Chapter 347: Gift (2)

    There had been similar situations at the academy, but back then, I was able to endure it.

    At that time, the reaction was closer to the arrival of a famous person, not a hero.

    However, the road to Elodia felt like a hero’s welcome, akin to that of a great general.

    All around, voices were singing my praises, and bright white flower petals were scattering from the sky.

    I couldn’t help but feel flustered by the warm reception, but deep down, I also felt embarrassed.

    It had been a long time since I realized just how great an achievement I had accomplished.

    Even though it was the result of a series of coincidences, I had saved the world from the Devil Worshiper’s plot.

    Moreover, I had prevented the tragic collapse of several nations.

    There have been countless instances where books, like those of Marx in a past life, changed the world, but saving the world itself is extremely rare.

    I am the hero who achieved that difficult task.

    Still, receiving such fervent attention didn’t sit well with my nature.

    Perhaps it was because of a deeply ingrained tendency from my past life, but I don’t like being in the spotlight.

    To be precise, I don’t mind if the work itself is in the spotlight, but I feel uncomfortable with drawing attention to myself as a person.

    There’s no need for petty reasons—this is simply my personality.

    Of course, I had anticipated receiving attention when revealing my true identity, and such hospitality was expected as well.

    But it’s just that, due to my nature, I disliked it.

    So, when I waved my hand courageously, the reaction grew even more enthusiastic, and I felt embarrassed all over again.

    “If I go to Helium, it’ll be absolute chaos.”

    If Alvenheim is like this, how much greater will the reception be in Helium?

    Having officially visited Alvenheim this time, it won’t be long before Helium sends an invitation as well.

    Especially the demon race, they will likely be even more fervent.

    Even before I was regarded as a prophet, they already considered me their benefactor.

    Unlike Alvenheim, where the nation harbored grudges, the demon race regards me as a saint at the level of their entire species.

    Considering that, I almost felt like this was nothing.

    The demons, without exaggeration, probably worship me as a god.

    “For the hero who saved the world! Salute!”

    Chuk!

    Still, isn’t this a bit much?

    As I received the salute from the soldiers guarding Elodia’s gates, I couldn’t help but smile wryly.

    Knights in armor engraved with symbols, shields on their backs, and swords held in both hands.

    Seeing them salute me so gracefully made my face turn red once more.

    “We are the Guardian Corps of Alvenheim. Only the most skilled warriors among us can join this group.”

    “Ah... I see.”

    I nodded reluctantly to Beatrice’s explanation.

    It was as if the Navy Order from the Empire had come to greet me directly.

    Alvenheim had clearly put a lot of effort into welcoming me, from the reception I received from the warlord to this point with the knights.

    It seemed right to offer them at least a little comfort for all their efforts.

    I bowed my head to the Guardian Corps and thanked them.

    “Thank you for your hard work. I appreciate the warm welcome.”

    “Thank you!!”

    Oh wow, that was loud.

    My ears almost popped.

    Despite being a mixed group of both men and women, their gratitude was so loud it felt like it pierced through my eardrums.

    After we passed through the gates, the Guardian Corps saluted again, but I paid little attention, focusing instead on seeing Elodia.

    “Wow...”

    “How is it? Isn’t it magnificent?”

    Just as Has boasted proudly, Elodia, the political institution of Alvenheim, was indeed showing its grandiosity, fitting its reputation.

    Alvenheim had been a republic before the species war.

    They believed that under the care of the gods, rulers were unnecessary.

    Thus, unlike foreign palaces, Elodia had the appearance of a temple. It was based on the Olympus Temple, with Roman architecture added on top.

    Moreover, like its exterior, it also served as a temple.

    This was to prevent anyone from doing anything foolish in the presence of the gods.

    ‘But the only place that’s not under observation is the bedroom, right?’

    I continued to walk toward Elodia, admiring it.

    Despite being built by human hands, it harmonized perfectly with its surroundings, likely because it was crafted by elves.

