Ch.116Chapter 116

The Wendigo returned to the Elven camp carrying Dario, Elhemina, and Freya.

The elves guarding the camp were greatly surprised when they saw the Wendigo returning with the unconscious Elhemina and called for the white captains.

One elven soldier picked up an arrow and asked the two with a serious expression.

“Shouldn’t I tell the warriors to prepare for battle immediately? I don’t understand why the priestess has fainted.”

“Hmm… but Dario is unconscious too. Even the infamous Djin is in an unconscious state.”

“Wait for now. However, tell everyone to be ready to draw their weapons at any moment.”

The white captains didn’t distrust the Wendigo, but they wouldn’t let personal feelings interfere with their duty.

The elves who received their instructions checked their sharp swords and spears while praying to the World Tree.

If they had to fight, they wouldn’t back down…

‘That doesn’t mean I want to die for nothing.’

‘I was planning to return home and whisper words of love while telling her about my experiences in this land.’

‘Surely he wouldn’t provoke so many opponents.’

The unknown fear of death wasn’t easy to overcome even for elven soldiers who valued composure as a virtue.

The warriors recalled their memories and lovers, praying that the Wendigo hadn’t revealed his true colors.

Of course, their prayers didn’t reach the World Tree. It was already busy enough dealing with dozens of elves wailing in their homeland.

… Not to mention the unfair homework the Wendigo had left behind.

The Wendigo looked up at the wooden wall guarding the camp. When the white captain’s eyes met the Wendigo’s, his hand reflexively moved to his sword hilt.

It wasn’t polite or befitting of an elderly warrior, but the white captain wasn’t ashamed.

Even the so-called Blade Dancers in Elvenheim, who were obsessed with swordsmanship and dueling, would surely draw their swords when facing the being before them.

The white captain composed himself and slowly revealed himself on top of the wall. The Wendigo recognized him and naturally commanded him.

“I’ve planted the World Tree and returned, so open the gate.”

“You’ve worked very hard. But… if I may ask, why have your companions returned in an unconscious state?”

The white captain swallowed dryly as he loudly questioned the Wendigo. The soldiers positioned themselves to climb the wall at any moment and readied their bows…

‘Well, I suppose it does look a bit strange.’

The Wendigo felt awkward at the white captain’s question. It was fine that he had knocked them unconscious out of annoyance, but thinking about it now, the situation did look suspicious.

The kid—no, the World Tree—was gone, and the rest had returned unconscious. Who wouldn’t think something was wrong?

The Wendigo tried to come up with the most appropriate excuse to calm them down. He stalled for time to organize his thoughts.

“Hmm… I’m not sure if I should say this.”

“What on earth happened out there?”

When the Wendigo scratched his chin and trailed off, the white captains grew curious and urged him to continue.

What could have happened in the forest that made the being before them reluctant to speak?

Having thought of a suitable story, the Wendigo cleared his throat and began to speak.

“As you know, we headed into the forest to plant the World Tree. Fortunately, we found a suitable clearing not far away and planted the World Tree.”

“Could that be the reason for the earthquake?”

“Yes. As you must have felt, the earthquake occurred as the World Tree grew. We originally planned to wait for it to grow naturally…”

“Was there some problem?”

“Perhaps… did those who were pursuing us appear to target the World Tree?”

The white captains frowned as they thought of possible scenarios. They recalled the warnings from elven wanderers.

Some elves addicted to thrill would disguise themselves and wander the continent, always emphasizing the importance of hiding their identity.

Continentals had fantasies about elves, which often made them targets of crime.

Since they had revealed their identity and received help to return to the Republic, it wouldn’t be strange if greedy individuals had followed them!

‘…Judging by their expressions, this seems to be working.’

The Wendigo gained confidence as he watched them burning with fighting spirit while imagining fictional bandits they had never seen.

“Everyone, calm down. There was no one pursuing you, and the World Tree has safely taken root.”

“That’s a relief, but what about that earthquake?”

“As you’ve lived with the World Tree for many years, you know that mystical energy greatly helps the World Tree grow.”

