Ch.347Gift (2)

The Arwen illustration is up! I’ll post it in the announcements!

*****

I had experienced something similar at the academy, but back then I could manage it somehow. At that time, people reacted as if a celebrity had arrived, not a hero.

But the road to Elodia was no different from the welcome given to a triumphant general. From all directions, voices praising my name could be heard, and bright white flower petals showered from the sky.

While I was bewildered by this reception, I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed deep down. I’ve long since realized, albeit belatedly, the magnitude of what I had accomplished.

Even if it was a series of coincidences, I had saved the world from the conspiracy of demon worshippers. Moreover, I had prevented several countries from facing tragic downfalls.

There are countless cases where books changed the world, like Marx in my previous life, but cases where they saved the world are extremely rare. And I was the hero who accomplished such a difficult feat.

However, regardless of that, receiving such fervent welcome didn’t suit my disposition. Perhaps due to deeply ingrained tendencies from my previous life, I don’t prefer being in the spotlight.

To be precise, while I like my work receiving attention, I feel uncomfortable when I myself become the center of attention. No need for trivial reasons—it’s just my personality.

Of course, I had anticipated this kind of attention and welcome when I revealed my identity. I just don’t like it because of my personality.

When I mustered the courage to wave my hand, the response was even more enthusiastic, making me feel embarrassed.

‘It’s going to be absolute chaos in Helium.’

If Alfheim is like this, how grand will the reception be in Helium? Since I’ve now “officially” visited Alfheim, an invitation from Helium will soon follow.

Especially the demon race will be even more intense, as they’ve considered me their benefactor even before I was regarded as a prophet.

Unlike Alfheim, where the nation feels indebted, the demon race is elevating me to sainthood at a racial level.

Thinking about it that way, this seemed like nothing. The demon race would be at the level of religious devotion, without exaggeration.

“For the hero who saved the world! Salute!”

Snap!

This is a bit too much, isn’t it? I gave a wry smile as I received salutes from the soldiers guarding the gates of Elodia.

Knights with engraved armor, shields on their backs, and swords held with both hands.

Seeing them greet me with such discipline made my face flush again.

“They are Alfheim’s Guardian Force. Only warriors with exceptional skills can join.”

“I… see.”

I nodded glumly at Beatrice’s explanation. In Imperial terms, it’s like being greeted by the Navy Knights themselves.

It was evident that Alfheim had put a lot of effort into welcoming me. From the Warchief to the reception I received while walking here, and now these knights.

I thought I should offer some comfort to those who were going to such lengths. I bowed my head slightly to the Guardian Force who had cleared the way.

“You must be working hard. Thank you for welcoming me.”

“Thank you!!”

Whoa. That startled me. I almost lost my ears.

Despite being a mixed group of men and women, their gratitude was loud enough to pierce my eardrums.

As we passed through the gate, the Guardian Force saluted again, but I let it pass lightly. Now I needed to see what Elodia looked like.

“Wow…”

“How is it? Impressive, isn’t it?”

As Hass proudly stated, Elodia, the political institution of Alfheim, was displaying a grandeur befitting its reputation.

Until the Racial War, Alfheim had adopted a republican system. They are a race that believes no ruler is needed under the care of the gods.

Therefore, Elodia resembles a temple rather than a royal palace like other countries. It’s based on the Olympus temple with Roman architectural elements added.

Like its appearance, it also serves as a temple. This is to ensure that no one dares to misbehave in a place watched over by the gods.

‘But wasn’t the bedroom the only place beyond their sight?’

I walked forward, gazing at Elodia, which exuded a different kind of majesty from the palaces I had seen before.

Perhaps because they are elves, despite being a structure built by human hands, it harmonizes with the surrounding environment.

Tall trees rise high like fortress walls surrounding the building, and behind Elodia stands the World Tree firmly.

Just as my mouth was involuntarily opening at the scene that resembled a painting, a beautiful voice reached my ears.

“You’ve finally arrived.”

“Huh?”

Hearing a very familiar voice, I shifted my gaze from the World Tree to the front.

And seeing an elf woman who came into view, I couldn’t help but blink slowly.

“…Arwen?”

Arwen was waiting for me at the main gate. At first glance, she seemed to be welcoming me warmly, but she was so different from her usual self.

First, her attire. I’ve always known she prefers clothes that clearly show her strengths.

The same goes for what she’s wearing now. A white slim dress. It clings tightly to her body, a style difficult to pull off unless one has a really good figure.

Above all, what’s commonly called a side slit, with one side generously exposed, shyly revealing her fair thigh.

Along with this, her slender waist and the hip line extending downward made her uncharacteristically sensual.

Though the outfit itself is modest and only one thigh is exposed, it exudes sexiness.

Moreover, the subtle fragrance wafting from her stimulated my sense of smell, making my heart race.

“Then we shall take our leave now.”

“May you two have a good time.”

As the subtle atmosphere continued, Beatrice and Hass also politely withdrew. They’re retreating now, but they’ll probably patrol the area for security.

Still, the fact that only Arwen and I remained unchanged. I stared at her, who was different from usual, with tension in her posture.

Arwen, perhaps embarrassed by my gaze, avoided eye contact and tucked her hair behind her ear. Her slightly reddened face was a bonus.

That action alone was enough for me to say this.

“You look really beautiful. You were always beautiful, but you’re even more beautiful now.”

“Ugh…”

At my sincere compliment, Arwen blushed and couldn’t speak. I hadn’t noticed until now, but her dress was faintly revealing her pale skin underneath.

