Chapter 180 - World Tree

It was rare for ordinary humans, of course, and even for renowned nobles of ducal rank or higher, to ride a sky carriage side by side with a dragon spawn.

They were flying at high speed with the Serdes Continent beneath them.

“This must be your first time riding a sky carriage, yes?”

He had ridden one several times, and even piloted one.

He had simply stopped because he had no reason to use it.

“That is correct.”

Ferda nodded for the moment.

“They are hardly ever operated, you see. Especially for humans, if there is something urgent, they can simply use a teleport magic circle.”

As Erica said, a sky carriage truly had an ambiguous use.

It lacked the leisure nobles desired, yet it was not as immediately effective as a teleport magic circle either.

If the pilot was inexperienced, it was no different from putting a large piece of furniture in a catapult, so even places like the Empire only kept them on standby and did not operate them.

But in regions where there was no leisure to spare and teleportation could not be used, there was nothing quite like a sky carriage.

The high elves’ dwelling was exactly such a place.

“When will we arrive?”

“Considering our speed, it should take about an hour. Shall we talk in the meantime?”

“I am not fond of idle chatter.”

“Ho ho, do you think I brought it up because I wanted to gossip?”

Perhaps her nerves had been rubbed the wrong way, because her laughter sounded heavy.

“I mean we should talk about the black liquid you gave me.”

The black liquid.

Among the things he had taken from the dark elf, Director Linne, there had been two items: one was a journal, and the other was a sample box.

“After we conducted our research, we found both good and bad news. What is certain is that it is similar to dragon blood.”

“That is both good and bad news?”

“By similar, I mean it differs about as much as a human and a monkey do. It has arms and legs, and if you hand it food, it likes that, so they are the same sort of thing.”

There was a strangely condescending nuance to it, but Ferda decided to ignore it.

“In any case, to summarize, the fact that they cannot create dragon blood means they cannot artificially create dragons. That is the good news. Do you understand?”

The most terrifying thing in the Dragon-Demon War had been Godwin’s magic.

All the dragons had been mobilized to stop Godwin after he spread his influence, and in the end, they had protected the continent through sacrifice.

If another Godwin appeared now, when the dragons had grown so weakened, no one knew what would happen.

“Then what is the bad news?”

“The bad news is that this dragon blood has an effect similar to what is used in the ascension ritual.”

Demons were created from Godwin’s blood.

They were called by another name now, but there must once have been a time when they, too, were called dragon spawns.

They could not create Godwin, but creating Demons was possible.

“Is production possible because Godwin’s essence remains?”

Essence, known as the very nature of a dragon.

If one could take that power, one could obtain tremendous strength and freely do things that had been impossible.

At Ferda’s guess, Erica shook her head.

“Essence is likely related as well, but it will not be a major factor. Even if it remains, dragon spawns who are not dragons cannot perform the ascension ritual.”

Ferda thought of Silverwind’s situation.

Since the Dragon-Demon War, Silverwind’s descendants were no longer being created.

The reason Godwin, who had absorbed all of Silverwind’s essence and risen to a state similar to Silverwind’s, did not perform the ascension ritual was not because he did not want to, but because he could not.

“In any case, this black liquid itself is something far removed from dragons. If so, I suspect it may be related to the fact that Director Linne is a high elf. I intend to ask them to interpret this, and to look into that as well.”

Erica said this while showing him the sample in the bottle.

“I hope meaningful results come of it.”

“As do I.”

The conversation about the black liquid ended there.

Ferda turned his gaze out the window.

Before he knew it, the carriage’s destination had come into view.

‘The World Tree.’

A tree that towered into the sky, its roots said to stretch down throughout the entire Serdes Continent.

They said that people living in the western regions of the continent began their mornings by waking up and first marveling at the World Tree’s majesty.

He later learned that was a saying born from a dirty joke.

But it was true that seeing the World Tree stirred something different in him.

When looking up from below, people often said a cathedral spire pierced the sky, but once one actually rose into the air, it made them feel it was nothing more than a creation beneath the heavens.

In particular, after mages learned magic that allowed them to remain in the air for a long time, they often said such things out of vanity.

But the World Tree was far too different.

Even from this distance, even flying this high, its end could not be seen, and its branches faded into the sky-blue light, making it look as though the sky itself had warped richly like leaves.

It truly seemed to be supporting the heavens.

“Is this your first time seeing the World Tree?”

When he could not tear his gaze from the window, Erica asked softly.

To that question, Ferda answered inwardly.

‘This is my second time.’

