Under the sunlight, the labyrinth city stretched its limbs as its slumbering inhabitants gradually stirred to life.
Standing behind Alicia, Riveria spoke softly,
"You seem to be discussing quite an interesting topic, Alicia. Might you repeat it for me?"
"..."
Alicia turned around, trembling. She swallowed hard and replied,
"Riveria-sama... I was just speaking off the cuff..."
Alicia felt an invisible pressure, as if the gates of hell had opened. Her inner voice warned her that revealing Riveria's age would surely lead to something utterly terrifying.
"Th-that... we were discussing whether you might have encountered some... trouble?"
"Ac-Actually, we were discussing whether something might have happened to you?"
To escape the overwhelming pressure, Alicia quickly changed the subject.
"Of course, this isn't questioning Riveria-sama's tardiness—it's simply concern for your safety..."
Riveria watched the flustered Alicia, a weary expression flickering across her face. She disliked such excessive deference, and Alicia's earlier words had already irritated her. So Riveria teased playfully,
"I see. You think I'm late."
"No! I was merely stating the facts—no, wait... it was Bell Cranel! He was the one complaining!"
Faced with unbearable pressure, Alicia resorted to a lie.
"..."
Riveria glanced at the innocent-looking boy, then stepped forward gracefully and spoke gently,
"My apologies for keeping you waiting. Loki needed to speak with me, so I was delayed."
"Not at all. With Lefiya-san keeping me company, it was like a morning workout." Bell replied softly.
"...."
The other Elves watching this scene all thought the same thing: Wasn't this a bit too much favoritism? They didn't voice this thought aloud, only exchanging complex glances as they watched the conversation between Riveria and the boy.
What they didn't know was that Riveria's apology was actually a lie. The previous night, the elf princess had tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Perhaps it was the excitement of the journey, or the thought of traveling with the boy, but Riveria had, unusually, overslept.
"Since everyone's here, let's set off." Riveria used Loki as a shield to hide her own laziness. During past travels, she'd always resented the need to rise early. Those blankets and pillows felt like seductive monsters, locked in a relentless battle with her, refusing to let go. Though her dear friend's condition had worsened, worry alone wouldn't solve it. The symptoms ran deep—even healing magic and potions couldn't eradicate them.
Their goal was to journey to the Spirit Land and obtain the fruit of the Sacred Tree to ease Aina's suffering. Yet the fruit only appeared after a specific ritual performed at a particular time. Time was plentiful. Besides, if Riveria rushed recklessly to Aina's side, it would only make her feel sad and guilty, believing she was holding everyone back.
"Though it may sound odd coming from me, the latecomer, but you should take your time and truly enjoy the journey. I believe that's what Aina would want too." Riveria recalled her dear friend's face as she spoke gently. Only by recording beautiful scenery and memorable tales could they spare their friend, who worried for them, from feeling guilty.
Heeding Riveria's words, the group slowed their pace after traveling a short distance. Spring blossomed vibrantly along the roadside, a riot of colorful flowers bursting forth. Bell and Riveria led the way, while the other three Elves had quietly fallen behind, whispering among themselves.
"Riveria-san, what kind of person is your friend?"
Bell ignored the gazes of the elves behind him and asked.
"Aina... It's hard to describe. If I had to sum her up in one sentence, she's a woman who gives you headaches."
Though the other party had kept it hidden from her, Riveria had already noticed that Aina's condition was clearly similar to homesickness. Neither expensive herbs nor summoned healers could cure her. It was an Elf trait—unless she returned to Alf's Royal Forest, Aina's condition would never improve. But Riveria couldn't force her dear friend to go back. Both knew this well.
The stubborn Aina had settled in the free city with its fresh air, finding love and raising a child. Riveria could only send her blessings and care.
Bell gazed at the emerald elf's exquisite features, sensing the deep bond between them.
"It seems Riveria-san cares for her deeply."
"...Yes, you're right." Riveria admitted openly.
"When the chance arises, let's take her traveling with us, just like this," Bell suggested. "We even talked about going to the seaside together before..."
Flower fields, rivers, forests... Countless landscapes unfolded like a continuous scroll in her mind, sketching memories of their journeys.
"I didn't expect you still remembered that promise. Who knows when we'll next leave the Labyrinth City?" Riveria sighed wistfully. She had assumed the boy had long forgotten their vow made on the eighteenth floor.
"I'll always remember, no matter how long it takes. After all, a journey begins with anticipation," Bell declared, gazing toward the distant forest.
"..." Riveria froze for a moment. Suddenly, the boy's figure overlapped with her own younger self.
"A journey begins with anticipation, does it..."
"Bell Cranel, I'll wait patiently for that day. Just don't oversleep when it comes."
Bell chuckled softly, voicing his suspicion.
"I knew it. Riveria-san was lying."
"...Did you notice earlier? How did you figure it out?" Riveria asked curiously.
"My family has a goddess who loves sleeping in. She often leaves the house like you do—without combing her hair first." Bell pointed to her jade-green locks. Without hairpins, her silky long hair cascaded down her back. Unlike her usual elegant demeanor, it possessed a distinct natural beauty.
Riveria blinked, smiling faintly. "I see. That was my oversight." It was a detail she herself hadn't noticed. In her haste to prepare, she must have forgotten the hairpin. As for Lefiya and the others, even if they had noticed, they wouldn't have questioned it. Only the youth had seen through the anomaly.
"Did I disappoint you?" Even though her lie had been exposed, Riveria showed no anxiety.
"No, I'm delighted to have learned Riveria-san's secret." Bell glanced at the sea of flowers and added, "That said, continuing like this might draw suspicion from others. To protect this secret, please turn around."
"..." Though puzzled, Riveria obeyed the youth's words and turned away. After a brief silence, Bell reached out to smooth her emerald-green hair. He produced a freshly woven, flower-adorned natural hairpin. The vibrant blossoms shone brilliantly against her jade-like locks. Its placement was identical to the previous hairpin.