Ch.19564. Uphold Your Mission. (2)

The World Tree is the root and foundation of existence for the fairy folk.

The first elves were born from the branches of the World Tree, from its leaves, and from its bark.

Those born from the leaves are called the Forest Clan, or Wood Elves, while those born from the branches are said to be known as the Light Clan.

Elves born from the bark had various skin colors; these “bark-born” were later despised as Molting Elves and classified as the Insufficient Clan, the Lacking Clan.

This stands in stark contrast to the Light Clan with their snow-white skin and unparalleled beauty, dignity, and nobility.

No one knows how it was at the very beginning, but as time passed, social hierarchy and rank formed among them.

Over the long ages, this led to conflict.

The ultimate victors were the Forest Clan, who now live beside the World Tree.

The Light Clan is said to have left the continent, while the Lacking Clan spread throughout the continent and beyond.

But now, all of this is ancient history.

From there, the Forest Clan further divided into various factions, and the Lacking Clan merged with the Forest Clan in new forms, creating conflicts—a story that would take days to fully explain.

The descendants of the Lacking Clan who ventured into the outside world and mixed blood with other races have maintained only a thin lineage, with their fairy characteristics significantly diluted.

That’s why even today’s half-elves and quarter-elves are predominantly of Forest Clan origin.

Nevertheless, even they can have their ashes or keepsakes laid to rest near the World Tree after death—perhaps the final courtesy the Forest Clan can offer.

“Just as one must overcome barbarism to form a healthy civilization.”

“Kariel? Where did you pick up that phrase?”

While observing the queen paying respects with her people, Kariel was casually listening to the stories Remira was telling.

“Remira, what do you think about those times?”

“I don’t know. What’s the point of discussing something I haven’t experienced firsthand?”

“There’s nothing wrong with imagining hypothetical scenarios. Why do you think the saying ‘learn from the past’ exists? For example, is it wrong to imagine what you’d do if someone attacked Her Majesty from the sky while you were guarding her? Would you just stand there helplessly if it actually happened, assuming it could never occur?”

“How is that the same as this?”

“Using one’s mind is the greatest weapon of an intelligent species. Do you realize that the bow and sword you carry all came from that?”

From birth, swordsmanship, archery—all of these things existed.

Her race would have naturally acquired these skills, as easily as breathing.

“Was it the same for the first elves? What about spirit magic? Buildings? Clothes and ways of life—were they all there from the beginning? All of these things came about as inspiration was drawn from somewhere, imitated, and refined through trial and error in pursuit of something better. They’re like inventions.”

“…What does this have to do with our conversation?”

“Why does your race worship ancestral spirits? It’s because you believe in the value of your inherited legacy and that the rules, disciplines, laws, and traditions they established benefit you, right?”

“……”

Remira nodded naturally.

Now that she heard it, it made perfect sense.

But why hadn’t she thought about it at all until now?

Everything had seemed so natural, as automatic as breathing.

But hearing those words suddenly made everything feel unnatural, as if submerged in water.

“Unlike other elves, you became a Guardian because you’re not so obedient.”

“Are you accusing me of being disloyal?”

“Don’t just hear what you want to hear. Having an awakened mind and open eyes is incredibly important. Those who don’t will always live lives swayed and swept along by the world, others, and their surroundings.”

“……”

Remira crossed her arms and then touched her chin.

She began to genuinely contemplate.

“When I say I’m smart, as the Queen mentioned, I’m nurturing a snake in my mind. And that snake always asks me questions: What do you want to do? How do you want to do it? Is that right? Are you confident you won’t fail doing it that way? What if you fail? What comes next if you succeed? Can’t you handle things more perfectly? Is this really the best option? What would be worse than this?”

“…My head is starting to hurt.”

Remira frowned.

“Yes. Saying more would just be my own indulgence. In a way, it might even be showing off.”

“Is that so?”

“Starting to lecture others while intoxicated with the phenomenon of teaching and guiding is also a form of that. What I’ve told you so far should be enough. Your race refines life with the passage of time, right? Sometimes like the wind. Sometimes like flowing water.”

