Chapter 155: The Princess and the World Tree

Once the ceremonies for the alliance were concluded, I decided to speak with His Majesty and Her Highness regarding the fact that Princess Flora had likely awakened as an Apostle.

“Princess Flora, by any chance, has your body suddenly started glowing recently?”

“Yes, my maid Cecilia told me that while I was focusing on how to deal with Prince Ernst, I suddenly began to glow. I thought it must have been some kind of mistake.”

“I thought so. You see, when both Theo and Oliver awakened as Apostles, they were also enveloped in a divine light.”

“Is that so?” “My word… to think Flora has awakened as an Apostle.” His Majesty was surprised, but his expression quickly turned serious. “No, this is a joyous thing for supporting Lord William from here on. It means there is a special bond between you two.”

Her Highness blushed slightly, a rare sight.

“It seems that when one awakens as an Apostle, they gain a Unique Skill. You can find out what kind of skill it is by touching the stone tablet of the World Tree.” “The stone tablet has such a function?” “Yes. Therefore, I would like Her Highness Flora to visit the Elven forest and touch the stone tablet.”

“I understand. With your Teleportation Magic, William-san, we should be able to go and return quickly. I would like to go at once.” “Very well. You should go,” the King agreed.

“Aside from that, William-san… Since we are now engaged, please stop using such formal language when we are among close friends, even if we must maintain decorum in public.” “Er, even if you say that…”

“Such polite language makes me feel lonely. Especially since I have become your fiancée and apparently even an Apostle.” Her Highness looked down with a saddened expression. When she makes a face like that, it feels as if I am doing something wrong.

“First, let us change how you address me. Please call me Flora, not Princess Flora.” “Umu, that is for the best.” Even His Majesty chimed in. I’m cornered.

“F-Flora.” “Well done. And please stop using such formal speech as well.” “It will be difficult to change suddenly, but… I will do my best.” “It’s a promise.”

“By the way, does the Savior also awaken when an Apostle awakens?” “Yes. Though the timing seems to be slightly offset, I should also awaken and gain a new ability.”

“I see. Last time it was Teleportation Magic. I look forward to seeing what kind of incredible thing it is this time.” I don’t know what kind of ability I’ll acquire. I hope I can live up to His Majesty’s expectations.

Flora adjusted her busy schedule and made time the very next morning. Still, addressing Her Highness without a title feels quite strange. I wonder if I’ll ever get used to it? Holding Flora‘s hand, we teleported to the Elven forest.

As we entered the village, the Elder and Luna came out to greet us. “Welcome, Lord William and Princess Flora.” “It has been a while, Elder, Lucelina-san.”

“You have heard about the Apostles from Lord William, I presume? Then, let us guide you to the World Tree.” When the Elder chanted a spell before the giant tree, a hollow large enough for a person to pass through appeared. “My, what a mysterious magic.”

Passing through the tree, we emerged into the garden of the World Tree. “This is… what a beautiful place. And such divinity. So this tree is the World Tree.” Flora was moved by the beauty of the garden and struck by the sacred aura of the tree. This place feels like paradise no matter how many times I visit.

“Princess Flora, would you please touch this stone tablet?” “Yes, Elder.” As Flora touched the stone tablet of the World Tree held out by the Elder, the tablet began to glow.

New characters surfaced upon the stone. “Oh, the Unique Skill of the Apostle ‘Negotiator‘ appears to be ‘Charisma‘.” “Charisma? It might not be a skill as directly useful to William-san as Mr. Theo‘s or Oliver-sensei’s.”

I had told Flora that Theo and Oliver were also Apostles, and that they had gained powerful skills like ‘Replication‘ and ‘Akashic Records‘ upon their awakening.

“No, Your Highness. ‘Charisma‘ is an extremely rare and beneficial skill. Not only will negotiation partners listen to your words, but you will captivate audiences when you speak. You will be able to unite people under the Savior.” “Thank you, Elder. So, there is indeed something I can do.”