Chapter 83: Parents and the World Tree

After revealing my true identity to Father, I also told him that Theo and Oliver were Apostles of the Savior. “Theo and Oliver remained silent because I asked them to, so the responsibility lies with me.” “Good heavens, are you still saying that? I do wish you had confided in me sooner, but I understand the reason you couldn’t say it, so it’s fine now.” “Rather, I am grateful that the two of them, Theo and Oliver, shared the secret and supported Will.” Ah, Father‘s words are too kind.

After that, when I told Mother the same story, she got angry at me for similar reasons as Father. And after getting angry, she hugged me. Come to think of it, Mother and Father seem different, but they are similar in fundamental ways. They are truly good parents, too good for me.

Since both Father and Mother said they wanted to see the World Tree and the stone tablet, I contacted the Chieftain Lucelina and the Elder about it. Incidentally, since ordinary people cannot enter the Elf Forest due to the Forest of Bewilderment, letters cannot be delivered by post. A vassal of the Fairchild family or a workshop staff member has to go to the forest and leave it at a designated location. Regarding the date, both Father and Mother cancelled their schedules, saying the sooner the better, so it was decided we would go tomorrow.

The next day, I visited the Elf Forest with Father and Mother. As we proceeded through the Elf Forest, treehouses eventually came into view, and the Hidden Village of the Elves appeared. Both Father and Mother have been to the Hidden Village before. When we arrived at the village, Chieftain Lucelina and the Elder welcomed us.

Although I had written the circumstances in the letter, when I told them again that I had spoken to my parents about my true identity, the Elder apologized to my parents. “Lord Margrave and Lady Margrave, I apologize for not speaking of this until now.” “No, please raise your head, Sir Elder. Since Will asked you to remain silent, there is no need for you to apologize to us.” “That is correct, Elder.” Because I remained silent, I might have placed a psychological burden on Lucelina and the Elder as well. There are so many things to reflect on.

Then, guided by them, we proceeded with my parents to the depths of the Hidden Village of the Elves. When the Elder chanted magic in front of a great tree, an entrance appeared in the hollow of the tree. “My, what mysterious magic.” Mother, who possesses the Mage Skill, seemed impressed by the unique nature of Elven magic.

Passing through the hollow of the great tree, colorful flowers were in full bloom just as always. “This is surprising. What a beautiful place.” And in the center of the flower garden stood a single sapling. “Is this sapling the World Tree? I can feel a divine aura from it.” “Yes, it is the World Tree that we have protected for generations.”

The Elder showed the World Tree‘s stone tablet to my parents and explained what was written in the ancient language. “I see, so seven Apostles will appear. And you know that two of them are Theo and Oliver.” “Does that mean the remaining Apostles haven’t been found yet?” “I believe they have either not been found or have not yet awakened. Although Theodore and Oliver-san were close to the Lord Savior, their names only appeared on the stone tablet after they awakened.”

“So that is how it works. If people close to Will can awaken, is it possible for family members to become Apostles?” “I wonder. I have never heard of an example where the Lord Savior’s family became Apostles. In past cases, Apostles seem to be those who swore loyalty to the Lord Savior or those who became their spouse. I suspect it is a relationship different from familial love.” I didn’t know that. But if I think about it, it feels strange for my brother Eddie or Sophie to become Apostles.

Just as I thought that, the Elder made an even more shocking statement. “However, due to the influence of the Lord Savior, your family’s abilities may have increased.” “In that case, is the fact that Sophia is a rare Trimagia due to the influence of her brother Will being the Savior?” “I believe that possibility exists.” “I see. So the fact that Eddie‘s sword talent is amazing might also be because Will is the Savior…”

“No, I think Brother and Sophie‘s abilities are the result of their own efforts.” “Ah, Will, you don’t need to worry. Of course, I know Eddie and Sophie are working hard. But ability doesn’t grow from effort alone. Since both of them possess extraordinarily powerful skills, Mary and I were discussing that there might be something more to it.” “That’s right. Besides, since the ability goes up rather than down, you don’t need to worry, Will-chan.” Hearing them say that makes me feel at ease. Father and Mother are truly kind and embracing.

The day after showing my parents the World Tree, I explained the situation to the volunteers from the Knights who would be accompanying the Elf exploration team. After consulting with Father, we decided to tell the knights and key retainers like Smith about my true identity. The knights are tight-lipped, and having them know makes it easier to move in various ways.

“I knew you weren’t just an ordinary person, but to be the Savior… I’m overwhelmed.” James, who is always calm, was uncharacteristically surprised. “Lord William is the Savior? Since you’ve created amazing things, I thought you weren’t a normal person. It is an honor to be able to serve the Lord Savior.” Gilbert took it positively. Positive thinking is Gil‘s good point. The other knights also seemed to have suspected something, and thankfully, they adjusted quickly. Unlike my previous world, perhaps it’s because everyone in this world operates on the premise that mysterious things happen.

Also, I conveyed that as a result of telling Father everything, Father decided that although the knights are formally taking vacation to go, if they get injured or fall ill, it will be treated the same as if they were on duty. And that Father also ratified the fact that I gave them Mithril equipment, so they should be at ease. “Everyone here has steeled their resolve, but hearing that makes us feel relieved.”

On the day of departure, the Elves of the exploration team and the volunteer knights were checking their equipment and belongings together. Their food consists of hard biscuits and dried meat. The Elves have prepared various types of dried fruits too, but if possible, I would have liked to let them eat something a little more delicious.

The northern part of the southern undeveloped lands is grassland, so the exploration team is going on horseback to move quickly. I provided the money to buy the horses. I have the reward money from His Majesty, and money has accumulated from the workshop activities. Everyone thanked me, but since they are going on a dangerous journey, let me do at least that much. Finally, the exploration team departed. Along with Lucelina and the Elder, I watched them off until they disappeared from sight.