Ch.152Chapter 152 – She Doesn’t Know Her Most Powerful Weapon

“Hmm, the clear air of the World Tree is nice, but I must say I also like places that smell of human life.”

Etherna and I were able to return to Glesius Academy with Shreka.

After all, our original purpose for coming here was to restore the World Tree to its normal state.

Through Shreka’s explanation, we learned that the World Tree was now drawing up mana from underground at an unprecedented, optimal level.

“Thank you so much. Regarding the reward for healing the World Tree, I will discuss it with the Gelebrio Imperial Court and inform you later.”

Perhaps because of this, Shreka continued to show me a respectful attitude after I fixed the World Tree.

“Once again, I express my gratitude for Count Severio’s help, and we will provide a reward soon. Our Elven race will never forget this kindness.”

“I look forward to seeing you again.”

Shreka and I exchanged courteous farewells, and then she summoned a high-level earth elemental and disappeared into the ground.

“Well then, shall we go in?”

“Yes.”

In any case, I had revived the withering, twisted roots of the World Tree.

The once-withering World Tree had come back to life, sprouting an enormous number of leaves.

The World Tree even bloomed flowers.

The sight of countless buds blooming all at once seemed to signify the golden age of the elves.

“I’ve returned, Chancellor.”

Upon returning to Glesius Academy, I first reported to the Chancellor.

“You’ve worked hard. What happened there?”

The Chancellor asked me about what had transpired.

“After arriving at the World Tree, we…”

I explained everything: how Shreka and I traveled to the roots of the World Tree with the help of high-level elementals, our encounter with the elf who had become a demon and her purification, the explosion incident in the plaza, the complete restoration of the library through enlightenment, and finally, how I not only revived the withering, twisted roots of the World Tree with three hammer strikes but also restored it to its optimal condition.

“This is a historic moment. It’s unprecedented for those reclusive elves to step forward to fight alongside others.”

“Is it that significant?”

“The elven race, with very few exceptions, never leaves the land of the World Tree. Their participation will be an enormous help in the battle against the Demon Cult. You’ve done well, Count Severio.”

After hearing the Chancellor’s explanation and praise, I felt as if a great burden had been lifted from my shoulders.

“However, this may cause the Demon Cult to mark you as their priority target for elimination.”

“I’m prepared for that.”

I already understood what the Chancellor was implying.

I had destroyed a demon sword and nearly died from an explosive attack by the Demon Cult’s followers.

Perhaps I was destined to be entangled with the Demon Cult from the moment I was reincarnated into this world?

I had already become, in effect, an enemy of the Demon Cult.

Thanks to my help, the World Tree was revived, and the elves had officially declared war against the Demon Cult.

In other words, I had now begun an irreversible war with the Demon Cult.

A war that would never end unless one side perished.

“Excellent. Indeed, a noble of the Gelebrio Empire should possess the confidence and courage to face and overcome adversity and hardship without yielding.”

With that, the Chancellor rose from her seat and approached me.

With each step the Chancellor took… ahem, ahem. The way certain parts of her body bounced was quite a spectacle.

As she came to my side, she raised her hand and began to stroke my head.

“…?”

While I was trying to understand what was happening, the Chancellor spoke.

“It’s alright. Before you are a Count of the Gelebrio Empire, you are a student of Glesius Academy. As the Chancellor, I will never overlook any threat directed at my students while they attend the Academy.”

Then she handed me an emblem.

“This is an artifact that allows you to communicate with me anytime. Keep it with you always, and if you find yourself in danger, hold it tightly and call for me earnestly in your mind. I will come to save you, no matter when.”

“May I ask why you’re doing so much for me…?”

“Shh. A man who asks too many questions loses his charm. Hehe.”

The Chancellor pressed her finger gently against my lips.

Because of this, I couldn’t finish what I was saying and could only listen to what she had to say.

“We’ve kept it secret that Count Severio went to heal the World Tree, but soon the Emperor and the Chancellor will learn about this. The goal is singular: to completely annihilate the Demon Cult that operates throughout the world.”

When she mentioned the Demon Cult, her voice momentarily grew stronger.

Perhaps the curse of deviation that the Chancellor experienced was related to them?

Well, for me, having one more powerful ally was a good thing.

In the fight against the Demon Cult, having even one more person with strong powers would increase our chances of victory.

“Thank you, Chancellor.”

“If you’re grateful, could you spare some time for me later? There’s somewhere I’d like to go with you.”

Hmm. Is she asking for my time in exchange for helping in the fight against the Demon Cult?

She doesn’t need to ask for something like that; I would gladly make time for her if she just said so.

After all, I like mature women like the Chancellor.

If a woman matches my preferences, it’s good to build up goodwill with her.

Even if nothing comes of it, accumulated goodwill might be helpful someday.

‘Come to think of it, I should also work on building goodwill with the heroines from Erasto Chronicle.’

Many of the heroines are ability users chosen by the gods, so if they join the fight against the Demon Cult, my chances of survival would increase.

Of course, I will also do my utmost to help them with my abilities.

While others are fighting, I, with no combat ability, should at least use my skills to help defeat enemies more easily.

But for now, let me focus on the Chancellor.

“You don’t need to ask; I can make time for you whenever you need, Chancellor.”

I took both her hands in mine, emphasizing that it would be no trouble at all.

“Uh, umm… Alright, you can go back now. You must be tired, so get some rest, and I’ll call for you later.”

Upon hearing my words, the Chancellor hastily pulled her hands back, seemingly embarrassed by her request for my time.

Hmm.

Was I too forward? Or is it rude to suddenly take someone’s hands?

I should probably review the etiquette guidelines once more.

The Chancellor seems to dislike having her hands held, so I should remember that.

“Yes. I hope you rest well too, Chancellor. I’ll take my leave now.”

I bowed to the Chancellor and carefully exited her office.

Phew, I should go to the dormitory to rest a bit and then head to the dining hall for a meal.

Using my powers has made me quite hungry.

◈◇◈◇◈◇◈◇◈◇◈

Regina Blasteria.

Having lived for at least a hundred years, she could feel her heart racing more than ever before.

‘Haa, haa. I-I hope he didn’t notice?’

Throughout her long life, she had never even considered men as potential romantic interests.

However, today when she asked him to spare some time for her, it was clear that she was viewing Pathos as a romantic prospect.

Asking him to spare time for her—anyone listening might have thought she was expressing interest in him.

This was something she had learned from observing how students at Glesius Academy behaved.

So she had mustered her courage to ask out the man she liked, but unfortunately, Pathos failed to notice Regina’s romantic feelings toward him.

Of course, this was partly because Regina hadn’t explicitly shown her affection.

If Regina had just said to Pathos, “You can call me big sister from now on,” she could have won him over immediately.

But sadly, most students at Glesius Academy were of similar ages, so she hadn’t learned the methods of embracing and leading as an older sister figure.

‘B-but he said he could make time for me whenever! That’s good enough for now!’

She resolved to build their relationship slowly, believing she had plenty of time.

Despite having an easier option available, she chose the orthodox approach—she was a mage by nature.

Regina Blasteria, the great mage who had lived for over a hundred years.

Perhaps her youth was just beginning.