Chapter 137
Isabela had joined the party. "If anyone has complaints, take them up with the Hero directly." She addressed the elves staring at her. They only vented their frustrations at her—no one dared confront the Hero or the Empire's knights head-on.
A heavy silence fell once more, and Isabela frowned at her kin. Doubts crept in: why should she sacrifice herself for these people?
"And I'm going with the Hero to slay the Demon King."
"Pardon? What do you mean all of a sudden...?"
"What about us if the Queen leaves?"
The elves erupted in clamor at Isabela's abrupt declaration. She pressed a hand to her throbbing forehead, glaring at them. She knew elves had a habit of shoving responsibility onto others, but she'd never imagined herself as one of their scapegoats.
"Hoo. Nothing will change even if I leave. Livina, you'll take charge of the elven forces. Asalom, handle relations with the other races. Verhan, manage the elves' daily affairs."
She spoke firmly to the elves clinging to her. It might seem hasty, but these were the best choices she'd vetted while leading them all these years. Fortunately, the ones she named showed no resistance, though the rest eyed their queen with anxious gazes.
"You're all part of the elven people too. Instead of thinking only about what you can gain, start asking what you can do for our community—take some responsibility for being elves."
With that sharp rebuke to the trembling elves, Isabela rose from her seat. In truth, her decision to follow the Hero stemmed from the life force and pleasure he offered. But seeing her tribesmen's reactions filled her with disappointment.
Better to follow the Hero than rot here with these fools.
Just that morning, she'd noticed the faint wrinkles around her eyes had vanished in the mirror. It was subtle—only she would spot it—but every living being instinctively feared the loss of youth, regardless of what others thought.
Livina, Asalom, and Verhan should hold things together for a while.
Isabela glanced at the ones she'd tasked, thinking so. Disgusted by her irresponsible kin, she remained oblivious to how she was dumping her own duties on them.
***
"What a sight."
"Yeah."
I nodded along with Jena's admiration as she watched the dark elves beside me. With Isabela's permission, they'd come to the World Tree—and most were overcome with emotion, tears streaming down their faces. They formed a circle around it, performing their own ritual.
Chants like incantations echoed through the forest from the dark elves, creating a grand, beautiful scene just as Jena said. They swayed in perfect unison, and as the rite continued, life returned to their pale eyes.
No—not just the dark elves. Small birds flocked to the World Tree, and countless insects chirped around us in harmony.
I couldn't hide my awe at the scene I'd never witnessed in my previous life. Back then, the dark elves had latched onto the Demon King's army, wandering battlefields until their miserable ends. The realization that my actions alone had utterly changed their fates stirred even a twinge of fear in me.
"Uh, Hero?"
Jena's voice reached me then. But she scanned the surroundings, as if she couldn't see me right in front of her. Karen and Marian did the same.
I looked at my companions with a puzzled expression, soon spotting the cause.
You've brought an unexpected gift, Hero.
A green-haired woman had appeared before my eyes. The World Tree's avatar. I regarded her calmly and asked,
"A gift? From me?"
Hmph! Whether you meant to or not, those children returning to my side is a gift to me.
As I conversed with the World Tree, I glanced at my companions. They still looked baffled by my sudden disappearance. Even right beside them, they couldn't perceive me—it felt like our space was severed from the world.
"Then show some sincerity yourself."
I grinned at the World Tree. Bringing the dark elves here wasn't for her, but you claim credit when you can.
You've really changed. I've already given you a gift, you know?
Surprised by my words, her avatar replied.
"You don't mean this Demon Sword, do you?"
I asked incredulously. Katrin's blade had always been a handful, but after encountering the World Tree, it got worse. Just gripping the hilt made the spirit beg to be thrust in somewhere—enough to daze even me.
That's because you corrupted the sword's ego.
"Ha? Convenient excuse."
...Sorry, but I have nothing left to give.
"...What good is a guy without that kind of power?"
I showed my disappointment plainly. I almost pitied the elves and dark elves who worshipped this thing.
Reading my expression, the avatar glared heatedly.
Sigh. You've turned into such an annoying prick. You were frustrating before, but never infuriating.
"No gift? Then get lost."
Fine. I'll go, even if you beg me to stay. Just watch out for Baal.
"What?"
I blinked at the unexpected name from the World Tree. As the recorder of all continental events, if it warned about Baal, there had to be a reason. It knew everything about Baal, just as it knew all my deeds.
Things have changed a lot from before. Thanks to you.
It smirked smugly at my surprise.
"What're you talking about? If you're gonna tell me, spill it properly."
That's all I'll say. More would break the rules.
With that, the World Tree faded away.
"Hero? Y-You were definitely gone...?"
Jena finally spotted me, eyes wide as she looked around. I glared irritably at the World Tree encircled by dark elves, but it had no intention of reappearing.
"Hah, you ruined a good mood by shitting on it?"
"Pardon?"
"Not you, Jena. Let's go. Back to the imperial capital."
I turned on my heel after telling her that.
***
"I'll come with you too."
I smirked at Isabela declaring that to me. I'd expected as much—she was too obsessed with life force to pass it up.
But her announcement drew poor reactions from the elves and my companions.
"Shouldn't the queen guard the Great Forest?"
"Yeah, doesn't she have any sense of duty?"
I overheard Jena and Karen muttering, but Isabela's expression remained resolute. They were probably worried about falling lower in line, but I had no reason to block her. Commanding high-grade spirits, she'd be useful in fights—and who wouldn't want a tamed elf queen around?
"Fine. You're in."
I told her that, then glanced at Dalshinyang and Gania.
"I-I'm staying, nya. Gotta protect my tribe, nya."
"I'd love to come, but... I doubt I'd help you, Hero."
I respected their choices. They had delicious pussies, sure, but weren't major assets in combat. It wasn't like I wouldn't see them again.
"Alright, party's set then."
Heading to the capital: me, Karen, Jena, Marian, Isabela, and Lucille—Frank's disciple with the Light Sword. Now it finally felt like a hero's party. As long as others didn't just see it as a harem of beauties, anyway.