In his memories, ruined after being steeped in vengeance, he recalled seeing it from a height similar to now.

What he remembered was a sky reduced to ash and the World Tree glowing red.

The smell of ash had pierced his nose, and for a month after that day, he had been unable to properly smell anything.

Ferda faced the self he had been then.

He saw that ugly figure who had abandoned his purpose to become stronger, abandoned his humanity, and focused only on his emotions.

“This is the first time I have seen it while in my right mind.”

“You may be nervous and make mistakes, but elven etiquette is similar to that of humans. Besides...”

Erica placed a hand on her chest as she spoke.

“I am beside you, so do not worry too much.”

Her expression seemed to say, as an elder, just trust me.

Erica seemed to have decided on her own that he was nervous because it was his first time.

There was no particular need to explain, so he left her to misunderstand as she pleased.

The sky carriage gradually drew closer to the World Tree, then lowered its altitude and descended to the World Tree’s middle.

At the place that had looked like a dot, there was a large open space where a carriage could be parked.

“Let us get off.”

Erica opened the door and stepped down first.

Air so cool it was hard to believe it was summer stabbed into his lungs.

The elves who had come to greet them entered Ferda’s sight.

Elegant armor made of luxurious elven metal.

Elf archers wearing it stood in a row and offered their courtesy.

Ferda did not yet know how to distinguish between elves, but he was certain they were wood elves who lived in the forest.

Because the man standing at their head shone far too brightly.

Among elves, those whose noble beauty stood out were high elves.

His face looked as if the world would brighten if he smiled, but what rested upon their faces were only expressions as dry and blunt as drought-stricken earth.

“I greet the noble guardians of the World Tree.”

Erica greeted them first.

The high elf accepted the greeting in return.

“May the earth’s blessings and joy be with you. Welcome, descendant of water.”

“You must be in the middle of preparations for the festival, so thank you for making precious time for us, elder.”

“There is no need to thank me. Everything was permitted by the Great Chieftain.”

He trailed off and cast a glance toward Ferda.

Erica immediately began the introduction.

“Regent, this is one of the high elf elders.”

Erica did not introduce the elder’s name.

Because elves did not introduce their own names through others.

“Blessings of the earth. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

And that high elf did not reveal his name.

It meant Ferda’s visit displeased him.

“It is an honor to meet you.”

Ferda also finished with a dry greeting in kind.

The high elf elder turned his eyes back to Erica.

“I heard you needed the help of the high elves.”

“Yes. This matter is grave, and it is something only the high elves can do, so we had to ask.”

“Of course, since the Great Chieftain has permitted it, we must let you in, but may I ask what this matter is?”

At those words, Erica sensed a strange current.

And she realized one fact.

“It seems you were not properly told why we came.”

“That is correct. I was only told that guests would be coming.”

Among humans, if either the one conveying the message or the one receiving it had a flaw, misunderstandings were bound to happen.

But among elves, whose minds were connected as one, such a thing was as rare as being struck by lightning in the middle of a city.

In other words, it also meant they did not want the other elves to know about this situation.

That was why Erica quietly showed her refusal.

“My apologies, but I have come in my capacity as the representative of Iorga. This matter must proceed only after we speak with the Great Chieftain first.”

But the elder did not back down.

“This land is the land of the elves, and we are the first children of this earth and the guardians of our mother.”

“I know well your efforts and your will. But my intention and the Great Chieftain’s message remain unchanged.”

“Then we cannot let you pass so easily either.”

“You overstep, high elf elder.”

The final words, cold enough to chill the air, did not come from a voice between the two of them.

The voice came from Ferda, the other guest.

“What did you say, Regent?”

“I will say it again. I told you not to overstep.”

Ferda pushed hard.

“Even if you are to become Valdrova’s Consort, a short-lived species dares to utter such insolence?”

“Do you think I am saying this simply because I am Valdrova’s Consort? The guest in this matter is me. I am telling you not to meddle in my business, so what more needs to be said?”

“Insolent...”

The atmosphere gradually grew more vicious.

The face of the expressionless high elf twisted slightly.

His fingers twitched within his movement.

At the same time as that twitch, tension could be felt from the elf archers standing behind him.

Ferda readied his mana, and Erica likewise prepared to respond.

“Stop!”

What broke the calm before the storm was a woman’s voice.

A woman who appeared to be another high elf was running toward them.

She had a slender body, platinum-blonde hair scattered by the light, and round green eyes filled with bewilderment.

“What is it?”

“Haah, haah... These people, these people are the Great Chieftain’s guests. You were clearly only told to guide the guests, so why are you causing this commotion, elder?”

