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Chapter 83: World Tree's Birth Festival (2)
In the middle of a primeval mountain range stood the ancient world tree, Cradle of the Heavenly Spirit Tree.
The elves and fairies firmly held onto the title of “Cradle of the Heavenly Spirit Tree.”
Regarding the Cradle of the Heavenly Spirit Tree, there was a saying that jokingly circulated among the fanbase of the original romance fantasy novel.
If you plan to do business in the Cradle of the Heavenly Spirit Tree, exclude construction and real estate. Then you'll definitely succeed.
The reason was quite simple. The world tree itself grew branches and built houses for the spirits that came into its embrace.
In other words, the elves had no worries about housing.
However, it would be a mistake to think that they lived in haphazardly woven branch nests.
"Wow..."
"This is a city built by the will of the world tree?"
After arriving at the capital of the elven kingdom, the Cradle of the Heavenly Spirit Tree, also known as the Cloud Flower Cradle, the students were given some free time.
This was because they were scheduled to participate in the World Tree's Birth.
Of course, that was just an excuse.
Flame thought of this schedule as something similar to a university field trip.
They couldn't drink and have fun, but it was a measure taken by the academy to allow the students to freely explore the city with their friends to relieve their stress.
Splash!
Waterfalls cascaded down from the branches of the World Tree hanging at the edge of the sky.
At the intersection where the waterfall split into two streams was a large bridge. On either side, mansions reminiscent of apartments stood tall.
The original novel described the capital, Cloud Flower Cradle, like this: Hundreds of gigantic tree trunks filled the world. And every tree trunk bore houses like fruits.
While human cities were spread horizontally on flat ground, elven cities expanded vertically as well.
As a result, they had a considerable number of stairs. They were not necessarily for the elves, but they were built in consideration for outsiders.
It was said that those with poor physical stamina found it challenging to tour the Cloud Flower Cradle.
Sigh!
A cabin window opened, and a young elf looked down.
Just as the elven city fascinated Stella’s students, the reverse was also true.
Considering the fact that magic warriors were treated as heroes among civilians and didn’t appear often, it was a remarkable sight to see so many students from the world's top magical warrior academy gathered here.
Flame smiled warmly and waved at the children, causing them to shyly hide their faces.
"They're cute. Even elven children are adorable."
"That's right, that's right."
The girls chattered excitedly.
How often would they have the opportunity to visit the world tree in their lifetime?
Even if they were nobles, such opportunities were rare.
"It feels rejuvenating..."
Everywhere was filled with homes, nature, and fortresses.
Truly a fantastic city of elves.
The modern elves pursued an intellectual life, so there was nothing lacking in this place.
Starting with the academy as the center, the city had various shops such as weapon stores, bars, hair salons, cosmetic shops, nail art studios, handicrafts, and flower gardens.
Human food trends like barbecue and hot pot had even become popular.
The protagonist who played a key role in causing the elves to quickly adopt foreign culture was none other than Elthman Elwin, the principal of Stella Academy.
His achievements were so great that he could be considered a protagonist in a novel. He traded with dwarves, spreading metal manipulation magic and alchemical engineering to human society. In exchange for saving the second world tree, he initiated the first civilization exchange with the elves and learned light magic from the angels, laying the foundation for the current healing magic.
All of these events mostly occurred over a hundred years prior, so it would not be an exaggeration to say that he was truly at his peak during that time.
The reason why he suddenly left his role as a magical warrior and took on the position of principal at Stella Academy to educate future generations was still a question mark.
Regardless, it was a fact that the elves of the current era were quite open-minded.
"Hey, lady. Shall we go have a cup of plum tea together?" On the streets, an elf was hitting on someone.
"Cheap! Cheap! A relic ball staff personally grown by an elf. Only 39,800 credits! 39,800!" Another elf was selling goods at a street stall.
"Hey, you! I was here first, wasn’t I?"
"Is this old man for real?!" There were even drunk elves fighting in broad daylight.
Many modern elves coexisted in the city. The peculiar dance of commerce and desire made up the Cradle of the Heavenly Spirit Tree.
A festive atmosphere enveloped the city prior to the World Tree’s Birth Festival, and it was bustling with a significant number of outsiders and different species, including the students of Stella.
"Flame, do you want to try that? They're selling something like skewers."
"Um... Well..."
Flame knew what it was.
In the original novel, Eisel was attracted to the fragrant smell and spent a handful of money to purchase it, but it was described as a despairing experience due to the texture which made it feel like one was chewing tree bark.
"I'm not really interested..."
"Really? Then let's eat it together!"
"Eisel, do you want to try it too?"
"Hmm... I guess so."
Watching them flock to the skewer merchant elf, she briefly contemplated telling them. But soon, she gave up. Trying something tasteless would still be an experience. That way, she would be able to say, “I tried it back then, and it wasn't good.”
Lost in thought while looking at the streets of Cloud Flower Cradle, Flame noticed a familiar figure in the distance.
Baek Yu-Seol was squatting at a street stall, looking at the cheap miscellaneous items with a serious expression.