“That’s right. That’s why we don’t rush things.”

…Though Remira herself was surprisingly impatient, even that would seem infinitely relaxed compared to humans.

After hesitating briefly, she suggested:

“You don’t need to stay by my side. Since you’re here, why not pay your respects too?”

“I believe in no one but our Lord. I merely show courtesy and respect to others.”

“…Actually, isn’t it because you find it bothersome?”

“Strange. How did you know that?”

Kariel showed a slight smile.

“After making such an obvious show of it.”

“Show? Is that the right word?”

Kariel tilted her head.

“Wouldn’t it be disrespectful to just stand here after Her Majesty personally brought you here?”

“That’s true.”

As if to say “only now you point that out,” Kariel’s eye-smile deepened.

“……”

Is she trying to teach me again?

“You may be the youngest Guardian, but when you’re beside someone important, you should be attentive enough to provide support, whether you understand or not.”

“So you’re saying you were waiting here until I noticed and pointed it out?”

“If I hadn’t, Her Majesty would have come over and suggested it herself before I moved. That would make for a nice picture too.”

“Picture? Why are we talking about pictures? Is that some kind of metaphor?”

“Ah, yes, it is.”

It seems my Imperial expression in Elvish was a bit off.

“In elvish terms, it would be like watching the dance of falling flower petals.”

“So you mean it’s natural, in accordance with the natural order, and beautiful. Is that what you’re trying to say?”

“Yes. It’s slightly different, but not an incorrect interpretation.”

I made a mental note that expressions requiring interpretation should be attempted with older individuals.

“…?”

Is it just my imagination?

“Did you say something to me?”

“Me? You must have misheard.”

“Hmm…”

“Oh, just to be clear, don’t go sharing what you heard today with anyone else.”

“I have no one to tell anyway.”

By then, having finished her respects and greetings to the people, the Queen approached the two again.

This time she wasn’t alone but accompanied by what appeared to be two attendants—female elves in thick clothing.

With long white hair and thick hats with attached cotton veils, only the area around their mouths was visible.

Their clothes were snow-white, and their exposed skin was so pale that it evoked a sense of holiness beyond mere cleanliness.

Of course, while pure emotion might perceive it that way, rational observation assigned no particular meaning to it.

Those the Queen brought were priestesses who served the World Tree.

Though not defined as a religion, they clearly maintained a unique faith centered on the World Tree.

Following their guidance to another altar, they found a male elf with rare wrinkles already waiting.

“It’s been years, Sixth Elder.”

“Indeed it has. Oh my… my old bones…”

The one called Elder was probably of the same age as dragons who had reached old age.

“Let’s see. Yes. Is this the child you mentioned?”

“If I may ask without being rude, could I know your name?”

I asked, feeling awkward about just calling him “Elder.”

“I forgot my name long ago. I see you don’t know about me or us yet.”

“Yes, shamefully so.”

“Nothing to be ashamed of. Not knowing is simply not knowing. It would be stranger if you knew without being told.”

The old man chuckled and said to just call him Elder.

“I can certainly see why the spirits are wary of you.”

The elderly elf seemed to grasp the cause at a glance.

“It’s likely for similar reasons as your father.”

“Similar reasons as my father?”

“Your father, the hero Rueld, would quickly break ordinary swords before he wielded the holy sword, wouldn’t he?”

“Yes, as far as I know.”

“It’s the same. Your temperament is too strong for nature to embrace you.”

“…Hmm?”

“For instance, it’s not difficult to scoop up a handful of water… but what happens when you try to scoop up a large lake or river?”

“Various things could happen. It might rain, or floods and water damage could occur.”

“Yes. And when water disappears from the land, it brings barrenness to that land.”

“Hmm…”

Kariel thought for a few seconds before sighing softly.

“So spirits fear me because they’re afraid of being consumed, in a way.”

“Yes. You could think of it that way.”

