Chapter 139
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 143
Chapter Title: Rest
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To be honest, the elves' festival was nothing special.
They recited speeches in a temporary temple, praised the World Tree, offered food and other tributes, then quietly chatted while enjoying drinks and meals. That was it.
The drinks and food were exceptional in taste and aroma, but for a festival held after such a major event, it felt a bit underwhelming.
"Sob, sniff...!"
"I'm... eating food with my own hands...!"
"Ahh, O World Tree..."
That was why the sight of the dark elves shedding tears as they ate was quite the spectacle.
The dark elves, who hadn't had proper food for years due to the curse, were all skin and bones.
They had survived by having others feed them, but the moment the food touched their bodies, it would start rotting. By the time they swallowed it, it had probably turned into some disgusting sludge.
If I'd eaten only that for years, I'd probably sob too when tasting real food again.
"It's a shame you missed seeing them faint while the World Tree helped them. It must have been quite the scene."
"Definitely. They were all too busy crying to keep their wits about them."
"...By the way, how long do I have to sit here? This is ridiculously burdensome."
"Ahaha... Well? Maybe ask the elves directly?"
"......"
As I downed my drink and looked down, I caught Rebecca's wry smile gazing up from far below.
That's right.
I was currently seated on the towering platform of the temporary temple built for the festival.
It was so high that anyone with vertigo would tremble in fear.
The elves eating below looked like mere crowns of heads.
"......"
To be precise, it wasn't just their heads I could see.
The elves kept glancing up at me, beaming with bright smiles.
The reverence and loyalty in their expressions were overwhelming.
No, setting that aside, the way they kept alternating between eating a bite and looking at my face in prayer felt oddly unsettling.
Is this what Gubbi, the miserly protagonist, felt like?
Was my face some kind of side dish?
"Haa..."
"Is something bothering you, Incarnation of Nature?"
At that moment, Latifi climbed up carrying a massive bowl, scanning my body with a face full of worry and concern.
It felt strange seeing her—somewhat petite—holding a bowl as big as herself while fretting over someone.
"...How long do I have to sit here?"
"Hmm, until the festival ends."
"What's the point of this?"
I asked since no such role was mentioned in the setting documents. She looked at me with utmost seriousness.
"It holds great significance, Lord Alzen. Our World Tree is a sacred being rooted in one place, overseeing the world. Yet now, it has changed its ways and descended to stand upon the earth on two feet. This is a monumental revolution, a wind of change, is it not? We elves celebrate and rejoice in it, anticipating the prosperity and glory to come."
"...Wh-what? No, hold on."
My head suddenly started aching at the realization they were deeply misunderstanding something.
"First off, I'm not the World Tree."
"We know. But at the same time, you are."
"What does that even mean? Explain it so I can understand."
"Well... For now, Lord Alzen, please eat some food."
She carefully filleted the flesh from some unnamed fish and brought it to my lips.
"......"
For the record, elves rarely used utensils, so it was just her bare hands.
"...Fine, whatever."
A modern celebrity from my old life would kill for personal service from such a ridiculously beautiful woman. I couldn't refuse this.
I swallowed a mouthful of the steaming fish flesh and even sucked on her fingers.
"Heehee. So cute..."
Far from annoyed, she smiled warmly as if delighted, licked her fingers a few times, then reached for more food.
Rebecca's gaze from below stung like hell.
...Wait, Murel and Kachiol were there too? When did they arrive?
"Ahem, enough with the food. I'd rather you explain first."
"No. You need to eat plenty, Lord Alzen. You're far too thin."
"It's not that bad, is it?"
"It is. You look fine on the outside, but you overcame that horrific demon king's avatar without food or sleep for ten days and then fainted for three. Even if the World Tree restored your energy, you can't let your guard down yet. You need nourishing."
"...I agree with that."
Murel, who had snuck onto the platform, chimed in.
Latifi's expression changed instantly.
"Get down immediately. Only the permitted may ascend this platform."
"Hmm, then wouldn't it be fine if Lord Alzen permits it?"
"You...!"
I could visibly see Latifi's patience evaporating at Murel's brazen words.
"No, why are you getting so hostile... Fine. I permit it. That work?"
"...Yes. No issue."
Latifi erased her anger as if it had never been and tried feeding me again.
"Lord Alzen. Isn't attending you my duty?"
"...Then you feed me too."
"Hmm."
Murel eyed me discontentedly.
"What's wrong? Spit it out."
"Haa... No, it's nothing."
With a small sigh, she shook her head and brought food to my lips.
