Ch.118Chapter 118

After Elhemina’s report and pledge in the name of the World Tree crossed the sea two months ago, a fleet from the Republic of Elvenheim appeared on the western coast of the north with a delegation.

The delegation included many officials besides diplomats…

“Honestly, I don’t think I needed to be the one dealing with legal officers and high priests, even if handling diplomats was expected,” complained an exhausted Dario as he entered the conference room.

He had thought he would only handle diplomatic matters, but nearly every issue except administrative ones had been forwarded to him.

Fortunately, he had received crash courses in elven culture and etiquette from Elhemina; otherwise, he might have committed some serious faux pas.

“My apologies. But why take risks when we have the most silver-tongued and perceptive person in the forest?” Wendigo replied.

“Ho ho ho. I apologize too. This old man is a forest dweller by birth, so I’m not particularly eloquent,” added Geron.

“Really… you’re all too much. At this rate, I’ll collapse from overwork before I die of old age.”

Though Dario grumbled as he took a seat at the far end of the conference room after Wendigo and Geron’s praise, he wasn’t genuinely displeased.

Compared to the days when he had to worry about assassination attempts rather than receiving praise for his achievements, mere physical exhaustion was actually welcome.

Starting with Geron, people began gathering in the conference room.

Skadi, Shir, and others like Geron who had sworn loyalty to Wendigo.

Rodomel, Walton, and others who would manage various university-centered businesses and education.

And finally, investors who had joined seeking Wendigo’s authority and various interests.

Wendigo suddenly realized how many people he had become entangled with through the university project.

‘The world is truly unpredictable.’

To think that what started as merely selecting talented people to teach his friend’s disciple had grown to this scale…

“Djin?”

“Ah, my apologies.”

Wendigo shook off his idle thoughts. Now was not the time for sentimentality.

He addressed the room full of people.

“Let’s begin the meeting.”

“Yes. First, we’ll start with the report on non-aggression and trade with the elves. Dario.”

When Geron called his name, Dario sprang to his feet.

Though it might have seemed rude, when he stood tall with his chest out and a gentle smile, Dario looked like a wholesome young man straight out of a fairy tale.

Dario bowed deeply and spoke in a loud, clear voice, offering extreme courtesy to Wendigo.

“First, I would like to express my gratitude to Your Majesty for your dedication to the north and its people. Your grace is nothing short of a blessing for the north’s prosperity, and your kindness will be remembered in songs for a thousand years.”

Dario began by praising Wendigo, loosening his tongue.

Of course, he wasn’t trying to impress Wendigo. No one knew better than Dario that Wendigo wasn’t soft enough to be moved by such flattery.

Dario’s target was not Wendigo but the loyal subjects around him.

“Indeed, the king deserves such praise.”

“Though young, he seems quite clever and worldly-wise.”

“The king didn’t give this fellow an opportunity for nothing. He must have been the most capable among those impetuous youths.”

The chieftains of the forest and nearby tribes nodded in agreement with Dario’s praise.

How could they not admire someone who had transformed the poorest land into the wealthiest?

But such obvious praise could be seen as mere flattery.

Raising his head, Dario turned to face the audience and bowed once more.

“Next, I pay my respects to the elders of the north who have united for a common purpose. If the king laid the cornerstone, you are the ones who erected the pillars upon it!”

Even those who had been eyeing Dario with suspicion softened at his words.

It was an open secret that Dario was favored. How could it be hidden when he accompanied the king on his travels at such a young age?

In that respect, Dario’s conduct was skillful. Knowing he was envied for his meteoric rise, he chose to bow his head instead.

It was a remarkably level-headed action for someone his age, when it wouldn’t have been strange for him to become arrogant and reckless.

“Certainly, Dario of the Kaffustin family has an innately generous disposition. It’s no wonder the king favors him, as he knows humility as well.”

“He has a refreshing personality and good eloquence. I wish my son were half like him.”

“……”

Those who knew Dario’s true nature held their tongues.

There was no need to spoil the newly lightened atmosphere of the conference room.

As applause erupted with people calling Dario’s name, he repeatedly bowed his head, enjoying the attention.

As the applause subsided, Dario took out a long scroll from his chest and unfolded it.

“The plenipotentiary ambassador of the Republic of Elvenheim, Joachim… I’ll omit the elven name as it’s too long.”

“Let’s skip such trivial details. Move straight to the main point, as we’re taking up many people’s time.”

At Wendigo’s instruction, Dario nodded. He continued flipping through the scroll and stopped in the middle, but…

“Why isn’t he speaking?”

“That usually outspoken fellow…”

“Did something go wrong with the diplomacy?”

When Dario paused without speaking, the conference room filled with whispers.

Wendigo stared at Dario in disbelief.

