Chapter 239
"It is only because Forli-sama understood it. I believe that the idea of mixing the black dragon cedar with other trees whose berries are edible and can be used for furniture will one day save the people of the territory. I hope there will be no famine, but the weather is not always cooperative."
"Indeed, it seems so. The young lady really knows her way around things at such a young age."
...Sorry for the scam....
When they reached a certain point, Forli called the coachman to a halt, and Ekaterina could not make out any landmarks, but she was told that there was a path leading to the forest people's residence.
Stepping out of the carriage alone, Forli led the carriage to a clearing away from the road. The road disappeared after a short distance, hidden by a grove of trees. This would make the carriage's presence hard to see from the road.
Just as the two horses were detached from the carriage, they heard the loud buzzing of insect wings. The Great King Bee's messenger from earlier appeared, weaving through the grove of trees.
Although, because they couldn't identify the individual bee, it could be a different bee.
"The carriage will be protected by the Great King Bee. Let us make our way to the Forest People together."
Forli climbed onto the horse he detached from the carriage after watching the Great King Bee perched on the carriage's roof and led the others along an unclear trail. Ekaterina was again allowed to ride with Oleg's horse, while the coachman and Mina rode on the other horse that was pulling the carriage.
It was already quite dim in the forest. She had never entered the forest in the dark, not in her previous life and not in this life. A chill ran down her spine, a fear that probably stemmed from the very roots of humanity.
Then, a white ball of light appeared.
Around the horse's feet, the white light increased.
"These are white beadworms. They are as small as a grain of wheat, but they glow so brightly that the forest people use them as lights on summer nights.
"They are beautiful..."
How fantastic. It was like a dream on a summer night.
Guided by the white beadworms, the group continued along the path in the forest until they finally reached a clearing. Here and there, large, brightly colored tents were set up.
A woman standing in front of one of these tents bowed.
"Welcome, young lady."
Aurora, the chief of the forest people and Forli's wife, smiled.
***
The meat of the monocular bear was a nice souvenir.
The Forest People provided several tents for Ekaterina's group to stay and relax. Aurora was very pleased, though Ekaterina thought the meat was simply a small token of appreciation for the trouble she had caused.
"When eaten, this warms the body and makes it more resistant to illness.
I'll put it in the soup, and you're welcome to eat it as well, young lady."
"Thank you, Madam. Thank you for the kind invitation."
Ekaterina smiled, and the knights bowed in acknowledgement.
I offered to help prepare the meal, but Aurora only chuckled. The Forest People rarely accepted guests, but once they did, it was their custom to entertain them with all their heart and soul, so Ekaterina said nothing more and decided to enjoy her stay.
I was allowed to take a walk around the residence to relax my stiff body from the carriage ride. In addition to Mina, the maid, I was accompanied by Forli and Oleg. Regina and her hounds were also with us.