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Chapter 180
World Tree
It was a rare sight for ordinary humans, let alone nobles of ducal rank or higher with name recognition, to ride a sky carriage alongside a dragon spawn.
They were flying at high speed with the Serdes Continent spread out beneath them.
"First time riding a sky carriage, I take it?"
He'd ridden one several times and even driven it.
He just stopped because there was no reason to ride it.
Е̃n.ŭ mа̂
"That's right."
Ferda nodded for now.
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"They hardly ever operate them. Humans especially just use teleport magic circles if they're in a hurry, after all."
As Erica said, the sky carriage's utility was truly ambiguous.
It lacked the leisure nobles desired, yet wasn't as immediately effective as a teleport magic circle.
If the pilot was unskilled, it was no different from putting a large piece of furniture in a catapult, so even in the Empire they just kept them on standby without operating them.
W̄ е̃b̃ n_о̊ ṽ е l En̊ūm а
But if a region lacked leisure and couldn't use teleportation either, nothing beat a sky carriage.
The High Elves' residence was precisely such a place.
"When will we arrive?"
"At this speed, about an hour. Want to chat in the meantime?"
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"I don't care for idle chatter."
"Hoho, would I really suggest it just to shoot the breeze?"
È ń ŭ m̂ ӑ . ĭ d̊
Her laughter sounded heavy, as if her nerves were grating.
"Let's talk about the black solution you gave me."
Black solution.
Among the items taken from the Dark Elf, Linne Research Institute Director, there were two: one was a journal, the other a sample box.
"Our research results show there's good news and bad news. The certain thing is that it's similar to dragon blood."
"That's good and bad news?"
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"Similar means there's as much difference as between humans and monkeys. It's like saying they're the same because they both have limbs and get happy when you give them food."
It was a strangely condescending nuance, but Ferda decided to ignore it.
"Anyway, to summarize: the fact that they can't produce dragon blood means they can't artificially create dragons. That's the good news. Understand?"
The most feared thing in the Dragon-Demon War was Godwin's magic.
All dragons were mobilized to stop Godwin as he spread his influence, and they barely protected the continent through sacrifice.
At a time when dragons are weakened like now, if another Godwin appeared, no one knows what would happen.
W̊ ĕ bno̊ v̀е̇l Е ṅum_а
"Then what's the bad news?"
"The bad news is that dragon blood has effects similar to what's used in the Ascension Ritual."
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
Demons are made from Godwin's blood.
They go by different names now, but there was a time they were also called dragon spawns.
They can't create Godwin, but creating demons is possible.
"Is production possible because Godwin's essence remains?"
Е̇ nu̇ m ӓ.і̀ d
Essence, called the dragon's true nature.
If one could obtain that power, they'd gain immense strength and freely do things previously impossible.
Erica shook her head at Ferda's guess.
"Essence is related, but it wouldn't be the major factor. Even if it remains, dragon spawns that aren't dragons can't perform the Ascension Ritual."
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Ferda recalled Silverwind's situation.
Since the Dragon-Demon War, Silverwind's descendants were no longer being created.
E ńu m а́ .ї d
Godwin, who had absorbed all of Silverwind's essence and reached a level similar to Silverwind, didn't skip the Ascension Ritual because he didn't want to, but because he couldn't.
"Anyway, this black solution itself is far from being a dragon. So I thought it might be related to Linne Research Institute Director being a High Elf. I was planning to ask for an analysis and also ask them to look into it."
Erica said, showing the bottled sample.
"Hope we get meaningful results."
"Right."
The talk about the black solution ended there.
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Ferda turned his gaze out the window.
At some point, the carriage's destination came into Ferda's view.
'World Tree.'
A tree that towered into the sky, its roots said to stretch across the entire Serdes Continent.
They say anyone in the western continent region starts their morning by marveling at the World Tree's majesty the moment they wake up.
He later learned that was a saying evolved from dirty jokes.
W.е b̃.nо vе l Ēńu.m а̌
But seeing the World Tree certainly stirred different emotions.
People often say a cathedral's spire pierces the sky when looking up from below, but once you're up in the sky, it makes you feel like mere creatures beneath the heavens.
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Especially after mages learn magic to stay airborne for long, they often say such things out of vanity.
But the World Tree was utterly different.
Even from this far, even flying this high, its end couldn't be seen; the branches faded into the sky's color, looking as if the sky itself was richly distorted like leaves.
It truly seemed to support the sky.
W̊ е̊ b̂ n̆о v е̃ ľ Еn̆u̇m̆ а
"First time seeing the World Tree?"
Since he couldn't tear his eyes away, Erica asked quietly.
Ferda answered inwardly at that question.
'This is the second time.'
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He recalled viewing it from a similar height in memories pickled in revenge and ruined.
What he remembered was a sky turned to ash and the World Tree glowing red.
E n̈um̊а
The smell of ash pierced his nose, and for a month afterward he couldn't properly smell anything.
