The Forest Race Clonne

Chapter 16

“The Lupinus fruit? What is that?”

The Crown Prince’s statement was unfamiliar not just to me, but to many others as well. Faces around us reflected confusion.

The explanation that followed was this: The Dugal Mountains encircle the eastern border of the empire. Within them lies the Forest of Life, said to have existed since ancient times. It’s also known as the realm of the spirits.

“In the deepest part of this forest, rare plants that grow nowhere else are abundant. The most precious among them is the Lupinus tree. Its fruit is said to have the power to revive even those on the brink of death.”

“Is that really certain?”

A legendary tree sounded as fantastical as the Demons. While everyone looked skeptical, the Research Department Head insisted it was worth verifying.

“Various texts detail the appearance of the Lupinus tree, its fruit, taste, and effects. The consistency across multiple records suggests a high likelihood of truth.”

“But don’t we need to know the fruiting period? It would be useless if we found the tree but no fruit.”

“That’s not an issue. Fortunately, this tree bears fruit all year round.”

However, reality is rarely as simple as it sounds. Moreover, the biggest problem was something else. The Forest of Life was within the domain of Dras. This race, also known as the Forest Fairies, was extremely reclusive and hostile to outsiders. Hardly anyone who had entered the Forest of Life had returned safely. This mission meant risking one’s life for a fruit whose existence we couldn’t even confirm.

“We are forming an expedition team.”

The anticipated statement resonated heavily. It was the moment when an unlikely scenario became reality. It was impossible not to realize it. The only plausible reason for calling a mere office worker to a meeting full of national secrets was now clear.

“Due to the security-sensitive nature of this mission, the expedition will be a small, specialized team. Officer Hale Raydan from the Special Crime Investigation Department will lead this mission.”

A man with brown hair stood up. He was the head of the investigation team I had briefly encountered before.

“I’m Hale Raydan, the expedition Captain. The team will consist of six members, including Officer Avil and myself. I will now call out the selected members.”

“Officer Hamar Shasha, Officer Edmil Frost.”

The individuals whose names were called stood up. I had heard both names mentioned once or twice before.

“Officer Camille Rouster.”

Yet, this name had a far more significant impact. Camille’s eyes widened as he hastily stood. Even those unfamiliar with him recognized the name Rouster. The presence of the Chief of the Security Department’s grandson in the expedition team caused a temporary stir.

This confirmed my suspicion that I was in for a rough time. I couldn’t help but let out a wry chuckle as my eyes met with the expedition leader, Hale, who gave me a meaningful smile.

“And finally,Officer Sei.”

* * *

What followed is somewhat hazy in my memory. The last clear recollection I had was standing awkwardly from my seat.

I think we were summoned to hear the Crown Prince’s words along with the other selected members. Up until that moment, I hoped it was all a mistake. I thought if the Duke of Rouster strongly opposed it, the plan would be scrapped. His displeased expression had given me hope.

“Officer Sei, I’ve heard about you. I personally have high expectations for you in this expedition. I hope you bring back good news.”

But when the Crown Prince said this, I just gave up.

When I finally regained full consciousness, I found myself back at the department, having submitted my long-term travel authorization. Roil freaked out, asking what kind of trip I was going on, but I lacked the energy to respond.

The next day, an expedition meeting was held. It was a chance to get acquainted and discuss the upcoming plan.

“Let me introduce myself again. I’m Hale Raydan from the Operations Team’s Investigation Department, and I’ll be leading this expedition.”

Hale’s face was filled with satisfaction as he glanced around the round table at the gathered members. It was clear whose opinion had been most influential in the team’s formation.

“I’m Lisa Avil from the Supernatural Abilities Department.”

“Hamar Shasha from the Strategy Department.”

“Edmil Frost.”

One by one, the introductions continued. The purple cravats they wore shone brightly. Despite their differing ages, all of them held the position of department head-level agents. Under normal circumstances, it would be rare to meet so many in one place.

“I’m Sei from the Administrative Support Department. Though I’m lacking, I will do my best.”

“Camille Rouster from the same Department. Pleased to work with you.”

After our introductions, a brief silence filled the room. The air seemed to grow heavier, laden with an uncomfortable atmosphere.

