I made plans to go to Kune Forest with Nur. Taking a carriage to Kune Forest would be the simplest method, but considering the stress Nur might experience, I changed the approach. The solution was teleportation magic.

Teleportation magic was famously known for consuming enormous magical power. When moving Hyperion, we used Phyllis stems infused with magical energy to reduce the burden. 

However, Asrein had perfected a teleportation spell to Kune Forest without the aid of magical stones. By injecting a steady stream of magical power into this robust magic circle, the teleportation spell would activate like the first block in a falling line of dominoes.

The destination was Kune Forest. Even if we got lost, the bracelet made from Phyllis would guide us to Hyperion. The problem was the absence of the caster. To prevent any potential accidents, Asrein had decided to depart for Kune Forest first. So I asked for help from two people skilled in magic.

“With this, my debt is fully paid.”

“Thank you, Iris. And you too, Sezan.”

“This much is no trouble at all.”

After hearing my situation, Sezan immediately volunteered to help, while Iris, despite complaining about the inconvenience, showed up at the meeting place.

I led them to the clearing behind the greenhouse where Asrein had drawn the magic circle. As we passed through the dense undergrowth and went deeper, Iris grumbled.

“Where on earth did he hide this magic circle?”

“We’re doing this without the school’s permission. Please keep it a secret, both of you.”

I put my index finger to my lips with a grin, and received contrasting responses.

“You need not worry about that.”

“You really like secrets, don’t you?”

Unlike Sezan, who nodded solemnly, Iris snorted. Having spoken simultaneously, they exchanged uncomfortable glances. I couldn’t help but laugh at how they regarded each other with curiosity, given their completely different personalities.

Eventually, we arrived at the secluded clearing. I carefully moved aside the dry leaves that had been covering the magic circle.

This revealed a magic circle drawn with branches on the rough dirt ground. Iris, who had been consistently curt, immediately widened her eyes upon seeing the intricately intertwined magic circle.

“W-what is this? Is all of this the magic circle?”

“Indeed… a teleportation circle.”

Sezan promptly positioned himself near the magic circle and examined it meticulously. They were both captivated by the magic circle, much like when I first saw the Opalus. Unable to contain my curiosity, I asked them:

“Does it look impressive to you both as well?”

“Of course. Normally, additional prayer texts are written along the perimeter to supplement magical power. But this magic circle contains only the minimum necessary information. That shows how confident the creator is in their magical power… As expected of Professor Asrein.”

Sezan couldn’t take his eyes off the magic circle. Iris also walked around the magic circle, muttering to herself. Both pairs of eyes sparkled brightly, like children visiting a toy store for the first time. Soon after, without anyone taking the lead, a discussion about the magic circle began.

“Looking at the design, probably around here…”

“I see. Then how much magical power…”

Unable to understand what they were saying, I stepped back and watched them. Their serious exchange of opinions for quite some time resembled an academic conference. After a while, Iris nodded confidently and said to Sezan:

“This will definitely work.”

Her gray eyes, fixed on the magic circle, shone with particular intelligence. It was unfortunate that such talent had been hidden in the shadow of power and never had a chance to shine. I approached Iris, who was still deeply absorbed in analyzing the magic circle, and said:

“You really are amazing, Iris. I couldn’t understand anything when the professor explained magic to me.”

“Don’t flatter me. It’s the ritual that’s impressive, I haven’t done anything.”

As Iris dismissively waved her hand, Sezan joined in.

“No, Tae-oh is right. You are truly remarkable. Being able to interpret a magic circle at first glance is impossible without substantial background knowledge. I never expected someone like you in the Department of Magical Creatures…”

Receiving such focused attention, Iris tried to hide her embarrassment. Her scratching her cheek, unaccustomed to praise, was quite endearing. But that moment passed quickly as Iris murmured with a bitter smile:

“…Not that I can use it anymore, anyway.”

A hint of regret for the past briefly clouded her empty eyes. Without thinking, I patted her shoulder, and Iris chuckled and said:

“Ah, I shouldn’t have said that.”

“Iris.”

“So where is this magical creature you’re planning to take?”

“…I’ll bring it right away.”

All preparations were complete. Now I just needed to bring the main character. Leaving the magic circle in Sezan and Iris’s care, I headed to the greenhouse.

Sensing my presence, Nur perked up its round ears but didn’t turn to look at me. Its back, dried like a rock, conveyed its firmly sulking heart.

Remembering its warning not to enter its territory, I called its name from a distance.

“Nur.”

As expected, Nur pretended not to notice. But judging by its tail that instinctively swayed, I hadn’t completely fallen out of favor. Hoping my sincerity would reach it, I carefully spoke:

“It was my fault for being thoughtless. What you needed wasn’t material things… I’m sorry for hurting you with my insensitive words. I’ve reflected a lot.”

Slowly lowering myself, I asked the still unresponsive back of its head:

“Are you really… not going to look at me?”

No sooner had I finished speaking than the tail sweeping the floor abruptly stopped. Even its fierce glare as it whipped its head around to look at me seemed cute. Happy that our eyes had met, I smiled brightly, causing Nur to snort in disbelief.

[Why are you here?]

“I came to apologize, of course. And if you forgive me, there’s somewhere I really want to go with you.”

[…Where?]

“I want to show you Kune Forest that I mentioned before. Let’s go there together for fun.”

The eyes that had briefly regained life once again looked down lifelessly.

[So you’re planning to leave me there after all.]

“Don’t misunderstand. If you don’t like Kune Forest, you can stay here. I’ll arrange a space in the greenhouse for you to use even after you grow larger.”

[…Really?]

“Of course. I just want to expand your precious world.”

Nur glanced up at me to verify my sincerity, then promptly snorted.

[If it’s just for fun, I’ll specially accompany you.]

