As nightfall enveloped Alric's residence, Aelda and Whitney were engaged in bathing, while Belle and Vexanna meticulously set the dinner table. Alma, meanwhile, was engrossed in a book titled "A Lone Goddess," a choice driven by an inexplicable attraction to its name.
Vexanna soon called her for dinner. Following their meal, everyone retired for the night. The next morning, they awoke promptly and began preparations to escort Alma out of the forest.
Belle had also prepared the cake. Before departing the forest, Alma sampled the cake and found its sweetness to her liking. Subsequently, Alma, accompanied by Aelda and Vexanna, embarked on an attempt to exit the forest. Aelda utilized her ability to discern a path out, and they proceeded through the forest; however, an exit remained elusive.
After 20 minutes, Aelda, Vexanna, and Alma were still traversing the forest. It appeared Aelda's ability was no longer effective in guiding them. They now faced the task of independently locating their way out.
Aelda, Vexanna, and Alma cautiously navigated through the forest, maintaining a safe distance from the lurking monsters. Suddenly, a colossal cyclops emerged, attempting to assault them. However, as it lunged, another monstrous creature materialized, swallowing the cyclops whole before passing by, seemingly oblivious to the trio's presence.
This new monster dwarfed the cyclops significantly, prompting the three to avoid any engagement. They continued their journey until they reached a meadow, which they hoped would be an exit. To their surprise, an ancient totem lay prostrate on the ground, its gaze fixed upon the sky, serving as yet another enigmatic obstacle.
They decided against approaching the object, as it appeared to be unfavorable. They realized the meadow was merely a section of the forest, not an exit. Continuing their search for a way out, Aelda eventually chose to return, with Vexanna and Alma concurring. They retraced their steps along their original route.
Upon their return to the house, Whitney inquired, "Is Alma going to live with us?" Belle then asked about their return.
Vexanna explained that Aelda's ability to discern routes within the forest seemed to be malfunctioning. Aelda then stated, "I recall a specific path that leads out of the forest. We must proceed cautiously along it. For now, let us rest."
Upon completing their rest, they proceeded to guide Alma out of the forest. This time, they successfully reached the forest's edge, enabling Alma to exit. Meanwhile, Alric and his group were journeying peacefully on their way home. Shortly after Alma departed, Alric and the others arrived on the same path where Vexanna and Aelda remained, having just facilitated Alma's exit.
They encountered each other, and Alric inquired, "What are you doing here? Are you waiting for us?" Vexanna replied, "No, we merely finished some work here." Aelda then stated to Alric, "We must establish a route through this forest; I nearly lost my ability to sense the surroundings. This forest is unusually perilous!"
Alric and others returned home together. Alma soared through the sky, heading back to her kingdom, which was governed by her father, the demon king. Upon her return, her father concluded that Alma had not successfully demonstrated her worthiness to inherit the throne.
Alma offered no explanations, simply stating that while the task was challenging, she had not achieved her objective. Without making any excuses, she acknowledged her current inability to prove her worth, expressing her commitment to developing herself for future rule. The demon king was pleased that Alma did not dispute the situation and consequently deemed her a worthy successor to his throne.
Alma, however, was confused. The advisor then clarified to Alma that it is evident an individual who makes excuses would not be fit for the throne. Furthermore, the advisor noted, "We deliberately sent you into the most perilous forest, and yet you emerged safely. This is compelling proof that you are indeed suitable to assume the throne, Alma."
Upon returning to her room, Alma found her personal advisor awaiting her presence. This advisor, a female demon seemingly of Alma's own age, had been specifically chosen by the king's advisor for this role. She greeted Alma and then outlined several tasks requiring her attention.
After a brief period of rest, Alma prepared herself to undertake the tasks suggested by her advisor, Lilim. As Alma proceeded with her duties, Lilim inquired, "How did you survive the forest, Mistress?" Alma responded that she would have perished had it not been for the fortuitous presence of individuals in the forest who rescued her and facilitated her escape.
Upon receiving information from Lilim, the King summoned Alma for a private audience. In this exclusive setting, with no other individuals present, the King directly inquired about the identities of those who had assisted her. Alma disclosed that she had been aided in the forest by four individuals: a demoness, an elf, a human, and a beastkin, all of whom, she noted, appeared to reside in the area.
Both the King's Advisor and Alma's personal advisor were also in attendance, seeking details about Alma's recent ordeal in the forest.
Alma confessed that her recollections were limited, as she had been primarily focused on rest and recovery due to the depletion of her mana and life force. Her time had largely been spent recuperating and reading.
The King then pressed, asking what the individuals had demanded in exchange for their assistance. Alma responded that they had asked for nothing, adding that the human had even baked some exquisite cakes. To illustrate, Alma retrieved a few cakes from her storage ring and presented them on a plate before the King and the two advisors, who observed the pastries with evident curiosity, as if encountering an unfamiliar object.