Chapter 82: Father and Son
Determined to tell him everything, I visited Father‘s office. “Father, I have something important to discuss regarding the Elves exploring the southern undeveloped lands and the volunteers from the Knights accompanying them.” “I have heard about the volunteers from the Knights accompanying them. So this is a discussion related to that?” “Yes. Until now, I couldn’t make up my mind to tell you, but I intend to tell you everything—about the World Tree, the Savior, and all of it.” “The World Tree and a Savior? That seems to be a sensitive topic. Could you wait a moment?” Father called a knight and had him stand before the entrance of the office. “We mustn’t let the servants overhear by accident. Besides, since you needed to steel your resolve to speak, it must be a heavy topic, Will.” I nodded. As expected, Father is sharp.
First, I explained that the World Tree exists deep in the Sea of Trees, protecting against monsters and controlling the climate, but its connection to the leylines was severed, weakening it. Now, only a sapling remains, which the Elves brought with them when they fled. I told him the Elves are going to search for a leyline crosspoint where the World Tree can grow.
“The World Tree… I thought it was a legend, but it actually existed. So, was the drought because the World Tree weakened?” “Yes. I heard from the Elf Elder that the climate is acting strangely because the World Tree has weakened. It seems the reason the Elves and Dwarves had no choice but to flee the Sea of Trees was also because the World Tree weakened.” “Is that so… It seems various events were connected.”
“Yes, they are connected. Including what kind of existence I am. The reason the Elf Elder began telling me sensitive stories about the World Tree is that I was recognized by the World Tree as the Savior. I don’t suppose you will believe me if I say this so suddenly, but…” “No, that’s not necessarily true. I have heard about the Savior. I will tell you what I know later, but could you continue your story, Will?”
“Yes. The Elves who have protected the World Tree have a legend that a Savior appears when the power of monsters strengthens. It says that when the Savior touches the World Tree, it glows, and a special stone tablet appears.” “So when you touched the World Tree, it glowed, and that stone tablet appeared?” “Yes. I intend to show you the World Tree and the stone tablet in the Elves’ forest.” Father opened his eyes wide. “That is… For you to be able to say that so definitively means the Elves will respond if you request it, Will.”
“That is correct. The Elves have passed down the command to gather around the Savior and support him. And… the Savior is a reincarnated person from another world possessing knowledge not found in this world.” I gulped down a breath. Finally, I am going to reveal my true identity. “I am a reincarnated person. Actually, my memories of my previous life returned when I was six years old. I am sorry I couldn’t make up my mind to tell you until now.” I bowed my head deeply to Father. “I was born and raised as William Fairchild, but at the same time, I possess memories of living in another world. I thought if I revealed I was such an incomprehensible existence, I might not be able to stay in the Fairchild family. This home is such a warm and wonderful place…” This home, this family, is truly wonderful, and I was terrified of losing it.
“You fool, Will. What are you saying?” Father got angry, which was rare. “Whether you are a reincarnated person or a Savior, Will, you are my and Mary‘s son. So what if you have memories of a previous life? The fact that you are our family does not change one bit.” Before, he told me that even if I received a title, nothing would change between parent and child. But a reincarnator is different. I thought it would be natural to be found creepy for having memories of a previous life. I was prepared to be told that such a monster is not his child. And yet, he says he accepts everything?
“Thank you, Father. I believe I was truly lucky to be born into this house.” But there is still something I must tell him. “The power of darkness is strong, and the threat of monsters is so great that even Elves who can use powerful magic had to flee. Although I haven’t heard it explicitly from the Elder, I believe the Savior will also become a target for those monsters. If I stay in this house, danger will befall you, Mother, and my sister. That is why I thought I had to leave this house before that happens…”
That is why I thought I would eventually have to leave this house. I was trying to hide my true identity, hoping to delay that time. I thought if it didn’t become widely known that I was the Savior, I might not become a target for the monsters.
Surprisingly, Father got angry again. “So what of it! Nobles are those who bear danger for the sake of the people. If there is danger in saving the world, do you think the Fairchild family would try to avoid it?” I see. Because he intends to fulfill his duty as a noble—his Noblesse Oblige—he doesn’t think of sending me away from the house even if I am targeted by monsters. That is unthinkable with the values of my previous world.
“Good grief, perhaps we need to redo Will‘s education from scratch.” “I’m sorry.” Father stood up from his chair, came over to me, and hugged me. “Oh dear, to think you were carrying such a grave secret all this time. Why didn’t you rely on me sooner?” Ah, he really is a wonderful father, too good for me. Tears overflowed and wouldn’t stop. Father rubbed my back until I calmed down.
Once I had calmed down, Father told me something surprising. “Actually, His Majesty is considering the possibility that Will is the reincarnated Savior. It seems the Royal Family also has a legend that when the power of darkness strengthens, a Savior with knowledge of the outside world appears.” “Such a story in the Royal Family…”
“Hahaha, the history of the Albion Kingdom is old, after all. However, since there is a legend that the Savior wields the power of swords and magic, His Majesty seemed unsure in his judgment.” “Is that so? According to the Elder, the Savior is usually a Hero or a Sage, and rarely, a Producer.” “I see, so that’s what it was.”
“I will convey Will‘s story to His Majesty as well, but I don’t think he will be surprised. The important thing seems to be moving the World Tree to the leyline crosspoint and protecting it from monsters.” “Yes. If the World Tree leaves the Elf barrier, it will likely be targeted by monsters. We cannot place the burden solely on the Elves. Since I have heard from His Majesty that I will eventually be granted territory, I would like to receive the southern undeveloped lands as my territory and protect the World Tree.”
“Good heavens, you wish for that land, where no one lives and which is difficult to develop, as your territory?” “Yes. I’m sure the Dwarves will cooperate with the civil engineering work, and I think I can manage to develop it using my Production Skill.” “Hmm, certainly Will‘s Production Skill is amazing, and perhaps if you are the Savior, that is what you should do. But you could receive a territory that is easier to govern…” Father looked up at the ceiling. Even though he doesn’t mind taking on hardships himself, he thinks of sparing me from them. That kindness touches my heart.
“Understood. I will explain the circumstances to His Majesty and consult him. Most likely, making the southern undeveloped lands your territory will be approved. When that happens, I will support you as much as I can.” Father is willing to support me after understanding my feelings. I am truly grateful.