Chapter 3: In Elira’s world

My Bride from the Elf's Forest

This is a work of fiction. All characters, names, events, and settings are either the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or real events is purely coincidental.

The story, "My Bride from the Elf's Forest", is an original creation by the author and is not affiliated with or derived from any existing copyrighted work. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this material without permission is prohibited.

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Chapter 3: In Elira’s world.

“Cursed…”

“Ugly…”

“A burden on Earth…”

These words echo in Yuta’s mind, his painful past still haunting him. He left that life far behind, yet it feels close—too close.

“Why didn’t he die…?”

“Why is this happening…? Why are these people being so kind to him…?”

Yuta is lost in his thoughts, unaware of what’s happening around him. Countless questions swirl in his mind, filling him with curiosity—about himself, about this strange place, and most intriguing… about Elira.

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Yuta is in the same room where he had awakened the night before. Elira is in the kitchen, preparing breakfast for her dear one—the chosen one. She isn’t sure whether she feels happy, or if there’s a quiet voice whispering, “Is he handsome enough for a girl like me?”

But deep down… she already knows the answer.

Meanwhile, Yuta is caught in a storm of thoughts.

“Just a few days ago, I was living in my own world—a world where even my own people didn’t want me.”

“Now, I’m in another world… and everyone here treats me so differently. So kindly. Such a contrast in how people behave in two different worlds…”

“Is it really so? Are the people of Earth that cruel… compared to Elira’s world?”

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Yuta’s thoughts were swirling—so many questions, so many feelings—but before his mind could wander any further, a knock on the door snapped him back to reality.

Knock knock.

Someone was outside. Elira swiftly walked to the door and opened it. Standing there was a strikingly beautiful elf girl, her expression calm and composed.

"The Elder has summoned you both for a formal audience. Please make your way to the Spirit Tree," she said gracefully, then turned and disappeared into the morning mist.

As soon as the girl left, Elira shut the door with a quiet thud, her movements suddenly tense.

Yuta looked at her, confused, but before he could speak, Elira turned to him with a gentle smile.

"Breakfast is ready. Eat first… we’ll go afterward."

Yuta wanted to ask what was going on, but the words caught in his throat. Instead, he sat down as Elira placed a warm dish before him.

The aroma was enchanting. With the first bite, his eyes widened—he had never tasted food like this before. It was unlike anything he’d eaten back on Earth. He didn’t know the name, didn’t recognize the ingredients, but the flavor danced on his tongue like magic.

In no time, his plate was empty.

Silently, they both stood. It was time to go.

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The Spirit Tree lay deep within the forest, but there was a path that led to it. Before the forest began, a vast meadow stretched out—lush, green, and gently swaying in the breeze.

The sun was shining brightly, yet the warmth was soft and pleasant. A narrow trail wound through the grass, guiding the way into the mysterious woodland beyond.

There was no sign of any elves nearby. Perhaps they had already gathered near the Spirit Tree.

Yuta had never walked beside a girl like this before. The feeling was strange, new… almost magical. His heart raced wildly in his chest, pounding so loudly it felt like even the wind could hear it.

Was it just him, or could Elira hear it too?

On her side, Elira seemed thoughtful, her expression calm—but inside, her emotions mirrored his. As an elf, she could often sense the feelings of others. Yet strangely, she couldn’t grasp what Yuta was feeling. She tried to tune in, to connect, but for some reason… she couldn’t.

As they walked side by side, their fingers brushed for the briefest second—then quickly pulled apart. The touch was fleeting, but the spark it left behind lingered in their minds.

Unspoken emotions stirred quietly between them, like the first pages of a story neither of them was ready to read.

Still, they both tried to stay focused on the path ahead, pushing aside the thoughts they weren’t sure they were ready to face—yet.

—

After walking for what felt like a dreamy eternity, Yuta and Elira finally arrived at the Tree of Spirit. Though only fifteen minutes had passed, for Yuta, each step had stretched into a moment he wished could last forever.

“I hope we’re not too late,” he murmured to himself.

“You’re slightly late,” a deep yet calm voice greeted them.

An elderly elf stood before them—clearly the leader. His robes were more ornate than the others’, and he held a tall, carved wooden staff, its surface etched with glowing runes.

“I apologize,” Elira replied immediately, her voice respectful.

“It’s quite alright,” the elder said, with a gentle nod.

Yuta was confused. Why had so many gathered here? What was about to unfold? Was it something good… or something dreadful? But deep in his heart, he clung to hope. Ever since Elira came into his life, things had taken a turn for the better—he wanted to believe that trend would continue.

Then, the elder raised his staff slightly, and his voice, though barely above a whisper, rang out across the clearing with supernatural clarity—like the forest itself leaned in to listen.

“As you all know,” he began, “a new soul has joined our family. He passed through the Tree of Spirit—a sacred sign from the higher realms. It is a blessing, a prophecy of light to come.”

Yuta stood frozen, awe washing over him like a tide. Magic—real magic—was in the air. It danced on the wind, shimmered in the leaves, and stirred something ancient inside him.

The elder continued, his voice growing warmer, “And today, we celebrate even more than this omen. Our beloved Elira has chosen this outsider as her husband. By bond and vow, they are now one.”

A wave of gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd. Yuta turned to Elira. She stood tall and calm, her silver eyes sparkling like moonlight on water.

Then the elder raised his staff high. “Let us welcome the couple! With dance, with song, with feast—let the celebration begin!”

A roar of joyous cheers erupted.

Yuta’s heart pounded as he gazed at Elira. She turned and looked at him, and for a few seconds, they stood still—eyes locked in an unspoken language only they understood. The world seemed to fall away.

Then, with a playful glint in her eyes, Elira winked.

Yuta’s breath caught in his throat. His heart stuttered. Embarrassed but overwhelmed, he lowered his gaze, cheeks burning.

But the magic of the moment shattered like glass.

“I object.”

The voice cut through the air like a blade.

Silence slammed over the crowd. Not even the wind dared to move.

Heads turned. All eyes searched. Even Yuta’s.

From the sea of stunned faces, one figure stepped forward—a young male elf. Tall, muscular, strikingly handsome. Stronger, bolder, and more regal than Yuta could ever imagine himself to be.

With a smoldering gaze fixed on the elder, the elf declared with icy finality, “As long as I object, this union cannot proceed.”

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To be continued…

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