Ferda faced his past self.
He saw that ugly figure who abandoned his purpose, discarded his humanity, and focused solely on emotion, wanting only to become stronger.
"This is the first time seeing it with a clear mind."
"You might be nervous and make mistakes, but Elven etiquette is similar to humans'. Besides..."
Erica placed a hand on her chest and said.
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"I'm here, so don't worry too much."
A face saying 'trust only me as your elder.'
Erica seemed to have arbitrarily accepted that he was nervous because it was his first time.
There was nothing particularly to explain, so he left her to her misunderstanding.
The sky carriage approached the World Tree, lowering its altitude to the World Tree's waist.
What looked like dots became a large clearing where a carriage could land.
Ë n̆u m а.. і̌ d
"Let's get off."
Erica opened the door and stepped out first.
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
Cool air pierced their lungs, hard to believe it was summer.
The Elves who came to greet them caught Ferda's eye.
Luxurious armor made of high-grade Elven metal.
Elven archers wearing it stood in a line, paying their respects.
Wĕ b̄ nӧv̊еl E núm̊ а
Ferda didn't know how to distinguish Elves yet, but he was certain they were Wood Elves who lived in the forest.
Because the man at their forefront shone too brilliantly.
Among Elves, those whose noble beauty stands out are High Elves.
His face looked like it would brighten the world if he smiled, but what settled on their faces were only dry, blunt expressions like drought-stricken land.
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"I greet the noble Guardians of the World Tree."
Erica greeted them first.
Wе̊ bn̈ о v́ е̌l̊ Е̃ n̂ u mа
The High Elf accepted the greeting in turn.
"Blessings and joy of the earth. Welcome, child of water."
"Thank you for your precious time while you're busy with festival preparations, Elder."
"No need to thank me. It was all permitted by the Great Chieftain."
He trailed off and glanced sidelong at Ferda.
Erica immediately moved to introductions.
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"Regent-nim, this is one of the High Elf Elders."
Erica didn't introduce the Elder's name.
Because Elves don't introduce their names through others.
"Blessings of the earth. Nice to meet you."
And that High Elf didn't reveal his name either.
It meant Ferda's visit was unwelcome.
Ën u m а .і̇ d
"It's an honor to meet you."
Ferda finished with an equally dry greeting.
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The High Elf Elder turned his eyes back to Erica.
"I heard you need the High Elves' help."
"Yes. This matter is important, and it's something only High Elves can do, so I had to ask."
"Of course we must accept since the Great Chieftain permitted it, but may I ask what the matter is?"
Е̄ n̄ ú m̆а̃ . і d
Erica sensed a strange atmosphere at those words.
And she noticed one fact.
"It seems you weren't properly told why we came."
"That's right. You only said a guest was coming."
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Humans, whether conveying or receiving, are bound to have misunderstandings if there's a flaw.
But for Elves whose minds are connected as one, such a thing was as rare as being struck by lightning in the middle of a city.
Еn̄u ṁ.ȧ .і̂d
Which meant they didn't want to inform the other Elves of this situation.
So Erica quietly refused.
"I'm sorry, but I came as Iorga's Representative. This matter must proceed after speaking with the Great Chieftain first."
But the Elder didn't back down.
"This land is Elven land; we are the earth's first children and protect our mother."
"I know well your efforts and will. But my intent and the Great Chieftain's message remain unchanged."
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"Then we cannot easily send you away."
"Presumptuous, High Elf Elder."
The chilling final words weren't a voice from between the two.
The voice came from the other guest, Ferda.
"What did you say, Regent?"
"I'll say it again. Don't be presumptuous."
W_е̌ b̄ ṅо̌ v̇ ě l Е̂ n u̇m̈ ӑ
Ferda pushed hard.
"Even as Valdrova's future consort, does a short-lived race dare spew insolence?"
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"Do you think it's just because I'm Valdrova's consort? The guest of this matter is me. I'm telling you not to interfere in my business, what more needs to be said?"
"Insolent..."
The atmosphere grew increasingly hostile.
The expressionless High Elf's face twisted slightly.
Еñ ûm̈ a ..і̊ ď
His fingers twitched in his gestures.
At that twitch, tension rose from the Elven archers behind him.
Ferda prepared his mana, and Erica likewise readied a response.
"Stop it!"
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A woman's voice shattered the calm before the storm.
A woman who appeared to be a High Elf came running toward them.
W е̃b̊.ñ ŏ v̇ еl̃ Ё_n úm̈а
A fragile body, platinum-blonde hair scattering in the light, round green eyes filled with bewilderment.
"What is it?"
"Hah, hah... This person, these people are the Great Chieftain's guests. You clearly only said to guide the guests, so why are you causing such a commotion, Elder-nim?"
"A human sets foot on this sacred land; as one who hears the mother's heart, how could I stay still?"
"You said not to harass the guests and to bring them to me. This is the Great Chieftain's message."
