[Translator - Peptobismol]
[Proofreader - Demon God]
Chapter 195 – Kirrin’s Black Forest (18)
It sounded like I had heard sothing.
Getting up and scanning the surroundings, I was able to find the source of the noise.
The sound was coming from below.
Looking down, I saw Kirrin grunting softly as she climbed up the tree.
"Principal?"
"Ah—mind giving a hand?"
I took her outstretched hand and helped her up.
"Thanks. I’m not really used to climbing trees…"
Kirrin murmured as she settled beside .
"Did you eat alright? I heard Sharian brought you sothing."
"It wasn’t bad. I thought dark elves would serve poison-laced purple soup in skull bowls, but it was surprisingly normal."
At my joke, Kirrin chuckled faintly. But the smile didn’t last long.
"I’m sorry, Dian."
"For what?"
"For all of this. My siblings trying to kidnap you."
"It’s fine. Everything worked out in the end, didn’t it?"
"I guess…"
Kirrin nodded slowly.
"Still, a kidnapping… It’s not exactly normal."
"True. But I’m sure they had their reasons."
Kirrin’s face darkened.
"About those reasons. You can ignore them. Don’t worry about it."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah. They just did what they wanted without asking. That’s how dark elves are."
She forced a small smile.
"A race that can only think in extres. They don’t talk things through or consult each other. To us, ‘communication’ just ans delivering orders or passing on information. That’s all."
"I understand. Your sister already told a few things."
"Yeah? What did she say?"
After a brief pause, I decided to tell her plainly.
Why they had tried to kidnap .
"They said it was because of Maman’s last request."
"Yeah… that’s right. My mother…"
Mid-sentence, Kirrin hurriedly covered her face with both hands.
After a while, she spoke again.
"But that didn’t an they should kidnap you. My siblings—and my father—they misunderstood."
"I see."
"So, Dian. It’s ti you went back. There are still a few days left in the break. I’ll return later."
"You’re staying here?"
"This is my ho."
Kirrin gave a faint smile.
"The place I was born. The place filled with mories of my mother and my siblings. Besides, we have a vice principal and two senior professors. It’s been a while since I had a proper break."
"I see…"
Thank goodness. I’d been worried she had quit the job and run off.
So she really did co here just to rest.
Even if the reason she needed rest still weighed on my mind.
"Principal."
Since we had this chance to talk one-on-one, I decided to bring it up.
"About you coming here… Your sister told . That it was because of ."
"It’s not."
"Really? Because she said—"
"It’s not, Dian. So don’t worry about it."
She cut off with a gentle smile.
"Didn’t I say? Dark elves are terrible at communication. Among us, I’m the most fluent speaker—so just listen to ."
"Understood."
"Then go. I’ll show you a safe way out."
"Are you really going to be okay?"
"I said I’m fine."
Kirrin started climbing down the tree first, so I followed her to the forest floor.
"Follow . There’s a path without traps."
"Um… should we not at least say goodbye to your father and siblings?"
"No need. If they hear you’re leaving, they’ll just make a fuss."
Kirrin grabbed my wrist and firmly pulled along.
# # #
Little Kirrin drooled happily as she smiled up at her older siblings.
"Kirrin! Look at this!"
Drebren shook a dagger in his hand. A tiny bell on its handle jingled cheerfully.
"Kirrin! Kirrin! Isn’t it pretty? It’s yours!"
Sharian’s lasso was adorned with flowers, and as she spun it in the air, petals scattered around her like a whirlwind.
"I bought this in the city! It’s perfect for you!"
In Zakrion’s hand fluttered a black face mask, embroidered with a cute rabbit—just the right size for toddler Kirrin, who had only just begun to walk.
Their voices rose in competition as they waved their gifts.
"Co here, Kirrin!"
"Over here!"
"Your favorite is right here!"
Drebren, Sharian, and Zakrion all shouted at once.
The first sibling Kirrin moved toward was Zakrion.
The rabbit on the cloth was one of her favorites, and Zakrion often set traps to catch them for her.
But just as she was about to reach him, Kirrin suddenly turned and waddled toward Sharian.
"No! Don’t go that way!"
"That’s it! This way!"
Sharian spun her lasso even faster.
Petals swirled in a storm.
Entranced by the spectacle, Kirrin babbled excitedly and toddled closer.
But Sharian, caught up in her own enthusiasm, spun the lasso too forcefully, creating a loud whoosh as it sliced through the air—Startled by the sound, Kirrin recoiled in fear.
"W-wha—?! What is that?!"
As Kirrin stumbled back, Sharian slumped in disappointnt.
The last remaining contestant, Drebren, shook his dagger until the bell nearly broke.
"Kirrin! Kirrin! Over here! Co to !"
