Ch.177177. Face to Face (4)

Sione and I left the mansion following Fleta’s guidance. Since the Arielt family’s palace-like expansive grounds were close to the towering Divine Tree, it didn’t take long to find our way.

“That path is the only way to the World Tree, and it leads to the center of the Great Forest where the Grand Elder resides.”

At those words, Sione looked at the trail ahead. At the front of the path, elves with sharp weapons stood guard with bows and swords, vigilantly watching the surroundings.

“…The security looks quite strict at a glance.”

“Well, of course. The World Tree is practically the object of our faith, and the Grand Elder is inside. It’s only natural. Still, they only stand at the entrance of this path.”

“What do you mean by only the entrance…?”

“There’s a powerful barrier cast by the Grand Elder around the World Tree. If anyone tries to enter from anywhere other than this path, they’ll wander through the forest and eventually be pushed out. And even on this path, unless you’re an elder-level elf with permission, you’ll just get lost. They’re simply guarding the path out of duty and tradition.”

Fleta continued her explanation indifferently as she moved forward.

“All they do is verify the identity of those trying to enter or check if the Grand Elder has left word about expected visitors.”

As Fleta and we approached the path, the guards gripped their bows more tightly. I could sense the tension among them, ready to raise their bows and draw their strings at any moment.

Step by step.

As we got closer, they released their bows. Instead, they lightly placed their hands on their sword hilts, maintaining their vigilance.

“I am Fleta Arielt. I have matters to discuss with the Grand Elder, so clear the way.”

“And those accompanying Elder Arielt are…?”

The woman’s eyes glanced at our faces before shifting focus. Her attention moved to the easiest way to identify an elf—our ears.

They frowned upon seeing that Sione’s and my ears weren’t pointed like theirs.

“I’m sorry, but those whose identities aren’t confirmed cannot enter.”

“I vouch for their identity. Actually, there’s no need for that. These are the humans the Grand Elder mentioned.”

At Fleta’s words, the soldier’s expression subtly relaxed.

“…So you’re not the humans from the Kallia Marquisate. I apologize for the rudeness just shown.”

As the soldier bowed her head, Sione waved her hands dismissively. Thankfully, due to Sione’s quick reaction, we avoided having to stare at the top of her head any longer.

“It seems people from the Kallia Marquisate are still coming to see the Grand Elder.”

“Yes, even though the matter is settled, one soldier keeps coming. We tell him it’s not time yet and that he should go to the head of the Chelnis family to deliver the message… but he never seems to tire of it.”

“Hmm, I’ll speak to Lady Kallia about that separately.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

“Well, any further conversation should be with the Grand Elder, so please clear the way now.”

“…As you wish. May you have a peaceful discussion.”

The soldiers stepped aside and bowed their heads. We passed them and finally stepped onto the path, moving forward.

After walking in silence for a while, I began to feel a strange sensation on the path. I could feel waves of dense mana emanating from Fleta.

“Ah….”

Sione, also manifesting mana, seemed to sense Fleta’s growing presence and let out a quiet exclamation.

And I too felt something from the mana Fleta was emitting, just as Sione did.

‘She truly is the head of the family.’

Fleta’s mana waves carried the deep power of a nature guardian. The aura was so rich that it not only captivated spirits but also echoed in all directions with a pure sensation that could entrance ordinary sentient beings. No wonder it draws attention.

I heard there was a barrier on this path. It seems the reason she’s dispersing mana like this is related to that barrier.

How long had we walked? As we visibly got closer to the World Tree, more and more spirits began approaching us with interest from all around.

Perhaps attracted by Fleta’s aura spreading around us, their numbers grew until they surrounded all of us. Unlike Fleta and me, who were accustomed to such gatherings of spirits, Sione—who wasn’t familiar with spirits except for Cotton—was busy looking around with bright eyes.

“Ray, look at this. I wonder where they all came from.”

“We’ve seen plenty of spirits on the streets too, haven’t we?”

“Yes, but… not this many. Besides, the spirits on the streets didn’t even glance at me. They all clung to you instead.”

Sione seemed a bit sad that spirits other than Cotton had shown no interest in her. Well, what can you do? It’s a natural reaction if you lack innate affinity.

“Humans aren’t naturally friendly with spirits. It can’t be helped.”

“What about you, Ray? You’re human too.”

“Well… I’m a bit special.”

“…How annoying.”

I shrugged at Sione’s comment and surveyed the spirits around us like she did.

Most were low-level spirits. There were a few mid-level ones mixed in, but their numbers were extremely few.

‘I heard the World Tree’s roots were burning and its vitality was quite weakened.’