Dario wasn’t silent because of a serious problem. Quite the opposite.

He was so proud of his achievement that he couldn’t compose himself to speak.

‘Typical of this slick fellow with his need for recognition. Fortunate that his ambition is directed positively.’

Finally calming down, Dario cleared his throat.

A small but distinct sound echoed through the conference room, and everyone fell silent, waiting for him to speak.

“First, the Republic of Elvenheim has completely denied any ownership of the World Tree rooted in this land and has declared to eliminate all possibilities of conflict.”

“!”

People were shocked, their eyes widening. Some shouted with joy, and the more excited ones stood up with clenched fists.

Though it might have seemed disrespectful, no one in the conference room reproached this reaction.

The Republic of Elvenheim’s attitude was unexpectedly friendly.

“D-did the Republic really make such… a concession?”

A man cautiously asked Dario.

Though others remained quiet, they eagerly awaited Dario’s answer.

Dario enjoyed their attention and smiled.

“Yes. The Republic of Elvenheim affirmed that the World Tree’s rooting is not their will but the tree’s own. Above all, they prioritize the World Tree’s words over their consul… a kind of king.”

“Is that true?”

“According to the ambassador, the World Tree warned that there would be no benefit to either the Republic or His Majesty if they went to war.”

At Dario’s confirmation, people exclaimed with joy.

The university’s establishment was one issue, but from the northerners’ perspective, the very existence of an unknown entity across the sea was unsettling.

Especially since it wasn’t ordinary humans or beastmen, but elves with long lifespans who had established a unified country…

Dario’s confirmation was enough to wash away such anxieties.

But Dario didn’t stop his report there, continuing without giving people time to collect their emotions.

Designated elven residential areas, formal trade permits, exchanges of scholars and technicians, and more.

The conference room soon took on a festive atmosphere, with people cheering for Dario and Wendigo.

“That concludes my report. Others must have reports to make as well, so I’ll step down now!”

Having made a strong impression, Dario exited while receiving numerous handshake requests.

Thanks to Dario’s clean start, the meeting continued smoothly.

Skadi and Shir in charge of magical fields, Geron who negotiated with elven officials, and Walton who secured academic exchanges—each reported their outstanding achievements in their respective areas.

No one in the conference room envisioned a negative future.

Wendigo finally asked them:

“If there are any issues with interacting with elves or establishing the university, feel free to speak.”

“……”

Everyone remained silent, bowing their heads in reverence to Wendigo.

At that moment, only two words resonated in their minds:

Peace and prosperity.

The very things everyone desired in this age of gods, witches, monsters, and heroes.

* * *

With the issues related to the Republic of Elvenheim resolved, there were no more obstacles to establishing the university.

Wendigo moved to the university site with those who had worked together for its establishment.

There, elven sculptors and architects who had arrived earlier had already prepared for construction using materials brought from their homeland.

While people marveled at the unfamiliar sight of elves, a female elf in splendid silk clothes came running from afar.

“Your Majesty!”

“Elhemina. You look particularly splendid today.”

It was Elhemina. Though she had worn silk clothes since their first meeting, today she was more magnificent than ever.

Bracelets woven to resemble tree trunks, a golden amulet modeled after the World Tree, and pure white silk clothes with beautiful embroidery.

“Ahaha… This is my first time wearing such splendid clothes too.”

Elhemina laughed awkwardly, as this elaborate attire was new to her as well.

Her outfit was originally worn by high priests serving the World Tree when attending ceremonies.

Unfortunately, since all the priests who had joined the expedition had perished, she was the only priest serving the World Tree named “Green Leaf.”

Elhemina touched her ears nervously.

“This… this isn’t actually clothing that a young priest like me should wear. Usually, one needs to be around 150 years old to wear it.”

Elhemina wearing high priest attire meant she had to perform a high priest’s role in the ceremony.

Naturally, as a young elf who had lived just over 100 years, she was worried about carrying such a heavy responsibility.

To ease her tension, Wendigo reassured her.

“Dario negotiated with the Republic’s diplomats at barely thirty years of age. What’s there to worry about? Just follow what you’ve learned, and it will be over soon.”

“I-I suppose. But I’m so timid…”

“Timid? From what I’ve seen, it’s more that you have a strong sense of responsibility. If you were merely timid, you wouldn’t have tried to save dozens of soldiers’ lives.”

“……”

Elhemina looked at Wendigo with surprised eyes. It was the first time anyone had reframed her perceived weakness as a strength.

Wendigo smirked and extended his claw to her.

“I look forward to working with you.”

“Ah… Yes! I’ll do my best!”

Thanks to Wendigo’s encouragement, Elhemina’s tension eased, and she answered brightly, respectfully taking his claw.

