Side Story: Rose Princess of the Elven Kingdom

—The Elven Kingdom of Eltane.

Its precise location remains shrouded in mystery, a land inhabited solely by elves.

Elves are known for their longevity, high intelligence, and magical aptitude far surpassing that of humans. Once, they stood as the undisputed rulers of the world.

Discrimination against humans was commonplace. Elves treated them merely as servants, and resentment grew among humans until, about five hundred years ago, that anger exploded into open war.

Individually, elves were far stronger than humans—but the greatest difference between them was numbers.

Because of their long lifespans, elves had low fertility. Their small population became the decisive factor in their defeat.

At their peak, more than a thousand elves existed, but after the war, only a few dozen remained. Now, they live quietly, hidden deep within the forests.

Though it is still called “the Elven Kingdom,” most of Eltane’s current population are Dark Elves.

Dark Elves had once been despised by the pure-blooded elves, but the survivors have since formed deep bonds with them. Today, the two races coexist peacefully.

In Eltane, a true High Elf was born for the first time in centuries.

Because of the small rose-shaped mark on her back, she was named Rose (Rōze).

From an early age, Rose displayed the talent and grace befitting a High Elf.

To the people of Eltane, she was a beacon of hope. But to Rose herself, the weight of those expectations became unbearable, and she gradually withdrew into her chambers, refusing to leave.

Attempts were made to bring her outside, but Rose stubbornly refused.

Eventually, her devoted attendant Isabella decided to travel the world in her stead—so she could share stories of the outside with Rose.

Isabella journeyed across many lands, returning often to tell Rose about the vast world beyond Eltane.

Rose loved literature, and she listened eagerly to Isabella’s tales.

But no matter how vivid or exciting the stories became, Rose never showed any real intent to step outside herself.

Her only “friends” were those rare visitors to Eltane: the dragon Yatogami, and occasionally, Togami.

Though Yatogami was much older, their temperaments were similar, and they quickly grew close.

Unfortunately, Yatogami too preferred solitude, and thus could not inspire Rose to leave her room.

Even so, Isabella refused to give up. She continued traveling the world, searching for somewhere—anywhere—that might stir Rose’s heart.

And one day, she found it.

A charming, nature-rich farm near the royal capital of the Kingdom of Greylan.

At first, nothing about it sounded extraordinary—but surprisingly, it came highly recommended by Yatogami herself.

Skeptical but curious, Isabella visited—and was utterly amazed.

It was unlike anything she had ever seen, even after years of worldly travel.

The crops were unusual, magical beasts worked alongside humans, and the facilities were as advanced as a royal estate despite the rustic setting.

Most shocking of all was the food.

The dishes were so delicious that Isabella, once convinced that Eltane’s cuisine was the best in the world, found herself humbled.

It wasn’t merely “a little better.” It was leagues beyond anything she’d ever tasted.

Convinced this was the perfect place to take Rose, Isabella passionately described it upon her return.

Yet, Rose firmly refused to go.

Still, something in Isabella’s words reached her—she showed the faintest glimmer of interest.

Just as Isabella began searching for the perfect souvenir to coax her further, Yatogami arrived from Mount Edelgius with timely news.

Apparently, that very same farm would soon be holding a festival.

Ordinarily, a mere festival wouldn’t sway Rose—but this one, as Yatogami described it, sounded truly special.

And more than the details themselves, it was the heartfelt invitation from her reclusive friend that resonated deeply with Rose.

“…I think… I might like to see that festival.” 

Rose murmured.

“Ooh! So Rose wants to come too, does she? Fufufu! If I invite her, she can surely attend!”

Yatogami laughed.

“Yato-sama, would you please extend the invitation to Rose-sama?” 

Isabella asked.

“Hmmm. Of course, I could—but Rose tends to suddenly change her mind, saying ‘I’m not going’ at the last moment…”

“I won’t… say that,” 

Rose whispered.

“See? She said so herself. Please, Yatogami—won’t you invite her?”

“Very well! Rose is my friend, after all. I shall invite her personally!”

“…Thank you, Yato.”

And thus, for the first time in her life, Rose expressed a desire to leave Eltane.

Preparations were made with utmost care, and the journey to the festival was set.

Some in Eltane opposed the decision, but Isabella silenced their objections—determined to let Rose take this step forward.

When the day arrived, there was a brief crisis—Rose nearly changed her mind, whispering “Maybe I shouldn’t go…”—but with the combined efforts of Yatogami and Isabella, she finally departed.

At the farm, all worries proved unfounded. Rose enjoyed the festival wholeheartedly, smiling brighter than ever before.

Tears welled in Isabella’s eyes more than once as she watched the young princess savor her first journey beyond their forest.

Upon returning to Eltane, Rose could not stop talking about the festival.

Each time she brewed a cup from the latte set she’d received as a prize, her face lit up with joy.

Even the hollowed-out dumpling mold she brought back was displayed like a treasured heirloom.

If this festival could become the first step toward her opening her heart to the outside world…

That was Isabella’s dearest wish.

Yet, even if it didn’t, simply seeing Rose’s radiant smile was enough to make her whisper, from the depths of her heart—

“I’m so glad.”

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