Chapter 347: The Gift(2)
Chapter 347: The Gift(2)
The illustration of Arwen is up! I’ll post it in the announcements!
*
A similar situation had occurred back at the Academy, but I’d been able to endure it reasonably well then. At the time, the reaction was closer to people seeing a celebrity rather than a hero.
However, the path leading to Elodia was no different from the welcome given to a triumphant general. Voices praising my name echoed from all directions, and brilliant white petals fluttered down from the sky.
I was bewildered by the hospitality, yet I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of embarrassment. It had been a while since I’d realized—belatedly—just how great a feat I had accomplished.
Even if it was the result of one coincidence piled upon another, I had saved the world from the machinations of demon worshippers. Furthermore, I had prevented several nations from falling into tragic ruin.
While there are countless instances where a book changed the world—like Marx in my previous life—cases where a book actually saved the world are exceedingly rare. And I was the hero who had achieved that difficult task.
But regardless of that, receiving such a passionate welcome didn't sit well with my temperament. Perhaps because of tendencies deeply ingrained in my past life, I don't enjoy being the center of attention.
To be precise, I like it when my work receives attention, but I find it uncomfortable when I, as a person, draw everyone's eyes. There’s no complex reason for it; it’s just my personality.
Of course, I had expected this kind of reception, along with the world's interest, when I revealed my identity. It’s just that, personally, I didn't care for it.
When I mustered the courage to wave my hand, the reaction became even more fervent, making me flush with shame.
It’s going to be a madhouse when I go to Helium.
If Albenheim was like this, I could only imagine the welcome I’d receive in Helium. Since I was visiting Albenheim 'officially' this time, an invitation from Helium would surely follow soon.
The Demon Clan, in particular, would likely be even more intense; they had considered me their benefactor even before I was regarded as a prophet.
Unlike Albenheim, where the nation felt a sense of gratitude, the Demon Clan was currently elevating me to the status of a saint on a racial level.
Thinking about it that way, this felt like nothing. For the Demon Clan, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say their devotion was at the level of a faith.
"For the hero who saved the world! Salute!"
Snap!
Still, wasn't this a bit much? I gave a wry smile as I received a salute from the soldiers guarding the main gate of Elodia.
Knights clad in engraved armor with shields on their backs held their swords with both hands.
Seeing them salute me with such discipline made my face heat up once again.
"They are the Guardian Army of Albenheim. Only those with exceptional skill among the warriors can join their ranks."
"I... see."
I nodded hesitantly at Beatrice's explanation. In Imperial terms, it was as if the Navy Knights themselves had come out to greet me.
In many ways, it was clear that Albenheim had put a lot of effort into welcoming me. From the Elf Warlord to the reception I received while walking here, and now this knight order.
I felt I should offer at least a small gesture of comfort to those who had gone to such trouble. I bowed my head slightly to the Guardian Army that had cleared the path.
"You've worked hard. Thank you for the welcome."
"THANK YOU!!"
Whoa. That startled me. My ears almost rang.
Despite being a mixed unit of men and women, their gratitude was loud enough to pierce my eardrums.
As we passed through the main gate, the Guardian Army saluted again, but I let it slide. I needed to take in the sight of Elodia now.
"Oh..."
"What do you think? Is it not magnificent?"
Just as Haas had boasted with pride, Elodia, the political heart of Albenheim, boasted a majesty befitting its reputation.
Until the Race War, Albenheim had been a nation that adopted a republican system. They were a race that believed a ruler was unnecessary under the care of the gods.
Because of this, Elodia took a form closer to a temple than the royal palaces of other nations. It was based on the Temple of Olympus with Roman architectural elements added.
Furthermore, true to its appearance, it also served the role of a temple. This was to ensure that no one would dare commit a foolish act in a place watched over by the gods.
But wasn't the bedroom the only place their eyes couldn't reach?
I walked forward, gazing at Elodia, which exuded a dignity different from any palace I had seen so far.