“Yes, of course.”

The white captains nodded in agreement.

Young ones might think the World Tree grows on its own after planting a sapling, but when you reach their age, you’ve likely witnessed the planting of a new sapling at least once.

Priests devoted all their attention to caring for the World Tree day and night.

Checking the leaves, branches, roots, and bark to monitor its condition was basic.

They would procure fertilizer suitable for the soil, sprinkle the cleanest water, and even perform rituals to concentrate mystical energy.

“In Elvenheim, priests hold ceremonies every month across different regions to draw out the land’s mystical energy.”

“But… we had no means to replenish mystical energy since our ships were wrecked…”

“Ahem. Don’t worry about that. I shared mystical energy with the World Tree at its request.”

“!”

The white captains were startled and looked at each other. They couldn’t believe what the Wendigo had said.

It was a natural reaction since they thought of the Wendigo not as a being similar to the World Tree, but as a unique and special Djin.

The Wendigo stirred their hearts before they could question him.

“I understand your reaction, but the World Tree’s request was something I could sympathize with as one who governs people.”

“What exactly did the World Tree say?”

“It said it wanted to help you return safely to your homeland. With its help, you would be able to return safely.”

“!”

The Wendigo casually sold out the World Tree. Considering how much he had troubled it so far, he felt no guilt.

Honestly, he had only enhanced the World Tree’s reputation, so he should be thanked instead.

As proof, not only the white captains but also the elves waiting behind the wall swayed with emotion, praising the World Tree’s grace.

“To think the World Tree cared for us so much!”

“Such a broad-minded spirit, caring even when not in lands designated by priests… Oh, World Tree!”

‘…I must never reveal the World Tree’s true feelings.’

The Wendigo was disgusted by the elves who had forgotten their alert status and were now praising the World Tree.

He called to a white captain who was still maintaining some semblance of sanity. Though his eyes were red and his body trembling, he was still capable of conversation.

“I-I’m sorry. I showed an unseemly display unbecoming of my age.”

“Not at all. Even Elhemina fainted after witnessing the World Tree’s manifestation as a great tree.”

The Wendigo casually explained why Elhemina had fainted.

It wasn’t entirely untrue—she had fainted because she was so captivated by the World Tree’s appearance that she didn’t listen to a proper explanation.

“Ohhh! Did Lady Elhemina behold the true form of the World Tree?”

“Yes. She stared as if in ecstasy and then collapsed.”

“I see…”

The white captain nodded, understanding why Elhemina had fainted.

Even he trembled just from seeing the World Tree manifested through a sapling.

It wouldn’t be strange for someone to lose consciousness from joy after witnessing what every devout priest among the World Tree-worshipping elves dreamed of seeing.

But…

“Why did Dario and the Djin…?”

The white captain pointed at the two, wondering.

It made sense for Elhemina, a priestess of the World Tree, to faint from the joy of beholding the World Tree, but there was no reason for the other two to be unconscious.

The Wendigo hadn’t given much thought to them. After all, the safety of the World Tree and Elhemina would clearly be these elves’ top priority.

He made up excuses on the spot.

“Dario fainted after getting hit in the jaw while trying to calm down the excited Elhemina.”

“I see…”

Though Elhemina was timid and somewhat naive due to her youth(?), priests serving the World Tree learned various skills.

Among them was martial arts to defend against beasts or potential threats to the World Tree.

It wouldn’t be strange for Dario’s jaw to be dislocated by a surprise punch from her in an excited state.

“And I knocked out Freya because she was about to make a mistake, captivated by the World Tree’s beautiful appearance.”

“Indeed!”

“You did the right thing!”

The white captains greatly admired the Wendigo’s decisive action.

Just as the stories passed down from their ancestors said, this lustful Djin tried to commit such an obscene act!

Having understood why the three were unconscious, they opened the barrier and guided the Wendigo inside.

The white captains came down from the wall, lined up the soldiers, and saluted the Wendigo. The soldiers showed their respect with loud salutes.

