Chapter 90: The Matter of Will and the World Tree ~ Consultation between His Majesty and Father

(This chapter is from the perspective of Margrave Fairchild. While the exploration team is exploring the southern undeveloped lands, Father has gone to the Royal Capital to consult with His Majesty.)

Will really was the Savior. And the World Tree has weakened, causing the threat of darkness to increase. The weakening of the World Tree seems to be connected to the irregular climate as well. The story I heard from Will and the Elf Elder was serious. I headed to the Royal Capital to report to His Majesty.

Upon arriving at the Fairchild family mansion in the Royal Capital, I immediately sent a messenger to the Royal Castle. Normally, one would have to wait several days, but surprisingly, I was able to meet His Majesty the very next day. It seems His Majesty also considers matters involving Will to be important. When I met His Majesty at the Royal Castle, he asked immediately. “Theodore, I heard you have an urgent report regarding William-kun and the World Tree. What has happened?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Could I ask you to clear the room?” “Umu, understood.” His Majesty urged the maids to leave the room, and Royal Guards stood at the entrance. “Is this satisfactory?”

“Thank you. Then, I will explain what I heard from William and the Elf Elder.” I explained to His Majesty that William was truly the Savior, that the World Tree in the Sea of Trees had been cut off from the outer leylines and weakened, which was the cause of the irregular climate, and that the Elf clan who protected the World Tree had fled to the Fairchild territory carrying the sapling.

“Good heavens, so such a thing was happening.” His Majesty sighed. “The situation is serious. However, my prediction that William-kun is the Savior was correct.” “It is exactly as you say.” His Majesty had a grim expression, but he looked happy only about the fact that his prediction was correct.

“Now then, if that is the case, the important thing seems to be reviving the World Tree.” “I believe you are correct. According to the Elf Elder, there is a Crosspoint where leylines intersect in the undeveloped lands located south of my territory, and if the World Tree is transplanted there, its growth will accelerate.” “I see. Then we must find that location.”

“An Elf exploration team has already departed for the south. Volunteers from my Fairchild Family Knights are guarding them, and William is effectively accompanying them as well.” “Oh, really? They were already moving? But volunteers from the Knights… I see, because it is for activity outside the Margravate.” “Yes, the knights are taking vacation and moving as individuals. Although they are on vacation, they are acting for the sake of the country, so I have conveyed that if they get injured or fall ill, it will be treated as if they were on duty.”

“I see. I am grateful that you are doing all you can within the constraints. However, perhaps I really should have made you a Duke last year. So, what do you mean by William-kun is ‘effectively accompanying’ them?” “Yes, actually, William has become able to use Teleportation Magic. It seems he can teleport to places he has been to once. Therefore, he accompanies the exploration team during the day and returns to Northernford at night.” “What did you say? Teleportation Magic?! Is that not the magic said to be legendary?” “Yes, I was surprised as well. It seems William became able to use it when he awakened. Actually, there seems to be an existence called ‘Apostles’ who help the Savior; so far, Theodore-kun the Dwarf and Oliver-kun of the Levant Trading Company have awakened as Apostles. And it appears that every time a human around him awakens as an Apostle, William, the Savior, also awakens.”

“I see, I have been nothing but surprised today. As expected, the Savior is a special existence.” “I am surprised as well.” “Umu. By the way, once the Leyline Crosspoint is found, I suppose it won’t be as simple as just moving the World Tree.” “Yes, the undeveloped lands are a dangerous place, and it seems the World Tree will be targeted by monsters. Since it would likely be difficult for the Elves alone, William has stated that if he is to be granted territory, he would like to receive the southern undeveloped lands.”

“Is that true? He desires the undeveloped lands where no one lives as his territory? Moreover, I hear those undeveloped lands have poor soil. Perhaps that is what happens when one tries to fulfill the duty of a Savior, but your son is truly magnificent.” “Yes, although he is my son, I think his resolve is splendid. Not only the Elves, but the Dwarves will likely help William as well, and I intend to provide as much support as I can.” “No, the Kingdom should provide as much support as possible too. Though the southern undeveloped lands are far away, so it will be difficult in various ways.” “Thank you very much for saying you will support my son.” As expected of Edgar II, who is called a wise ruler.

“Regarding the distance, if necessary, it seems William can jump instantly from the undeveloped lands to Northernford using Teleportation Magic. Since he mentioned he could teleport from Northernford to the Royal Capital, perhaps he can teleport from the undeveloped lands to the Royal Capital as well.” “I see, he can even do such long-distance teleportation?” “Yes. Since William can store a large amount of supplies with Storage Magic, regarding the support of supplies, the problem of distance seems to be clearable.” “Ah, the capacity of Storage Magic depends on the amount of magic power, and William-kun’s magic power was immense. I should say, as expected of the Savior.”

“The remaining issue is his age regarding appointing him as a Lord. Was William-kun 13 years old now?” “Yes, that is correct.” “In principle, one cannot be ennobled and granted territory until they turn 18. I will have someone investigate if there are exceptions, but as expected, doing it right now would likely be impossible. However, if the Crosspoint is found, we want to move the World Tree as soon as possible.” “Yes, I believe that is correct. Though, the Elves will likely need time to prepare to move the World Tree, and considering preparations against monsters, I do not think the World Tree can be moved immediately.” “That is true; we shouldn’t rush too much. That said, we cannot wait for years, so I will think of a good method for William-kun to effectively govern the undeveloped lands without being appointed Lord.” His Majesty seriously intends to support Will. That is reassuring.