Chapter 165
Chapter 165
“Freesia, you are an outsider there. Always be on guard. I hear that human desires surpass imagination. You’ve seen it yourself, haven’t you? The man who laid bare his greed. If you’re careless, you might get caught up in some very troublesome matter….”“I understand, Mother! Don’t worry so much!”
‘She’s really overbearing.’
For her own growth.For the World Tree and the future.There was no reason for the promising talent Freesia to remain trapped in this jungle.
And yet…
“Really, I’ll be fine.”“…Of course, I believe you’ll do well outside the jungle. You are my daughter, after all.”
The Divine Archer, face cold, cloaked her worries in advice.Freesia, face scrunched in annoyance, still nestled against her mother’s embrace.The mother and daughter clung to each other, unwilling to part.
No matter how capable, before parents a child is always just a child.Letting go, sending them off to walk alone—such was a mother’s heart.And the Divine Archer in front of me showed that truth perfectly.
‘Hmm, not bad.’
Watching them, I smacked my lips quietly.There was something about it—the bitter-sweetness that lingered on the tongue.Yes, the love between mother and daughter was a sight worth remembering.
At the same time, I felt a certain pride.Was it because the moment was so moving?No.
‘In the original story, this could never have happened.’
This was clearly different from before.
Batory? Iskadel? The religious system?All of that was merely DLC content added later.
It wasn’t as though I had overturned the set storyline.Rescuing the Kaspera twins had symbolic value, but they were only side villain roles.
But Freesia, who had been so hostile toward humans.And even the Divine Archer, who in the story could not protect the forest or the village and was already long dead.
Both of them were major figures whose fates had changed.And that was good news for me.
Proof that I was doing well.Proof of hope.Proof of survival.
And the reason was simple.
‘Because I can apply the same logic to Luciana as well.’
Yes.This was all an experiment.
Until now, the changes had been, frankly, trivial.
But now—Keeping the Divine Archer alive as an ally, securing Freesia’s place in the Academy—these changes carried weight.
To prevent Luciana’s downfall…That dream was not impossible.
The faintest speck of hope had sprouted like a seedling, and the feeling of joy swept through me.
With that thought, I glanced at her.
“……”
Luciana, as radiant and noble as ever.But today, arms crossed, her eyes dry as she watched the touching farewell of mother and daughter. A faint crease had formed between her brows.
“Oh dear, Lady Luciana. Is something troubling you?”“…Perhaps. I only wondered whether an outsider can truly adapt to the Academy.”“……”
Showing such consideration even for an elf she barely knew.As expected, Luciana had the bearing of a ruler.Already worrying about those who might come under her leadership—this proved her quality.
“You’re right, of course. Still, adapting to the Academy is something one must overcome on their own. And she’s more than capable of doing just that.”“Hmph, that’s not the issue.”
Her voice sank lower.I tilted my head, unable to guess the reason.
“Have I misunderstood your concern, my lord?”“Yes. It’s plain to see she’s a strong-willed person. What worries me lies elsewhere.”
She stroked her chin, then turned to me.
“Nominally, she’s from a baron’s house. But the title was only just granted, lacking any real legitimacy. And her appearance is beautiful besides. I fear some may try to force their attentions on her under the pretense of courtship.”
…Ah.I understood what she meant.The Academy supported exchange and study. But even there, parasites with lustful eyes appeared in the game.
Still—
“Well, I think it’ll be fine. Freesia’s not someone who chases after status. And besides—what human would ever truly catch an elf’s eye? She’ll be the one rejecting them.”
I shrugged with confidence.Elves, blessed by nature, were a race born with beauty.And as a High Elf, Freesia’s looks stood out even more.
Silken silver hair cascading like a waterfall.Long ears that piqued human curiosity.Emerald eyes beneath long lashes.
And though she shone brightest, every elf I’d met in the village would easily be considered upper-class beauties by human standards.
‘To her, most men probably look like squid.’
Though, compared to Luciana, of course, no contest.
“…You seem to know her quite well?”“Well, we met in the jungle. We spoke a lot.”“Hm. I suppose that’s some comfort.”
The crease in her brow smoothed away.
“Very well. Perhaps this was just needless worry.”“How could concern for your vassals ever be dismissed as needless?”
As my lord returned to her usual calm, I sighed in relief.
“Hans Byron.”“Oh, Divine Archer. Finished seeing your daughter off?”
The mother approached, still holding tightly to her daughter’s hand.
“…Yes. If a child insists on leaving, how could I stop her? All I can do is pray for her safety.”“Heh, though you tried hard enough to block her way.”
Zap—!The glare from her eyes was sharp.
“Don’t be rude to Mother!”“My apologies.”
I raised my shoulders at Freesia’s protest.She always complained about being confined, about being suffocated.Yet now that she was leaving, she clung so dearly. I’d thought to tease her about it, but…
‘Well, since it’s me taking her away, I’ll let it pass.’
I held my tongue and looked at the Divine Archer.
“Do you have something to say?”“Hrmm. You’re the only human I can trust with Freesia. Take this.”“What’s this?”“A relic, passed down in the Evergreen family.”“Oh, a bribe? I don’t turn those down. Thank you kindly.”
What she handed me was a small compass, carved with a leaf motif.The sight of such an unexpected relic made my eyes widen.
[Leaflight Crystal Compass][???]
In the game, this was given only after restoring the elven village, destroyed by calamity and beastmen raids.
