Naria's heart sank as she pushed the door open.

There was no one in the room, the sunlight was shining through the half-open windows, and everything was cleaned up and spotless.

Naria likes to keep her home tidy and tidy, but there's always something casual about Tess there. A headband at the head of the bed, a fanny pack thrown on a chair, and a flower thrown on the table from nowhere......

But now, those things that are as messy and lively as her, full of life, are gone.

Naria leaned against the door for a moment, then walked over and picked up the letter on the table.

A small piece of paper, but it was so striking that she couldn't ignore it.

Tess's handwriting is neat and beautiful, inevitably with a hint of Norvi:

I don't want to leave you at all, sweetheart—she said.

.

I don't want to leave you at all, sweetheart, so there's no way I can say goodbye to you. Don't be angry, even if you're cute.

There's nothing I can do to help you here. You've got a better thief than I am—yes, I admit it, tell Nia to make him not get too complacent.

And what I want to do, you won't agree to.

I told you, sweetheart, I'm not a good person, never has been. I was selfish and cautious, and for the sake of my own lack of greed, I forced Norway to make the most selfish decision of his life.

We have a small chance to take back his body. The person who gave us this opportunity is not trustworthy at all, but you know, how could I be willing not to give it a try.

If you fail, there's nothing to worry about...... You can grieve for us for a little while, but not too long, it's not worth it. Because if we succeed, we will probably cause you a lot of trouble.

Will you forgive me? You will, just like Ed.

I love you sweetheart. I love you, including that awkward little dragon.

.

Naria put down the paper and gave a small sniff, blinking the mist from her eyes.

Of course she was angry. Angry, sad, and guilty.

They were so busy that they forgot consciously or unconsciously, that the most important thing to Tess was her elves.

No one has ever said that, and no one wants to admit it, but everyone knows that at least for now, they may need Ankela more...... Tess only needs Norvi.

And Norway was their friend. He had always been so gentle and calm—even if he could only perch on the tiny body of a mongoose, he was still gentle and calm—that they all couldn't help but ignore his inevitable fear and uneasiness.

They are selfish, and they are the ones who should beg for forgiveness.

"Are you going to chase her back?" Nia's voice sounded behind her, "it's probably too late." ”

“...... No. After a moment of silence, Naria replied, "But I need to know where she has gone and what she is doing." ”

“...... Yes, sir. Nia replied with a slight smile.

When Naria turned around, he was gone.

The girl carefully folded the letter, tucked it into her belt, and sighed softly.

She suddenly missed the journey to the north a few years ago in the trail of the ice dragon, and although it was full of twists and turns, it had such a simple and clear goal, and it was unwavering.

.

The news of Tess and Norvi's departure made Ed jump instantly...... Then he sat down in silence again, bowing his head and saying nothing.

Looking at the hair on the top of his head, Naria could see his surging self-blame, but Iss seemed a little indifferent.

“...... You already knew. Naria accused, with some annoyance.

"I heard a sentence or two. "But if she really wants to leave, there's no point in stopping her." ”

Naria glared at him angrily, but she had to admit that the seemingly indifferent sentence was not wrong.

Eren glanced up at Is—for some reason, Iss always preferred to stand...... Presumably preferring the angle of looking down on you.

The old man's eyes were a little complicated, but he didn't say anything.

On the table are piles of maps they have collected, large and small, of different sizes, with different methods and emphases, making it almost impossible to get started.

The Silver Leaf King hadn't been able to get the one in his hand yet, but these alone were enough for them to have a headache.

Within the towering walls of Stonebuch, the buildings have changed much over the past two hundred years, but the streets have remained untouched thanks to fountains and criss-crossing waterways. And its mysterious underworld seems to be in another way, equally criss-crossing and connected to each other.

Occasionally Ed could make out some kind of rune from the connecting lines, but until everything was clearer, no one could tell if it was just a coincidence.

He was unconsciously obsessed with it, but Allen, who made the suggestion, was obviously a little absent-minded.

He looked at Isis more than once. When Isis noticed the gaze that fell on him, and finally couldn't help but look back, for a moment, the old man, who had always been calm, seemed to want to avoid it involuntarily.

But he quickly calmed down and nodded to Iss.

"Follow me, kid. He said, "I have to say a few words to you." ”

Ed exchanged glances with Naria, suppressing his uneasiness.

If there really is something...... Iss will tell him.

.

Alan's room was not large, but it was the quietest in the whole room. The scorching sun of late summer was blocked by thick curtains, and the old man's ravine-lined face looked more and more old in the dim light.

Isis was reminded of his younger years—with a straight back, firm and powerful steps, always with a little smile on his face, and a confidence and enthusiasm that was not overly high.

He has always been very kind to him...... Not like that cold half-elf priest. But for some reason, before being handed over to Allen by Scott and becoming his "adopted son", Iss was never very close to him.

Even the old dwarf, who always liked to play tricks on him and put his face on his face with his shaggy beard, felt much closer.

Eren didn't speak for a while, and there was something in his expression that made it impossible for Iss to urge.

He just stood there, quietly waiting, unconsciously immersed in a long-ago memory, until he was pulled back by the old man's deep voice.

"Scott doesn't know...... I don't dare let him know that I thought about killing you......" he said, "when you were small, small enough to be held in my arms." ”

The room with no sunlight suddenly seemed a little cold. Iss clenched his fists, not knowing what to say.

"Sounds cruel, doesn't it?" the old man lowered his eyes, his expression gloomy, "but, Is...... You are a dragon. ”

. [.]