“The Administrative Team, huh… Hearing it like this really makes it sink in.”

The first to speak was Hamar. If I remember correctly, he hailed from a small southern kingdom. His deep black hair and exotic brown skin stood out. Though he smiled, it didn’t seem particularly friendly.

“Well, young master Rouster is a knight, and given the accomplishments he has shown so far, I can understand that.”

His deep blue eyes slowly appraised Camille before shifting toward me.

“But I’d like to know why this guy is included.”

“Ah, Officer Sei is…”

“I heard he’s a recommendation from the Captain. I didn’t know him, so I looked into him a bit. He passed as the youngest recruit with excellent exam scores. But he’s been in the Administrative Team the entire time, with no field experience, right? He probably didn’t even go through basic training.”

Unlike the Administrative Team, where departmental assignments are made upon entry, the Operations Team undergoes a six-month basic training course. This includes physical training, aptitude training, and specialized education. Completing this basic course marks the true beginning of a Security Department agent. This is also why the Administrative Team is viewed as a lesser position.

“This mission is critical. With such a small, elite team, every individual’s role is crucial. Bringing along dead weight is a significant burden, don’t you think?”

Exactly, that was my point. I had already anticipated that someone on the expedition team would be dissatisfied with this arrangement. If internal opposition was strong, maybe the mission could be scrapped. With hope in my eyes, I looked at Hamar, who seemed to flinch.

“That’s too harsh. Calling him dead weight?”

At that moment, Camille protested with a stern face. Hamar, who had been looking at me with disapproval, slouched back into his chair, appearing slightly more relaxed.

“Well, it’s not like he’s wrong, is he? I heard you’re from a commoner background, so I thought they assigned you just to handle menial tasks, but you look so frail and inexperienced. Have you ever been homeless?”

“Our team composition has the approval of His Highness the Crown Prince. He also mentioned having high expectations for him. I doubt Officer Shasha would make a better judgment than His Highness.”

Camille’s eyes turned icy. Ordinarily, the situation would end here, but Hamar was not the type to back down easily. He smiled as if to say, Oh really?

“Of course, His Highness is wise, just, and rational. But even the wisest make mistakes sometimes.”

“I wonder if you’d say that in front of His Highness.”

“Haha, why wouldn’t I? If you’re so curious, should we go find out right now?”

“If you think that kind of talk will make me back down, you’re mistaken.”

“I feel the same way.”

If I were the Crown Prince, I’d add insult charges for dragging him into this petty argument. The expedition hadn’t even started, but it was already off to a great start. Lisa Avil seemed to share my thoughts, a wry smile on her face.

“Both of you, stop it. In this critical mission, unity is paramount. First, Officer Shasha, there’s no need to worry about your concerns. Do you think I’d recommend Officer Sei without any verification?”

It wasn’t until Hale, the expedition leader, stepped in to mediate that the tension between them eased. Though their reactions remained somewhat sullen.

“I assume there’s a valid reason everyone can accept?”

“Of course. To be honest, I expect Officer Sei to play the most significant role in this expedition. His Highness the Crown Prince agrees with this view.”

Hamar squinted his eyes. While their levels of skepticism varied, (excluding Camille) everyone else looked equally puzzled.

“May I ask why you think so?”

“Well, it’s something everyone will need to know eventually. As you all know, our destination is the forest. It’s said that spirits dwell within the forest. The Dras race maintains control of the Forest of Life partly because they are powerful spirit users. You’ve heard that the forest’s spirits protect them, haven’t you?”

“Yes, we’re aware. And?”

“Officer Sei can also receive aid from the spirits. He is a Spirit Communicator.”

Everyone’s eyes widened in astonishment, but none were more shocked than Camille. His gaze held more surprise than those who had doubted my qualifications.

“A Spirit… Communicator? You mean Sei?”

Perhaps I should have revealed it earlier. The tremor in his voice added to my already lingering guilt. However, I hadn’t been in the right state of mind to do so. Given the current situation, I decided to face it head-on.

“Uh, yes. I have something like that ability.”

As I casually confirmed it, the way everyone looked at me changed.