Chapter 236
—Yes. So…… um.
Natura couldn’t speak for a long time. His characteristically long elven ears moved this way and that, making it even more apparent.
From my observations so far, their ears seemed to move like that when they experienced strong emotional agitation.
Somehow, I felt a vague sense of unease.
For instance,
‘Surely he’s not going to ask to mate like Vita, is he?’
A feeling that I was about to receive a sudden confession.
The longer Natura hesitated, the more my anxiety grew. Even though I was going to refuse anyway, it was better to minimize the awkwardness.
—Thank you.
“Huh?”
—Thank you! Human, thanks to you, the village is safe. The Guardian and the other elves too.
He wasn’t going to confess after all.
Realizing I had gotten ahead of myself, a wave of embarrassment washed over me.
“No. I only did it because I had my own goals anyway.”
—You tried to protect it even if all of us left, didn’t you? I highly value that. On the other hand, that human you’re competing with doesn’t deserve a token……. I’m sorry.
“I heard over half of them agreed. Natura doesn’t need to be sorry to me.”
—The more I see you, the more I like you. That’s why it’s a waste.
“Huh?”
—I heard from Vita. You said you wouldn’t mate with any elf, even if it wasn’t for the reward, right?
“Ah…….”
So it wasn’t just my imagination.
—Don’t worry, Vita didn’t spread rumors. Only I know. When I considered asking you, she stopped me and told me.
Natura seemed to have misinterpreted my reaction. I replied that it wasn’t because of that and changed the subject.
“By the way, since I’m here, I’d like to see The Guardian, if that’s possible?”
—The Guardian? It should be fine. Even if it’s not, I’ll make it possible.
“You don’t have to go that far…”
—The Guardian would probably welcome you too, human? You’re the hero of our village.
A hero, he says…….
It’s nice to be welcomed, but I can’t help but feel a bit awkward. Still, it’s better to be acknowledged like this than completely ignored.
—Your Highness, welcome.
When I went upstairs to the temple with Natura, the Guardian greeted me.
—I didn’t expect you to come looking for me first. Are you feeling well?
“Yes. Thanks to your care, I rested well.”
—It’s only natural.
The Guardian looked at me with warm eyes, then spoke.
—The fact that you sought me out separately must be about the reward, I presume?
“That’s right.”
—Would it make you uncomfortable if my brother Natura listened in as well?
“No. It’s fine.”
—Alright. Will you tell me what you desire now?
“……I want the Golden Branch.”
—The Golden Branch?
“Yes. The Golden Branch containing the essence of the World Tree.”
—Surprising. For a human like you to know about the Golden Branch.
Oh, was it a secret?
Startled, I instinctively glanced at The Guardian. Fortunately, he didn’t look displeased.
He merely looked genuinely curious. And a little troubled.
—Of all things, to desire that…….
“Is it very difficult to obtain?”
—Usually, yes. The Golden Branch appears once every 100 years.
100 years?
An astonished gasp escaped me without my knowledge. Then I can’t get it, can I?
—The timing is such, but you are fortunate, human. It just so happens that in about two or three months, it will be time for the Golden Branch to appear.
“I see…….”
To be able to obtain it only in two or three months.
While it’s fortunate that I can have it at all, given that it blooms only once every 100 years, I can’t help but feel disappointed.
I had expected to have my mana circuit fully repaired and Isaac’s affection greatly increased before meeting The Guardian.
—Your expression isn’t good. Do you need it immediately?
“It would be good to have it right away, but……. It’s okay. I can wait.”
—That’s a relief.
The Guardian promised that if he obtained the Golden Branch, he would surely give it to me.
He said that if we completed our task and returned to the kingdom by then, he would even send an envoy to deliver it.
Grateful for his thoughtful consideration, I expressed my thanks. It was when I had finished my business and was about to leave the temple.
—I have something I’d like to ask you, if it’s alright?
“What is it?”
—It’s about your human Guardian. The one who is a mage.
Is he talking about Killis?
—How much do you know about that human, if I may ask?
Discussion
0 CommentsNo comments yet.