Chapter 350: Some Gifts

"It’s wonderful to see everyone enjoying their time here," Aelyssa said in a gentle voice.

Her emerald eyes swept across the gathered students, taking in their expressions of curiosity and fascination. After a moment, her gaze settled on Instructor Morgana.

A faint smile appeared on her lips. "You must be Morgana Celestine. I’ve heard quite a bit about you. They say you’re an exceptionally talented S-rank Hero."

Morgana stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty is too kind. It is an honor to meet you."

"The honor is mine. Novaris Academy has produced many talented individuals over the years. I’m pleased to see that your academy started to welcome students from different races and backgrounds."

Aelyssa spoke naturally, without the slightest hint of arrogance. Despite her position as the ruler of an entire kingdom, she carried herself with an approachable grace that immediately put those around her at ease.

She exchanged a few more pleasantries with Morgana, asking about the students’ journey and their impressions of Lunathiel. Her tone remained warm and welcoming throughout the conversation.

Then, her gaze shifted.

It landed on Marina, who stood among the students.

Recognizing the young elf, Aelyssa offered her a gentle smile.

Marina returned the smile, though there was something subtle about her expression that Noah couldn’t quite put his finger on.

The Queen continued speaking with the others for a little while longer before finally taking a small step back.

"Unfortunately, I still have some matters that require my attention. I’m afraid I’ll have to take my leave."

"Of course, Your Majesty," Morgana replied politely.

Aelyssa turned as though she intended to return to the palace.

However, just as she began to move, Marina quietly raised one hand and gave a subtle wave.

She did it discreetly, making sure that no one else seemed to notice.

Unfortunately for her, the person she was trying to get the attention of was the Queen herself.

Aelyssa’s steps paused. Her emerald eyes shifted toward Marina, lingering on the young elf for a brief moment.

It was only a fleeting glance, but something seemed to pass between them.

The Queen’s expression remained composed, though a faint look of understanding flickered in her eyes.

She gave Marina an almost imperceptible nod.

Then, turning toward Morgana, she spoke again.

"There’s something I’d like to discuss with Marina in private, if you don’t mind. She’s a child of this kingdom, after all, and I believe a personal conversation would be beneficial."

"Certainly, Your Majesty."

Morgana turned toward Marina. "Marina, the Queen wishes to speak with you. Go ahead."

"Yes, Instructor."

Marina stepped forward.

Aelyssa lifted her hand slightly, and a gentle current of wind gathered around the young elf. Before Marina could take another step, her feet left the ground as the wind carried her upward.

The Queen herself began to rise into the air, her long golden hair and elegant robes swaying gently in the breeze.

With Marina floating beside her, Aelyssa turned toward the palace.

The two elves soon ascended above the surrounding trees, heading toward the royal residence.

Noah watched them disappear into the distance, his eyes narrowing slightly. ’What exactly do those two need to discuss in private?’

His gaze lingered on the palace for a few more seconds. He had already suspected that something was going on between Marina and Ken.

Now, the Queen herself had suddenly taken an interest in Marina.

’...This is getting more suspicious by the minute.’

Noah glanced at Ken, who was also watching Marina disappear into the distance.

The black-haired young man wore an unreadable expression, making it impossible to tell what he was thinking.

’What’s going through that guy’s head?’

Noah studied him for a moment before eventually looking away.

His gaze then fell upon the protagonist standing beside him.

Damien was gazing up at the magnificent trees surrounding them, a cheerful smile plastered across his face. He looked completely absorbed in the scenery, as though he had forgotten everything else.

Noah’s lips twitched.

’This guy is supposed to be the protagonist of the game. I’ve been spending as much time with him as possible, yet he hasn’t gotten involved in anything significant so far. What the hell?’

He had originally thought that staying close to Damien would allow him to witness all sorts of interesting events.

After all, protagonists were practically walking magnets for trouble, opportunities, and mysterious encounters.

Yet here he was, spending his days attending classes, training, and exploring beautiful places with his friends.