    The towering trees surrounding the building were like walls, and behind Elodia stood the World Tree, firmly planted.

    As I gazed in awe at the picturesque scene, a beautiful voice suddenly reached my ears.

    “Finally, you’ve arrived.”

    “Huh?”

    I turned toward the familiar voice, momentarily distracted from the World Tree.

    And there she was, an elven woman waiting for me at the main gate.

    “Arwen?”

    Arwen was waiting for me at the front gate.

    Since Arwen is like me, a bookworm, there was a high chance she’d read next to me.

    Of course, I’d already read most of the books there since I can go back and forth freely, but I still have a “gift” prepared for her here.

    I entrusted it to Siris just in case, but I was planning to give it to Arwen shortly.

    That leaves just one more place.

    After some thought, I asked Arwen.

    “Can you guide me to the World Tree?”

    “Are you saying...?” The World Tree...

    “Yes.”

    Heading toward the World Tree.

    Arwen turned around after hearing my words.

    When she turned, the World Tree appeared behind a building.

    To approach the World Tree, even Arwen would need permission from a priest.

    Of course, since my achievements are what they are, getting permission is easy.

    But the problem arose from an unexpected place.

    “Th-That... might be a bit difficult.”

    “Huh? Why? Can’t I do it either?”

    “If it’s you, it might work. But the World Tree is a sacred tree, almost like an incarnation of Hirt-sama. In other words, you need permission from Hirt-sama, not Luminous-sama or Mora-sama.”

    I could understand that much. But then why was Arwen troubled?

    Looking at her with a puzzled expression, she smiled faintly and explained.

    “Hirt-sama is the goddess of nature. And nature is the world itself. Unlike other gods, to receive direct permission from Hirt-sama, preparation is required.”

    “Preparation?”

    “Have you ever seen or heard of priests who received too much divine power and ended up burning up in fever?”

    I know that well. Kate went through that, and although the situation was different, I recently experienced it myself.

    I nodded in understanding, and Arwen, seeing that I got it, continued with the explanation.

    “Hirt-sama, being the goddess of nature, responds to prophecies through natural phenomena.

    However, if a prophecy is given directly, the priest might die from it in severe cases.”

    “Because they can’t handle the divine power?”

    “Yes. Even for us elves, that’s a difficult task. So, to receive permission from Hirt-sama, a waiting period of at least a month is required. That’s why it’s difficult at the moment.”

    “Hmm...”

    I hadn’t expected this kind of situation.

    But considering Hirt’s position, it wasn’t so hard to understand.

    She is the mother of the twin siblings, Luminous and Mora, and a goddess who embodies nature itself.

    She is the supreme god of this world, so it makes sense that it wouldn’t be easy to gain permission.

    Though a bit disappointed, it’s understandable.

    We have time anyway, so we can take it slow.

    “Alright, then...”

    Just then, a strong wind suddenly blew.

    Whooosh!

    My red hair and Arwen’s silver-gray hair fluttered wildly in the gust.

    Flap!

    “Chirp! Chirp!” Chirp!

    “Kraaak! Kraak!”

    At the same time, a large number of birds flew up energetically from the trees surrounding Elodia.

    I watched them as they flew off into the distance.

    The birds were heading directly toward the World Tree, which was located behind Elodia.

    The direction of the wind and the direction the birds were flying matched. Leaves mixed in the wind confirmed the path.

    It felt as if “nature” was guiding me toward the World Tree, as if there was no need for much thought.

    “...”

    “...”

    We both stared at the birds flying far away for a while before looking at each other without anyone saying anything first.

    Arwen had a dazed expression on her face, unsure whether she was dreaming or seeing reality.

    I saw her face and shrugged my shoulders before casually speaking.

    “It seems like permission has been granted, doesn’t it?”

    “...”

    “Shouldn’t we be able to go?”

    Arwen nodded, as if in a daze. Then she murmured quietly.

    “Nature...”

    “Yes?”

    I realized something belatedly.

    “Nature... has never responded so directly...”

    “...”

    “Never before...”