Perhaps because it was built by elves, the structure—though clearly raised by human hands—harmonized perfectly with its surroundings.
Giant trees soaring toward the sky surrounded the building like fortress walls, and the World Tree stood firm and resolute behind Elodia.
Just as my jaw was dropping at the picture-perfect scenery, a beautiful voice reached my ears.
"You've finally arrived."
"Huh?"
At the sound of that very familiar voice, I stopped staring at the World Tree and shifted my gaze forward.
And as I looked at the elven woman who entered my sight, I couldn't help but blink slowly.
"...Arwen?"
Arwen was waiting for me in front of the main gate. If it were just that, I would have greeted her happily, but she was far too different from her usual self.
First, her outfit. I already knew she preferred clothes that clearly highlighted her strengths.
The outfit she wore now was no different. A slim, white-toned dress. It was a garment that clung to the body, difficult to pull off unless one had a truly excellent figure.
Above all, it featured what is commonly called a high slit; one side was boldly exposed, allowing her fair thigh to peek out shyly.
Combined with her slender waist and the curve of her hips below, she was sensuous in a way that was unlike her.
The outfit itself was simple, and the only thing exposed was one thigh, yet she exuded an air of sexiness.
Moreover, a faint scent wafted toward me, stimulating my sense of smell and making my heart pound.
"Then, we shall take our leave."
"We hope the two of you have a wonderful time."
As the subtle atmosphere lingered, Beatrice and Haas also politely withdrew. They were leaving for now, but they would likely be patrolling the vicinity to provide security.
Still, the fact remained that only Arwen and I were left. I stared blankly at her, noticing how she had put so much effort into her appearance today.
Arwen, perhaps embarrassed by my gaze, avoided eye contact and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Her face, slightly flushed, was a bonus.
That single action was enough to make me say these words.
"You're really beautiful. You were always beautiful, but you're even more so now."
"Uugh..."
At the sincere compliment, Arwen became so shy she couldn't even speak. I hadn't noticed until now, but the dress was slightly translucent, revealing her pale skin.
What kind of material was it made of to be see-through like that? Fortunately, all the vital areas were covered, but even excluding those, it was breathtaking.
I walked slowly toward her until I was right in front of her. Even as I approached, Arwen didn't step back but stood there, rooted to the spot.
As a quiet current flowed between us, I reached out and placed my hand on her cheek. Arwen flinched visibly.
Then, she slowly raised her head and looked me straight in the face. Her moist, silver-gray eyes were filled with deep affection.
I decided to become a ruffian, but...
Accepting Arwen was easier than I had thought. It was simply a matter of returning a love that wouldn't be lacking to the woman who loved me.
No. It was easy to repay her with even greater love. This included not just emotional but physical intimacy as well.
In that case, what form of love should I repay Arwen with? For the emotionally unstable Adelia, just being by her side was enough, and Cecile was similar.
For Mari and Leona, I just needed to consistently shower them with love without turning away. Then, for Arwen...
No.
Distinguishing between them like this was nonsensical to begin with. First, let's find out about the 'gift' she and Albenheim had prepared.
With that thought, I gently removed my hand from Arwen's cheek. Arwen let out a small "Ah..." in a disappointed reaction.
"So, what is this gift you have for me?"
"G-gift? Oh, right. Yes."
Was it because her head was spinning? Arwen began to fluster at my mention of the gift.
To the citizens of Albenheim, she was a sharp and resolute Queen. But in front of me, she became a fool in love.
Seeing these two sides of her, could I possibly think she wasn't cute? At the very least, I couldn't.
"Ahem! The gift is prepared inside Elodia. If you wish, I can give it to you immediately, but..."
Arwen fell silent after saying that much. At the same time, her porcelain face began to turn red as if it were about to explode.
I could roughly guess what the gift was, and a faint smile played on my lips. However, receiving the gift in broad daylight felt too rushed, and there was no mood.
Shouldn't we at least go on a date? I spoke in a gentle voice to her, as she remained unable to open her mouth.
