Love Letter From The Future

Neoris’ arrival was early.

It was only about a day since I had been staying in the encampment of the coniferous forest. I received a call from Neoris early in the morning and left the tent.

As always, it was a covert summons.

The Empire’s Intelligence Department always carried a device that emitted subtle sound waves. This had the function of resonating with certain objects, one of which was the seal I kept in my possession.

The imperial seal adorned with a dragon.

It was proof that I was closely associated with the Emperor and had been granted a branch of the Empire’s Intelligence Department. In truth, I didn’t even know how I had obtained this seal.

I had only heard vague circumstances relayed from the swordmaster.

There had been a ruckus in the interrogation room of the main branch of the Empire’s Intelligence Department.

Of course, it wasn’t me but the actions of ‘myself’ from the future. I didn’t have the skill for such things.

Nonetheless, that person was quite talented. Given that they were playing the role of a hero in the future, it was only natural.

I still didn’t have the confidence to live like that.

Giving up everything one by one, the trajectory of that life sacrificed for the world.

I lacked both the ability and resolve I needed in the present.

All I could do was continue to do what I had to do, one step at a time.

Today’s meeting with Neoris was part of that.

The coniferous forest felt entirely like hostile territory. I had to regard even the elf’s encampment, not to mention Yuridina’s, with suspicion.

It could definitely be described as the worst scenario.

In the frontline, every piece of information was precious. The presence or absence of reliable information determined life and death. Yet, to not trust the ally’s intelligence network was troubling.

That left me no choice but to call on another ally.

At least, there was no way Neoris would betray me.

Perhaps others would, but she was aware of the existence of my ‘Blood Mark’. It meant she understood better than anyone what it entailed to be in opposition to me.

As if to prove this, Neoris always displayed a submissive demeanor toward me.

Today was no exception.

As soon as I stepped into the periphery of the encampment, a shadow dropped down from the trees. Kneeling before me, the woman spoke in a respectful tone.

“I apologize for being late, I-an.”

In fact, she had arrived much earlier than I had expected.

I didn’t know what kind of training future ‘me’ had undergone, but Neoris tended to be more tense than necessary every time she saw me.

It felt somewhat unfair to me. I had not shown anything but a favorable attitude toward her.

Though there had been an unfortunate incident where I spilled whiskey instead of water during our first meeting.

Of course, I had no intention of recounting all the details. I simply swallowed my bitter feelings and offered her a gentle compliment.

“No, you actually came earlier than I expected. You must have had a tough time coming all the way to the Northern Region.”

At my words, Neoris flinched slightly.

Then her gaze looked up at me with a sense of curiosity.

It held a hint of distrust. It was a moment that directly revealed how I was perceived in Neoris’ mind.

I was now so accustomed to this treatment that it didn’t sadden me anymore.

However, I wished to get straight to the point.

“Neoris, I would like your assistance in gathering information directly.”

Neoris offered no further words in return.

She simply waited quietly for my next instructions.

“Someone is deliberately cutting off information heading to Senior Delphine. We need to identify the instigator and gather information about the elves’ social activities.”

“Yes, understood.”

Her response was devoid of even the slightest hesitation.

So resolute was her tone that I felt foolish for contemplating my next words. I fell silent for a moment.

Neoris, on the other hand, seemed to display a calm demeanor as if this was only natural. She added a few more words with composure.

“However, there is something I would like your permission for. I thought it might help, so I brought someone along…”

“Do as you see fit.”

Now it was Neoris’ turn to fall silent.

Her breath momentarily hitched, and a peculiar look came over her. It was a gaze filled with complicated emotions.

Nonetheless, I showed trust in Neoris.

As much as she believed in me, I intended to place my faith in her as well.

Above all, I had the reliable support of the ‘Blood Mark’.

“After all, it’s a task Neoris has taken up, isn’t it? Besides, if I didn’t trust you, I wouldn’t have called you here in the first place.”

