As a consequence of what transpired during the Deer Hunting Festival incident as well as the anthropoids’ invasion, the eastern forest suffered heavy damage . Mom sealed it off long ago to ensure that it could eventually return to normal . The night patrols were conducted because elves revered forests . For that reason, not even Mommy Vyvyan interfered with the rate of growth of elven forests and allowed them to recover on their own accord, instead .

I didn’t know how the forest recovery was coming along . The last time the anthropoids invaded, they severely damaged the forest to the point that the White Deer King had to take the initiative to seek me out . Perhaps the forest could never recover . The incident might’ve been the result of having the forest cut down . Mommy Vyvyan only mentioned a change in mana; she hadn’t stated the reason behind it . She needed to enter the forest to get to the bottom of the cause .

I didn’t have enough time to bid the White Deer King goodbye . I didn’t want to disturb her until her trauma subsided somewhat . I galloped to the forest on horseback . Mom extended her hand out to temporarily stop me and stressed, “Son, remember to stick to Mommy in the forest . Do not act on your own accord no matter what happens . The forest is a dangerous place to begin with, and now there’s an unconfirmed mana disturbance . If it’s a natural disturbance, then it’s no big deal, but if another elf deliberately instigated it, especially one researching black magic, then it’ll be dangerous . ”

Mom’s last statement echoed in my mind . I pointed out, “Black magic is still practiced? Mom, dark elves… practiced black magic, didn’t they? I personally killed the last dark elf . There are no more dark elves . ”

“That may not be the case, Son . Bear in mind that you only killed the last dark elf we know of . There may be other dark elves who are still alive . Didn’t somebody live in the dark elves’ district just a few days ago? That individual might be a dark elf . Someone sent them there and retrieve something or some things . ”

I paused for a moment before replying, “Oh? I honestly didn’t know about that . I did know that somebody was there, but I didn’t know they were there to grab something . There’s nothing left there, though, is there? Mera’s house is the only home with items left inside . The things in other properties must’ve worn out by now or taken, right?”

When a sudden terrifying realisation seized Mom, her expression stiffened: “Mommy doesn’t have any ruthless ideas . I’ve never thought of robbing the dead . Things there have basically been damaged or abandoned . If they were lucky, they would be able to get a fair number of things . According to the testimony, there weren’t many things worth money . Lots of things available there were also available outside of the area . With that said, it was pointed out that their objective was things specifically from the area . Logically, if they’re after things there specifically, then this must have to do with dark elves . Thus, we must be careful . The reason black magic is magic is due to them requiring elven bodies to act as primers . If you’re captured, then there’s bound to be danger . Stay alert . ”

“I’m now covered in dragon scales . I think I should be immune to magic, so black magic is practically useless on me, isn’t it?”

“No, Son . If Mera wanted to harm you now, what would you do if she used a mana dissolving agent? Dragon scales are just flakes once the mana dissolving agent removes the mana covering your scales . Mana dissolving agents are something that dark elves came up with . If there are still dark elves who can use them around, then you’re still exposed to a big risk . Don’t ever underestimate the viciousness of dark elves . After all…”

Mom pointed at herself and me . She narrowed her eyes and softly laughed . What she signalled couldn’t have been any more obvious . The Galadriel Tribe was a tribe of dark elves . The Galadriel Tribe wouldn’t have such pure mana, otherwise . Due to development, however, we became indistinguishable from ordinary elves and dark elves . The soldiers guarding the elven spring were an example .

I nodded: “I’ll stick with you, Mom . ”

“Good boy . You’ll be absolutely safe by Mom’s side, so don’t separate from Mommy . ” Mommy Vyvyan caressed my head .

We resumed, pa.s.sing under the virescent canopy, gra.s.s and wilted leaves . The air was clear and moist smell as expected from forests . We were deep in the elven forest . Moss seizing the tree trunks continued to grow . Birds twittered at us, as we disturbed their peaceful lives . Our horses walked side by side, but it soon became squishy . As a result our legs kept rubbing up against each other .

Mommy Vyyan didn’t seem to consider it squishy . She, to the contrary, looked  happy . She pressed her hand on mine . That was a dangerous behaviour . We came to investigate what happened in the forest, yet Mom was relaxed as though we were there for a vacation . Just moments ago, she was warning me about how frightening the dark elves were, yet she wasn’t worried whatsoever .

I looked up at the trees overhead and peered to the deeper part of the forest . It wasn’t particularly dark in the forest . The trees weren’t towering tall, and the animals ran around in the shrubs on both sides . There were no oddities to be seen at first glance . In fact, it felt amazingly peaceful and soothing .

“Is there really a problem here? I’m starting to feel that there isn’t anything serious . Something might have happened to the white deer, but they’re still well, while the forest doesn’t show any signs of negative changes . I can’t see a problem even if the trees showed signs of problems, let alone the forest . There’s barely a noticeable change . We just need to get rid of it and all is well . Mom must consider something this simple and relaxing to be a happy trip, and she can improve our mother son relations.h.i.+p while she’s at it,” I mused .

I had to remind myself to keep my guard up and stay vigilant . There was indeed nothing around when I looked . In saying that, there might’ve been darkness moving behind me . I planted a “seems it’s safe” flag for myself, which meant that I really might go through some major crisis . Therefore, I should be cautious .