She could feel an inexplicable warmth from Wendigo’s cold claw.

Perhaps this was why the humans of this land respected rather than feared their king—because of such human-like qualities.

After bowing her head in gratitude for a long moment, Elhemina released his hand and returned to prepare for the ceremony.

Dario, who had been staring blankly at the departing Elhemina, approached Wendigo. He asked in a strangely transparent tone:

“Elhemina seems to be doing something important? Her clothes are quite fancy. Not that she looks bad, of course…”

“…Do you perhaps like her?”

“What? Me? Your Majesty, you’re worse at jokes than I thought! Me, liking Elhemina…”

‘I see that he does.’

As Dario rambled in denial, Wendigo became convinced that Dario had feelings for Elhemina.

If it truly wasn’t the case, someone as eloquent as Dario wouldn’t have overreacted so much.

It wasn’t strange for Dario to be interested—she had excellent looks befitting an elf and had worked hard to save human lives.

The age difference was a bit of an issue, but…

“If it’s not just her appearance that captivates you, don’t hesitate to confess. If I find a way to extend your lifespan, I’ll help you.”

“I told you it’s not like that… But would you really help extend my lifespan if you found a way? Not that I need it to confess to Elhemina—”

“Oh, it seems preparations are complete. Let’s move.”

Seeing that Dario was about to cling to his leg and whine, Wendigo smirked and moved away.

Cursing himself for kicking away his good fortune, Dario followed Wendigo, calling after him desperately.

* * *

An unprecedented number of people had gathered at the university site.

The university’s establishment was already attracting intense interest in the north, and with elves appearing as well, any northerner with means had come to witness it.

“They’re all truly beautiful men and women.”

“To think some of them are as old as my father… the world is so unfair.”

“More impressive is the Forest King. Who would have thought he’d bring elves to construct buildings.”

They marveled at the scene before them, but only briefly.

Elven priests rang a large golden bell to signal the start of the ceremony, and young elven women sang in beautiful melodies.

People were captivated by this exotic yet solemn spectacle, falling silent. They were immersed in this magnificent and dignified ceremony unlike anything they had ever seen.

As the song reached its end, Elhemina stood before a large wooden model resembling the World Tree and offered prayers.

Though the content of the prayer emphasized the importance of peace to the point of being old-fashioned, no one found it boring.

Elhemina’s attire was so beautiful, and her voice contained a softness that soothed people’s minds.

“Ooooh…”

‘He’s completely smitten.’

When Dario gazed at Elhemina with uncharacteristically dreamy eyes, Wendigo grimaced.

Though he supported love, he felt an instinctive aversion to Dario’s unsuitable behavior.

Certainly, Elhemina offering prayers was quite beauti—

“Huh?”

Perhaps thanks to Dario’s timely visual distraction.

Wendigo realized that the scene before him was somewhat… strange.

Not a single cloud passed through the sky, with brilliant sunlight pouring down.

Dew-covered leaves sparkled in the light like stars descended to earth.

And on the trees were sparrows, pigeons, and crows…

‘…I hope they’re not planning to cause trouble.’

Indeed, was this dreamlike atmosphere the mischief of gods?

Wendigo realized that gods were taking interest in this place but chose to ignore it.

Just as all problems were finally being resolved, how troublesome would it be if Alfodur appeared and caused issues?

Moreover, Elhemina, who was overcoming her fears to conduct the ceremony, might faint.

“Ooooh… What a beautiful sight!”

“Where is a painter! This scene must be captured in a painting immediately!”

“To think I would shed tears of emotion at this age… incredible.”

“……”

Fortunately, Wendigo was the only one who felt the strangeness.

Even elves who were 200 years old were trembling in admiration of the beautiful scene, let alone humans who had lived at most 50 years(?).

Shortly after, as Elhemina’s prayer concluded, thunderous applause erupted from all directions.

As she exited, architects and sculptors rushed in to take her place. They looked around nervously.

They worried whether their presence in this sacred space might be sacrilegious.

Of course, Wendigo, knowing that the sacredness of this place had been seasoned by a trickster god, calmly raised his hand and commanded:

“Proceed.”

“Yes!”

Though renowned sculptors and architects in the Republic, they answered tensely.

While they weren’t inexperienced in constructing buildings comparable to universities…

‘If I make a mistake here, I’m dead. If I make a mistake here, I’m dead!!!’

‘MercifulWorldTreepleaseguidemyhands…’

In this historic scene worthy of a page in history books, making a mistake would be so shameful that biting off one’s tongue would seem preferable.

Dozens of elves, masters in their respective fields, held each other’s hands and concentrated.

The artist’s spirit that tolerated neither mistakes nor inadequacies burned fiercely.

“The trees are moving!!!”

“My goodness… the rumors were true!”

