Chapter 151: The Imperial Prince Knows the Truth

(This is from a third-party perspective.)

“I ask that what we discuss from here on remains confidential.” Prince Ernst nodded at Edgar II‘s words. “It may be difficult to believe all of a sudden, but William Fairchild has been recognized by the World Tree as the Savior who opposes the power of Darkness.”

“The Savior? The Empire also has legends of a Savior who saves the world from darkness, but I thought they were merely legends.” “Umu. Our country also has legends of the Savior, but I did not think they were reality either. However, his Production Skill transcends conventional wisdom and is not the ability of an ordinary person.”

“That is certainly true.” “William-san even built a large windmill in the blink of an eye, right before my eyes,” Princess Flora added. “He can even do such things?”

“Yes. Furthermore, Dwarves and Elves are cooperating in William-san’s crafting.” “What? The Elves who loathe humanity?”

“That is correct. When I visited the Fairchild territory, thanks to William-san’s introduction, I was allowed into the hidden Elf village.” Both the Prince and the Imperial Foreign Minister could not hide their surprise at the Princess’s story. They had never heard of humans being invited to a hidden Elf village.

“The appearance of the Savior means that the power of Darkness is strengthening. The World Tree, which was deep within the Sea of Trees, was cut off from the leylines outside the forest by the power of Darkness, and it seems it was driven to the brink of withering.” “Does the World Tree actually exist as well? I thought it was a mythical existence.”

“Indeed. However, I have received reports from Margrave Fairchild that he was invited to the sanctuary of the World Tree kept secret by the Elves. And according to the Elf Elder, the abnormal climate and the epidemic of infectious disease are also occurring because the power of Darkness has strengthened and the World Tree has weakened.” “Does the weakening of the World Tree even change the climate?”

“It seems the World Tree not only repels Darkness but also plays a role in maintaining the environment of this land. According to Elven legend, famine and infectious diseases also raged in the past when the power of Darkness increased and the World Tree weakened.”

“It is a story that is hard to believe immediately.” “I felt the same. However, it is unprecedented for abnormalities to occur in the climate widely across borders, and a terrifying infectious disease we have never experienced before has also spread. I think it is more natural to consider that it is related to the weakening of the World Tree.”

“I see. The old me probably would not have believed it. However, speaking honestly, Lord William‘s talent is abnormal, and I can feel that the world is changing. And through this incident, I have been impressed by the character of Your Majesty and Her Highness the Princess. Therefore, I can believe it.” “I am grateful.”

“So, what is the state of the World Tree now?” “The World Tree is currently in the state of a weakened sapling, but it seems to be protected in the Fairchild Margrave territory. The Elves escaped the Sea of Trees while protecting the sapling created by the World Tree and fled to the Fairchild territory.”

“Then, you mean the Elves met Lord William at the place they fled to?” “That is correct. And the Elves searched for a Leyline Crosspoint where the World Tree could grow and regain its power. With the cooperation of William and the volunteer knights of the Fairchild family, they finally pinpointed its location in the southern undeveloped lands.”

“Such a thing happened? So Lord William being confined to the southern undeveloped lands is not a demotion, but rather to make the place where the World Tree will be moved his territory?” Edgar II nodded deeply. “Exactly. William himself desired it. Our Royal Family will support the development of the undeveloped lands with all our might.”

“Is that so… So that was the reason Lord William said he desired it himself.” “I am happy you understand.” “Yes. I now understand well the circumstances why Lord William cannot leave the western part of the Kingdom to fulfill his role as the Savior.”

“Even though I did not know the circumstances, I apologize for trying to forcibly invite Lord William to the Empire. Despite that, you have agreed to sell food and medicine to our country at fair prices. I offer my deepest thanks.” “The Kingdom and the Empire must work together to face the monsters. It can be said that cooperation is only natural for that purpose.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. However, we cannot just be on the receiving end of help. Is there anything our country can do?” “If you say so, I have one request. I believe William-san will face various difficulties in the future to fulfill his role as the Savior. Of course, our country will support him, but could the Empire not support William-san as well?”

Prince Ernst was originally a serious person, and he was thinking not only of the Empire’s profit but also of the entirety of humanity. “Of course, Your Highness. I promise that we shall support Lord William to the best of our country’s ability.”

Flora wore a beaming smile, having secured the outcome she wanted from this negotiation. With this, Will could request aid from the Empire almost without limit. “I find Your Highness’s words reassuring.”

The Prince relaxed his expression slightly. Although he had caused trouble for the Kingdom in this negotiation, looking back, he also felt like he had been dancing in the palm of Princess Flora‘s hand.

“Princess Flora is not only beautiful but also extremely wise. If such a person as yourself is engaged to him, it must have been impossible to welcome Lord William as my sister’s husband.” “I am humbled by your praise.”

Then, Prince Ernst turned back to Edgar II and bowed. “Your Majesty King Edgar II, although I did not know the circumstances, I apologize from the bottom of my heart for speaking such rudeness as not hesitating to shed blood.”

“It is fine. Strong words likely came out because you worried for your country and thought of the future of humanity. Raise your head.” “Thank you, Your Majesty. I promise that our Empire shall repay the kindness received this day and become a sincere ally.”

Thus, an alliance to oppose the monsters was formed between the Vandle Empire and the Albion Kingdom, and war between the two nations was averted.