Chapter 163
Chapter 163
‘Savior of the South.’
It was definitely a title that even in the original story had only fleetingly passed by.
[Conditions met for the title: Savior of the South]
[1/3]
[???]
[???]
[Subjugation of the Pack’s Calamity]
Yes, it was the message that had appeared when I cleared the very first Calamity.
But only one condition had been fulfilled.
Back then, no matter what I did, it was impossible to meet the rest of the requirements, so I gave up.
‘And now, to think I’d find a clue like this.’
In any case, the Pack’s Calamity was a target that had to be subjugated for Luciana’s future.
In reality, it meant that as long as I fulfilled the one remaining unknown condition, it would be done.
But…
‘Savior of the South.’
The reward presented by the status window — considering the conditions it demanded, it was easy to guess it would be sweet.
‘However….’
“My friend, it seems you are lost in thought alone again. Why such a grave expression?”
“Mm… your skill at reading my face improves day by day.”
“Are we not bound by a vassal contract? Such a thing is only natural.”
Always so dramatic.
As she tried to pry into my inner thoughts again, I was about to deflect, but instead, I simply gave Batory, who was boasting, a wry smile.
“Well, there’s nothing you need to worry about. It’s merely a personal matter.”
“…Wrapping it all up by yourself is not always the best choice. Whenever you have something to unburden, speak freely. I am always on your side.”
“Even those words alone are something to be thankful for.”
I gave her a courteous thank you, then sank back into thought.
The problem was that I had no idea what the last condition could be.
[What’s this Savior of the South title? Anyone cleared it?]
┗[Ah… it is something like a mirage.]
┗[What are you talking about??]
┗[It is an illusion that exists but cannot be reached….]
[Concept-chu gtfo; even the hardcore veterans said it’s hopeless, link: ]
It was a title even countless Korean veterans had given up on.
Because you had to satisfy all three conditions to get it, it was practically the same as a chained quest.
‘Tch. It’s a shame, but pouring too much time into finding the conditions would be troublesome.’
The Empire was not made of the South alone.
There was the Imperial Capital, the East, West, and North as well.
With so many fortuitous encounters within my knowledge, there was no need to obsess over this.
Better not to miss a diamond mine while clutching a single piece of gold.
‘First, let’s secure the reward that’s guaranteed.’
I tossed a question toward the Divine Archer, who was still holding the contract blankly.
“Have you sufficiently looked over the contents of the contract?”
“…To some extent. It’s such a favorable contract for us that I can’t help but be suspicious.”
“That meticulous attitude! Very good. Whatever it is, one must always carefully check the fine print.”
As expected of the Guardian of the World Tree.
She seemed to sense the uncomfortable feeling well enough.
‘But in the end, she’s still a greenhorn in the jungle.’
Would the Divine Archer know?
The unique cultural value each race possessed.
The dangers of human civilization encroaching upon it.
Even the Divine Archer, who had only ever eaten Elven food her entire life…
She found an egg tart delicious.
Not only physical invasion.
But something utterly natural.
The frightening nature of culture that subjugates Elves to humans — she had yet to realize it.
“To add, the other side will think of it as an investment.”
“Investment?”
“Yes. The first peace treaty between humans and Elves will serve as Duke Daimon’s proof of achievement and honor to show the outside. He’ll judge it worth the investment.”
“…Mm, indeed.”
I hid my laughter as I watched the Divine Archer’s eyes narrow.
Even as the opening of this treaty had already been reframed as an ‘investment’ — she hadn’t realized it was wrong.
“Rather than worrying like this, why not negotiate directly with the principal party?”
“The principal party?”
“I’m merely the agent delivering the peace treaty contract. The true master is obvious, isn’t it?”
At the mention of Duke Daimon, the descendant of humans who had once driven out the Elves guarding the World Tree, her face contorted.
Her lips parted, about to speak, when—
“Mother, I agree!”
“…Freesia.”
“Mother, you may be right that there could be trickery. But… I think it’s better than staying trapped in the jungle forever!”
At the youthful Elf girl’s earnest plea, the gaze of most Elves turned toward her.
Did she realize?
That this was her inner desire facing outward, and at the same time, a challenge that would decide the fate of the Elf race.
And also—
‘Not bad.’
