POV: Loki
"What's this?" I asked, looking at Ryuu in front of me, a folded piece of paper in her hand.
"It's a message from the Queen."
As soon as I heard those words, my heart skipped a beat. I stood up and took the paper from Ryuu's hand. "I knew it! I knew she had woken up! Only she could kill Ares and his men so effortlessly, without caring about the consequences!"
"..." Ryuu remained silent, staring at me.
I unfolded the paper and began to read.
[Dear Loki, I heard you found out I woke up. You're very sharp, aren't you?]
The corners of my lips curled into a smile as I read the first line.
[Even though you didn't figure it out on your own… The king's idiot son ended up giving you valuable information.]
"…"
[I started thinking back to the past and remembered that time you played a prank on me inside the Dungeon… I never understood why you enjoyed chasing me around and pulling pranks. It was extremely annoying…]
"..."
[But that's all in the past. I really hope you don't come after me right now. If you do, I'll be forced to act aggressively.]
"..."
[Ryuu told me you were happy when you found out I was awake. That you seemed excited… But… is that just an act?]
"..."
[I don't trust any of you. Not a single one. I slept for centuries because of one of you. I don't know which god was responsible, but until I find out, you're all guilty in my eyes.]
"A god?"
My eyes widened.
This was the first time I'd heard anything like it. A god caused that to her? Who was it?
I always thought Frieren had fallen ill. Not just me—every god thought the same.
So that's why she killed Ares. Even though we weren't exactly close, Frieren wouldn't kill a god without a reason. She must've believed he was the one responsible.
Ares, of all people? That fool?
But Ares did visit the tree many times in the past and caused a lot of trouble. Even while Frieren was still asleep. Maybe he really was the one responsible?
He was obsessed with her.
I never knew if it was her looks or her power that obsessed him. But knowing Ares, I'd bet it was her power.
[So don't come after me—even if you're not the one behind it.]
When I finished reading the letter, I crumpled the paper in my hand and told Ryuu, "I'm going to write her a reply. I want you to deliver it to her, understood?"
"Of course," Ryuu answered confidently, and I headed to my office.
I sat down and started writing.
First, I made it very clear I had no idea a god was responsible for her 'illness,' and that I certainly wasn't the one who did it.
Along with complimenting Frieren and expressing my desire to meet her, I left a final message at the end of the letter:
[I'll do everything I can to help you discover who did this to you. Please trust me.]
When I finished writing and folded the letter, I smiled.
"I really want to see her in person."
I want to run my hands through her silver hair and pinch those cheeks of hers while she looks at me with that blank expression.
I used to love doing that, even if she didn't.
I stood up, letter in hand, and went to Ryuu.
"Deliver this to her. Don't read it."
"Don't worry, I won't."
"Good. Ah—there's one thing I forgot to write in the letter."
"Hm?"
"I hope you're still just as beautiful as you've always been."
"...Urgh."
"What? Get going already."
Ryuu pulled her hood over her head and left the room.
I sat down, and a few minutes later, Riveria entered.
"Why don't you go there, Riveria? You should visit the tree and see her."
"..."
Riveria didn't reply. She stayed completely silent.
####
POV: Frieren
A few days had passed since Ryuu returned to Orario. I wonder if Loki has already read the letter I sent her. "Now that I think about it, was it really a good idea to send that letter? I might've done something stupid."
Still, for some reason, I trust her.
I was never close to Loki, but she was definitely the god I interacted with the most.
We talked many times, and she used to pull pranks on me. She seemed to like me… She was the only one who openly showed it.
Even though I'm fairly sure she wasn't the one who cursed or poisoned me, I still want her to stay away.
I left the tree and went to Serie's house.
When I walked in, I saw Serie sitting on the couch with Lyuu. Serie was explaining some things about magic, using one of the books I had written.
"Is that book really helping her? Why don't you just teach her yourself?"
"She learns more from your books than from my explanations."
Lyuu looked at me and nodded in agreement.
"I see. Well, what matters is that she keeps training."
"She's improving quickly. Way faster than normal. Even I didn't grow that fast."
"It's probably one of the tree's abilities. It boosts the learning and training of all elves."
"Seriously? Why didn't you tell me that before?"
"Well, I didn't—"
Then the door opened.
"Hm?" I turned and saw Ryuu. "Ryuu? You're back already? Did you give Loki the letter?"
"Yes, and she sent one back for you. I didn't read it, but I think it's something important."
Ryuu handed me a folded piece of paper.
"A letter to Loki? What do you think you're doing?" Serie stood up and walked over to me. "You sent a letter to Loki? You do realize she might be the one behind all this, right? She's powerful and extremely influential! Are you insane?"
"She already knew I was awake. And… I think I trust her."
"You 'think' you trust her?"
Huff~~ I let out a sigh. "Okay, Serie, I agree—it probably wasn't the best idea. But it's done now. Excuse me, I want to read her reply."
"Read it here. I want to hear everything."
"..." I stared at Serie and said, "Who do you think you are to give me orders?"
"..."
Serie froze, her mouth half-open. She wanted to say something, but said nothing.
"Fine, I'll read it."
I unfolded the paper and began reading the letter out loud.
####
Read more chapters on my patr eon: patr eon.com/parodygirl
Next Chapters: Chapter 25 - Is Loki Here? / Chapter 26 - She doesn't look like the same Riveria. / Chapter 27 - Information about the culprit. / Chapter 28 - Happy to have prepared good food. / Chapter 29 - Heiter and Fern. / Chapter 30 - Nine More Elves.