Chapter 95
Chapter 95
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 95
Chapter Title: Guardian of the Black Forest (4)
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I decided to spend about a week touring the Dark Elf villages with Luisa. To help with their ‘farming.’
Dark Elves typically sustained themselves through hunting and gathering alone, so I figured teaching them agriculture would greatly improve their quality of life.
The [Fertile Land] skill, obtainable at Druid level 43, was perfect for just that. No, perfect didn’t even begin to cover it. Frankly, it was closer to a blessing.
To explain [Fertile Land] in detail: it infused a specific area with powerful life force for plants. The unique part was that it didn’t apply to the plants themselves, but to the ‘land.’ Naturally, the effects varied greatly depending on the size and duration of the application. You could adjust it to cover land the size of a playground for about a month, half that size for half a year, or a single small plot half that again for a full year.
Once activated, [Fertile Land] transformed even barren wasteland into fertile soil ideal for farming. With proper sunlight and rain, anything would grow vigorously—truly bountiful land. Of course, weeds would thrive just as much, so human hands were essential for proper cultivation.
I invested a day in each village to use [Fertile Land]. Since the burden varied by effect, I couldn’t overdo it, but with the top-grade magic stones and potions provided by the Queen, plus my own Sage’s Water Bottle, I faced no major issues. I just ended up itchy from casting the skill all day.
In each village, I created two fields that would last about half a year. I planted carrots and corn, improved by the Lüset Royal Academy, in each. Thanks to [Fertile Land], sprouts emerged in just one day.
Around the untouched areas, I planted potatoes and sweet potatoes, which thrived in harsh conditions without the skill.
“Aren’t you planting anything else?”
When Elle asked curiously, I smiled and replied.
“This is just the beginning. And beginnings have to be easy.”
I wasn’t the only one helping with farming. Scholars and farmers dispatched from the palace paired up two to a team to teach the Dark Elves agricultural techniques in each village. This was all thanks to the Queen as well. Because of it, the Dark Elves—who had initially been quite hostile toward the elves—began to open up bit by bit.
After touring six villages over a fortnight and returning to the seventh, a portal awaited.
‘…Finally over.’
A few fields wouldn’t heal the Dark Elves’ wounds. But it would help a little. And once this opened channels of exchange, surely…
‘Lüset will be better than before.’
As I prepared to leave in front of the portal, Luisa and the other Dark Elves approached, including the little one who had kidnapped Darion. She peeked at me while clinging to Luisa’s leg.
“Theodor.”
“Luisa.”
“You’re heading back to the capital now?”
“Yeah. But I won’t stay there. I’ve been in Lüset too long.”
“Off to another country? That’s a shame.”
I gave her a gentle smile.
“Well, it’s not like I won’t come back. I’ll stop by next year to check on the harvest.”
“Dark Elves are good at anything.”
“Seemed like it.”
“We’ll be waiting, so come visit.”
“Yeah.”
“…We owe you a great debt.”
Luisa bowed to me. The other Dark Elves behind her did the same. I waved it off to stop her.
“You don’t owe me anything, Luisa. This was all thanks to Her Majesty the Queen…”
“No.”
“…”
“You’re the first to care about us Dark Elves this much.”
“…”
“You’re human, yet you understood us better than anyone.”
“R-Really…?”
“We Dark Elves will never forget what you’ve done for us, Theodor.”
Finally calling me by name. My nose stung a bit. My vision blurred… Was I always this sentimental?
[Achievement Unlocked: Guardian of the Black Forest]
Ah, so my vision was blurring because of this, not tears.
[Understanding of Dark Elves has increased.]
[Bonus Effect: Acquired Dark Elf-exclusive trait ‘Eyes Piercing the Darkness.’]
[Bonus Effect: Gained Great Affection from neutral Dark Elves.]
[Bonus Effect: Understanding of Dark Forest’s geographical features has increased.]
[Bonus Effect: Understanding of Dark Forest’s biological features has increased.]