“…!! That’s a relief. The breeze there is incredibly refreshing.”

Though still full of discontent, I was grateful that Nur had opened its heart.

We slipped out of the greenhouse, avoiding the researchers’ eyes. With Sezan and Iris’s help, we safely stepped onto the magic circle and closed our eyes. Nur, who had appeared confident all along, must have been scared inside, as it refused to leave my leg. Thanks to its trust in following me, we easily reached the exit by following the light emitted by the Hyperion bracelet.

“Mmm…”

Having experienced this before, unlike last time, I arrived safely in Kune Forest without losing consciousness. Except for slight nausea from the aftereffects of teleportation magic, I was fine. As I tried to check on Nur, who was clinging tightly to my calf, a soft voice drifted in with the breeze.

“Fortunately, that rascal… I mean, that student read the magic correctly.”

“Professor…! Have you been waiting long?”

Asrein, who had been standing with folded arms under the shade of a tree, walked toward us. Just as I was about to rush over to him, I suddenly felt something soft around my ankle. Looking down, I saw a tail wrapped tightly around my ankle.

Perhaps it was because of the sudden unfamiliar environment. Nur, all huddled up, hid behind my leg and curled into a ball.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

Nur silently peered at Asrein from between my legs. Judging by its reluctance to come forward, it seemed frightened, but its gaze fixed intently on Asrein was full of curiosity. It was similar to my reaction when I first met the admired Asrein at House Ameli. It was the first time I’d seen Nur, usually bold in front of anyone, with its ears flattened down.

Asrein, sensing Nur’s wariness, didn’t approach any closer.

“You said you wanted to meet Hyperion.”

“Ah, yes. Hyperion will gladly welcome Nur.”

I was excited at the thought of meeting Hyperion after a long time. I naturally assumed Asrein would join us, but he remained standing under the shade of the tree. Turning back in confusion, I asked Asrein:

“Aren’t you coming with us?”

“I’m fine, so you two take your time.”

It would be better if he could see Hyperion’s condition directly… But Asrein must have his reasons for staying near the magic circle, so I didn’t ask further.

“We’ll be back soon, then.”

Reluctantly, I entered Kune Forest with just Nur.

The area was densely covered with trees and grass, making it easy to get lost, but fortunately there were markers. As the fresh, clear energy grew stronger, the bracelet, recognizing its master’s magical power, began to resonate. Soon, the Phyllis stem turned a deep blue-green, like summer leaves soaking up sunlight. It was evidence that Hyperion was nearby.

Just then, the bushes rustled noisily, accompanied by chattering whispers.

[Intruders?]

[No… There’s a familiar scent.]

Raising my head, I spotted leaf butterflies perched on branches. They were indeed Hyperion’s seeds. I waved lightly to them as they whispered about Nur and me.

“It’s been a while.”

[Oh? It’s the human who called us before.]

[That’s right. Tae-oh, was it?]

[Yes. The elder’s servant!]

The last comment bothered me a bit, but still. I was deeply moved just by them remembering me. When I stretched my hand toward the air, the swarm of leaf butterflies immediately dropped their guard and flew closer. I greeted the seed that landed on the tip of my index finger with a friendly eye-smile.

“I’m glad to see you’re healthy. How is Hyperion?”

[Good! Every time he wakes up, he checks how much the gardenia tree has grown.]

[Even though there’s no way it would bloom in this cold weather.]

[Isn’t it strange? Someone who lives for eternity, counting the days until a mere flower blooms.]

I suddenly felt emotional at this unexpected news. It might be just one flower to those living in the forest, but the gardenia held significant meaning for both Hyperion and me. I had promised to return when the white flowers bloomed in full. Thankfully, Hyperion hadn’t forgotten our promise.

While I was struggling with my emotions, the seeds’ attention shifted to Nur.

[But what’s this?]

[It’s cute.]

[A little sprout~]

Suddenly surrounded by seeds, Nur froze in place. When it glanced at me for help, I had no choice but to intervene.

“Like you said, it’s still a child. I brought it to show how beautiful Kune Forest is.”

[Wow, welcome! Are you going to become a new resident of Kune Forest?]

“That’s still unknown. Nur will decide later.”

[I welcome you! But first, you need the elder’s permission.]

Following the seeds that flew away like sparrows, we went deeper into the forest. Finally, the forest guardian revealed itself in the distance. The banyan tree-like form, where multiple trees had merged into one, was overwhelming even on second viewing.

Stroking the branches that had extended to protect the forest’s inhabitants, I whispered:

“I’m here.”

Like stretching after waking from a deep sleep, all the long branches moved at once. As the rustling sound of leaves colliding echoed refreshingly, a plaintive exclamation was heard.

[Ah, this voice…]

Like cherry blossoms fluttering in a spring breeze, the seeds flew around the tree trunk. The procession of leaves, trailing one after another, soon became a whirlwind, spinning in place. While I was blankly watching this fairy-tale scene, a gust of wind wrapped around my entire body. Instinctively, I squeezed my eyes shut and waited for the wind to subside.

After a while, when only bird songs could be heard in the quiet forest, I cautiously opened one eye.

“…Hyperion?”

When I called the name softly, leaves fell on my head instead of an answer. As I turned around immediately, a middle-aged gentleman in formal attire was looking down at me with kind eyes. Speechless, I fumbled with my lips before finally uttering:

“Is it really… you?”

If the forest were to take human form, it would be him. His skin, a subtle mix of pale yellow and green, resembled leaves soaking up sunlight. Moreover, thin lines like leaf veins extended from his neck, visible above his shirt collar, to his jaw. His neatly combed hair was a deep brown, reminiscent of the soil covering the forest floor.

[Welcome, my dear.]

Following his gentle smile, age rings like tree rings appeared around his eyes.