The moment the voice rang out, Roland recognized who it was.
He looked toward the sound.
Sure enough, it was Avril.
The Elf Maiden's slender figure danced gracefully between the trees. In just a few bounds, she landed before Roland as silently as a soft breeze.
"So, Roland…"
Avril's eyes twinkled as she tilted her head playfully and asked,
"Did you miss me?"
Gazing at the Elf Maiden's radiant smile, Roland let out a soft chuckle and nodded.
"I did, actually."
He said it frankly, and he meant it.
But it wasn't just the Elf Maiden before him that he missed.
Even more, he missed the carefree days back in the River Domain, when he could focus entirely on improving his power.
'Who could have known that a simple study tour would throw his peaceful life into such turmoil?'
At this thought, Roland shook his head and let out a soft sigh.
Of course, Avril had no idea what he was thinking.