The bizarre pressure made me spend a while being fed by both Murel and Latifi until my belly was full.
"Phew... Now I'm stuffed. So when's the explanation? Why am I supposedly the World Tree?"
"Because you received a part of the World Tree."
"Hmm?"
Come to think of it, the World Tree did say something like that.
"I can sense it clearly. The fragment of the World Tree within you. Its soul, its dignity, its authority... No power, but a clear mark proving it. Thus, you are the World Tree."
"...Doesn't feel right."
I pondered briefly but decided to let it slide.
"Anyway, you're sensing it because the World Tree planted something in me?"
"Yes."
"Fine. Setting that aside... I have no intention of bringing you elves prosperity or glory. I plan to use you plenty, though."
"That is the elves' prosperity and glory."
"What?"
"Simply having you by our side brings us joy. If we can be together, stand on the same land, converse and interact—that is our prosperity and glory."
"......"
Ah, I get it.
This was just another form of fanaticism.
Well, elves were like that anyway.
They all lived passively, dependent on the World Tree... Thinking that way made it almost understandable. No, better not to try. I wouldn't get it anyway.
"...Aren't you anxious? I could impose injustices and make you miserable."
"That too would be the World Tree's will. It matters not. If we feel misery from your will, we are unworthy elves. Please, use us as you desire."
"......"
Yeah, I can never like elves.
Such clingy weirdos.
A few days after the festival ended, a leisurely and comfortable rest period arrived.
I didn't care for the elves, but their village made for an excellent resort.
Surrounded by abundant nature, with delicious local specialties, and year-round warm sunlight paired with refreshing, crisp breezes.
"Lord Alzen. I'm ready. Anytime works. Even right now."
"......"
As I savored the peaceful nature, Rebecca was propositioning me for anal sex.
"Rebecca. What are you talking about? What do you mean 'ready'?"
"Obviously... I've emptied everything inside. And I haven't eaten since yesterday."
She blushed embarrassedly at my horrified look but clung to my arm without backing down.
"I want to accept you this way too... Can't I?"
"Haa... Rebecca. Even if I skip the front, using that as a substitute is... No, and do you really want it that badly? It won't even feel good."
"Huh? It does feel good?"
"What? How would you know... Wait a minute."
I glared at her suspiciously.
"Did you get your backdoor done in that hallucination too?"
"......"
She averted her eyes without answering, which was answer enough.
"You mental slut..."
"Hmph. Call me that all you want, but I'm a proper virgin. Front and back, both pure."
I pitied her as she puffed out her chest proudly.
"Sigh... Sorry, but I'm not interested in the backdoor."
"Then do it in the front! Tormenting me with just hands and mouth while ignoring it is torture! Do you know how frustrating that is?!"
"How would I know? And feeling tortured is just you."
"Huh? No? The other girls all felt the same. Ah, Fasht seemed satisfied since she doesn't know what sex is yet."
"...What do you all talk about when you gather? Are you gossiping about me?"
"Who knows~? Heehee. Curious? I could tell you... but there's a condition."
She slithered close like a snake, slyly stroking my inner thigh.
"...You're really something. No shame at all. Admirable, in a way."
"What's 'shame'?"
"...It exists. Sort of."
"A compliment?"
"Yeah, yeah. Compliment. Anyway, not in the mood now, so shoo."
"Hiiing..."
I waved her off, and she trudged away with a sulky expression.
"Phew..."
I lounged on an ergonomically curved, incredibly comfortable tree branch, enjoying the pleasant sunlight, breeze, and some drinks.
Paired with snacks and dishes made by elven secret recipes.
Occasionally enjoying solitude like this wasn't bad.
"Lord Alzen. There you are."
"Hm?"
Just as I was drifting off during my rest, Nemes's voice woke me.
"Mm, what's up?"
"The World Tree summons you."
"...Oh, right. It told me to visit."
Something about a reward.
"......"
But I didn't feel like getting up.
"Can it wait?"
"Pardon? Well... Shall I ask the World Tree?"
"...No, forget it. I'll go. But carry me. Too lazy to move."
"Nee?"
She stared incredulously but soon sighed helplessly, turned her back, and crouched before me.
"...Oho."
Her tight, revealing outfit showcased her graceful curves perfectly.
"Up we go."
I hugged those curves tightly as she carried me, and a fresh, invigorating scent filled my nose.
Reflexively, I reached for her chest, but she merely twitched slightly without complaint.
"...Departing."
"Yup~"
Nemes stood effortlessly and leaped down from the branch.
On the way to the World Tree's sanctuary, I fully savored the feel of those firm yet soft peaks.