Chapter 296: Chapter 296 — A Forestal Dream of Peace.
"....fhh..."
’How peaceful...’
Listening to the nice and soothing songs of the many hidden birds... I crawled a whiff of air out of our stiff lips that at least now allowed us to do so without much effort.
The light of the sun felt fresh between the compacted roof of leaves the forest had thanks to its tangled trees and the vivid green with its earthy scent that let one know it was healthy by the humidity the water feeding it added to its ground, its flora... Even its fauna... It was all a heavenly delectable mix.
I knew that the little noises I could hear were many. Besides the birds, other little creatures and maybe even big ones were roaming its territory, peacefully, because the environment was such that would help their growth and survival.
I could hear between the chirps and the jumps of flapping feathers the steps of terrestrial animals were also helping the melody of this place to enrich the deep nature, so untouched that it felt unreal.
The river... the thin river that the Duke had been getting fresh fish also added to it. With its watery flow that felt like a whisper in the green of a big and special forest...
’sigh~... I love it here... I feel as if I’m healing even if no real change can be seen...’
It has been...
"..."
’How long has it been? I feel as if it’s been long but I know it hasn’t... Hehe. Maybe it’s because I’m relaxed. Just chilling in this magical place... It feels long but not eternal, long in the nice sense when one enjoys it.’
As I can tell it’s been around five days since we arrived.
It was around a three days trip in the comfy carriage. During which the duke acted as a tourist guide, and I heeded the act since I haven’t stopped feeling impressed after I woke up on the road.
Coming here has been truly nice a distraction from all the things we’ve been feeling.
Currently, I’m in the middle of a loooo~ng stroll... That isn’t truly a stroll since I’m laying flat on the ground.
Vitor is seating near and Paige is at the Forest House making arrangements so we can eat lunch out here, between the dubious mushrooms I found and decided to draw. Although I’m not doing it right now since I am in the middle of having a little break, trying to become the grass as I inhale the green mould growing on these rocks and trees surrounding me... The drawing session might continue in a little bit if I fail my transformation.
Wearing simple dresses I’ve spent leisurely days here, enjoying the calm quiet, far from everything that has been filling our head. Every little thing here has been really good for our resistance and mood in the end.
At this point, all that wanders my head is the feel of the mystical house we are staying at. Since even if I worry, not much I can do from here, knowing nothing.
My pretty tear was the first one to show how magical it was.
I’m not sure if there is truly a spirit resting here. It could be that it’s just reacting to the enormously pure nature this place grew. But my pretty tear has been shining brightly with different shades and dancing at different paces, resonating to the echoes of the lyrics this forest emits and it receives.
It’s fascinating every time I see it.
"Miss, the Duke." — I heard Vitor say from his seat.
"!? Aah ~ Did Vitor tell on me again?" — Raising from the ground, I found the mister trying to surprise me again today. — "Can’t you let me surprise her once?"
"Master’s instructions..."
"Ah~ah~ I know, I know... Sigh... Hello dear, how are you today?" — To Vitor’s usual response, the Duke whined coming closer to seat on the little grass surrounding me.
Happy to see him, I sat properly to show him the mushrooms I had chosen to draw today along with how the work was going.
"Hmm~ that’s pretty detailed, sweetie. It looks wonderful... Pockachin must feel honoured." — Mischievous, he named my canvas, now aware that it was a sure laugh of cringe to get out from me.
’Aaah! Please! For real, mister! It’s really weird when you say it~ hahaha.’
He finally noticed its effect after we arrived here. I sometimes regret my silliness when giving it a weird name. But seeing that he enjoys watching me feel shy about it, I guess I should just put up with it.
I would tilt my head a whole loooot every time he mentioned it, but even in the cringe, I still felt grateful since he took the care to whisper it so only I would hear it.
"Haha. M~wah! My child seems sweeter today. I’m glad." — As soon as I reincorporated myself from the light whine, he took my cheek to drive me near so he could give the usual kiss on my forehead.
Lately, he likes making the sound as he gives it, and it bothers me that it doesn’t bother me.
Sigh... What a troublesome woman I have become... I always was but it kind of got worse, I think...
Either way.
[ How was work today, Father? ]
"Hm... It went quite smoothly. As you said, Thomas is indeed my greatest help... But I had to escape him before he made me work through lunch." — Playfully he confessed in a whisper, knowing I would be entertained by it.
’Hehe~ grampa Thomas does seem difficult to manage.’
"Do you know what we will have for lunch today, dear? I heard the cook say the forest allowed them to hunt good meat, that doesn’t usually happen."
’Hmm... I bet it doesn’t.’
While staying here, I’ve managed to notice this place has its own natural rules.
Maybe it’s part of its magic. But the creatures living here don’t show themselves easily. I’m sure some really wild ones should be roaming around but I haven’t encountered even one during my stay.
The Duke says "The forest allowed it" and I think it’s a way to say this place makes its own decisions.
However... I think there is an exception to the rules this forest has.
’... Birds... Ironically, birds show themselves way too often in front of me.’
It has happened a lot, but there were two times I was left simply awestruck... And I even felt a bit scared at the sight if I’m honest.
’There were so many feathers... So different in size and colours... But, sigh~~... It was awesome.’
Not every day... Maybe never, you can see and hear so great and lovely chorus with fascinating dances of so many species of wonderful birds together.