[Bonus Effect: Acquired information on Dark Forest monster, Dark Weasel.]
…
…
…
[Bonus Effect: Acquired information on Dark Forest monster, Shadow Bear.]
There were so many effects related to Dark Forest knowledge that it took ages for the status window to disappear. Whew, my eyes hurt. I rubbed them and looked back at Luisa.
“If anyone should be thankful, it’s me.”
“...?”
“I learned a lot too.”
I shook hands with Luisa and turned toward the portal.
“Well then…”
“Time to part ways.”
“Yeah. Take care until we meet again, Luisa.”
“I’ll miss the liquor you made.”
“I’ll bring a keg next time.”
I waved and stepped through the portal.
* * *
Back in the capital, the Queen’s generosity allowed us to stay in the palace.
We could have found an inn, but since I still had another goal, I accepted her kindness.
“Ugh, I’m nervous.”
Formal attire always ramped up the tension. Maybe from the pressure of the occasion.
Wearing the third custom-made outfit, I headed to the dinner with the Queen. This one was just the two of us in the palace’s pride and joy: the central garden. Flowers bloomed profusely, scattering petals of every color. The night sky held a beautiful crescent moon and stars sprinkled like salt.
‘This feels kinda like a date…’
Of course, a date with someone like the Queen? Perish the thought. But her vibe suggested it. Was it my imagination?
‘…Anyway, my goal is something else.’
I enjoyed the exotic meal with the Queen. A lavish spread of Lüset specialties. Yet somehow, I missed inn food during it.
‘Palace life doesn’t suit me?’
I’m a full Druid now. I chuckled inwardly as the final dessert arrived. Ice cream made with wild berries and condensed milk, topped with curved white chocolate pieces—like a work of art.
Now was the time to bring it up. After scooping a bite of ice cream and savoring it, I turned to the Queen.
“Dark Forest wild berries, right? From the gift they sent?”
“Yes. A very precious and special treat.”
“I’m glad everything worked out. Otherwise, we wouldn’t get to enjoy this delicious ice cream.”
The Queen took a bite and smiled.
“You have something to say, don’t you?”
“Was it that obvious?”
“No, not at all. Quite intriguing, actually.”
I took a breath and spoke carefully.
“My adventure has one goal.”
“What is it?”
“The Origin God.”
An icy silence colder than the ice cream settled over the table.
I had my reasons for bringing up the Origin God. First, someone as long-lived as the Queen surely knew at least a grain of truth about it. And in her position, she likely had access to such information. So I took the gamble.
The Queen hesitated. Lost in thought? Asleep? Blank?
As the ice cream began to melt, she spoke.
“…That one existed before I was born and vanished.”
She doesn’t know. I pressed my lips together to hide my disappointment.
“I know as little as you do. Regrettable.”
“…I see.”
“But don’t be too disappointed, Theodor.”
The Queen gently took my hand.
“Shadows of destruction loom over the world. With a Fragment of the Origin God in the Dark Forest… it’s certain.”
“…”
“Even a fragment holds power enough to bring catastrophe.”
“You saw it this time. The whole Dark Forest could have been obliterated. Lüset too.”
“Power is easily misused.”
“…”
“Because it tempts desire.”
“Like how Selem became Grizzel.”
“Yes. In the hands of those with lack, desire, impulse, or grievance… endless disaster.”
“That would be a problem.”
“So…”
The Queen paused, gazing into my eyes. Starlight sparkled in hers.
“I wish to help you.”
She squeezed my hand tight, then released it slowly. In my palm, still warm, lay something I’d never seen.
A leaf-shaped brooch, intricately set with green gems. Auspicious energy flowed from it.
“Take this token.”
“Token…”
“Bear my name, Dianta.”
The Queen’s token!
Given only to elven heroes, and to a human like me…?
Reading the question on my face, she smiled softly.
“The elves won’t forget your help.”
“Your Majesty…”
“And we’ll return the favor.”
“…”
“Anytime, anywhere.”