Chapter 266: Sign it! The World Tree is... (4)[R-18]
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 266: Sign it! The World Tree is... (4)[R-18]
Inside the World Tree, the Elders' meeting room.
Elder Sa, wearing a monocle, asked with trembling hands.
"Is it... is it true that Elfriede has returned? Elder Lee, are you sure you didn't misidentify her?"
"Elder Sa. How many times must I tell you? I said it was her. I saw her clearly with these two eyes!"
"It’s because I don't want to believe it! Elfriede, who caused such a fuss to be sent to the Academy, came back on her own? And she even brought a fiancé with her?"
Elder Sa squeezed his eyes shut against a throbbing headache.
"Why!... Elfriede! Why return so suddenly! We aren't ready yet..."
She had done as she pleased when she left Elvenheim, and she was doing as she pleased now that she had returned.
"...."
"Third Elder! Don't just sit there in silence, say something! ...So, what do you intend to do now?"
"...Since things have turned out like this, shouldn't we seriously consider canceling the Plan?"
As the gazes of Elder Lee and Elder Sa turned toward him, the Third Elder, who had his white hair swept back, finally spoke.
"Elder Lee, Elder Sa, what on earth are you so worried about?"
"How can we not be worried? Everything was planned on the assumption that Elfriede wouldn't be here, and now it's all gone sideways!!"
"Certainly, Elder Sa, as you say, the plan has gone a bit awry. ...But, what of it?"
At the Third Elder's response, the veins in Elder Sa's neck bulged as he shouted.
"Listen here! Third Elder! No matter how you look at it, that is far too irresponsible!!"
"Your voice... do not raise your voice like that, Elder Sa."
"I am merely telling you to look at reality."
"Ha! Reality? You're saying proceeding with the plan as is constitutes reality?"
"Indeed. Think carefully. Do you think it's possible to just act as if nothing happened and cover everything up at this point?"
"...It's not impossible. With three Elders gathered, is there anything in Elvenheim we couldn't cover up?"
"Is that so? Then go ahead and cover it up, Elder Sa."
"Are you serious...?"
"If you want to cover it up that badly, then we must, shouldn't we? However, do not forget that because of your choice, the 'Time', 'Effort', and 'Resources' we poured in... and our 'Future' will vanish into bubbles."
"......"
Elder Sa agonized for a long time over the word 'Future' that fell from the Third Elder's lips before finally letting out a deep sigh.
"Whew.... Fine. Third Elder. We will proceed with the plan... as scheduled."
"A wise decision, Elder Sa. Then, Elder Lee..."
"...I don't wish to turn our 'Future' into bubbles with my own hands either, Third Elder."
"Excellent. Then the plan passes unanimously."
"...."
"...."
Seeing the grim expressions of the other Elders, the Third Elder spoke again.
"Do not worry so much, everyone. Your judgment is simply clouded right now by Elfriede's sudden return. Once you regain your composure, you will realize that we have made the right choice."
"...I truly hope so, Third Elder."
"It will be so. And have you all forgotten? The 'Crown' is already prepared."
"How could I forget? ...If it weren't for the 'Crown', Third Elder, I would have opposed you to the end no matter what you said."
"In that case, I would have been the first to suggest we scrap it, Elder Sa."
The Third Elder shook his head slightly and let out a hollow chuckle.
To proceed with the plan after Elfriede's return without the 'Crown' would mean that, forget the 'Future,' even the 'Present' could vanish instantly.
"Right, then what now? Third Elder, Elder Sa. Elfriede is supposed to stay in the annex of my house tonight..."
"Well done. Then, we shall proceed with the first stage of the Plan immediately."
Splash—!
[Elfrincess Maker]
[1. Celebrate Elfriede's Graduation]
"...But Elfriede hasn't actually graduated yet, so wouldn't it be strange to hold a graduation banquet?"
"Good grief, Elder Lee, why are you being so dense? Didn't you say Elfriede brought a fiancé? We just have to change the graduation celebration to an engagement celebration."
"A brilliant idea. I shall do so."
"...What is this now?"
Arriving at Elder Lee's house, Elfriede pressed her finger against the bridge of her nose.
Flutter— flutter—
[‘Congratulations’ Elfriede’s Engagement ‘Celebration’]
A banner like that was hanging right in the middle of the yard, and numerous elves were busy preparing for a banquet.
"My... you've returned already, Elfriede."
"Third Elder... what on earth is... this?"
"It is as you see, Elfriede. We are holding a banquet to celebrate your engagement."
"...No, I can see that, but..."
Clatter—!!
Just then, a commotion broke out behind them where the banquet preparations were in full swing.
"Good heavens!! On such a wonderful day! We're even holding a banquet! And yet there's no alcohol!!"
"Elder Sa. If it's alcohol you want, isn't it right over there?"
"I don't mean that stuff, I mean real, proper alcohol!! Tsk tsk, I heard Elder Lee's warehouse is stacked with all sorts of fine liquor..."
"W-Who told you such a thing!! It's been ages since Elfriede cleaned me out...!!"
"Goodness, how long ago was that? Haven't you been storing your liquor in several different warehouses since that day?"
"Wait, how do you know that!? D-Don't tell me... did you investigate me?"
"Investigate? Every elf knows!! Rather than being stingy, Elfriede is here, so bring some out. Elder Lee!!"
"...."
Actually, setting aside the boisterous Elder Lee and Elder Sa over there...
