The Mansion

The problems I had to solve seemed numerous and tangled.

But once I untangled the threads, they were surprisingly simple.

First, I went to the World Tree Miria-san was holding.

Thanks to Miria-san already persuading the dark elves, about a hundred agreed to migrate and become my subjects.

This was largely due to her leadership as their former leader.

Though suspicious, they trusted her and chose to move.

First, I transported them to Tree Village using group tree teleportation strengthened by Tree Guardian Beasts.

“What is this place…”

“Th-the World Tree… the real one…”

The dark elves, once exiled from the elf village after losing political conflict, reacted strongly.

Some cried, others stared blankly at the World Tree.

“It’s alright… we can live here now…”

Miria-san and Lulu-san spoke to each one and embraced them warmly.

Miria-san looked like a mother holding her children.

I couldn’t fully understand their feelings, so I supported them as Wenti’s lord by guaranteeing food, clothing, and shelter.

“Everyone, there’s endless food and drink! Today just eat and drink freely!”

“OOOOOOOOO!!”

The dark elves devoured the feast; some cried while eating, others nearly fainted from the taste.

After this, Miria-san would handle things.

When I turned around, Nadja stood there looking tense.

“Then, shall we go?”

“Yes… though I’m unsure what face I should make…”

We teleported to the next destination — the Tristan family mansion.

Long ago, before I was ordered to green the desert, Nadja visited me when I was depressed after Ashid mocked my aptitude.

“Will you plant a tree using your aptitude? Give it to me.”

I planted one as asked, not knowing it was the World Tree.

It felt nostalgic now.

That tree still remained in Nadja’s room at the Tristan estate.

So I used it as a marker to come directly here.

If I plant trees everywhere… surprise attacks become easy with this aptitude.

It had grown so large it was moved from her room to the garden.

Now it was taller than the mansion itself.

“Who’s there!? — Sis!?”

A boy stood nearby — Wayne, Nadja’s younger brother.

A serious heir of the Tristan family who admired his sister greatly.

I had met him once before.

“SisEEEEEEE!!”

He charged forward, but Nadja dodged and he face-planted.

Still, she gently patted his head.

He froze like a statue and slowly raised his face.

“Wayne, it has been long. Have you been well?”

“Yes… but since your disappearance I’ve been worried constantly.”

“I’m fine as you see.”

“Where have you been!? Ashid-dono came raging here and it was terrifying!”

At that, Nadja glanced at me shyly.

Cute.

Wayne followed her gaze and finally noticed me.

“Woody-dono… why are you here…?”

Since our engagement was broken, explanations were needed.

But I’d need to explain to the Count as well, so we headed to his office.