The Elder glared at the woman with displeasure.
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The woman clasped her hands at her chest and bit her lip.
She looked like she was trying not to avoid his eyes.
In the end, the Elder backed down.
"Since the Great Chieftain's blood relative has personally come, I have no further need to greet you. I'll return."
The High Elf Elder bowed to Erica and turned away.
The Wood Elves moved in perfect unison behind him.
Е ńum̄а
As the hostile atmosphere settled, the woman sighed in relief and greeted them.
"Blessings of the earth. Greetings, I am Rize, serving as the Great Chieftain's aide alongside the Secretary."
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A woman who politely bowed, introducing herself by name.
Ferda returned the greeting.
"I am Ferda Valdrova."
"I'm sorry. I thought something like this might happen, so I tried to come greet you myself..."
W̊ ѐ b̀ǹо́ v̀ ё ľ Е ṅ u̇ m̆ а̃
"Seems what we're trying to do wasn't properly conveyed? We almost became intruders instead of guests."
"Ugh..."
Erica didn't hide her displeasure as she snapped at Rize.
Rize made a flustered face and answered.
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"I'm sorry. The Great Chieftain didn't convey the specific details of this meeting to anyone. That's why this happened... I'm truly sorry!"
Seeing Rize repeatedly bowing and apologizing, Erica stopped pressing her.
W еb̆ n_ov ĕl̈ Ě nû m̈ а
"Let's stop arguing over rights and wrongs. There's something more important. Guide us to the Great Chieftain, Secretary."
"Yes, yes! Please, this way."
Rize chanted in the Elven language and placed her hand on the World Tree's pillar.
Then the World Tree's outer wall stairs began moving diagonally.
They climbed the stair steps and moved to the upper section.
As they moved to the World Tree's upper section, Ferda looked down below.
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
Perhaps because Elves had densely gathered around the World Tree since spreading widely after the Dragon-Demon War, roofs of wood and straw were visible here and there.
Still, true to a race valuing harmony, the green leaves looked even more lush.
"Fortunately you contacted us at just the right time!"
Whether embarrassed by the silence, Rize forcibly tried to brighten the mood.
"The Summer Festival is approaching, and if you'd been a bit later, we'd have been stuck doing festival prep again."
"You spend most of the year on festivals."
Wѐbń о̇v̇ еl _Еn̊ũ m̂а
Ferda asked with a questioning tone.
It could've been taken as sarcasm, but fortunately Rize answered with a smile.
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
"That's our work. Enjoying the joy of spring sprouting from the earth, the joy of summer growing abundant, the joy of autumn bearing fruit, and the joy of winter waiting for new spring."
Ferda recalled the face of the High Elf who'd come to greet them at those words.
No matter how he looked, it felt contradictory - a face that seemed not to have felt joy in an immeasurable age.
"Doesn't seem like you enjoy the festivals much, though?"
Е n um а̄
"The Spring Festival has passed. Originally when summer comes, everyone's nerves sharpen."
"Is it different during festivals?"
"Th-that's..."
Rize, unable to continue with a troubled look.
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Erica answered for her.
"Originally summer and winter were for endurance and mourning. Turning them into festivals is a recent change."
Е̃ n̆ŭ m̊ a
"Yes, that's right..."
She just lightly agreed with Erica's words.
If they're harsh seasons, is there really a need to hold festivals to lift the mood?
He couldn't understand Elven thinking, so he didn't judge rashly.
"Th-that reminds me, I heard Ferda-nim is engaged to Valdrova-nim."
Sudden start to Ferda's personal story.
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"That's right."
"I've never met Valdrova-nim, but I heard she has many wounds in her heart. I'm truly glad she can make a new start overcoming those wounds."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. Getting used to loneliness isn't good. Having a companion to share life with is a truly joyful thing."
This woman named Rize seemed genuinely full of joy, unlike the Elder.
"If you don't mind, would you tell me before you leave?"
Ẽn̈ um a
"May I ask why?"
"I want to give a gift. I'll make a bouquet suited for late spring and summer. Ah, but Valdrova-nim has a serious personality, so she might not like that sort of thing?"
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"No, she'll like it."
A bouquet.
What expression would she make if he brought it to her?
Her voice, sounding so very happy, rang vivid in his ears.
Ě n ŭ m̈ а
"Oh my."
Rize looked at Ferda's face and covered her mouth with her hand.
"Why?"
"Huh? Ah, it's nothing!"
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Rize hurriedly turned her head away.
Feeling another gaze, Ferda turned to Erica.
Е n̂ ü_m̈а.i̇d̊
Erica was staring intently at Ferda's face.
She had a flustered expression, like she'd seen something she shouldn't have.
"Why?"
"No..."
Erica muttered as if to herself.
"I never thought you could make that expression after always looking like you'd destroy the world."
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"...?"
What expression did I make?
Ferda couldn't tell.
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