The Wendigo acknowledged their salute and moved to find a place to lay down the unconscious three…

A white captain who had dismissed the soldiers approached the Wendigo.

“King of the Forest.”

“?”

The Wendigo was puzzled when the white captain spoke in a lowered voice.

He wondered if his deception—no, his explanation—hadn’t worked, but the emotions they had shown were genuine.

The Wendigo lowered his head, and the white captain whispered to him.

“Perhaps the Djin might commit another disrespectful act. Wouldn’t it be better to severely punish that sinful Djin now?”

“……”

The Wendigo silently looked at Freya on his shoulder, but not with pity.

Why would he feel pity for someone who hadn’t properly paid for past sins?

The Wendigo gave Freya a light flick on the head and reassured the white captain.

“Don’t worry. This one is atoning for past sins by compensating under my command.”

“It doesn’t seem like a Djin diligent enough to atone…”

The Wendigo heard the white captain’s mutter but didn’t respond.

Sometimes silence was more helpful than excuses.

* * *

It didn’t take long for Dario and Elhemina to regain consciousness, thanks to the Wendigo’s appropriate use of force when knocking them out.

The Wendigo told them about what happened with the World Tree and what she had told him…

“I-I’m so sorry! I committed such a grave discourtesy!!!”

Elhemina, who was never brave by nature, knelt down upon realizing she had troubled the Wendigo with her misunderstanding.

The Wendigo extended his claw to help her up, as if it were nothing.

“There’s no need for that. If anyone is at fault, it’s Freya who heard correctly but did nothing.”

Elhemina repeatedly bowed in gratitude for the Wendigo’s mercy. The Wendigo moved her aside and shifted his gaze.

“I have never once doubted Your Majesty’s intentions. Your Majesty is the caretaker of the forest, a just judge, and a beacon of the north—how could I ever do such a thing?”

“…Judging by your glib tongue, you seem to have fully regained consciousness.”

Dario prostrated himself with near-perfect form and offered his heartfelt excuses.

How could such a person have behaved that way in front of the World Tree…

The Wendigo clicked his tongue and pushed Dario’s arm. Dario fell over with an exaggerated pose, groaning.

He even checked the Wendigo’s reaction before prostrating himself again, which made the Wendigo laugh in disbelief.

He was so dumbfounded that he forgot about punishing him. This man was clearly a master of survival tactics.

“Fine. I’ll let it go this time, considering you stood up against injustice.”

“Thanks to my efforts to understand your intentions by following in your footsteps…”

“Who told you to get up?”

The Wendigo asked coldly as Dario got up with a grin.

Dario tightly closed his lips and quickly prostrated himself again.

After watching him for a moment, the Wendigo looked at Elhemina.

Elhemina stood at attention, as disciplined as on her first day of priestess training.

“As you know, the World Tree has taken root in this land. It has even grown quite large.”

“Yes! It was truly a beautiful sight!”

“Indeed, it was quite beautiful. But there’s one problem.”

“If the problem is caring for the World Tree, you needn’t worry. Even if I have to work myself to exhaustion…”

Elhemina tried to passionately express her commitment to serving the World Tree, but the Wendigo raised his hand to stop her.

He understood her passion, but there was a significant issue.

“I know your passion well. I also know you’re a woman who would even confront me to protect the World Tree.”

Flinch.

Elhemina averted her gaze. She wasn’t shameless enough to act proud after her disgraceful behavior.

The Wendigo smirked at her honest reaction and waved his hand.

“That’s not the problem, so don’t worry. The problem is your affiliation.”

“What do you mean by affiliation?”

“As the ruler of this land, I cannot easily allow an outsider to continue staying here.”

Elhemina sighed softly, understanding the Wendigo’s point.

Indeed, her continued stay in the forest as a citizen of the Republic could cause diplomatic issues.

However, the solution to this problem was quite simple.

“So, I’d like you to pledge yourself to me and take on the task of caring for the World Tree. What do you think?”

“Pardon?”

The Wendigo made her an offer. Surprised by the sudden recruitment proposal, Elhemina stared blankly at the Wendigo.