Strangely enough, Neoris appeared even more uncomfortable with my praise.

After a moment of hesitation, she bowed her head even more and replied.

“Yes, yes…”

Was it just my imagination, or did her cheeks appear slightly flushed?

While sorting through unnecessary thoughts, I suddenly clapped my hands as if I had just remembered something.

“Oh, and could you keep an eye on the Imperial Princess as well?”

At my words, Neoris displayed a brief expression of confusion.

Of course, it was only for an instant.

Realizing her momentary lapse, Neoris promptly lowered her head. Even after hearing the order to watch over the royal family, she didn’t ask for a reason.

Perhaps her mouth had grown dry, as she licked her lips before responding.

“Yes, yes! I will take great care.”

“Don’t misunderstand. I don’t mean to say you should monitor her thoroughly… It’s just that I’ve been a bit worried lately. After all, she could be in danger. Given her bloodline, please just send me simple updates regarding her activities.”

It was somewhat of an awkward excuse.

I genuinely lacked the time to craft a better one. In truth, I didn’t even know why I wanted to keep tabs on the princess.

But if the saint wasn’t a witness to last night’s events, the only remaining suspect had to be the Imperial Princess.

Moreover, something about her actions last night felt a bit off.

In many ways, she was someone who I couldn’t help but worry about. Of course, using public authority for this was an entirely different matter.

I told myself that it wasn’t an ‘order’.

Yes, it was merely a ‘request’.

A small favor offered between humans.

It was then, while I was trying to dismiss my conscience with such rationalizations, that Neoris watched me closely and cautiously asked.

“Um, I-an? Should I introduce the personnel I’ve brought along…?”

“Oh,” I let out an unintentional sigh of surprise.

I had completely forgotten, assuming she would know what to do, but Neoris had mentioned she was bringing someone along. Of course, it was only natural for her to introduce them to me.

I nodded immediately.

“Yes, yes. That’s only right. But who exactly…?”

It was then that I noticed a hesitant presence.

It was right behind the tree where Neoris had been hiding. I hadn’t realized until now, having relaxed my guard, but there was faint breathing coming from behind it.

Perhaps I wouldn’t have noticed since there had been no trace of hostility at all.

Furthermore, the presence was so faint.

My gaze naturally turned toward the source of the sound. There stood a small girl with gray hair.

She looked somewhat familiar.

As I furrowed my brow in contemplation, I quickly deduced the identity of the person.

“…Abiyang?”

It was the elf, Abiyang, with whom I had formed a brief connection before.

It seemed she had safely completed her treatment as there were no visible scars.

Thank goodness. I had tried my best to avoid her getting hurt as much as possible since she was a girl, and it seemed my efforts had paid off.

However, what puzzled me was the outfit Abiyang was wearing.

It was one that any noble would have seen before.

Regardless of whether they lived in a mansion or a castle, nobles didn’t dirty their hands. That was thanks to others fulfilling those roles.

Specifically, the servants.

To be precise, Abiyang was wearing a type of clothing designated for maidservants.

Perhaps feeling ashamed of her attire, Abiyang had tears welling up in her eyes. Her trembling body conveyed feelings of frustration.

It was understandable.

Abiyang had a strong sense of pride as an elf. That meant she harbored a deep-seated hatred for humanity.

Yet here she was, dressed as a maidservant serving humans.

It was grotesque.

I looked down at Neoris with a somewhat appalled expression, but she seemed rather smug.

The woman proudly introduced her.

“This is Abiyang, the maidservant who will attend to you for the next few days, I-an.”

Then, Abiyang knelt before me, trembling, with her head bowed in a clear sign of submission.

“P-Please take good care of me…”

All I could do was remain silent once more.

Only one question lingered in my mind.

What in the world had Neoris done to Abiyang?

Neoris wore a meaningful smile. Her deep green eyes sparkled with delight as if she was happy to have a new subordinate to torment.

It seemed Abiyang’s hardships were only just beginning.