The Forest Race Clonne

Chapter 98

“You can come out now.”

As I lifted the collar of my coat, Semeion slowly flew out from the inner pocket where he had been quietly hiding. He seemed pensive, his face somewhat sullen. The conversation earlier must have been too harsh. When our eyes met, he gave an awkward smile.

“You two are cousins.”

“Yes, cousins on my mother’s side. Camille’s grandfather is my maternal grandfather.”

“I see. So that means Duke Rouster is…”

Semeion’s gaze held a peculiar light as he looked at Camille. Still uncomfortable with Semeion’s small form, Camille awkwardly cleared his throat.

“Let’s leave my relationship with Sei aside for now. How did you end up with the apothecary? Why are you two together?”

So he didn’t know that part yet? I turned to Semeion, who hesitated before explaining. He recounted how he ran into trouble while exploring the palace, ending up in a horse’s mouth, and how Camille saved him from that predicament. Before Camille could inquire further, Semeion had made a quick escape.

“However, I didn’t expect you to follow me so quickly.”

“…”

Well, his speed in flight is comparable to a dragonfly’s. For a master swordsman like Camille, pursuing him wouldn’t have been a challenge. And that’s how he discovered me waiting.

‘Two birds with one stone.’

From the moment we were discovered, there was no way this could end smoothly. At least there weren’t any additional witnesses.

“You still haven’t answered my question.”

“He’s of the same race.”

“What?”

“I said he is of the same race as me.”

Camille paused at my words. He looked confused.

“The apothecary is of the same kind as you? Then he’s a Clonne?”

“Yes.”

“How could that be… Ah, so that’s how he healed Hamar’s injury so quickly…”

He seemed to recall the exceptional healing properties of Clonne’s blood. I nodded in affirmation, and he couldn’t hide his astonishment. Meeting someone connected by a fleeting past in such a way truly made the world feel small.

“I apologize for not telling you earlier. And for fleeing in that manner. It was a great discourtesy to someone who helped me.”

With Semeion’s apology, Camille quickly collected himself.

“No need to apologize. Anyone would have done the same under such circumstances. Well, since it’s come to this, let me introduce myself formally. I am Camille Rouster.”

“Thank you for your understanding. I am Semeion of the Lilac.”

Camille blinked at the polite response.

“…Lilac?”

“It’s my characteristic tree. Think of it as similar to lineage or family for humans.”

“Ah, I see. So each of you has a different characteristic tree?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Camille thought for a moment before turning to me.

“What about you, Sei?”

“Pardon?”

“You must have a characteristic tree as well. What is yours?”

“…Why are you curious about that?”

“Of course I’m curious. It’s related to your parentage. Isn’t it natural for your older brother to ask?”

“Older brother…”

“I am your older brother. Even twins born on the same day have one born first, and we are several months apart.”

“Don’t you think that kind of reasoning is childish?”

“Call me childish all you want! Why do you address Dewey as your older brother but not me? He’s the fake with no blood relation, while I’m your real brother!”

“…I heard it’s Acacia.”

“What? What is?”

“My characteristic tree. It’s Acacia.”

With a sigh, I answered, and Camille’s face brightened. It was hard to tell if he was just simple-minded or sly, seeing how his mood lifted as soon as he heard what he wanted. For some reason, Semeion also had a slightly flushed face but pretended not to notice.

“Acacia, huh? That’s a name I’ve never heard. What kind of tree is it?”

“I haven’t seen it myself. Apparently, it’s common in Dongryeong.”

“Acacia trees are beautiful, with white flowers that bloom profusely in early summer. Every summer, the whole Dongryeong is filled with the strong, sweet fragrance of Acacia.”

Semeion continued explaining, his expression filled with pride. I sighed internally, pretending not to notice. Camille, oblivious to the subtle atmosphere, looked simply intrigued.

“That sounds interesting. I’ve never been to Dongryeong, but now I’m curious about the acacia trees. I should go there sometime.”