‘So it was originally hers, after all.’
“This is quite the unexpected gift.”“…Do you know its use? All I’ve heard is that our ancestors once exchanged aid with humans through it, but I know nothing of its function.”
Of course I knew. Too well, in fact.
The state window gave no description, making it an infuriating relic.But outside the game, the ‘pioneers’ in the community had uncovered its secrets.
“Rest assured, I’ll look after Freesia. She won’t be fooled or tricked.”
I gave her my sincerest smile.In truth, with aura, magic, and even spirits under her command, Freesia was a warrior through and through.Who would dare?
‘Unless they wanted to be crushed instead.’
Not even Luciana as valedictorian might be able to surpass her easily.
Still, she was an innocent elf, brimming with curiosity.
‘All I need to do is make sure she doesn’t get duped.’
A talent practically handed to me.
“Divine Archer, you’ll hold strong with Duke Daimon against the calamity.”“Not just endure. I’ll pierce the throat of whoever threatens the World Tree.”“I’ll be cheering you on.”
Her cold face softened into a faint smile.Confidence radiated from her—the very weight of the name Divine Archer, Protector of the World Tree.
Yet inwardly, doubts stirred.
Confidence was fine.But a calamity was defined by its ability to destroy everything single-handedly. Even united, the best outcome would be protecting the World Tree and the duchy.
‘Which means I need to grow stronger.’
By tying the nearly-extinct elves to the ducal house, I’d already done enough.Defeating the final boss—that was not a henchman’s role.
That belonged to René.And his companions.
“Mark my words. Next time we meet, Freesia will have grown stronger than even you. Strong enough to drive an arrow into a calamity’s throat.”“W-What are you saying?”“…Heh. I hope so. It’s about time I passed on the role of Protector of the World Tree.”
With that final smile, she let go of the hand she had held so tightly.
“Mother?”“Freesia, I’m busy too. I must meet with Duke Daimon to discuss our people’s residence. Go now, and learn much.”
Truly worthy of the name Divine Archer.The moment her words ended, she leapt away, her figure shrinking into a speck.
“…Yes! I will! I’ll bring back all sorts of stories from outside the jungle!”
Freesia shouted her vow loudly, so all could hear.
“……”“Parents and children are the same, even across races.”
Her eyes glistened with moisture.The mood turned sentimental.I patted her shoulder.
“Shall we go, then? First, you’ll see the bustling streets of the central lands.”“Ah…! Hehe, I’ve been waiting for this day.”
She looked at me with wide eyes, her long ears twitching with excitement.All her tears had vanished.
“You’re restless.”“Of course! I want to see the streets, but even more—I can’t wait for the Academy. Human education, what’s it like? Magic? Or should I show off my archery?”
As etiquette demanded, I offered her my hand.
“Come, then. Lady Evergreen.”“…Yes! Please.”
Leaving her mother’s hand, she took mine and climbed into the carriage bound for the Academy.Her bright, innocent smile did not fade.
Only—
‘Why do I feel a chill…?’
From the shadows.From the seat beside me.
An uneasy emotion crept in. Perhaps it was only my imagination.
* * *
The headmaster examined the letter he had received from Luciana.
A golden envelope.Sealed with wax imprinted with a gold coin.
“Oh my. To think the Golden Duke himself would commend a dispatch lesson.”
He hadn’t even opened it yet, but the corners of his mouth rose, lifting his plump cheeks.
Proof of completing a field assignment and a report of its contents? Normally, that would be left to an attendant.For the Duke to personally send a letter with his seal meant he was deeply satisfied.
“Huhu, truly the Golden Generation.”
Unable to hold back his curiosity, the headmaster opened the letter and began to read.
[To the esteemed Lord Gordon, Headmaster of Manhet Academy.][It is the first time I write you since my son’s enrollment this year…]
“Ugh, why must higher nobles always pad their words with needless courtesies?”
He skipped past the empty pleasantries.Like exam questions, the real content was buried in the latter half.
[As for the field lesson, the greatest merit does indeed belong to the young lady of the Speda family, who drove out the beastmen within the jungle.][But leaving aside minor evaluations, the one who impressed me most was Hans Byron.][That a mere baron’s son could persuade me of the benefits of alliance with the elves…]
From there, the praise continued endlessly.
“Well, well. I knew he was exceptional, but to win over the Golden Duke himself?”
The headmaster stroked his double chin, then read on.
[He is a talent that will not be born again.I ask of you once more: when he graduates, persuade him to come south.]
As expected, the letter did not end with praise.It was a request for recruitment, lightly pressed upon the headmaster.
“Too bad. The Academy is strictly neutral. I won’t risk the wrath of the War Duke.”
Folding the letter, the headmaster clicked his tongue and offered a bow toward the absent Duke Daimon and the South.
Still—For a first-year to achieve such results.
His tapping fingers froze.
“Well. Normally I’d wait until the end of the first semester, but… with achievements like these, it’s time to make introductions.”
Professors might teach and guide the students.But within the Academy, their stake was small.
“All power in the Academy must belong to the students.”
Since its founding, that principle had never changed.
Funding, budgets, amendments, even punishments—All authority stemmed from the students.
The Student Council.Absolute power vested in students, based on grades and ability.
“Hahaha! I can’t wait to see how the Golden Generation reacts to this!”
What did age matter to those who chased power and honor?The quiet headmaster laughed uproariously, shaking the office walls.