.
It felt like a proper hike as we moved through the verdant woods. Every so often, Sieg would stop to give me a brief explanation of the local flora and fauna. As expected of another world, there were many plants and animals I had never seen before, and her polite, clear descriptions made the experience both educational and fun.
"I haven't seen many monsters, have I? Not that I’m complaining, of course..."
"The Death King exterminated the Black Bears a while back. Between that and the World King’s barrier, fewer monsters venture near the city these days."
Whether it was thanks to Isis-san or Lilliwood-san, the perimeter of Rigforresia had become significantly safer. I wondered if that made hunting difficult, but Sieg explained that the Elf Race didn't care much for meat anyway. If anything, they were grateful to have more safe land to cultivate fruit.
Regardless, their efforts allowed me to enjoy a peaceful walk, and for 그at, I was grateful.
We lost track of time as we wandered, and before I knew it, the sun was high in the sky.
"Is it about time for lunch?" I asked.
"Yes. Since we’re out here, I took the liberty of making a bento... I hope it’s to your liking."
"Thank you. Your cooking is always delicious, Sieg-san. I've been looking forward to it."
"Hehe, flattery won't get you any extra treats, you know."
She gave me a playful smile as she produced a bundle from her bag. To be honest, I had been hoping she’d bring something. We found a small clearing and spread out a large cloth to sit on. Before we began, Sieg placed several small magic tools at the four corners of the sheet.
"Sieg-san? What are those for?"
"They’re magic tools that create a weak, wide-range barrier. It would be quite a problem if a monster stumbled upon us while we were eating."
I see. A monster repellent. One is pretty defenseless while eating, so having that layer of protection was a huge relief. With the tools set, Sieg placed the bento bundle in front of me.
"I'm still no match for my mother, but..."
"That’s not true. Your cooking is wonderful, Sieg-san. I really love it."
"Th-Thank you."
With a shy smile, she laid out the spread. There were mini hamburg steaks, egg salad, and simple sandwiches. Everything looked delicious—or rather, it was a collection of all my favorite things. I felt a surge of childish excitement that was almost embarrassing. There’s something about a bento that feels more special and exciting than food served on a regular plate.
"Let’s eat."
"Yes. Please, help yourself."
Encouraged by her warm smile, I started with a sandwich. It was ham and lettuce, seasoned with something slightly spicy that really brought out the savory flavor. I followed that with the egg salad, using a small wooden fork. It was prepared with such care; the texture was soft and gentle, and the refreshing taste of the vegetables bloomed in my mouth.
As always, Sieg’s cooking had a comforting, gentle quality to it. In fact, I felt like her flavors were becoming more and more tailored to my specific tastes every time I ate her food.
"There’s plenty, so please take your time... Oh, I have tea as well. Here."
"Thank you."
It was a strange feeling. Eating a homemade lunch in the middle of this beautiful greenery with Sieg smiling beside me... it felt incredibly warm and serene. I savored every bite, finishing the generous portion until I was completely full. As I finished, Sieg poured me a cup of hot tea. I thanked her again and took a slow sip.
"...Hwah."
"Kaito-san?"
"Ah, s-sorry."
"Did you not get much sleep last night?"
"Well... to be honest, only a little..."
Maybe it was because I was so relaxed, but a yawn had slipped out before I could stop it.
"Kaito-san, why don't you take a nap?"
"Eh? No, I couldn't..."
"Please, don't hesitate. Rest for a while."
As she spoke, she pulled another cloth from her Magic Box, rolling it up to serve as a pillow. Now that my stomach was full, the temptation of sleep was nearly overwhelming. Since she was being so considerate, I felt it would be rude to refuse.
"Then... if you’re sure. Just for a bit."
"Of course."
I took her up on the offer and lay my head on the makeshift pillow. Sieg then produced a thin blanket and gently draped it over me.
"Could you wake me up in a little while?"
"I will."
The moment I lay down, a wave of drowsiness pulled at me. As my eyelids grew heavy, I looked up at Sieg. She gave me a smile that made all my lingering tension melt away. She moved closer, and as I felt the soft sensation of her fingers stroking my hair, a beautiful voice reached my ears.
It was a melody without words—a lullaby.
"Is that... a song?"
"Yes. There are no lyrics, but it’s a song often used as a lullaby. Is it bothering you?"
"No, please... keep going."
"Alright..."
The gentle, elegant melody drifted through the air, lulling me toward sleep. Sieg was even good at singing. She really was an impressive, mature woman who could do anything. She was truly wonderful.
As my consciousness began to drift away, I thought I heard a tiny voice whispering beneath the music.
"Kaito-san... while you sleep, I’ll find my courage. When you wake... I’m going to tell you how I feel."
Before the meaning of those words could register, my eyes closed completely, and I sank into a deep, peaceful slumber.
Dear Mother, Father—
I went for a walk in the woods with Sieg today, and she treated me to a delicious lunch. I think the lack of sleep finally caught up with me because I was out like a light. I ended up taking a nap right there in the forest, thanks to her kindness. I don’t know how to describe it, but whenever I’m with Sieg, I feel so at ease. I feel like... I can finally be at peace.