Chapter 37
Elves listen well. I decided to set aside the main issue for now and address this first. "No more elf slaves."
In Hera's case, I'd had no choice—it was for the sake of world peace. Excluding the slave option, her only other path was becoming a villainess. But there was no reason to accept any other elves as slaves. In fact, it would be a problem if more elves came begging to become slaves. Possessing elf slaves was a crime, after all.
Thinking about it, this is ridiculous.
Slaves were typically captured against their will, sold around, and forced to do things they hated. So why were these elves voluntarily trying to enslave themselves? It was truly baffling.
"Th-then... if I can't be a slave, what should I do...?" Hera's green eyes shook violently. She seemed to have misunderstood something.
"I don't need anything. I told you before—come to me anytime you need help."
"But that won't repay your kindness..."
I knew she'd say that. How was I supposed to deal with this old-fashioned personality?
Huh...?
In that moment, an idea struck me. If she was so fixated on becoming a slave, maybe I could use that.
"You keep going on about kindness and repayment?"
"Franz, elves give without expecting..."
"Then forget about the slave thing. Let's call the whole promise off."
"...Huh?"
She looked utterly flustered, her eyes wide as she froze in place. Seeing her like that, I scratched my head awkwardly. It had seemed like a good idea when I said it, but now it felt like blackmail, leaving a bad taste in my mouth.
But on second thought, that was absurd too. Who blackmails someone not to become a slave? Not ordering them to be one, but threatening them against it? What kind of world was this?
Haa—. As I let out a sigh, the life slowly drained from Hera's eyes.
"Then... what am I even living for...?" she murmured softly.
What do you mean? Live for the other elves and the World Tree.
...But saying that would just complicate things.
"That's why you should just accept it. I said 'my slave,' which sounds weird, but anyway—I'll grant your request. So let's move past this appropriately."
"Your slave...? So it's okay for me to become your slave, Franz...?"
As she said it, life returned to her eyes. Disappointment faded from her face, replaced by anticipation. Why did she only react to that part? I was starting to suspect she actually liked the idea of being a slave.
Regardless, what she'd said was spot on. Between villainess and slave, obviously slave.
"Yeah, we'll keep the promise as is. Just take it as a favor."
"Th-thank you...!"
Hera bowed deeply, her voice trembling as if she might burst into tears any second.
Somehow, her obsession with slavery seemed to be growing day by day...
Eh, it'll be fine.
She'd only come seeking enslavement after I'd rescued all the elf slaves anyway. That would take decades at least, so no worries.
Anyway, with the elf slave talk settled, it was time for the main topic.
"Let's head inside and talk."
"Very well."
The two of us stepped into the Magic Tower. Hera curiously looked around, craning her neck this way and that. Whenever someone passed by, she pulled her hood down tight. She was still wary of humans outside the hero party.
Suddenly, Hera spoke up.
"Franz, as Tower Master, does that make you the owner of this tall building?"
"Well, sort of. I'll retire someday and hand it off to someone."
The problem was finding someone worthy. But time would sort that out, probably.
"I see. So where do you live now? Do you have a separate house?"
"I work, eat, and sleep right here. Why do you ask?"
"As your slave, it'd be convenient to know where to stay."
Her tone was so matter-of-fact, as if it were the most natural thing. I, her would-be master, was the one left stunned.
Seeing this level of fixation made me uneasy. It felt like she might demand enslavement right now, without rescuing the other elves.
After that, Hera continued sightseeing, while I stayed quiet. Soon, we reached the top of the tower.
Passing down the long corridor, we opened the door to the Tower Master's office. Arian was inside, tidying up scattered papers on the floor.
Feeling puzzled, I asked, "Arian, what are you doing?"
"Ah, Tower Master. You're back early..."
Arian trailed off, her gaze shifting to my side—to Hera.
I sensed her stare was oddly sharp, but dismissed it as my imagination.
"I was heading to Justia but ran into a guest on the way."
"I see... But this is awkward. I spilled these papers on the floor, so sorting them will take time. If it's okay, could you two talk while ignoring me?"
Arian flashed a bright smile. But her eyes remained fixed on Hera.
I couldn't go along with that. Hera would feel uncomfortable with Arian here.
Snap.
With a flick of my fingers, the papers on the floor floated up into the air and neatly arranged themselves on the desk. At the same time, a dazed sound escaped Arian's lips.
"Ah...?"
"There, all done. Don't worry about it—go ahead."
"B-but..."
Arian glanced back and forth between Hera and me, then slumped her shoulders with a sigh.
"Understood..."
With that, she trudged out of the office. Her dejected back made me wonder if something was wrong.
But now wasn't the time. I'd ask her later—sorry, Arian.
"Hera, want some tea?"
"Shouldn't a slave handle that...?"
"You're not a slave yet. So, tea or no?"
"Then I'll have some."
"Alright, sit there and wait."
At my words, Hera promptly sat on the sofa, obedient as a well-trained dog.
What was this? It seemed perfectly fine, yet...
I felt an odd sense of dissonance as I moved to prepare the tea meticulously and brought it to the table.
"Here, drink up."
"I shall."
Hera carefully sipped from the steaming cup. A smile spread across her lips—good, she liked it.
I took a sip myself, set down my cup, and said, "Now, explain in detail what's going on."
"Truth be told, Franz, shortly after you left, anomalies began appearing in the World Tree."
"Anomalies?"
"Yes. The leaves are wilting, and the branches are so weak they're snapping off. I consulted the Spirit King, but he only mentioned a wicked power—nothing more. I tried handling it within the tribe, but it didn't work..."
Hera's voice was deeply somber. It was understandable. The World Tree was more precious to elves than their own lives. Failing to protect it themselves and having to beg someone they'd already indebted themselves to—naturally, she'd feel downcast.
But the problem was...
'Wicked power...?'
I'd know for sure once I saw it, but it reeked of heretics. Their 'demonic energy' fit the description of a wicked power perfectly. Demons used it too, but with the human-demon war long over, it was unlikely they'd infiltrated the Great Forest.
"With the World Tree weakening, the trees in the Great Forest are withering too. The animals and plants that call it home are in chaos. It's mortifying, but this is quite urgent."
"I get the gist. I can't promise anything definite, but I'll do what I can."
"Truly? Thank you so much...!"
Hera shot up from her seat, bowing repeatedly in gratitude. She even tried to kneel on the floor, which I barely stopped.
Something really felt off. It seemed fine, but that subtle wrongness lingered.
Anyway, now that I knew the issue, it was time to act. The situation was urgent, as she'd said.
"Hera, let's go to Justia."
"The saintess...?"
"Yeah."
She's the best at purifying demonic energy.
Soon, Hera and I headed to St. Serpian Cathedral. There, we met Justia.
"Th-the Great Forest?!"
Justia's eyes went wide as saucers.