Ch.117Chapter 117

The Wendigo’s proposal was a natural step for Elhemina to serve The World Tree in this land.

Even if she pledged to serve with pure and personal intentions, it was inevitable that people would attach the Republic’s label to her.

Since The World Tree had become a member and important component of this land, they couldn’t give control to outsiders.

“…That’s right. I suppose we couldn’t entrust the important task of serving The World Tree to an outsider.”

Elhemina nodded in agreement.

Not giving significant authority to outsiders was common practice in the Republic of Elvenheim.

Families and families, citizens and government didn’t hesitate to rebel to gain more authority from each other, so it was natural.

However, understanding something and its suddenness were separate matters.

Wendigo decided to open a path for Elhemina, who had to make a difficult choice.

“You must be surprised by my sudden proposal of loyalty oath, but don’t overthink it. My demands aren’t that many.”

“May I know exactly what demands you’re making?”

“First, transferring the know-how of managing The World Tree and performing management over several years would be the core.”

Whether elves liked it or not, no race could match them when it came to The World Tree.

Elves were the race whose entire infrastructure was directly connected to The World Tree, so wouldn’t it be strange if they weren’t more knowledgeable about her than other races?

‘Setting aside The World Tree’s affections or interests.’

…Of course, they couldn’t know everything, but they had to be thoroughly informed about most things.

Naturally, since they were destined to live with The World Tree from now on, learning about The World Tree from elves would be the wisest choice.

Elhemina seemed to have anticipated this much, as she nodded readily.

“Rather, it seems only natural that we should pass on that knowledge. We can’t neglect The World Tree.”

“Thank you. Next, I’d like your diplomatic help to maintain relations with the Republic of Elvenheim.”

“Um… but I’m a priestess, so I don’t know much about politics. Would that be okay?”

Elhemina expressed reluctance at Wendigo’s second proposal.

While high-ranking priests inevitably performed duties related to politics, most priests were completely ignorant about politics.

This was because the council of elders and the government deliberately excluded priests from politics after priests who fanatically worshipped The World Tree had once tried to destroy the Republic by inciting citizens.

Naturally, Elhemina, who was only 110 years old, had never been involved in politics…

“I don’t expect you to play a major role in diplomacy. Such matters will likely be handled by Dario anyway.”

“What? You mean me?”

Dario, who had been prostrating like an invisible man, raised his head in surprise.

It was a natural reaction since he was suddenly being told to serve as a diplomat, but…

“Considering your way with words, you’d be the most appropriate person. Do you dislike the idea?”

“No way. How could I possibly dislike it? I’m just wondering if I’m worthy of such an important responsibility.”

Dario grinned and made insincere excuses.

How could he dislike having his abilities recognized at such a young age?

His heart swelled when he imagined the times when no matter how outstanding his abilities were, his lineage and lack of experience had held him back.

Elhemina pointed at Dario, who was grinning while still prostrating, and asked Wendigo:

“It might be rude to ask this… but can we trust Dario? I mean, can such a frivolous man handle such a weighty responsibility?”

“I understand what you’re trying to say. Dario is indeed a man far removed from pride or dignity.”

“……”

Suddenly branded as a shameless sycophant, Dario looked at Wendigo with indignation.

It was true that in his immature past (less than a year ago), he had made mistakes by failing to recognize the king’s greatness, but now he had steel-like loyalty…

‘Well, I did mistakenly think His Majesty had violated The World Tree, but that was me risking my life to offer loyal counsel.’

…Dario prided himself on having loyalty as solid as iron, if not steel.

Of course, Wendigo also knew Dario’s loyalty to some extent, so he defended him.

“But it’s also true that Dario can show courage when needed and knows how to act flexibly with his social skills.”

“He certainly has shown that side. His expression of conviction, though misguided, was honestly impressive enough to see again.”

Dario, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, smiled with joy.

He didn’t care what his enemies thought of him, but he didn’t want to be misunderstood by those whose recognition he sought.

Having gained recognition from Wendigo and Elhemina, Dario read the room and spoke up.

“Ahem. I didn’t know Your Majesty cared for me so much. In that sense, may I get up now?”

“…Sometimes when he shows that side of himself, I wonder if I’m being too lenient because he’s my man.”

“Hahaha…”

As Dario, who had already half risen, wagged his tongue, Wendigo sighed while holding his head, and Elhemina awkwardly laughed and held her tongue at the outrageous sight.

Tap tap!

When Wendigo silently tapped the armrest with his fingernail, Dario quickly sat down in the chair next to Wendigo.

He rubbed his palms together so hard they could catch fire and flattered Wendigo.

“Today I once again felt how Your Majesty has such a discerning eye that you can find a gem even in a pile of stones. So everyone should be loyal to the king…”

“Enough nonsense. What else should we demand from Elhemina?”

“Well… actually, if Your Majesty wishes, you could demand an Imperial oath.”

In response to Wendigo’s question, Dario proposed the simplest and easiest form of oath.

The Imperial oath literally meant treating Elhemina as a kind of knight and imposing obligations on her.

