Chapter 55: The Clan That Protected the World Tree

May has arrived, and the season of dazzling new greenery is here. I can feel the breath of life in the mountains and forests, and I feel energized. I was able to spend some time relaxing after my birthday party, and it’s time to face what I’ve been putting off.

On this day, I visited the Elves’ Hidden Village with a certain determination. The Elves also seem to have become accustomed to life here, and I decided to ask Lucelina and the Elder about something that has been bothering me. I wanted to know what exactly happened in the Sea of Trees.

“Could you tell me what happened deep within the Sea of Trees? Lucelina-san, this might remind you of your parents, but…”

Lucelina‘s eyes widened for a moment, but she spoke calmly.

“While the matter of my parents is certainly sad, I have come to terms with it since the World Tree weakened and we were pressured by the Monsters, so it is fine.”

The Elder also said, “That is what it means to be the Chieftain of the Elves.” It seems the Chieftain of the Elves bears a heavy responsibility.

“It is about time we explained the situation to Savior-sama.”

The Elder began to speak.

“The deeper one goes into the Sea of Trees, the more powerful the Monsters are. However, this was not a problem as long as the World Tree was healthy. The adult World Tree repelled weak Monsters and weakened strong Monsters.”

The World Tree had such power?

“But the World Tree in the Elven village deep within the Sea of Trees began to weaken. The truth is, the World Tree draws its power from the Ley Lines flowing beneath the earth. Ley Lines are like the veins spread throughout this world, but the Sea of Trees was gradually encroached upon by the Power of Darkness, and eventually, it was severed from the Ley Lines outside the Sea of Trees.”

Something like that was happening deep in the Sea of Trees. We, who were outside, had no idea.

“Our clan has protected the World Tree for generations. Even when the Sea of Trees became dangerous, we couldn’t just flee without knowing if the World Tree could thrive elsewhere.”

“On the other hand, Father worried that the clan would perish if we stayed. That’s when we received information about this region from the Dwarves who had escaped the Sea of Trees.”

“Thereupon, the Chieftain made a decision, and we escaped the Sea of Trees, carrying the World Tree Sapling. The weakened World Tree had produced a Sapling in order to grow new roots in a different location.”

So that was the situation. The Elder and Lucelina‘s clan of Elves have carried a heavy mission for generations, protecting the World Tree for the sake of this world without anyone knowing.

They must have gone through so many hardships until now. I had thought I wasn’t suited to be the Savior, but I realized I must do what I can for these people.

“The Elves, Elder-san, endured great hardship when the World Tree weakened and made the difficult decision to leave the Sea of Trees.”

“We are grateful to hear you say that. However, thanks to the help of Savior-sama and the Fairchild House family, we are now able to live in safety.”

“Since there are Ley Lines running through this forest, albeit thin ones, the World Tree Sapling will gradually grow and regain its strength.”

“The Ley Line in this forest is thin, then. Listening to your story, a thicker Ley Line would be better. By the way, is the World Tree becoming an adult tree important for fighting against the Power of Darkness?”

“Yes, the World Tree is a great entity for the creatures living in this land. It not only wards off darkness but also affects the climate and environment of this region. The drought happening around here recently is also believed to be an effect of the World Tree‘s weakening.”

What! I didn’t realize the weakening of the World Tree was involved even in the drought.

“It is certainly true that the World Tree would grow faster on top of a thicker Ley Line. If possible, it would be best if we could transplant it onto a Ley Line Cross-Point.”

“A Ley Line Cross-Point? That’s the first I’ve heard of it. Does the Albion Kingdom have a Cross-Point?”

“Yes, we don’t know the exact location, but a large Ley Line seems to intersect in the South of the Fairchild Territory.”

The South of our territory would be Unsettled Land.

“That area is Unsettled Land. Compared to a place where people already live, it will be easier to move the World Tree.”

However, to protect the World Tree reliably, it would be better if it were in the territory of someone trustworthy. Should I ask Father to expand the Margraviate?

No, it would likely be difficult to get the Royal Family‘s permission to further expand the already vast Margraviate.

Since it’s decided that I will be granted a territory in the West, I should just ask for the Unsettled Land as my territory. If I am going to fulfill the role of Savior, I shouldn’t back down here.

“I am scheduled to be granted the rank of Baron when I come of age. Father negotiated with His Majesty so I could acquire territory in the West rather than near Winchester. Since no noble desires Unsettled Land, if I request the Unsettled Land in the South as my territory, it will surely be granted.”

“We are grateful for that thought. However, acquiring Unsettled Land as your territory will involve great hardship. Is Savior-sama truly prepared for that?”

“I have been unsure until now whether I am fit to be the Savior. But after hearing your story today, I realized I must do whatever I can to ensure the hardships endured by the Elves who have protected the World Tree bear fruit.”

“Thank you, Savior-sama. In that case, we will have members of our clan explore to locate the Ley Line Cross-Point.”