Chapter 350: Hirt (3)

    The seed that had fallen on the floor where Hirt had vanished.

    It was much larger than an adult male’s fist, and its appearance was anything but ordinary.

    First, could you believe that the seed sparkled like gold?

    A regular person might not believe it easily.

    Moreover, its size was so large that it could be mistaken for a fruit rather than a seed.

    It was even solid enough to be used as a hammer.

    In fact, there was a place where such a description appeared.

    As someone who enjoys mythology and history, there’s no way I wouldn’t know it.

    It was a seed much larger than an adult man’s fist, shining with the light of gold, and strong enough that not a single scratch would appear even if struck with a stone.

    The seed of the World Tree that Hirt had given to the elves.

    Every time a description of this seed appeared, it always included the above words.

    In other words, it was highly likely that this seed, which Hirt had presumed to have given me, was also the World Tree’s seed...

    ‘How am I supposed to grow this?’

    In the myths, there are records of planting the seed, but there’s no mention of how it was nurtured.

    It seems like it could be as simple as planting it in the ground and providing water and nutrients, like any other plant, but this one is presumed to be the seed of the World Tree.

    I couldn’t think of it too simply, and the real problem is who will grow it.

    It’s already decided that it will be planted in the Myshal Territory.

    But I had no clue just how immense the impact could be.

    This seed was from the World Tree, which had only appeared in myths.

    That seed had played a major role in driving out the demons when the World Tree grew, and this happened over 3,000 years ago.

    It was a story that could be considered a distant legend even for the long-lived demons and elves, yet I received that very seed?

    My reputation had already reached such heights that it felt like it had pierced the universe.

    Surely, impossible titles would follow me now.

    When the new edition of the Zenon Chronicles was released, I could somewhat predict it, but the seed of the World Tree was entirely beyond expectation.

    I could only wonder what news would follow.

    ‘Also, who’s going to grow this?’

    I leaned against the wide trunk of the World Tree, deep in thought.

    It was such a huge issue that even after Hirt vanished, I didn’t return to Elodia.

    Now, I was holding what I presumed to be the World Tree’s seed, which looked suspiciously like a coconut.

    Not a metaphor, but purely in appearance, it resembled a coconut.

    The funny thing was, it shone like gold. And being someone with large hands, I had to hold it with both hands.

    ‘Was it meant for me to grow?’

    I lifted my head to look at the World Tree.

    It had grown steadily for 3,000 years into a sacred tree, large enough to form a city.

    If it grows like this in the Myshal Territory, would it get this big too?

    That would be a problem. Our territory isn’t exactly that large.

    Of course, Hirt must have had a plan, so the possibility of it growing into something like the current World Tree was low.

    But the World Tree is the World Tree.

    It’s a priceless, one-of-a-kind tree in the world, and if it’s planted in our territory... just imagining it made my head spin.

    “Hmm...”

    I was deep in thought when I felt a gaze from beside me.

    Turning my head, I saw that Arwen had woken up and was now looking at me with her silver-gray eyes.

    She had just woken up, and her gaze was still hazy, though it carried another kind of drowsiness.

    “Did you wake up?”

    I greeted her with a warm smile.

    Even her dazed look was irresistibly cute.

    Arwen blinked a few times, then blushed and shyly replied.

    “It seems I’ve caused trouble. Sorry.”

    “No, I was resting too, so don’t worry.”

    “Ah, ah.”

    When I treated her kindly,

    Arwen awkwardly cleared her throat and slowly moved away from me.

    Perhaps she was trying to avoid being a bother, as her shoulder that had been touching mine gradually pulled away.

    That meant I would have to entrust it to someone else, but aside from my family, I didn’t have anyone in mind who could be trusted.

    However, my father was busy, and my mother couldn’t leave her duties of caring for Lily.

    So, who could I trust...?

    ‘...Maybe I should ask Musk.’

    I wouldn’t directly ask Musk to grow it, but rather ask him in a supervisory role—someone to ensure no one does anything foolish and that the clergy are doing their job properly.

    Since it was most likely the World Tree’s seed, there shouldn’t be anyone reckless, but still, I would need someone reliable.

    “Let’s think about it slowly for now. It’s not urgent right now, right?”

    As I said that, I tightened my arm around Arwen’s waist. Arwen blushed and smiled shyly before nodding.

    “Well... Isaac?”

    “Yeah?”

    “May I ask... when do you plan to receive the gift...?”

    Arwen asked me, seemingly hesitant but gathering courage.

    “I’m ready anytime.”

    “Isn’t it a little too early?”

    The sun, which had been high in the sky, was gradually descending, but there was still plenty of time before nightfall.

    During this time, I could visit the sanctuary and read books or give her the “gift” I had prepared.

    But it seemed Arwen had a different thought. She shook her head and gave a reason I could understand.

    “It’s because of our elf’s old traditions. Preparing takes up unnecessary time. It will take at least a few hours just for preparations.”

    “A few hours? What could take that long?”

    “It takes an hour to cleanse oneself at the Spring of Life. Including other small rituals, it will likely take over three hours.”

    “Have you finished?”

    When I asked, Arwen nodded. So that’s why she had been so tired earlier.

    After thinking for a moment, I made up my mind without delay.

    We had plenty of time.

    More importantly...

    “Alright.”

    “If... If so...!”

    “I’ll come to receive the gift.”

    We had plenty of time, and the night would be long.

    Arwen’s face lit up with a bright expression at my willingness. But that smile didn’t last long.

    Smack!

    I suddenly stole a kiss from her lips.

    Arwen froze, not knowing what had just happened. I smiled at her reaction, stood up, and dusted myself off.

    Just before returning to Elodia, I said with a teasing tone:

    “Then I’ll be looking forward to it?”

    “Aaaaah...”

    Before even receiving the gift, Arwen had already collapsed in embarrassment.

    ★★★★★

    Since then, the typical elf customs, as Arwen had said, continued in their usual tedious manner.

    They washed for an hour in a place called the Spring of Life, and after that, a series of trivial customs followed, wasting a whole three hours.

    Thanks to that, I clearly realized why elves had such a low birth rate.

    This is why they end up passing out even before the main event.

    It’s a good thing my physical stamina is stronger than most, or else I would’ve passed out before I even received a proper gift.

    Anyway, I headed to Arwen’s “chamber,” where I was supposed to receive a gift, wearing only a gown and underwear...

    “Have you come?”

    “Wow...”

    I wonder what the gift is.

    “As you may have guessed...”

    “I am the Queen of Alvenheim, and the very symbol of Alvenheim itself.”

    And how vulgar and lewd the gift will be.

    “In Alvenheim, we will gift you...”

    Facing Arwen, dressed in red underwear, I realized the gift was truly something outrageous.

    “We will give you... Alvenheim itself.”