Even Lorian herself must have known that not even Miss Roberta—the head maid famed as the "Hundred Dragons Slayer"—plus a squad of well-trained maids could stop me once I was dead set on chasing after Beren.
So, after I finally pinned down the exhausted Miss Roberta, twisting her arms behind her back and pressing her to the ground, Lorian reluctantly gave in.
She still looked utterly unwilling, as if she wanted to keep me here by force, but she handed me the letter Beren had left for me.
Just then, as if perfectly timed, Hill appeared leading a white horse.
Not only her—my perverted old man of a dad had also dropped his usual goofy act. He walked up beside me, holding hands with the pregnant Elven Queen and my stepmom Freya.
Hill passed the reins to me.
"In human tales, Heroes always ride white horses. Xiao Ya, you look more like a prince now."
No, no, no—I’m no prince.
And there’s no such thing as a cross-dressing prince on a white horse.
Freya’s care was far more "practical."
She dumped a heavy pack onto the horse’s back. For a split second, I swear I saw despair on the poor stallion’s face.
Sorry, brother horse…
"Xiao Ya, be careful out there! If you run low on pocket money, just write to us…"
"I’m not studying abroad! I’ll be back soon!"
And I’m going to mend racial relations—not chase a harem! Stepmom, why pack so many suspicious round items in my bag!?
Still, it was family concern.
I turned to the last person—the old man.
Everyone else gave me something. Even this perverted dad should show some gesture, right?
His only move was spreading his hands.
"Chasing your woman across miles… kid, you’re becoming more like your old man every day."
Like your sister.
Don’t compare my pure, righteous mission to win back Beren with your flirting trips to the Elf forest!
I swung onto the horse. Leaning down, I listened to Lorian’s whisper in my ear, then spurred the stallion into a gallop.
…
Lothric Royal City lay far from the Elves’ forest home.
First, I’d cross the bustling "Undead Street" on Luo City’s outskirts. Then pass through the warm, welcoming Yahna Town. Next, the famed "Chicken Cuisine Town"—Ximu Town. Only then would I gradually approach the Elves’ vast, ancient forest.
At a normal pace, this journey would take over ten days. So I planned to find Beren along the way.
After all…
【I’m returning to the forest. Don’t you dare come after me, you big liar!】
That’s what Beren’s letter said.
Knowing her temper, it really meant:
【You bastard! Traitor! If you want my forgiveness, chase me down, idiot!】
No choice now—I had to grit my teeth and follow.
Then knock some sense into that thick-headed Elf. Explain my side of things.
Confessing is sweet, but give me time to deal with Lorian—that jealous type!
Another reason I wouldn’t rush through the night? Lorian’s whisper before I left:
【Xiao Ya-gege, remember those people we met at the pleasure house?】
【The maids have been watching that noble’s mansion for evidence. Recently, a squad of private soldiers rushed out of the city. Right after Teacher Beren left.】
【I’ve alerted our scouts along the route, but if you insist on going alone… don’t get hurt chasing that Elf.】
…
Danger still shadowed Beren. Yet she blindly wanted to return to the forest.
This Elf wasn’t just troublesome in personality—her actions loved causing headaches too. No wonder Lorian disliked her.
But that wasn’t reason to give up. Since the first two times didn’t teach them a lesson, now that I’d left Luo City, it was time they learned the "Hero’s iron fist."
"Hah. Guess that’s why I’m ‘Attentive Butler Alisha Da,’ huh?"
I sighed heavily on the bouncing saddle, pulling my hood up.
Lothric Royal City faded behind me. Ahead, the ever-bright lights of Undead Street glowed in the distance. At this speed, I’d catch Beren soon.
I prayed fiercely for her safety.
Because if anything happened to that troublesome Elf… yeah, I’d worry like hell.