What material was it made of to be see-through like that? Thankfully, all the important parts were covered, but it was still breathtaking.

I slowly walked up to her until I was right in front of her. Arwen didn’t step back even when I came right up to her, but stood still in her place.

Then, as a quiet current flowed between us, I reached out and placed my hand on her cheek. Arwen visibly flinched.

She slowly raised her head and faced me directly. Her moist silver-gray eyes were filled with deep affection.

‘I’ve decided to be a scoundrel, but…’

Accepting Arwen was easier than I thought. Returning love to a woman who likes me, not less than what she deserves.

No. It was easy to repay with even greater love. This includes not just emotional but also physical relationships.

Then what form of love should I return to Arwen? For emotionally unstable Adelia, just being by her side is enough, and Cecilly is similar.

For Marie and Leona, I need to consistently shower them with love without turning away. Then for Arwen…

‘No, that’s not right.’

It’s absurd to categorize this now. Let’s first find out about the “gift” that she and Alfheim have prepared.

With that, I gently removed my hand from Arwen’s cheek. She responded with an “Ah…” showing her disappointment.

“So what’s this gift you have for me?”

“G-gift? Ah, right. That’s right.”

Maybe her head is too hot as well. Arwen started to fumble at my mention of a gift.

To the citizens of Alfheim, she’s a firm and resolute queen. But in front of me, she becomes a fool in love.

Seeing these two sides of her, how could anyone not find her cute? At least I can’t.

“Ahem! Ahem! The gift is prepared inside Elodia. I can give it to you right away if you wish, but…”

After saying that much, Arwen tightly closed her mouth. At the same time, her snow-white face started to turn bright red.

I can roughly guess what kind of gift it is, which makes me smile slightly. But receiving such a gift in broad daylight seems too rushed, and there’s no mood for it.

Shouldn’t we at least go on a date first? I spoke to her, who couldn’t open her mouth, in a gentle voice.

“Then I’ll receive it later. It’s not urgent, right?”

“Y-yes, it’s not urgent…”

“Then…”

I tapped my lips with my finger, pondering. I wanted to visit the sacred place first and then go to the World Tree, but that would take a lot of time.

Because once I reach the sacred place, I’ll probably just read books. Since Arwen is also a bookworm like me, she’s likely to read beside me.

Of course, she’s probably read most of the books since she can freely access the sacred place, but I also have a “gift” prepared.

I entrusted it to Cyris just in case, but I plan to give it to Arwen soon.

Then there’s only one place left. After some consideration, I asked Arwen.

“Can you guide me to the World Tree?”

“The World Tree… you say?”

“Yes.”

Going to the World Tree. Arwen turned around after hearing my words.

Looking back, the World Tree is visible behind the building. Even Arwen needs permission from the priests to approach the World Tree.

Of course, given my achievements, getting permission would be easy. However, the problem arose from an unexpected place.

“Th-that… might be a bit difficult.”

“Huh? Why? Am I not allowed?”

“You would be allowed. But the World Tree is almost like the incarnation of Lady Hirt. In other words, you need permission from Lady Hirt, not Lord Luminus or Lady Mora.”

I can understand that much. Then why is Arwen troubled?

Looking at her with a questioning expression, she explained with a bitter smile.

“Lady Hirt is the goddess of nature. And nature is this world itself. Unlike the others, to receive direct permission from Lady Hirt, preparations are needed.”

“Preparations?”

“Have you ever seen or heard of clerics who are burning with fever after receiving too much divine power?”

Indeed. Kate experienced that, and recently, I had a similar experience, though under different circumstances.

As I nodded in affirmation, Arwen said the explanation would be easier and continued immediately.

“Lady Hirt is the goddess of nature, so even her oracles respond through natural phenomena. However, if she directly gives an oracle, the cleric might die in severe cases.”

“Because they can’t handle the divine power?”

“Yes. It’s difficult even for us elves. Therefore, to receive permission from Lady Hirt, a minimum grace period of one month is needed. It’s difficult right now.”

“Hmm…”

I didn’t know such circumstances were hidden. But considering Hirt’s position, it’s not incomprehensible.

The mother of the twin siblings, Luminus and Mora, and the embodiment of nature itself. She could rightfully be called the main deity of this world.

It’s disappointing, but given the circumstances, there’s no choice. Since I have time to spare, I can take it slow.

“I understand. Then…”

That’s when it happened.

Whoosh!

A sudden strong wind. My red hair and Arwen’s silver-gray hair fluttered violently.

Flutter!

“Chirp! Chirp chirp! Chirp!”

“Caw! Caw!”

Simultaneously, numerous birds took flight from the trees surrounding Elodia. I gazed at where these birds were heading.

The place where the birds were flying with powerful wing beats was exactly behind Elodia, the World Tree.

Also, the direction of the wind and the direction the birds were flying matched. Leaves mixed in the wind clearly indicated the direction.

It felt as if “nature” was guiding me towards the World Tree, as if telling me there’s no need for lengthy deliberation.

“…”

“…”

For a while, we both watched the birds flying away, and then, without anyone taking the lead, we looked at each other.

Arwen had a dumbfounded expression. A face that couldn’t distinguish if what she was seeing was a dream or reality.

Seeing her face, I shrugged my shoulders and spoke nonchalantly.

“It seems like permission has been granted, doesn’t it?”

“…”

“Shall we go?”

Arwen nodded as if entranced by my question. Then she murmured softly.

“Nature…”

“Hm?”

I learned later that…

“Nature… has never… responded immediately…”

“…”

Including myths, there has never been a case where nature (Hirt) responded without prayer or sorcery.