‘Is he alone?’
He was always alone.
She knew the reasons why it had to be that way, but recently, she couldn't help but want to interfere.
As she was about to approach and speak to him, someone passed by in front of her.
Whizz!
“Huh?"
When her vision cleared again, Baek Yu-Seol had already disappeared from sight as he always did, like a ghost.
And among the crowd, another boy was looking in her direction.
Jeremy Skalven was smiling and radiating a brilliant golden glow.
"Flame, hello."
"..."
In an instant, Flame’s expression began to crumble.
Jeremy leisurely approached Flame and met her gaze.
"What's the matter?"
"You're not showing me that face you had earlier?"
"What face?"
This situation made her very uncomfortable. She wanted to avoid getting involved with Jeremy, but how did it end up like this?
"..."
"..."
Jeremy stayed five steps away from Flame and smiled gleefully as he looked at her. It seemed like even just making eye contact brought him joy.
"What's the matter? Hurry up and tell me what’s going on."
"Ah."
Then, as if realizing something, he paused for a moment. After a moment of pondering, he hastily said, "The weather is nice today, isn't it?"
"No, it's damn gloomy."
The sky was clear without a single cloud.
"How about having a meal together? I know a place with a great view."
"I'm full, so I'll eat alone."
"How about a simple walk?"
"I don't want to."
"There's a pet cafe over there."
"I don't like cute things."
Impenetrable defense.
"Well then..."
Just as Jeremy was about to say more, someone blocked their path.
A sharp-looking boy with jet-black hair and amber-red eyes.
"Hae Won-Ryang?"
"Crown Prince. Leave it at that. Are you aware that your actions are quite rude and overbearing?"
"Haha, what's with the sudden talk? Why don't you just butt out and quietly disappear?"
Jeremy spoke with a smile, but ordinary people would naturally avert their gaze and avoid him. However, it wouldn’t work on someone who stood at the pinnacle of the magical world as the successor of a Magic Tower.
Crackle!
As the two boys locked eyes in a staring contest, Flame could only be caught in the middle.
'Damn, why are these crazy guys like this?'
It felt like a scene straight out of a cheesy romance novel she used to read in elementary school.
'Have I ever had any weird encounters with them? I can't think of any.'
Hae Won-Ryang had always just been friends with both boys and girls in a normal way. Jeremy's attempts at conversation did nothing but invite insults and curses.
‘I don't know.’
Flame was a complete novice when it came to romance in the first place.
‘How am I supposed to handle this? Damn, this is driving me crazy!'
While Flame was tearing her hair out, Jeremy made the first move.
"Yeah, I was already thinking of leaving. I tried to do what I learned, but it didn't work out well," Jeremy said with a smile, then walked into the crowd.
"Phew..." Relieved, she let out a breath and bumped into Hae Won-Ryang's back.
"Oof!"
"Hey! Why did you pick a fight with him? Even if you belong to the Magic Tower, there's nothing good about getting involved with a Skalven, right?"
"Flame."
Hae Won-Ryang looked back at Flame with a bewildered gaze, and she blinked her big eyes.
"Uh, why are you staring at me so awkwardly?"
"The Crown Prince is dangerous. If he wants something, he won't hesitate to do whatever it takes to get it. And you have become what he desires the most."
"No, well..."
She knew that guy was dangerous.
There was a part of her that believed that there were celestial angels behind her and that no one could touch her.
However, that fact was a secret she couldn't tell anyone, so she tightly sealed her lips.
Hae Won-Ryang casually asked as he was about to walk away, “Do you trust him?"
"What? Who?"
"No, I'm sorry. I misspoke." Hae Won-Ryang furrowed his brow and grabbed his head.
"What's wrong? Do you have a headache?"
“I've been getting them recently, but they don’t affect my daily life."
"Come here. You know I'm an expert in that kind of thing."
He wanted to ask Flame for treatment from the bottom of his heart. However, Hae Won-Ryang realized that this was not a physical issue but a mental one, so he couldn't do it.
"Maybe next time."
With a slight cold sweat and heavier breath, it was clear that something was wrong, but Hae Won-Ryang forcefully shook off Flame’s arm and quickly hurried away.
"Hey, wait!"
He felt Flame chasing after him, but he couldn't stop.
"Darn it…”
The symptoms were getting worse. Even though he thought it would get better soon, he couldn't afford to stay in the hospital. If he started going to the mental health department, he would have less time to invest in his studies, and if the symptoms became severe, he might have to take a forced break from the academy.
'I just have to hold on until the vacation...'
It would be okay to seek medical treatment at that time. There was someone he knew who was very proficient in this field. Hae Won-Ryang moved to an alley that wouldn't attract much attention from passersby and leaned against the wall, gripping his sweat-soaked shirt.
"Huh... "
His condition was gradually improving. He would be engulfed in terrible pain as if a giant insect was crawling inside his head, but if he endured it and persevered, it would somehow settle down.
'I should be able to proceed with the Familiar Contract Ceremony somehow...'
"Oh my, who do we have here?"
"..."