It meant giving Elhemina land and property and having the authority to enforce obligations on her…

“I question how long Elhemina intends to stay in this land, and I dislike the Imperial oath because it involves many customary practices.”

“Well, it’s a relationship entangled with blood ties and grudges since our ancestors’ time. With so many strange precedents, what can we do?”

Wendigo grimaced. The Imperial oath was an oath in name only, often conducted in a haphazard manner.

This knight fought bravely on the battlefield so pardon him, that nobleman insulted me at the banquet three days ago so hang him…

Lords who were virtually kings in their own territories often ignored the law by bringing up oaths according to their needs, without distinguishing between public and private matters.

It was so severe that nobles of the Old Empire ridiculed the Imperial oath as no different from signing on flowing water.

“Then wouldn’t it be sufficient to prohibit actions and words that would disadvantage Your Majesty while she serves you? The price of disloyalty can be her life.”

“L-life?!”

Elhemina was startled, raising her ears like a rabbit, and shouted at Dario.

Dario asked Elhemina as if stating the obvious.

“If Elhemina doesn’t do anything that would disadvantage His Majesty, there’s no problem, so don’t worry about it.”

“Even so, my life…”

“Most oaths originally use life as collateral. The reason many people still swear loyalty is because risking one’s life is just words.”

As Elhemina hesitated, Dario explained to her how powerless oaths actually were.

Most oaths specified that if one committed a wrong, they would pay with their life. However, no knight, noble, or even merchant cared about that…

“Besides not making outrageous mistakes, there are hardly any cases where oaths were properly enforced.”

Mistakes could be considered unfortunate, but those who deliberately ignored oaths were mostly prepared to flee from the beginning.

Naturally, if they fled beyond the territory, hiding their names and identities, there was no way to find them.

“That’s also why nobles form blood ties with knights or families they absolutely need.”

“So this oath is…?”

“Well, think of it as a small token of trust.”

Elhemina’s expression brightened at Dario’s explanation.

What Wendigo had proposed didn’t contain anything particularly uncomfortable for Elhemina, and as Dario said, she judged that she wouldn’t lose her life as long as she didn’t make mistakes.

‘Well, it’s giving away the right to cut her throat anytime if something suspicious is noticed.’

Though it was an extremely cold-hearted measure, Dario didn’t feel much self-reproach.

He believed Elhemina wouldn’t commit such malicious acts.

If Elhemina had been a suspicious elf, wouldn’t they have forced an oath with dozens of complex regulations?

It was all because they trusted her.

After brief consideration, Elhemina decided to take the oath.

“Such an oath is fine with me. Actually, I wanted to serve The World Tree in this land.”

“Are you really sure?”

Wendigo, feeling guilty about her naive attitude, advised her to reconsider.

But Elhemina was resolute. She shook her head and, like a girl in love, interlaced her fingers as she recalled the beautiful scene.

The massive pure white tree rising from the wide open space and the golden leaves shining like the brilliant sun.

And the beautiful figure of The World Tree who had manifested there was truly…

“Ah!”

“What’s wrong?”

Elhemina, who had been grinning with a strange expression, seemed to recall something and looked around, flapping her arms.

Wendigo asked with puzzlement at her strange behavior. Then Elhemina, her eyes shining, made a request to Wendigo.

“I need a brush! I can’t be the only one to remember The World Tree’s ecstatic figure!”

“What… Do you really need to go that far?”

“Dario doesn’t understand because he’s not a priest! This is a rare event in history!”

It would be strange not to grant her request when she asked with such a desperate expression.

Wendigo ordered the soldiers waiting outside to bring what she needed.

The soldiers, who seemed to have been listening to the conversation inside, rushed off with excited expressions and returned with not only brushes and paints but also carving knives.

Spreading out a large sheet of paper, Elhemina, her eyes shining like an artist in ecstasy, wielded the brush.

Watching her, Dario whispered to Wendigo.

“She looks completely crazy.”

“Creative people are often mad.”

After finishing her frenzied brushwork, she ran around inside and outside, bringing necessary materials to sprinkle and paint.

Those materials included precious items like The World Tree’s sap, bark, and leaves.

She stared at the completed drawing, then collapsed with a sigh.

“Ah… The World Tree was so much more than this!”

“I-I think you’ve expressed it quite well.”

Wendigo stammered in astonishment. To his eyes, her work seemed quite impressive.

The golden leaves surrounding the pure white tree at the center highlighted The World Tree’s figure.

Her depiction of The World Tree was so remarkably similar that it seemed as if she had captured the living World Tree itself…

“I couldn’t capture even a fraction of The World Tree’s beauty. I, I…!”

“Since you’ll be managing The World Tree in this land, you might get to see her a few more times if you’re lucky.”

“…That’s right? I’m sure I will!”

Could anyone else have eyes filled with such deep love?

Wendigo was certain it would be impossible even when thinking of a beloved partner.

He wasn’t sure if all priests of The World Tree were like this… but Elhemina clearly loved The World Tree too much.