"Then I'll receive it later. It's not like it's urgent, right?"
"T-that's true. It's not urgent..."
"Then..."
I tapped my lips with my finger, lost in thought. My heart wanted to visit the Holy Land first and then go to the World Tree, but that would take a significant amount of time.
Because once I arrived at the Holy Land, I’d likely do nothing but read books. Since Arwen was a bookworm like me, she would probably read by my side.
Of course, since she could come and go from the Holy Land as she pleased, she had likely read most of the books, but I had a 'gift' prepared on my end as well.
I had entrusted it to Siris just in case, but I planned to give it to Arwen a bit later.
That left only one place. After a moment of deliberation, I made a request to Arwen.
"Can you lead me to the World Tree?"
"The World Tree... you say?"
"Yes."
Heading to the World Tree. Arwen turned around at my words.
Behind the building, the World Tree came into view. To approach the World Tree, even Arwen needed permission from the priests.
Of course, given my achievements, getting permission would be easy. However, the problem arose from an unexpected place.
"T-that... might be a bit difficult."
"Huh? Why? Is it off-limits even for me?"
"It would be possible for you. However, the World Tree is a sacred tree that is no different from the incarnation of Lady Hirt. In other words, you must receive permission not from Lord Luminous or Lady Mora, but from Lady Hirt herself."
I could understand that much. But why was Arwen looking so troubled?
When I looked at her with a questioning expression, she gave a bitter smile and explained.
"Lady Hirt is the Goddess of Nature. And nature is this world itself. Unlike the others, preparation is required to receive permission directly from Lady Hirt."
"Preparation?"
"Have you perhaps seen or heard of priests who run high fevers because they received too much divine power?"
I knew it all too well. Kate had gone through it, and though the situation was different, I had recently had a similar experience.
When I nodded in affirmation, Arwen immediately continued, saying it would be easier to explain.
"Since Lady Hirt is the Goddess of Nature, even her oracles are answered through natural phenomena. However, if she were to deliver an oracle directly, that priest could, in extreme cases, even die."
"Because they can't handle the divine power?"
"Yes. That is a difficult task even for us elves. Therefore, to receive permission from Lady Hirt, a grace period of at least one month is required. It is not possible right away."
"Hmm..."
I hadn't realized such circumstances were hidden behind it. But considering Hirt's position, it wasn't incomprehensible.
The mother of the twins, Luminous and Mora, and the goddess who represented nature itself. She was a being who could be called the Chief God of this world without anyone objecting.
It was a shame, but if those were the circumstances, there was nothing to be done. I had plenty of time anyway, so I could take it slow.
"I understand. Then..."
It was then.
Whoooooosh!
A sudden, powerful gust of wind blew. My red hair and Arwen's silver-gray hair fluttered violently.
Flap! Flap!
"Chirp! Chirp chirp! Chirp!"
"Caw! Caw!"
At the same time, countless birds took flight vigorously from the trees surrounding Elodia. I stared blankly at where the birds were heading.
The place the birds were flying toward with powerful wingbeats was exactly behind Elodia—the World Tree.
Furthermore, the direction of the wind and the direction the birds were flying were identical. Leaves were mixed in the wind, clearly indicating the path.
As if telling me there was no need to deliberate long, it felt as though 'nature' was guiding me toward the World Tree.
"..."
"..."
The two of us watched the birds flying into the distance for a while before looking at each other simultaneously.
Arwen had a dumbfounded expression on her face. It was the face of someone who couldn't tell if what she was seeing was a dream or reality.
Looking at her face, I shrugged my shoulders and spoke nonchalantly.
"It seems permission has been granted?"
"..."
"Can we go?"
Arwen nodded as if possessed at my question. Then, she whispered softly.
"Nature..."
"Huh?"
It was a fact I would learn later.
"There has never been a case... where nature... answered so immediately..."
"..."
Even including myths, there had never been a case where nature (Hirt) answered without prayer or sorcery.