A voice came from behind. It wasn't a familiar voice.
He had only heard it a few times when they crossed paths.
Hae Won-Ryang slowly turned his head to confirm the person.
"Professor Maizen?"
With half of her face covered by a black robe, her appearance was concealed in darkness, but Hae Won-Ryang could still recognize her clearly.
"I wondered where my seeds had gone, but here you are. Hoho, how lucky I am."
"What... are you talking about?"
"It's okay if you don't understand."
‘Ah.’
Hae Won-Ryang suddenly realized.
This woman was the culprit behind his headaches.
'It's dangerous. But it’s already too late.'
One step, two steps.
She approached, but Hae Won-Ryang couldn't move as if his legs were rooted to the ground.
"It's fortunate. The corruption process has progressed this far..."
Maizen smirked as she observed Hae Won-Ryang who had completely frozen.
‘How lucky.’
It couldn't get any better than this. It felt as if a stage was being set just for them.
Enjoying the ecstatic sense of happiness that sent shivers down her spine, she absentmindedly reached out her hand towards Hae Won-Ryang, whose pupils had dilated.
"Now, don't resist."
Like that, Maizen reached out her hand to touch Hae Won-Ryang’s head.
"Because you have already become a slave to emotions."
Hae Won-Ryang's consciousness went black.
The Cradle of the Heavenly Spirit Tree had a different atmosphere from the dwarven or human nations. Among the elves, those with the closest affinity to the world tree were called high elves and were treated similarly to nobles in human society. Among those high elves, there was a title bestowed upon the one who was closest to the world tree; the title of king.
The elven king did not rule over the people or engage in politics. They merely reigned from the highest position. The king's mere existence served as the vitality of all elves, connecting the world tree and the elves and acting as the source of life in this land.
Of course, it was an era where they couldn't completely avoid politics and diplomacy, so the Council of Elders took care of those aspects.
"Your Majesty, if you don't make an appearance even on this day, the Council of Elders will firmly take control."
"Sigh..."
Florin, the king of the elves and the pillar of the world tree, let out a deep sigh. The king had no real power. The practical authority and power were held by the Council of Elders.
The cunning and scheming of the elderly members of the council, who were unbelievably greedy and corrupt for elves, posed a great challenge even to Florin.
"Perhaps they're using this incident as an excuse to take control of the gate leading to the Garden of Sacred Spirits. That place can only be accessed by Your Majesty, who supports the world tree. How dare they?!"
"It's okay. Please fulfill your duty as a knight. There's no need for you to get involved in politics."
“I’ve spoken out of turn. I apologize."
"No, you're already a great help with just your presence. I'm just... sorry for involving you in this dirty and sordid power struggle."
“Understood.”
As the voice of the knight faded away, Florin rose from her seat.
The chamber with barely any sunlight was strangely bright. It was as if light emanated from Florin herself.
"I suppose I should dress up..."
This celebration couldn't be missed. It was the duty of the Elven King.
Moreover, there were other matters to attend to.
Until Stella's students finished their Familiar Contract Ceremony in the white palace, Florin had to remain in her position. Afterward, she planned to visit her long-time friend Leafanel, who had fallen asleep in the garden.
"Sigh." Florin let out a sigh mixed with concern as she swiftly removed her clothes.
She was androgynous.
Elves who had not experienced love did not have a gender.
Florin, too, had a feminine form, but she lacked secondary sexual characteristics that women typically possessed.
Suddenly, she found herself staring blankly at her reflection in the mirror.
A manifestation of beauty bestowed by the gods.
She was exquisite, graceful, alluring, and ethereal. Some described her as enchanting, others as refreshing, while some admired her radiance. However, her appearance meant nothing but shackles to her.
‘When was the last time I sat face-to-face with someone and shared a meal? When was the last time I looked into someone's eyes and engaged in a conversation? When last did I freely walk in the streets?’
‘The days when no one necessarily liked me but anyone could like me. Those days of fully enjoying freedom. Now, all I can do is hold on to fading memories that are melting away into the realm of forgetfulness as I do my best not to forget.’
Dark emotions were like ink. As soon as they fell into clear water, they tainted the whole bottle. Florin sensed a drop of ink in her heart.
Was it depression or loneliness?
“Pull yourself together. You can't afford to be like this at the event."
Florin made an effort to calm her mind. As someone with the ability to communicate with the world tree, if she felt depressed, the entire elven forest would become melancholic. For the sake of the forest whose emotions were influenced by her, she had to maintain a bright appearance.
"What about the clothes...?"
Since she was cursed, she had always worn the same outfit. A pure white dress that tightly wrapped around her, not revealing any trace of skin. It could be considered more like a giant bag than a dress. In addition to that, she wore a mask and covered herself with a muslin cloth. Despite all this, she still felt uneasy.
During her last outing, even though she had tightly wrapped herself like this, there were numerous victims who suffered. No matter how much she covered her body, she couldn't be exposed to the sun for more than an hour.
Keeping that in mind, she closed her eyes and prayed.
"Please, let this time pass without any incident."