The trees moved. Wendigo watched the spectacle with interest.

While the trees he moved were extremely rigid, the elven masters were kneading trees like dough to construct a massive building.

Despite the trembling ground, people stared in awe at the mystical scene unfolding before them.

They couldn’t miss this awe-inspiring sight that might never occur again in their lifetime.

The completed building, which captivated people’s souls, was no different from a massive castle.

A huge castle built on incredibly thick ramparts, with pointed spires rising high, and thin amber stones with elaborate patterns sparkling in place of windows.

People stared blankly at the massive golden-glowing castle…

Thud!

“?”

Puzzled by the sound behind him, Wendigo turned around.

There, a man was kneeling with tears in his eyes. Wendigo was about to ask him why, but he couldn’t.

As if the man was just the beginning, people began kneeling one after another.

Forest people loyal to Wendigo, spectators who had come to watch, merchants and chieftains hoping to profit from the university, and scholars and warriors who had come with dreams of education.

They knelt and bowed their heads to Wendigo. They dared not face Wendigo, who stood with the brilliant sun at his back.

Wendigo was too astonished to speak.

He had planned to dismiss the people now that the building was complete, but…

‘It would be truly inappropriate to simply tell them to disperse now.’

If he couldn’t figure out what they wanted, he wouldn’t have been able to rule the forest all this time.

Wendigo realized they were pledging their loyalty to him. However, he carefully considered whether their loyalty might be temporary.

Acting impulsively in a moment of excitement was common regardless of age or race.

‘Let’s see…’

Wendigo recalled what he had done so far.

Exterminating a 300-year-old parasitic beast sleeping in the forest.

Making the land fertile and subduing and integrating nomadic tribes and evil wolves from the east.

Subjugating the northern tribes with force and bestowing positions to their children.

‘And then…’

He had freed the northerners from hunger by making the land prosperous.

He had established the north’s first university.

He had even formed a relationship with the previously unknown elves and planted the World Tree in this land.

‘When I think about it this way, their behavior isn’t strange at all.’

Wendigo suddenly realized he had accomplished quite a lot.

From among the kneeling crowd, an old man approached Wendigo with light steps, as if he had been waiting for this moment.

Recognizing the old man’s identity, Wendigo reluctantly called his name.

“Alfodur. For someone who claims to be a god, you’re quite leisurely.”

“It’s been a while. I’d like to ask how you’ve been… but looking around, it seems you’ve been doing extremely well.”

“I think this scene is your work, but what’s your purpose?”

“Ho ho ho ho! Is that important right now? What’s important is where you stand at this moment.”

Even those who dared not raise their heads lifted them out of curiosity at the mention of a god.

The old man was irreverently joking with the king, yet strangely, it didn’t feel disrespectful at all.

People instinctively sensed that the being before them was a god.

Alfodur waved his arm toward the crowd and said to Wendigo:

“King of the Forest. Even if you have no interest in ruling, those who admire your achievements feel differently.”

“……”

Wendigo finally met the eyes of those who had raised their heads.

In their eyes was a unified goal—the path to a united kingdom, something northerners had never experienced before.

Wendigo looked at Skadi and Geron. They were watching him with proud eyes.

Understanding the meaning in Wendigo’s gaze, they nodded as if it were only natural.

Alfodur laughed heartily, as if he had expected this. Worried that Wendigo might refuse, Dario shouted loudly:

“King of the Forest, please watch over us forever!!!”

“”King of the Forest, please watch over us forever!!!””

Throwing off his shabby hood, Alfodur mounted an eight-legged horse that galloped across the sky. He pointed at Wendigo with a rune-inscribed spear and shouted:

“I, Alfodur, king of gods and god of poetry, ask the new king of this land: What is the name of your kingdom that will not be forgotten even after a thousand years?”

“A name…”

Wendigo pondered Alfodur’s question. But his contemplation wasn’t long. He looked into Alfodur’s eyes and answered:

“Manheimr, my kingdom is Manheimr.”

“Manheimr… A rather plain name, but a valuable one. Even if your kingdom disappears with the passage of time, I will remember your reign.”

Alfodur smirked at the new kingdom’s name but showed respect. As he shook the reins, his horse galloped across the sky with thunder-like hoofbeats.

After Alfodur disappeared, people cheered, hailing the new kingdom and the king of Manheimr.

Manheimr.

It meant “homeland.”

* * *

Several months later.

In the palace expanded by elven hands, Wendigo stared blankly at a crow.

The crow moved its ominous beak and cried out:

“Since I helped with your coronation, I’d like you to allow us to be patrons of the university!”

“…I should have known.”

As the crow cawed, Wendigo sighed.

Alfodur.

He was a god who never did anything unless it benefited him.