On the other hand, I was impressed.
She was right.
If things continued as they were, the beastmen would seize dominance of the jungle, and the Elves would be driven to extinction.
Despite chewing on a tart with a cute munching expression, her statement was unwavering.
Truly the blood of a leader.
Moreover—
Even as she threw that spark, Freesia, after some thought, pulled out another tart and shoved it into her mouth.
The Divine Archer gave a bitter smile.
“…I have decided.”
That bitter smile was gone.
With a grave expression, she placed her hand upon her chest.
“For Elves, what matters most is the protection of the World Tree. No matter what form it takes, as long as that is achieved, it is good. Please guide us to the humans’ castle.”
‘…Well, even my predictions can be wrong at times.’
I had believed the long-stagnant Elves would naturally be dyed by humans.
But now—
The Divine Archer, a leader who worried deeply.
Freesia, taking risks to pursue freedom.
Seeing their firm convictions, I couldn’t help but feel a certain anticipation.
Perhaps.
A true coexistence of Elves and humans…
Maybe I could witness it with my own eyes.
[You have earned Freesia’s complete trust.]
Judging by the notification in the status window, the intention seemed widespread on their side.
“The greatest enemy of the World Tree, as we see it, is not humans but that one called the Pack’s Calamity. To stop him, Elves and humans must cooperate. Therefore, our army’s stationing near the Elves’ village—”
“As for the matter of cultivating the World Tree’s fruits, it requires our Elves’ special magic. Naturally, it consumes mana. So we must increase the number of Elves who can access the World Tree—”
“The distribution ratio of the fruits—”
More profits.
World Tree worship.
Though their local desires differed, their unified course of action was the same.
Protection of the World Tree from beastmen, from Calamity.
Thus, the treaty between Elves and humans concluded more smoothly than expected.
“So at last, we put an end to the bad blood between humans and Elves.”
“Haha. Indeed, I only hope this peace treaty serves as the basis for ever friendlier relations.”
[Peace Treaty between Humans and Elves]
[Elven Representative: Primrose Evergreen]
“So, all that’s left is to sign this paper? Without any magical processing, does this even hold meaning?”
Of course, alongside it came the Divine Archer’s frustrations in her first dealings with humans.
“Heh. You really live in the past. With your name and reputation, it has plenty of meaning. Just sign already.”
At my scolding, the Divine Archer’s sharp gaze pierced me.
And Freesia’s beside her as well.
“Stop bullying Mother!”
“…What can I do, she’s so old-fashioned.”
How that wooden block had somehow managed to bear Freesia as her daughter, I couldn’t fathom.
‘And it’s thanks to me this alliance even came about, you know?’
Yet just for nagging a bit during the proceedings, the looks they shot me were sulky.
Such ingratitude.
Duke Daimon, with a chuckle, interjected.
“How could I not host a welcome for my distinguished guests? Now that urgent matters are done, we must prepare a grand banquet.”
To celebrate the successful conclusion of the academy’s field assignment.
And to commemorate the opening of relations with the Elves.
A splendid banquet at noon, born of the Duke’s satisfaction.
I pressed my forehead and sighed.
Because of these pointy-eared folk, so clueless despite their fine appearances.
“Say, can’t I just wear the dress I wore before?”
“Tsk, nonsense! Freesia, you and the Divine Archer will be the stars of this banquet. How could you give the same impression as last time?!”
“Human culture is truly beyond me….”
Already the fourth time this conversation repeated.
Freesia tilted her head as I barked in exasperation.
In the end, I sighed and picked out the most comfortable-looking dress hanging on the side.
“As for you, just do as always — enjoy desserts and tea while chatting with humans.”
The nobles who approached Elves with ulterior motives?
It was the Divine Archer’s duty, as the representative, to handle them.
Freesia could simply be Freesia.
Keep her innocence, and enjoy herself.
“Desserts! There’ll be egg tarts too, right?”
Her eyes sparkled with expectation, her ears twitching with joy.
I answered readily.
“Not only that. You may eat to your fill. Just mind your manners.”
“Yay!”
Freesia jumped with glee.
Beyond her, the Divine Archer approached me.
Her silver hair of muted hue contrasted with a vivid green dress.
As the saying goes, fine clothes make the man.
