The day of the rite had finally come. She thought she'd feel fine, but surprisingly, she was a little nervous.
Dear God, please… just don't let me be the one to kill the unicorn.
Mia whispered the prayer in her heart.
Two soldiers came for her early that morning. After taking a deep breath, Mia boarded the carriage bound for the place where the unicorn awaited.
The carriage drove for about two hours before stopping at the entrance to a dark forest.
One of the younger-looking soldiers, perhaps feeling sorry for her, asked if she knew the way back.
"...No, I don't."
"This is the Black Forest. It took us two hours by carriage—if you fly back, it'll be much faster."
"Which direction do I go?"
The soldier handed her a map, bowed with his companion, and left.
Mia was left alone at the entrance to the pitch-black forest. She opened the map and found markings for the palace, the forest, and a few nearby landmarks.
So this is the Black Forest…
Now that I think about it, this is where the path to the demon god began—the one Jakiel showed me.
Before her stretched a thick wall of trees, so dense she couldn't see a step ahead.
Still, she marched straight into it.
According to the map, the unicorn's habitat was near something called Moonlight Lake, deep within the Black Forest.
…Wait.
The trees are so packed, I can't even get through without chopping them down.
She wanted to fly, but she couldn't see the markers on the map from the air, so she had to walk.
Forget finding a unicorn—she might collapse from exhaustion before that.
And besides, cutting down trees felt as wrong as killing an animal.
...Of course!
Leca taught me how to summon the fairies of trees and flowers. I could just call them and ask!
Mia was absurdly proud of herself for thinking of it. She quickly summoned the apple tree fairy she had used before.
A tiny fairy appeared.
"How can I help you?"
"Take me to the place where unicorns live—a path that doesn't require cutting trees."
The fairy blinked.
"There are no apple trees here, so I don't know the area. But judging by all the fir trees, I imagine the fir fairy does. Shall I summon her for you?"
Not long after, a fir fairy appeared. Her hair, dress, and flower crown were all made of green fir branches.
She fluttered her pale green wings and spoke:
"Please, come this way. If you follow me, you won't have to cut a single tree to reach the unicorns' home."
Mia did as the fairy said. And incredibly, a narrow, winding path just wide enough for one person unfolded before her.
It was impossible to find on her own. There were no distinct features, and nothing marked on the map.
She never could've found it alone.
Though it was bright and sunny, the dense trees blocked the sky. The forest was dark as dusk.
No wonder they call it the Black Forest. It's eerie as hell.
After walking for some time deeper into the forest, the fir fairy pointed ahead.
"There it is—Moonlight Lake. The unicorns live nearby. Be patient and wait.
Now then, farewell."
Mia approached the small lake. Compared to the rest of the forest, this area had low grass and flowers—peaceful enough to rest in.
The morning sun reflected off the crystal-clear water, breaking into golden fragments.
Just moments ago, the place had felt like the lair of monsters. Now it felt like paradise. The change was startling.
Then—
—rustle—
Across the lake, just beyond the trees, a flash of white fabric fluttered in the breeze.
It was definitely the hem of clothing. Mia rubbed her eyes.
Is someone else out here?
—whisper—
A white tunic—just like the ones Julius wore. Then golden sandals came into view.
It was definitely a person.
But who?
"..."
The figure stepped fully into view.
It was a boy.
He stood watching her, silver hair flowing to his shoulders, red eyes glowing like rubies.
Mia wasn't sure if she should speak or stay silent.
"…Hello."
To her surprise, the boy spoke first. Mia answered awkwardly.
"Uh… hi."
The boy began walking toward her, following the edge of the lake. Eventually, he reached her.
He was a delicate, sickly-looking boy.
"What are you doing here?"
He looked about fifteen or sixteen.
"I'm looking for a unicorn. What about you?"
"…I'm gathering herbs. There are rare ones here you can't find anywhere else."
"Oh, really? So you're a mage?"
"Something like that."
He smiled.
"Do you know anything about unicorns, then? Where can I find one?"
The boy looked slightly surprised.
"Why are you looking for a unicorn?"
"Well…Let's just say I've been sent by someone important."
The boy nodded, as if he understood.
"The unicorn is over there, behind that palm tree. Be careful not to wake it. Keep your distance and observe first."
"I know that much. Anyway, thanks. I've got to go—I'm busy~"
Mia headed in the direction the boy had pointed.
Behind the palm tree…She crept forward quietly, softening her footsteps.
Then she carefully looked around.
But—
There was no unicorn anywhere.
What the...? Did it wake up and wander off somewhere?
So this was a waste of time.
Maybe if I walk around a bit I'll find it? Please, anything but running straight into it.
As Mia was circling around the tree—
"Ah! Be careful!"
"…Huh?"
"Move!"
Instinctively, Mia dove to the side. A heavy coconut fell with a loud thud.
It cracked open, juice spilling everywhere.
If it had hit her head, she'd be dead.
Just now—someone warned me?
Mia looked around. A little girl in a red dress stood nearby holding a basket.
What is this place?
There are more people than I expected.
"Was that you? The one who told me to move?"
The girl nodded.
She had dark brown hair braided in pigtails and looked about six or seven.
Cute.
"You shouldn't stand under palm trees. You never know when the fruit might fall."
"Ah… thanks. Hey, by any chance—have you seen a unicorn?"
"…A unicorn… why?"
"I've got a reason. Someone important sent me."
"Did they tell you to bring back its horn?"
"The horn? No. Nothing like that. I just need to talk to it."
The girl smiled—a strange, knowing smile.
There was something unsettlingly mature about her expression, far too much for a child.
But a second later, she looked perfectly innocent again.
"I see. Well, good luck."
She waved and walked away.
Mia set off quickly toward the strawberry field. After walking for a bit, she began to see what looked like strawberry plants in the distance.
She pulled out her map.
Unicorn habitat… yeah, this should be it.
Finally, she reached the field.
But—
As she looked down, a chill ran through her. All the strawberries were dead, rotting, covered in mold.
What… this place feels wrong.
Unicorns are supposed to be divine beasts—and yet they live here?
Something was off. Mia looked around. Not one or two, but all the plants were withered and black.
Decay. Death. A heavy, foreboding energy. It gave her chills.
And then—a thought struck her.
That girl…How could a child be alone in a place like this? Was she a mage too?
Wait a second…I almost died back where that boy told me to go.
And now this girl sent me here?
I have to get out of here!
Mia turned and ran in a panic.
Then—
"Well, it took you long enough to figure it out, human."
Mia whipped around. No one was there.
"Who are you?!"
"Guess."
The voice rang out in empty air. There was no one to be seen.
"Show yourself! Whoever you are—some twisted demon? A monster?!"
"My, such crude language. I can't stand uncivil women."
"…What did you just say?"
"Isn't that the test you came here for, human?"
"…Then you're—!"
"Jakiel is a clever one, choosing me to screen the future queen's virtue. A splendid choice, don't you think?"
"So you're the unicorn…a perverted divine beast with a fetish for virgin checks."
"Well, at least you've figured it out."
Mist began to swirl in the air. And then—
The fog slowly parted. And the one who'd been speaking…finally appeared.