“You would be even more impressed in person. They grow in clusters, creating a sea of white flowers. Acacia flowers also produce delicious honey, one of Dongryeong’s specialties.”

“Wow, I’m getting more curious by the minute.”

‘They’re getting along well.’

Just moments ago, they seemed awkward, but now they were chatting like old friends, completely at ease.

They continued discussing Acacia trees at length. Thankfully, Semeion, mindful of my feelings, avoided mentioning anything about ranking or royal trees.

“Did you hear, Sei? Acacia flowers are white, so during the blooming season, your hair would turn silver. Would that make it similar to mine? Make sure to show me when it happens. Okay?”

“Well…”

“Don’t try to ignore it. I’m definitely going to see it. Anyway, it’s unfair that you never told me such interesting things. Don’t you think that’s too much?”

“Well, you’ve heard it now, so it’s fine, isn’t it?”

“Fine, I didn’t expect you to reflect anyway. If you didn’t act so brazenly, you wouldn’t be the Seirakia I know. But since we’re talking, can I ask you something else?”

“Go ahead.”

I nodded, and Camille hesitated. But his curiosity got the better of him, and he cautiously asked.

“Um, can all Clonnes do that?”

“…?”

“I mean, like the apothecary, getting small.”

…That’s not something that’s inherently possible.

“Oh, it’s not?”

My astonishment must have shown because Camille looked sheepish. Somehow, until now, he had been adjusting without issue. He must have assumed all sorts of abilities came with being a rare race. With an awkward smile, Semeion answered.

“This isn’t an ability of our kind. Due to circumstances, I had to rely on magic.”

“Ah, I see. I was wondering if Sei could also become small like that…”

“…”

Why does he look slightly disappointed? Was he planning to make me try if I said yes? I shot him a quick glance, and Camille laughed awkwardly before continuing.

“Anyway, it’s amazing even as magic. I didn’t know there was a spell to shrink someone’s body. But it seems you can’t change back freely.”

“No, I’ll be staying like this for the time being.”

Though his tone was still gentle, it carried an implicit note to not inquire further. Camille got the hint quickly, and the conversation slid into a natural silence.

A slow tension crept along my spine. The end of casual talk would inevitably bring the next serious topic.

“Well, shall we talk about what matters now?”

As expected. Camille pulled out a pen and notebook from his inner pocket, looking at me calmly. He was still smiling, but there was none of the easy-going warmth from before. This was the face of a public official, not a cousin.

“Why did Sei suddenly return to the Empire? And why were you secretly exploring the palace?”

“….”

It was time to address the matter I had been putting off.

* * *

“So, what do you plan to do now?”

As we prepared to part ways, Markatis gently lifted Semeion’s main body, which seemed to be asleep. This was to take him to Markatis’ domain as we had previously arranged. Yet, he seemed reluctant to leave and curious about my future plans. The smaller version of Semeion, who had been eyeing him with suspicion, turned to look at me too.

“I originally planned to visit Seranta County nearby. It appears that the southern lords have allied with the Demonic Beasts. Seranta County seemed to be at the center of it, so I thought to investigate…”

“The past tense suggests you’ve changed your mind?”

I slowly nodded at his smiling face.

“It seems my hypothesis is correct. There’s no need to confirm further.”

“What makes you so confident?”

“…It’s because they said I’m the King’s son.”

“Hm?”

“Seranta is also my hometown.”

“…?”

Perhaps my answer was too brief. Seeing their confused reactions, I elaborated.

“The Demonic Beasts that attacked the village mentioned a hostage and described his appearance. A young man with black hair and blue eyes.”

“Hmm, so the part about having a hostage wasn’t a lie. And?”

“I have a half-brother of the same age. We aren’t blood-related, but we’re listed as full siblings on the family register. He is the eldest, and I’m the second son.”

Their faces, initially showing interest, turned serious. They seemed to already guess my next words, so I nodded.

“My eldest brother has black hair and blue eyes.”

“Ah…”

Sighs of realization came from those who understood the whole story. Their reactions were similar to mine when I first realized it. It was indeed an extraordinary situation.