A Monster and a True Monster

"...You're still sparkling. Ah, it really is you—Eisa. Even your terrible timing is just like you. Long time no see, Eisa."

With that, Win narrowed his eyes in fond remembrance and smiled.

Compared to when we parted, he had truly grown so much.

It wasn't only his body; even the air around him was much calmer than before. Having watched Win grow from a tiny sprout into a young tree, I saw him as a magnificent, towering tree.

If I hadn't miscounted, he was now nearly ninety years old.

In human terms, that would make him a little over thirty, perhaps.

Of course, elves, like High Elves, are untouched by aging, so once they finish growing, their age no longer shows in their appearance... but half-elves are different.

Though he still retained the youthful appearance inherited from his elven side, from now on he would gradually grow older.

"I've heard all kinds of rumors during my journey here. Sounds like you've been working hard."

But when I said that, the smile on Win's face dimmed ever so slightly...