"Third Elder... you weren't the type of person to do things like this, were you?"
As the oldest among all the elves, the Third Elder had always been more strict, dignified, and serious than anyone else.
It would be one thing if he opposed the banquet, but to come out personally and help with the preparations?
"Time changes even elves. Just as you have changed, we have changed as well. Do you perhaps dislike what we have prepared?"
"...No, it's n-not that I dislike it, I'm just a bit taken aback."
Elfriede's mind was in a whirl.
Between the earlier commotion and this, Elvenheim was far too different from what she had expected.
"Then that is a relief. Just wait a little longer. The preparations will be finished soon."
"...Yes. But, Third Elder."
"What is it?"
"Where did the First Elder go? She's the only one I don't see."
"Ah, the First Elder is currently on vacation, traveling."
"...Pardon? Vacation? The First Elder took a vacation?"
Elfriede's jaw dropped at yet another unimaginable answer.
That old woman, who spent every waking moment—even holidays—tending to the World Tree, had left the World Tree?
'...Seeing the old woman do things she never does, is she about to die?'
"Yes, it seems the First Elder had a significant change of heart, especially after what happened with you... that day."
"A-Ahem... I mean, why did she try to stop me... she should have just let me go gracefully..."
Step— step—
"Phew... Elder Lee is quite greedy with his alcohol."
Elder Sa, who had apparently succeeded in getting the liquor, approached with a smile and took Elfriede's hand.
"Oh! It's been a long time, Elfriede."
"Ah, uh... yeah...? Yes... it's been a long time. Elder Sa, have you... been well?"
"Ho ho, I've been getting along much the same as always... I'm glad to see you look well. More importantly, Elfriede? ...Are you truly engaged?"
"...I told you I am. My fiancé is right here next to me. Look."
"I see. Then, do you love your fiancé?"
"Eh??"
"Why so surprised? Is whether you love your fiancé such a difficult question to answer?"
"N-No... it's just that you're asking that before I've even introduced him..."
Fidget—
Elfriede bit her lip.
Of course she loved Ian, but...
How should she put it? Being asked so bluntly made her a little shy.
"I do... love him..."
"Eeeh, that answer is quite lackluster. It seems you don't love him very much."
"N-No! It's just embarrassing when you ask like that!"
"Are you saying your fiancé is embarrassing?"
"That's not it... Ugh, just let go of my hand."
"I'm holding it in case you run away. I'll let go once you answer."
Oooooh—!
As expected of elves with large ears, they must have overheard the conversation, as jeers to hurry up and answer erupted from all around.
"Ugh... what is this... Senior! What are you doing? Help me out here."
"...Elfriede, are you ashamed of me?"
"N-No!! That's not it...! Aaaaaaaah! Yes! I love him!! I love him a lot!! Are you happy now?! Jeez..."
Clap clap clap—!
At Elfriede's public confession, the jeers turned into cheers.
"Yes, that's good to hear."
Slide—
With that, Elder Sa let go of Elfriede and looked at Ian.
"Ho ho ho. I thought he wouldn't be ordinary since Elfriede brought him... but I'd believe it if someone said he was a High Elf rather than a human."
"My name is Ian."
"I am Elder Sa. It is a pleasure."
Grip—
Elder Sa, who had requested a handshake, gripped Ian's hand tightly and asked this time as well.
"Then... Ian, do you love our Elfriede?"
"...Hehe."
Thinking it was his turn now, Elfriede looked at Ian with a smirk, but...
"Yes, I love her."
"Ho... how much?"
"Enough that I would die for Elfriede."
Hearing Ian's unhesitating answer, Elder Sa laughed in satisfaction and let go of his hand.
"Ho ho ho, I'm glad to see you love each other so much. It seems the alcohol has arrived just in time. Elder Lee. Pick the best one from over there and give it to them."
"...I was going to do that even if you didn't say so!!"
Elder Lee, having picked the finest liquor from the crate, poured it for Ian and Elfriede.
"We already greeted each other earlier, so let's skip that. Here, have a drink for now. This is a very good liquor for men."
Trickle—
Elder Lee, who finally filled his own glass, spoke.
"Now, Elfriede, as the guest of honor, say a few words."
"No... what... words..."
"Come now, hurry. Everyone is waiting. Hey! Everyone, pay attention! Elfriede has something to say!!"
Shift—
At Elder Lee's words, all eyes fell on Elfriede.
"Ah... um... ah... so... actually... I didn't expect anything like this when I came, so I'm a bit flustered... thank you for the congratulations... and we'll live happily together."
Clap— clap— clap—
As Elfriede shyly raised her glass and spoke, applause and cheers erupted once again from all sides.
"Kiss!! Kiss!!"
And amidst the cheers, someone shouted.
"No, what are you all, children!! What do you mean, kiss!"
"Kiss!! Kiss!!"
"Ugh... I'm not doing it!! Seriously, that's enough!!"
"Kiss!! Kiss!!"
"Ah... they're not listening. They're being so meddlesome..."
Glance—
Even as she grumbled quietly, Elfriede stole a glance at Ian.
"Um... Senior... it looks like we have to kiss... I think they'll keep doing that if we don't... so just quickly... Mmph!!"
Before Elfriede could finish her sentence, Ian, who had wrapped his arm around her waist, kissed her.
Of course, it wasn't a deep kiss with tongues like usual, but...
"...Huaah?"
At the kiss with Ian after such a long time, Elfriede's face turned so red it looked like it might explode.