Nothing particularly extraordinary had happened.

Noah couldn’t help cursing his own bad luck.

He had even considered whether his presence had somehow altered the original story. But without any information about the game’s future events, there was no way to know for certain.

For now, he could only keep observing.

Their small excursion continued, with the group eventually making their way toward the World Tree. The students were given an opportunity to admire the magnificent landmark up close, learning more about its significance to the elves and their religious beliefs.

Later, Marina returned to the group.

He could only suppress his curiosity for the time being.

Afterward, the students were led to an open training ground on the outskirts of the city, where several elves introduced them to different aspects of elven combat techniques.

They learned the magic archery, reconnaissance, and defensive magic, gaining a glimpse into the methods the elves had developed over generations.

Noah paid attention during the lessons, although a part of him was more interested in exploring the city’s library.

He had considered visiting it during their free time, hoping to uncover more information about Lunar Magic and the history of the elven races.

Unfortunately, he eventually abandoned the idea.

Most of the books he encountered were written in the elven language, which was entirely different from the common language used by humans.

---

The evening sun cast a warm golden glow over the streets of Lunathiel, painting the elegant buildings and enormous trees in beautiful shades of orange and gold.

The city’s atmosphere had changed considerably since afternoon. The streets were now filled with people returning home, merchants preparing their stalls for the evening, and visitors wandering through the illuminated avenues.

Soft lights began glowing among the branches, while the gentle fragrance of flowers drifted through the air.

Amid the bustling streets, a young man walked leisurely while holding a girl’s hand.

"Where are you taking me?"

Arisha glanced at Noah suspiciously as she followed him.

Her fingers were loosely intertwined with his, and her gaze occasionally dropped toward their joined hands.

Noah had suddenly approached her after their afternoon training session and dragged her away from the others without offering much of an explanation.

Naturally, she was curious.

’Is... he planning something naughty?’

A faint blush crept onto her cheeks.

Arisha immediately shook her head, trying to chase away the thought.

’What am I even thinking? It’s Noah. Knowing him, he’s probably up to something ridiculous.’

Still, she couldn’t deny that being led around by him like this felt a little different from their usual interactions.

After spending the entire afternoon training, the students had finally been given some free time before dinner.

Arisha had made considerable progress in archery under the guidance of Elowen, the elven specialist who had been instructing their group.

Her movements had become smoother, and her accuracy had improved noticeably.

Of course, there was still a considerable gap between her and some of the talented freaks in their class.

But she was improving at a satisfying pace.

And now, instead of returning to the others, she was walking through the city with Noah.

"So?" Arisha finally asked. "Where are we going?"

"I need your help buying a few things."

"...Huh?"

Arisha’s expression immediately changed.

’That’s it? He just needs my help?’

She had been entertaining all sorts of possibilities, only for him to casually reveal such an ordinary reason.

She sighed inwardly. "What do you want to buy that requires my help?"

"Well, I was thinking of buying a beautiful hairpin, a few pieces of clothing, and some other accessories."

Arisha narrowed her yellow eyes. ’A hairpin? Clothes? Accessories?’

She looked at Noah from the corner of her eye. ’Those sound like things you’d buy for a woman.’

Her gaze slowly shifted toward their intertwined hands before returning to his face. "Let me guess. You’re buying gifts for some woman, aren’t you?"

Noah turned his head toward her.

Arisha continued before he could answer. "And you brought me along because I’m a woman myself, so you think I’ll be able to help you choose something suitable?"

"Wow. You’re surprisingly perceptive." Noah said with admiration.

"Don’t try to flatter me!"

He chuckled at her reaction which was amusing to him.

Arisha’s eyes narrowed further seeing him laugh. "Now tell me. Who is she?"

Noah stopped walking. Then, turning toward her, he revealed a sweet smile. "I’m buying some things for my mother."

Arisha stared at him. Her eyes narrowed even more in suspicion. "...Just your mother?"