Sophie, who had been quietly distancing herself from Sam, finally received word from the Elf Envoy.
*"Sophie, according to our ancient texts, the only way to accelerate an elf child's growth is by feeding them Jade Mushrooms. However… they only grow on the distant Snowpeak Mountain. We don't have any here."* Jessica's expression was troubled.
*"Jade Mushrooms? That's fine—as long as they exist! Just tell me where Snowpeak Mountain is. I'll go find them myself!"* Sophie's spirits lifted instantly.
*"It's east of the village. About a seven-day journey on foot. But the path is fraught with danger. I'm not sure you can make it alone."*
Sophie hesitated. She wasn't exactly the athletic type, but for Charles, she was willing to take the risk.
To prepare for the trip, she worked tirelessly—gathering fruits, foraging for wild vegetables, even baking bread from the flour she'd brought from Kalina's village. In her busyness, she didn't notice that Sam had been gone for an entire day.
When the elves heard of her plan, they generously offered their own preserved foods for the journey. Though embarrassed, Sophie accepted. With her limited skills, who knew how long the trip would take? The supplies she'd prepared wouldn't last. Thankfully, the Phoenix Pouch's storage capacity gave her some peace of mind.
After entrusting Charles and Xiao Bai to Jessica's care, Sophie set off alone—despite Xiao Bai's vehement protests. (Which she ignored, given his tiny size.)
*"I'm way more capable than she thinks! Ugh, maybe I should've told her I know magic… Not that she'd need it—no beast would dare attack her with that kind of energy inside her. But she doesn't even know how to cast a spell!"* Flopping onto the grass, Xiao Bai watched Charles and Mary play, utterly exasperated.
Alone in the wilderness again, Sophie's initial courage began to wane. At least last time, she'd had Xiao Bai. Now, it was just her.
*"This is what you get for being greedy! First, an unplanned son. Now, a wild mushroom chase. Who knows what monsters are out there? Might not even make it back alive! Serves you right!"* Muttering to herself, she whacked at weeds with a stick as she trudged forward.
*"Were you really going to leave without saying goodbye?"*
That deep, velvety voice made her heart skip.
Sam emerged beside her, covered in fresh scratches but grinning as he held up his latest catch. *"This should last us a few days, don't you think?"*
Tears welled in Sophie's eyes. She turned away briefly, composing herself before smiling. *"Thank you."*
No more words were needed.
Watching Sam skillfully skin, debone, and skewer the meat for roasting filled her with warmth.
*"This one's a Purpleflame Serpent. Small but fast—and vicious. That horn on its head shoots fire, so if you ever see one, run. But its meat? Best stamina booster there is. Eat this, and you'll feel unstoppable."*
*"This is a Lullaby Rabbit. Harmless, eats Thornfruit—but oh, the meat is divine. A favorite among elves. If you spot one, try to catch it."*
*"These are Milkberries. Grow on Goldleaf Trees. Super juicy—great for thirst."*
Between roasting and teaching, Sam made sure Sophie knew which creatures to avoid.
After the meal, she packed the leftovers into the Phoenix Pouch—enough for days.
As they walked, they chatted occasionally or simply moved in comfortable silence.
At night, Sam kept watch by the fire, letting Sophie sleep until dawn, when he'd finally doze off for a short while.
Sophie would steal glances at him in the firelight, his face glowing, until she drifted into sweet dreams.
By the second day, Sam's minor wounds had already healed. Sophie wasn't surprised—the cut on her own arm had vanished without a trace. *Must be normal in this world,* she figured.
Though dense foliage slowed their progress, they encountered no beasts. Even the few predators they glimpsed from afar scurried away at the sight of them—much to Sam's bewilderment. *"Are we that terrifying?"*
On sleepless nights, Sophie told Sam Earth's stories—*The Little Mermaid, Detective Conan, Inuyasha, Howl's Moving Castle*—and shared her thoughts. *Why didn't the mermaid just write the prince a letter? I wish Conan would turn back and be with Ran. Inuyasha and Kagome should get married. And I'd love to meet a wizard like Howl.* (She'd have shared *Beast's Heart* too, if not for its length—though she'd have to merge the heroines, which would ruin the plot.)
In return, Sam shared elven legends—the Tree of Life, Spirit Fruits, local flora and fauna, what was edible, what was deadly.
Once, Sophie couldn't resist asking why he'd never taken a mate.
*"Never met one who moved me,"* he said softly, his gaze lingering on her.
Sophie knew elves sought perfection. *But could I ever make him happy?* The answer was no.
Yet in the quiet between them, the distance shrank. Two hearts, divided only by a thin line, drew closer.
And ahead, Snowpeak Mountain loomed—half-hidden, waiting.
**What dangers lie beyond its mist?**