Chapter 150: Naivara Tidewhisper Feels Everything Beautiful
Naira (Naivara Tidewhisper) was traveling aboard a magic train.
It was the fastest way to reach the nearest coastal island.
From there... They could finally return home.
The Ocean.
Outside the train, majestic mountain ranges stretched endlessly beneath the clear sky, while rivers shimmered like silver ribbons between the valleys.
The train itself carried passengers from many races.
Humans. Elves. Dwarves. and Beastkin.
Merchants loudly discussed business deals.
While children ran through the aisles before being pulled back by their parents.
Occasionally, the distant laughter of adventurers drifted through the corridors.
Although the they had reserved an entire private coach...
The muffled chatter outside still reached the cabin.
Yet.
Naira heard none of it.
She was completely absorbed in the newspaper resting in her hands.
More precisely.
The article about Luke. News of his accomplishments had spread across the world like wildfire.
’You’ve become strong.’ A gentle smile unknowingly appeared on her lips.
And the more she read. The brighter that smile became.
Before long, memories of the time they had spent together quietly surfaced within her heart.
Without realizing it.
She lowered her gaze toward the ring on the ring finger of her left hand.
The silver band reflected the warm sunlight entering through the window.
’You are my wife.’
’And this is proof.’
Luke’s smiling face vividly appeared in her mind as he had spoken those words.
"Idiot." A soft giggle escaped her lips. Along with a faint blush gradually spread across her cheeks.
’I hope you’ll come soon.’ and this thought quietly echoed through her heart.
"Luke..."
"...My husband."
Whispering those words so softly that only she could hear them, Naira gently rested her forehead against the window.
Her sapphire eyes watched the magnificent mountains rush past.
The endless forests, clear rivers, and the floating clouds.
For some reason.
Everything looked more beautiful than before.
And somehow she felt that everything would eventually be alright.
Across from her.
Oryn silently watched the smile on Naira’s face.
His fists slowly clenched. While the veins on the back of his hands bulged slightly.
’Damn it!’
’She’s definitely thinking about that low-life.’ He silently cursed Luke.
Earlier, his personal guards had also informed him about the Hero’s recent achievements.
Initially he had only been surprised.
But after learning that Luke had supposedly killed a Mid-Golden Knight with a single punch.
Surprise turned into shock. And shock gradually became fear.
Fortunately he had already left the Count’s territory.
Otherwise if Luke somehow discovered that he had been secretly manipulating events alongside Demon Whisper.
Things could become troublesome.
Though what Oryn didn’t know. Was that Luke had already uncovered the truth. Naira knew as well.
The only reason neither of them had acted. Was because of Oryn’s status.
For now they simply waited.
Waiting for the perfect opportunity to settle everything at once.
Meanwhile, Oryn’s guards noticed the ugly expression twisting across their young master’s face.
However not a single one of them dared to comment.
They merely stood quietly beside the cabin entrance.
Beside them stood Naira’s royal guards. Both groups remained completely silent.
Only the rhythmic sound of the magic train echoed through the carriage as it continued its journey toward the endless sea.
***
Elves Continent...
In the heart of the continent stood a colossal World Tree.
Its massive trunk pierced the heavens, disappearing beyond the clouds, while its countless branches stretched across the entire Elven Continent.
Each leaf was as large as a small island.
Together, they formed an endless emerald canopy that sheltered the entire continent beneath its shade.
Entire cities had been built upon those gigantic leaves.
Elegant bridges of living vines connected one leaf to another, while crystal-clear rivers flowed naturally through the branches, creating a paradise unlike any other.
At the very base of the World Tree rested an enormous royal palace.
It had been woven entirely from the World Tree’s sacred leaves.
Although it appeared delicate. Its defenses were anything but.
Every leaf possessed unimaginable toughness. Only the absolute peak powerhouses of Valtharion could even hope to damage them.
Inside one of the palace’s grand corridors.
Elf maids moved gracefully from room to room.
Royal knights silently patrolled the halls.
Scholars carried ancient scrolls, while attendants busied themselves with their daily duties.
Everything proceeded in perfect order.
Suddenly.
One young elf maid rushed through the corridor.
Her long blonde hair fluttered behind her as she hurried toward the palace’s inner chambers.
The area reserved exclusively for the royal princes and princesses.
Many servants paused briefly.
Several knights raised their brows.
"...Lyra?"
"What’s the hurry?"
"Did something happen?"
A few whispered among themselves.
However the curiosity quickly disappeared. Everyone recognized her.
Lyra.
One of Princess Elaria’s personal maids.
If she was in such a hurry. It was undoubtedly related to the princess.
Lyra noticed the numerous gazes following her. But she didn’t stop.
She continued running as quickly as palace etiquette allowed.
Then her footsteps abruptly halted.
Someone had blocked her path.
Standing before her was a handsome young elf with long golden hair flowing neatly behind his back.
Unlike Lyra’s soft and radiant hair.
His possessed an elegant nobility that naturally accompanied royal blood.
His emerald eyes calmly looked down at her.
Prince Haldir.
"Y-Your Highness..."
"H-Highness Haldir..."
Lyra nervously lowered her head. Her voice trembled slightly.
Although she herself was an elf. She wasn’t born into the Royal Bloodline.
And Prince Haldir had never hidden his disdain toward common-born elves.
Fortunately Haldir paid little attention to her frightened expression.
InsteadhHis gaze settled upon the folded newspaper clutched tightly in her hands.
’A newspaper?’ His eyes narrowed slightly.
Recently even he had heard whispers regarding the Human Continent.
More specifically the sudden rise of Luke Voidheart.
The Hero once ridiculed as talentless.
And the husband of his younger stepsister.
Princess Elaria.
Judging by Lyra’s destination, she was obviously rushing to deliver the news.
"What is written in that paper?" His voice remained calm.
Yet the contempt directed toward Lyra was impossible to miss.
The young maid instinctively flinched.
For several moments, She hesitated.
Her fingers tightened around the newspaper until it nearly crumpled.
Finally gathering her courage, she answered quietly.