Still, it was the World Tree after all. Clearly, spirits were thriving in this world because the World Tree opened pathways to the spirit realm. This path and its surroundings seemed to be closely connected to the spirit realm thanks to the World Tree.

As we approached the Divine Tree, more spirits gathered around us, and I could physically feel the change in mana—how it moved more freely and how the spirits’ energy condensed. Thanks to this, the place offered the best possible conditions for a spirit mage.

As I was observing the surroundings:

“Umm… would you come here…?”

Sione reached out her hand toward the gathered spirits. She seemed to want to pet them.

—Kyaang!

—Kyung!!

As expected from Sione, who had no spirit affinity whatsoever. Not a single spirit would easily let her touch them.

The spirits dodged her gestures, fleeing this way and that. Sione was the first to surrender.

“Why only me….”

As Sione whined alone, Cotton fluttered over to her shoulder.

—Heng.

Cotton looked at Sione with a smug expression as if to say, “You have me, don’t you?”

Thump.

The finishing touch was when Cotton placed one tiny foot on her cheek.

Fleta, who had been quietly watching Sione and Cotton, softly remarked:

“…Truly unusual.”

…Our Cotton does have a personality that’s a bit unusual compared to other spirits.

* * *

The end of the path came into view. Unlike the path we had traveled, there wasn’t a single tree beyond it.

Instead, beautiful white buildings with arched designs stretched out, creating an atmosphere of reverence and mystery. Most of the buildings seemed to have been built hundreds or thousands of years ago. Without much maintenance, they had corners that were crumbling or neglected, giving off the impression of ruins.

But continuing straight from where we exited the path, there appeared one building that was still properly maintained—a snow-white structure that looked like a temple.

Sione, who had been looking at the columns of the building where ivy had begun to creep up, turned her head to check the side of the building.

“It’s a garden.”

Sione’s eyes shone brightly upon discovering the garden.

A garden spread out widely beside the building. In the garden, numerous spirits flew around playing pranks on each other, while dozens or hundreds of different flowers bloomed profusely.

Even when confined to her room alone, Sione had looked at flowers through guidebooks according to the season. With such deep affection for flowers, she clearly wanted to see the garden’s blooms.

“There are many flowers. If possible… would it be alright to ask the Grand Elder for a tour of the garden?”

The one who answered my question wasn’t Sione, but Fleta.

“That’s not a bad idea. The Grand Elder would surely grant permission willingly.”

And Sione responded to Fleta’s words.

“Really?”

“Yes. This garden is entirely managed by the Grand Elder alone… and she usually likes to show it off to others. Well, knowing the Grand Elder’s personality, she would probably offer to introduce the garden even without being asked.”

Just as Sione was looking back at the garden with anticipation:

“Fleta is right.”

A gentle female voice, even more leisurely than Fleta’s already gentle tone. The unfamiliar woman’s voice came from the entrance of the temple.

Sione turned her head in surprise, and her blue pupils captured the figure of an elf.

A woman wearing garments embroidered with the World Tree’s symbol, like what a priestess, nun, or perhaps a saint might wear. Black hair interspersed with strands of white. A High Elf who might have lived for at least hundreds, if not a thousand years or more, yet whose beauty hadn’t withered in the slightest.

The elf, who had lived through ages long enough for mountains to change shape and rivers to alter their course, simply looked at us with a calm smile.

“I’ve been waiting since I received the oracle. You… your eyes are a bit softer, but you certainly resemble my comrade who fought demons on the frontlines with me—indeed, you are her descendant.”

Judging by her mention of a war from over a thousand years ago, her age must indeed exceed a millennium.

The monstrous ancient being rolled her ash-gray eyes, taking me into her view.

“And you… are interesting. A man forming contracts with spirits.”

At those words, Cotton once again struck a confident pose.

—Myung!

But the High Elf shook her head at Cotton.

“Hehe, I’m sorry, but I’m not talking about you.”

—Myung?

“This gentleman has already formed bonds with two top-tier spirits besides you. The elements are… wind and fire. He has formed bonds with the most free and the most mercilessly burning ones.”

At the High Elf’s words, Sione, Fleta, and Cotton—everyone’s gazes gathered on me.

“However… you can’t meet them right now? That’s unfortunate… but at this level… it should be fine. Indeed, I think I can solve your problem.”

Especially Fleta. She who always gently observed her surroundings with half-closed eyes now opened them fully to stare directly at me.

At that moment when intense interest focused on me, somewhat uncomfortably, and when I finally understood what the High Elf was saying:

The Grand Elder of the Great Forest spoke as if she had been waiting for this moment.

“Well then, instead of standing here… let’s talk in the garden.”

Unlike everyone else’s complicated expressions, the High Elf simply maintained the same faint smile she had from the beginning.