Chapter 147: Silver-Scaled Fish in the Elven Lake

The Elven Lake was so tranquil that Kei could hear the gentle sound of ripples lapping against the shore. The surface of the lake shimmered brilliantly and peacefully.

He sat upon a blanket Ian had spread out beneath a tree, his tiny legs dangling near the water’s edge. The water gleamed with a silver hue, reflecting the lush green tree canopy and the crystal-clear sky overhead. Every so often, a delicate ring of waves would ripple outward, causing the light upon the lake to waver like thousands of scattered glass shards.

Ian set the basket he carried down beside his seat, pulling out two collapsible fishing rods he had prepared in advance, it would be a grave oversight to visit the Elven Lake without attempting to catch some Silver-Scaled Fish.

"Did you prepare these beforehand?" Kei asked with curiosity.

"Mhm. I figured you’d enjoy fishing."

Truth be told, so long as he was allowed outside to explore, Kei would likely enjoy whatever activity they engaged in.

Ian handed Kei a smaller fishing rod suited for his tiny hands. The boy accepted it with both hands, carefully mimicking Ian as he cast his line into the water.

"Are Silver-Scaled Fish easy to catch, Ian?"

"Not really. They’re very timid, so you have to wait patiently and avoid speaking too loudly." Ian adjusted Kei’s grip on the handle. "But if you manage to catch one, you’ll find the wait well worth it. The meat of a Silver-Scaled Fish is delicious, and their scales can be taken home to craft gorgeous trinkets."

Kei nodded solemnly. He stared unblinkingly at the bobber floating upon the lake, not daring to blink, as though a single second of distraction would let the fish slip away.

The boy intended to bring those glittering silver scales back home as a gift for his father.

After a moment, Ian lowered his voice to recount tales of the Elven race to Kei.

"We were born and raised within the Elven Forest. The adults typically go hunting or gathering, while the children learn how to use magic and archery. Most Elves possess a strong aptitude for magic, and our marksmen are exceptionally skilled with a bow."

"Do you know how to shoot a bow, too?"

"Of course." Ian puffed out his chest proudly. "When I get older, I’ll shoot one for you to see, though even now, I can already hit my marks quite well!"

Kei’s eyes lit up with delight.

Ian continued detailing the homes built among the branches, the vine-bridge networks, and the little gardens brimming with blooming flowers that filled the places where the Elves dwelled. Kei listened with rapt attention, interjecting with a question from time to time that forced Ian to pause and explain.

"I also have a twin younger brother," Ian shared. "His body isn’t very robust, just like yours. If there’s an opportunity in the future, I’ll bring him over to meet Kei."

"You have a younger brother who looks exactly like you?"

"Pretty much," Ian chuckled. "Though our personalities are polar opposites."

Kei pictured two identical Ians standing side-by-side and couldn’t help giggling softly. Then, his gaze shifted toward the deep emerald woods, his expression gradually growing filled with expectation.

"Can Father and I come live inside the Elven Forest?"

Ian paused briefly, unwilling to shatter the boy’s hopes. "I’ll try asking the Elven King. If His Majesty agrees, who knows, maybe the two of you can come."

Kei clutched his fishing rod tighter, a radiant smile blooming across his tiny face. "Really? Then I’ll get to meet everyone and see the Tree of Life, too!"

"Mhm. I’ll ask on your behalf."

Right at that instant, Kei’s bobber twitched violently.

"Ian! It’s moving!"

"Don’t pull yet. Wait just a second..."

The bobber sank completely beneath the surface.

Ian swiftly moved to steady Kei’s hands, pulling the rod upward together with him. The fishing line strained taut, sending sparkling droplets of water flying across the lake’s surface. A small fish thrashed wildly in mid-air, its silver scales flashing brilliantly under the sunlight.

"We caught it!" Kei cheered.

"Your very first Silver-Scaled Fish."

Ian unhooked the fish and dropped it into the basket. Afterward, he cleaned the catch by the water’s edge, using magic to ignite a tiny campfire beneath the pot he had brought along. Before long, the savory, delicate aroma of fish soup drifted across the lakeshore.

Kei received the bowl handed over by Ian with both hands. The soup was piping hot, carrying a clean, savory sweetness. He blew on it gently and took a small sip, the corners of his eyes curving upward in delight.

"So good!"

"The fish from this lake are exceptionally nourishing. Have a bit more, okay? In the Elven Forest, Silver-Scaled Fish are one of our main staples; the adults always instruct us to eat them frequently so we can grow up strong and tall."

Ian instructed meticulously, continuing to pick out the fish bones and deposit them into Kei’s bowl.

Kei nodded obediently. He sipped his soup while gazing at the tiny silver scales Ian had placed off to the side. He picked one up, stroked its smooth surface, and admired the way it shimmered within his palm.

"So pretty... it looks like it has moonlight trapped inside."

Ian watched him with a gentle smile.

He had always excelled at looking after others. Because he was among the first batch of Elves born in this generation, and because he shared a sickly twin brother born alongside him, he was genuinely skilled at caring for younger children.

Yet that smile vanished in an instant.

Because Kei suddenly froze. The bowl of soup in his hands tilted, spilling scalding broth across the blanket. He brought both hands up to clutch his chest, his breathing fracturing.

"Kei?" Ian scrambled closer instantly. "What’s wrong?"

Kei’s heart hammered furiously, pounding in a frantic rhythm as though trying to burst right out of his ribcage. His pale face drained of color at breakneck speed. The jade-green leaf resting against his neck flared with a feeble radiance before flickering like a dying candle flame.

Kei tried to utter something, but only managed a raspy, choked gasp through his suffocating chest.

His body collapsed sideways onto the turf. His lips turned a deep purple, and his limbs twitched uncontrollably.

The bowl slipped from Kei’s grip, shattering against the earth.

Panicking, Ian lunged forward to catch him, his voice cracking amidst the silent woods:

"Kei!!"