CHAPTER 68: CHAPTER 68 - MEETING WITH THE COUNCIL OF ELDERS

Yara sends for us before the sunset, as preparations for the celebration are almost complete.

We are led into the council tent, where the council of elders is gathered. Along with us, Yaci, Mimby, and Lovelace are participating in the meeting.

"I see that the mission you set yourself onto achieving three years ago has been achieved, dear children."

"Yes, Head Elder. Thank you very much for your support and the support of all beastkin in this quest."

"You don’t need to thank us, young lady, as we were also helping our own by helping you. So many beastkin have been set free thanks to you. Including Mimby here."

"Yes, I want to thank you as well, Aurea. For rescuing us and for supporting Yaci during those years."

"It was nothing. She’s my friend, after all. And she helped me as much as I helped her. Maybe even more."

"That’s not true, Aurea. I would’ve never been able to rescue them without you. And Lovelace, as well."

"I did nothing worthy of praise, Yaci."

"That’s not true, Lovelace. I improved a lot under your training and guidance."

"In any case, we did it together, and what matters is that our mothers are here."

"You’re right, Aurea. As always."

"Enough of this banter. That’s not the reason I’ve called you here."

Yeah, I guess we were getting sidetracked there.

"Mimby, the tribe is very happy to have you back. You were missed dearly by everyone."

"I’m also really happy to be back, Yara. I honestly thought I would never be able to come and see you all."

Yara gives her a tight hug. After that, she turns to my mother.

"Lillian, I’ve heard a lot about you from this girl. Even though she’s a human, she has already earned her rightful position as a tribe member, and that position is offered to you as well."

"Thank you very much, Head Elder."

"You are free to go or to stay, whatever are your wishes for the following time. But, even if you decide to head back to the human realm, know that we will always welcome you with open arms."

"That’s more than I could wish for, really. I’m so glad to be free again, after more than a decade in that place, that I’m yet to adapt to the idea that I can move by my own will."

Yara nods, smiling gently, before turning to Lovelace.

"The same applies to you. I heard that you have business in the human realm. But, if you someday want to come back, there will always be a place within our tribe."

"I’m really grateful to you all for having me all this time. But I think that I will go to the human realm before the end of the week to search for my missing memories."

Yara nods, but Lovelace speaks again before she can change the subject.

"And I will be back. And when I do, it will be with a huge gift to all beastkin. That I promise."

Everyone in the room is taken aback by the bold declaration. Though I think I know what gift she is talking about.

"I have one more reason to look forward to that day, then."

This almost feels like a refuge for the ones rejected by that goddess. A safe haven for people like us.

If only this were a better, fertile land...

My guess is that Lovelace wants to give them access to the Adventuring System so they can fight back against the humans on a more level field.

But I... I want to give them a safe haven where they could live without fear of monsters or humans.

What my mother pointed out is true. I know next to nothing about this world and the lands that are in it.

"I was talking to my mother earlier today, and we might go to the human realm as well. I think that we should go together, Lovelace."

"That would make the journey more interesting, I admit. Do you mind if I tag along, Lillian?"

"Of course not! I’m planning on sending Aurea to the Royal Academy in the capital to study. There’s a huge library there, which might have information useful for your quest."

"A library, huh. Depending on the books, I might find useful information."

"Indeed, and Aurea’s title might end up helping to dig up more buried information in there."

"But... how would I get access into that place?"

"That’s a discussion for later. I think that we are wandering off the tracks again."

"Hehe. That’s ok, Lady Lillian. I have already said what I was to say. It’s sad that you’re going away so soon, but I believe that we will see each other again later."

"Aurea..."

Yaci’s sudden interjection startled everyone. She has a teary face, as if she’s about to cry.

"Will you really go away...? Now that we finally achieved our goals?"

"Yes, Yaci... Though my own goal was only partially achieved. The Duke is not only still alive, he’s also quite powerful and getting stronger. I want to make him pay. And there’s also Mother’s family."

"I know... It’s just... I’m sorry, I’m being selfish."

I throw myself at her, hugging her.

"We’ll be together in the future. I promise."

"..."

"This is only a temporary separation. We’ll be together before you see it."

"..."

"Don’t be so childish, my daughter. It almost looks like you’re the ten-year-old girl and Aurea is the adult."

Everyone else laughs, except me and Yaci. But the words seem to have an effect on her.

She parts our hug, straightening herself.

"I’ll hold you up to those words. If you don’t come back, I’ll go after you wherever in this world you might be."

"It’s a deal, then. But tonight is a night of celebration, not of sadness. Let’s live it to the fullest."

I present her with my best smile, and she manages to smile back. A little awkward smile, but a smile nonetheless.

"And, in any case. Yaci and Aurea, as the heroes who rescued everyone inside that slavers’ den, you are the guests of honor at tonight’s feast."

"Huh?"

"WHAT?"