Though he softened his words deliberately.

In other words, this means…

‘By commanding spirits, I could cause supernatural, unnatural events.’

And more destructive, harmful ones rather than positive results?

If…

If I could control fire spirits.

I would brazenly burn down mountains and forests where enemies dwell without hesitation.

In wartime, even more extensively and widely.

I would devise cruel strategies like luring enemies into fiery pits to burn them alive.

I would use it as a torture device without qualms, and dramatically employ it for intimidation without reservation.

I would surely reduce someone’s home to ashes without a second thought.

Because I always consider the best, the worst, the highest, and the lowest when wielding any tool at my disposal, seeking efficiency.

Even killing one person.

Even killing thousands or tens of thousands.

I am someone who could commit such acts if necessary.

…Though given my position, I probably wouldn’t cross that line under normal circumstances.

“You understand this well yourself.”

“In Her Majesty’s words, I’m raising a snake in my mind.”

I don’t deny it.

A monster lives within me.

But this isn’t a bad thing.

Those who fear evil are afraid of being pathetically devoured by that evil.

Those who fear venom don’t fear the fangs but the inevitable death the venom brings.

But all these things depend on how they’re used.

If God created the world, and if He is omnipotent and perfect…

…Then denying the structures, creatures, and concepts He created and formed would be arrogant and foolish.

“Aren’t you afraid?”

“That fear helps me guard against becoming arrogant and foolish.”

“Courage that makes a friend of fear. Yes. Such extraordinary individuals change the world. Beyond being of heroic lineage… you also possess the qualities of a hero, so this will be a fitting trial and aid for you.”

“Qualities, you say?”

“Haven’t you already realized it yourself?”

At the old elf’s words, Kariel looked slightly troubled.

“Doesn’t the existence of heroes mean the world is becoming chaotic and confused?”

“You don’t understand. Even without a Demon Lord, the world is always chaotic and turbid. Because this world was created from chaos. But we began to build foundations upon the world through order.”

He pointed to Remira’s waist.

“That metal thing there wasn’t always like that, was it? Metal was melted from stone, gathered, shaped, and made useful to become the weapon it is now.”

“And that process was accomplished through the foundation of order?”

“Yes. Even our bodies, with hearts continuously pumping blood throughout—all of this is bound by the discipline of order. We don’t die because our heart is stabbed. We die because that discipline is broken and blood circulation stops. Because the rule is violated.”

“So if blood flowed smoothly throughout the body even without a heart, one could live?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“…I see.”

“There are living beings that survive under even harsher conditions… but yes, mammals would have no exceptions. The exceptions would be life forms that live through chaos. Or something in a category unknown to us.”

“……”

“Haven’t you seen things that move despite being corpses, despite all rules being broken? That’s chaos. Things that defy principles. Order is the vanguard and foundation of principles.”

“Hearing you say that… I feel somewhat relieved.”

“In what way?”

“…It seems I had some prejudice about heroes too. Knowingly or unknowingly.”

“Not having an adversary doesn’t mean one isn’t a hero. But… such a being will appear for you someday too.”

Child, I didn’t say you would become a hero.

“A champion may not have an opposite, but a hero is not so.”

“Is that so?”

“Hehehe…”

The old elf said no more.

“Enough idle talk. Since this child cannot command spirits… instead, I thought to let her hear the language of the divine tree.”

“Is that acceptable?”

To the queen’s question, the old elf merely chuckled.

“A connection is a connection. We can’t just let it pass by.”

“Then do as you wish. Kariel. I truly hope this helps you this time.”

“I’ve already received sufficient help and comfort. So please don’t worry.”

Kariel smiled brightly.

Now that I know spirits not only avoid but fear me… well, it will be difficult.

If I were to forcibly find a spirit compatible with me… it wouldn’t be entirely impossible.

But that would be troublesome in a different way.

“But what do you mean by the language of the divine tree—the World Tree?”

So let’s set aside needless attachments.

Let bygones be bygones.

By all means.