"Uwaaah!"
"No way…!"
Kirrin collapsed into Drebren’s arms. Sharian and Zakrion dropped to their knees in defeat.
"She ca to ! Kirrin ca to !"
Drebren lifted her high with a bright laugh.
There wasn’t a single drop of shared blood—But to him, she was the cutest, most precious little sister in the world.
Next was her public academy graduation.
Instead of the dagger with the bell, Drebren held a bouquet of flowers, loitering near the school gates.
The people coming and going eyed him and whispered.
The war had only recently ended, and for most humans, a pure-blooded dark elf with jet-black skin was still a foreign and threatening presence.
Even though Nemara’s clan had betrayed the Demon King and saved the Emperor’s life—Ordinary citizens couldn’t be expected to know or understand such details.
That was why most of Nemara’s dark elves rarely appeared in public during the day.
Yet here was Drebren, standing at the gates in broad daylight—
Because today was Kirrin’s graduation.
Sharian and Zakrion were away on missions in a far-off region, and their father would never co.
That left only Drebren.
With Nemara’s permission, he had traveled alone from the Black Forest to the academy.
"Excuse —uh…"
Soone spoke to him.
Turning, Drebren found himself surrounded by ard guards.
Tension was evident on their faces. So gripped their weapons, ready to draw them at a mont’s notice.
"What are you doing here?"
"Waiting for my sister."
"Sister? This is a public academy."
"My sister is a student here."
"A student…?"
The guards, unable to process what he said, repeated it like fools.
"She’s the top graduate. In other words, she graduated with the highest honors."
"I-I see…"
"I worried a lot when she ca to the city, knowing nothing and without any tutors.
But she graduated top of her class. Among humans, who all started at the sa line—she outpaced them from the beginning."
"Ah, yes…"
Flustered by Drebren’s sudden praise for his sister, the guard awkwardly nodded.
"Kirrin has always been quick with ntal math and extrely perceptive. If she had beco an assassin, her talents would’ve been wasted. But thankfully, she ca to this academy and—"
"Understood, sir."
Seeing that Drebren was ready to go on indefinitely, the guard cut him off.
"I can see your sister is very impressive. But the issue here is sothing else—please leave."
"Why should I leave?"
"Because the citizens are frightened. We received a report."
The guard gestured toward the onlookers.
"Seeing soone like you walking around so casually, well—You’re with the Nemara clan, aren’t you?"
"That’s correct."
"People here don’t know what that ans. Even if you explain, it’s not like your skin is going to turn pale, is it? You understand what I’m saying?"
"I understand. But I must attend my sister’s graduation."
"You don’t need to be at the ceremony itself. You could et her afterward for a al. We really don’t want to be called back out again—"
"Brother!"
Just then, Kirrin ca running from inside. She wore her graduation gown and cap.
"Kirrin!"
Drebren, grinning wide, quickly masked his expression when he saw the stares around him.
"How did you know I was here?"
"People said there was a dark elf hanging around the gate. But…"
Kirrin looked down at the bouquet in his hand.
"Did you co because of my graduation?"
"No, I—just happened to be finishing up a job nearby last night. I figured I’d stop by on the way."
Drebren lied as he extended the bouquet.
"Congratulations on your graduation."
Kirrin took the flowers, then grabbed his wrist.
"Don’t just stand there. Co inside. The ceremony’s about to start."
"I really should get going—"
But Kirrin didn’t listen and dragged him through the gate.
"Wait, hey—sir!"
The guards’ voices trailed behind as Drebren was pulled into the graduation hall by Kirrin.
And seated right in the front row, as the top graduate’s family.
Watching Kirrin step forward to receive her award, Drebren quietly wiped away a tear.
That tiny little sister of mine… Graduating at the top of her class...
If only Maman could’ve seen this—how happy she would’ve been…
That was how deeply Drebren cared for and loved Kirrin.
And yet, now Kirrin was mad at him, saying he didn’t understand her at all…
What am I supposed to do…?
Clutching his head, Drebren soon rose from his seat.
Maman always said—
Dark elves don’t communicate.
Most of their problems ca from that lack of communication.
Right. I’ll talk honestly. Like Maman used to.
Stepping out of his quarters to find Kirrin, Drebren halted.
Soone was standing in front of his door.
"Brother Drebren."
"Baltar. Back from your mission?"
The eldest son of Nishira, currently first in rank.
He was the favored candidate from Nishira’s faction, and Drebren’s rival.
"Yes. Just returned. But may I ask—where are you headed at this hour?"
Baltar grinned.
"Sothing urgent?"
Drebren’s eyes dropped to the twin daggers in Baltar’s hands.
"Is this… Karsal?"
[Translator - Peptobismol]
[Proofreader - Demon God]
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