Chapter 35

Liveliness in the Forest and the Arrival of New Neighbors
With the arrival of Celestina and Leonora, Akio’s cabin became even more vibrant, filled with both tranquility and newfound energy. The pair’s royal upbringing and Leonora’s knowledge and experience as a knight provided fresh learning opportunities for Akio’s group. Through their conversations and daily interactions, glimpses of their homeland’s culture and political affairs gradually broadened everyone’s worldview.

One evening, as a chill wind swept through the trees, several figures appeared outside the cabin, their faces showing utter exhaustion. They were caked in mud and clearly fatigued. Speaking little, they explained that the Garnia Empire’s invasion had not stopped with the Kingdom of Eldoria; it had also reached nearby villages and settlements. The empire’s soldiers had slaughtered any who resisted, plundered food and supplies, and left ruin in their wake. Having lost their homes, these people had fled deep into the forest with nothing but the few possessions they could carry, seeking safety.

Reflecting on Celestina and Leonora’s experiences, and the life they had built in the forest, Akio’s group did not hesitate to take them in. Though the cabin was too small for everyone, Akio and Alto quickly set to work building simple shelters.

Among the refugees were not only humans but also beastfolk with long ears. One stood out in particular—a young woman with fluffy reddish-brown ears and a perpetually cheerful smile. Her name was Kina. Her village had been attacked by the Garnia Empire, separating her from her family. Yet rather than despair, she energetically encouraged the others, saying, “No point in moping around in a place like this! If we all work together, we’ll survive somehow!”

True to her words, Kina quickly befriended Akio’s group. “So, you guys have been living deep in this forest? That’s amazing. If you ever need help, just say so! I’m pretty strong!” And she proved it by easily lifting heavy loads and skillfully assisting in building shelters, lifting the heavy atmosphere among the refugees with her bright energy.

Akio, intrigued by Kina’s unique beastfolk abilities, asked her many questions. She revealed she could sense danger with her keen sense of smell, see well at night, and had extensive knowledge of forest plants and animals—skills that could greatly benefit life in the forest.

A few days later, the refugees began constructing their own simple dwellings around Akio’s cabin. Kina took the lead, teaching the humans how to use beastfolk construction techniques and natural materials from the forest. Cooperation blossomed naturally, with people exchanging knowledge about their respective cultures and customs. Celestina and Leonora also got involved, helping with resource distribution and caring for the refugees, using their royal experience to aid the group.

Seeing the growing community, Akio proposed a bold idea.

“This place is too small for all of us. And if the empire’s pursuers come here, there’s nowhere to hide. Why don’t we move deeper into the forest and build a new village together? Somewhere safer, where we can live by each other’s strengths.”

The refugees agreed wholeheartedly. Having lost their homes and living in constant fear, Akio’s words were like a beacon of hope. Celestina and Leonora, too, understood that relocating was necessary to secure their safety.

And so, led by Akio, a group of humans, beastfolk like Kina, and the royal duo of Eldoria—Princess Celestina and her knight Leonora—ventured into the deeper parts of the forest. Ahead of them lay nothing but untamed land and the promise of a new life. Bearing the weight of their pasts but with hope for the future, they embarked on the creation of a new community—one where different races and cultures would blend. The cheerful Kina, with her boundless energy, seemed destined to be a guiding light on their journey.

What do you think about this chapter?