The image of an Elf who loved nature was emphasized, while her noble features shone all the brighter.
“I have words for you, Frost Mane.”
“Shh, here you must call me Hans Byron.”
“…I know. Right now it’s only us.”
Suddenly, she bowed deeply.
“Thank you. For everything.”
“Suddenly saying that is quite bewildering.”
Considering my first impression of her was a terrorist kidnapper…
And that even afterward I often grumbled at her.
I hadn’t expected her to thank me directly like this.
“Thanks to you, Elves can now at least access the World Tree in part.”
“That’s hardly thanks to me. It’s your ability that allows the fruit to be produced.”
“Without this chance, it would have been impossible.”
She lifted the hem of her dress, imitating human etiquette awkwardly.
It gave me a strange feeling.
Perhaps this was the greatest courtesy the Divine Archer could show me.
But—
“For providing us this opportunity, I deeply—”
“Ah, enough.”
I waved my hand, cutting her off.
“Words of thanks alone can’t convey sincerity, can they?”
Like any other noble, I revealed my true face.
“Divine Archer, if you truly wish to express gratitude to me, then I would prefer a more substantial reward.”
Her lips curled inward as she realized my intent.
But soon—
Her calm voice slipped out.
“What do you want?”
At least she acknowledged my contributions.
Her heart seemed genuine in that regard.
“Fufu, quick to the point. Good. What I want is…”
That much had been decided ever since I first came South.
“I want your daughter.”
“……”
Her mouth fell open, words lost.
At the same time—
“W-what are you saying?!”
“Kyaaak!”
—A loud smack resounded against my back.
Her aura-enhanced strike stung terribly.
Even as her daughter darted off after smacking the back of that shameless man — the half benefactor, half trash scoundrel — Primrose took quite some time to collect her thoughts.
“Oww… hurts like hell.”
“Just now… what did you say? Did I hear correctly?”
My daughter, you say?
Then everything he’d done for the Elves, all the new paths he’d opened… was it all…?
“You and your daughter both dyed your hair pink. I didn’t mean it like that…. Ugh.”
Even while wincing in pain, his lips smirked.
At that cynicism, Primrose forced herself to regain reason, cooling her heart.
“…If that’s not what you meant, then what?”
“Haha, Divine Archer. Let’s speak frankly. It’s about Freesia’s future dwelling place.”
Resting his chin atop his clasped hands, Frost Mane grinned.
Hard to believe this was the shameless man who had just demanded her daughter.
At her nod, Frost Mane continued.
And his words were, indeed, unpleasant.
“As you know, your daughter longs to see a wider world.”
“……”
“For me, having such a talent by my side would be nothing but welcome.”
How presumptuous.
The thought made her lips open of their own accord.
Her usual calm vanished, her voice spilling rough.
But she couldn’t control it.
“Freesia has the duty to guard the World Tree with me.”
It was the trial and obligation passed down through the Evergreen line.
A boundary no outsider could cross.
“Haha, yet despite that, she’s nearly of age, and you’ve never once told her of it?”
“Ugh, that’s…”
Primrose’s hands trembled.
The mission of a guardian.
And the heart of a mother.
The clash ended in victory for the latter.
A life bound to a single place — how could that be happiness?
Primrose herself had once been a curious girl, an Elf who dreamed of adventure.
But.
She was a mother and the World Tree’s guardian.
Forcing reason, she lifted her eyes.
“Now that humans share the burden of protecting the World Tree, is Freesia even necessary?”
“I assure you, a journey would rather be an opportunity for her growth.”
“As a parent, do you truly think it right to meddle in the path your child chooses?”
Each word he spoke—
It made Primrose want to cover her ears.
A mistake.
She should never have started this conversation.
Looking back, whenever his slippery tongue danced, she had always ended up agreeing.
She needed to leave.
Clutching her dress awkwardly, Primrose tried to rise.
“But tell me, what choice will you make?”
Once again, as in the jungle—
He pressed before her a cold choice.
“Will you suppress Freesia’s freedom and keep her under you? Or will you respect her decision, and let her follow me?”
Her body froze.
Her blood turned cold.
Even when drawing her bow before an enemy, her arms had never trembled.
But now, they shook uncontrollably.