“A human sets foot on this sacred land, so how can one who hears Mother’s heart remain still?”

“She says not to harass the guests and to lead them to me. This is the Great Chieftain’s message.”

The elder glared at the woman as if displeased.

The woman clasped her hands over her chest and bit her lip.

She seemed to be trying not to avoid his eyes.

In the end, the one who backed down was the elder.

“Since the Great Chieftain’s blood relative has come in person, there is no need for me to greet them any further. I will return.”

The high elf elder bowed to Erica and turned his back.

Behind him, the wood elves moved in perfect order.

Once the hostile atmosphere settled, the woman let out a breath and greeted them.

“Blessings of the earth. Greetings, I am Rize, serving as the Great Chieftain’s aide as well as scribe.”

The woman revealed her name and politely bowed at the waist.

Ferda offered a greeting in return.

“I am Ferda Valdrova.”

“I am sorry. I thought something like this might happen, so I meant to come greet you myself...”

“It seems what we came here to do was not properly conveyed? We almost became intruders instead of guests, did we not?”

“Ugh...”

Erica snapped at Rize without hiding her displeasure.

Rize answered with a flustered face.

“I am sorry. The Great Chieftain did not convey any specific details about this meeting to anyone. That is why this happened, and... I am truly sorry!”

Seeing Rize repeatedly bow her head in apology, Erica stopped questioning her as well.

“Let us stop assigning blame. There is something far more important than this. Guide us to the Great Chieftain, scribe.”

“Yes, yes! This way, please.”

Rize chanted in the language of the elves and placed her hand on the trunk of the World Tree.

Then the stairs along the World Tree’s outer wall began to move diagonally.

They stepped onto those stairs and moved upward.

As they moved toward the upper part of the World Tree, Ferda looked down below.

Perhaps because the elves, who had spread widely after the Dragon-Demon War, had gathered densely around the World Tree, roofs made of wood or straw could be seen here and there.

Even so, befitting a race that valued harmony, the green leaves looked even more abundant.

“It is fortunate you contacted us at such an appropriate time!”

Perhaps the silence was awkward, because Rize tried to force the mood brighter.

“The summer festival is approaching, and if you had been even a little later, we would have been stuck preparing for another festival again.”

“You spend most of the year in festivals.”

Ferda spoke in a voice mixed with doubt.

It could have been taken as sarcasm if things went wrong, but fortunately, Rize answered with a smile.

“That is what we do. We savor the joy of spring rising from the earth, the joy of summer growing abundant, the joy of autumn bearing fruit, and the joy of winter waiting for a new spring.”

Hearing those words, Ferda recalled the face of the high elf who had come to greet them.

No matter how he looked at it, the face felt as though ages had passed since it had last known joy, and he felt a sense of contradiction.

“For that, they did not seem to be enjoying the festival.”

“Because the spring festival has passed. Originally, when summer comes, everyone’s nerves grow sharp.”

“Are they different during the festival?”

“Th-That is...”

Rize could not continue, looking troubled.

Erica answered in her place.

“Originally, summer and winter were for endurance and mourning. Turning them into festivals like this is something that changed only recently.”

“Yes, that is correct...”

She merely agreed lightly with Erica’s words.

If they were difficult seasons, was there any need to hold festivals and lift the mood?

He could not understand the elves’ way of thinking, so he did not judge rashly.

“Th-That reminds me, I heard that Lord Ferda is engaged to Lady Valdrova.”

Ferda’s personal matter had suddenly come up.

“That is correct.”

“I have never met Lady Valdrova, but I heard she bears many wounds in her heart. I am sincerely glad she can overcome those wounds and make a new start.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. It is not good to grow accustomed to loneliness. Having a companion to share one’s life with is a very joyful thing.”

This woman named Rize, unlike the elder, truly seemed devoted to joy.

“If it would not inconvenience you, could you tell me before you return?”

“May I ask why?”

“I want to give you a gift. I will make you a bouquet suited to late spring and summer. Ah, perhaps Lady Valdrova has a solemn personality and would not like such things?”

“No, she will like it.”

A bouquet.

What kind of expression would she make if he brought it to her?

Her voice, sounding terribly delighted, was vivid in his ears.

“Oh my.”

Rize looked at Ferda’s face and covered her mouth with her hand.

“What is it?”

“Pardon? Ah, it is nothing!”

Rize hurriedly turned her head.

This time, Ferda felt another gaze and turned his head toward Erica.

Erica was staring intently at Ferda’s face.

Her expression was flustered, as if she had seen something she should not have.