In the world in Ain's heart, Shannon said:
It was premature to rely on the power of the bamboo he had created. However, if it is necessary to use it, it should be diluted in view of the impact of the liquid and the rarity involved.
The liquid was finished in Katima's cellar in the castle.
It was successfully generated by the method Shannon taught Ein.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Katima doesn't lie about these things, she doesn't fool them.”
It was Sylvard who sat on the throne.
"Katima"
Yes, sir.
"I did confirm the information you compiled." The liquid named Ishtar's shark is an unexpected product, but it doesn't matter if its efficacy has been suppressed so far. "
"--- Not at all!"
"That said, what is this liquid?" Who made it? It must be feared to cast unnecessary doubt. "
"...... I'm sure you'll think it's Ain"
"Maybe, but we don't have to reveal information unnecessarily." Unless it has some advantage, but there may be some who have unexpected desires. Therefore, for some liquids, strict control is required, no matter how much the liquid is diluted. ”
Of course I do.
Katima nodded, “I understand,” and Ein, who was present at the meeting, nodded.
Between the windows, there was a little bit of red sunlight pouring out of the window.
Sylvard muttered, “But it's convenient.”
Grandpa?
“I will explain. In fact, I have been contacted about the situation of the forest and the Divine Tree in relation to this incident.”
"Does it mean that the fertilizer I made was meaningless?"
"Apparently not." ― ― ― It's about time Warren arrived... hmm, just in time.
As Sylvard spoke, the room opened and Warren appeared with a thick pile of paper on his side.
And Warren says, "Oh?” Ain and Katima muttered.
In fact, it was set up by Ain and Katima at the request of Sylvard. Before that, Sylvard had a conversation with Warren, and he was in the middle of it.
This is you two, good morning.
Warren hung his head in disgust.
He handed Sylvard a bundle of materials that he held on the side of the room without worrying about the two of them. Sylvard told the two of them to wait a few minutes.
"This is a different information from the one I shared with you this morning. Think of it as the latest from the researchers.”
"Hmm... is there anything unpleasant about it after all?"
“Looks like it. It's true that the fertilizer Ein made has improved everywhere in the forest. However, it still seemed like it was too late...."
Ein sandwiched her mouth.
About the same time, I was aware of the situation.
Warren, did you not have enough time to get God's tree back on track?
"Yes, it seems that the fertilizer has improved the state of the trees in the forest, but it has taken too long since the state of the god tree changed." Now the trees are regaining their vitality, but eventually they will be the same as before... "
The trees in the forest, supported by the power of the god tree, have regained their vitality, as Warren said.
However, nothing will change if the Divine Tree does not eventually improve. Eventually, the forest will spend its time to die slowly again.
However, the recovery of the current situation could only be regarded as temporary.
"Just--"
There, Warren laughed.
I immediately guessed that something had happened to Ain and Katima when they were here.
Your Majesty, did you two have any ideas?
"Coincidentally." They hadn't talked about the forest yet, but they accidentally brought me some interesting information and a liquid. "
I definitely don't want to see it, either.
Sylvard gave Warren the materials. Sylvard then gives Ishtar's saliva diluted in a vial prepared by Katima.
Looking at them, a few minutes later, Warren was pleased.
“It's worth a try. It may be improved by administering it directly to the sacred tree.”
Hmm. If you're going to make it, you're going to have a lot of time.
"You're right, there's no time left to save the tree that's already near death." After making some adjustments, you may want to take it to the site right away. ”
(---Is that why I should go?)
Ein's idea of acting too aggressive without changing the phase is due to the scarcity of the liquid created this time.
I thought it would be better to carry it to the site with my own hands so that it would not leak out to the outside in case.
"Um..."
Sylvard looked at Warren and Katima as they tried to express their thoughts.
But there are those who wait and call.
It was a small, poor demon king who appeared from a small room in the back.
"I'll come again."
It was Archer.
Sylvard didn't even seem to know she was there, and he opened his eyes in surprise.
Ah, Archer-sama?
"I'm sorry. It looked as comfortable as the Demon King's Castle."
"I don't mind... but why don't you come back?"
"As it is. The liquid in that vial is important, right?" In that case, I'll carry it and properly manage it for you. "
Hunnu, a sense of responsibility was found on Archer's nose and roughly mouthed face.
In the old days, apologies for causing the war through his own neglect were small, but Archetti was willing to help as much as he could.
It's even more so in the situation where there's a child in Krone's belly.
And she offered not to hesitate, that she might leave Ain her brother in the king's city.
However, Archer, Archer has been receiving tremendous support from me the other day.
"Hmm, that's okay. I don't work all the time, so I have to work a little bit."
"Oh, what do you mean by that..."
Sylvard's gaze turned to Warren.
I asked Warren for help.
“Very well, Archer offered to help himself, so it would be more disrespectful for us to refuse.”
"Nh! Warren is a red fox who understands stories!"
"It's a pleasure to take your compliments." --What do you say, Your Majesty? "
"... uuuuu"
I don't know how to get lost, but it would be nice if Archetti could help me.
I know that from what I've been doing, so I'd like to ask if I can.
After that, Sylvard felt a bit troubled and decided to go along with Archer's words. He lowered his head deeply to her and said, "Is there anything we can offer you that you want?” he asks.
I want something sweet!
Be pitiful in the sunshine.
The voice of Archer, who said without hesitation, was already playing.
◇◇◇◇
And it was not Cain, that was with Aasher, which had left the king's city at once.
This time, she nominated Chris, who accepted and boarded the airship.
But if Chris goes, Sylvia and I will go with him.
Arriving at noon the next day, the forest was dark, and Chris frowned at the appearance of a forest different from his birthplace, and remembered the depth of the situation.
"... just before the forest died. This is the situation, isn't it?”
There was a valley beside the forest on the way.
It was after several airships that docked along the cliff. Chris mumbled as he landed in the square, which was used as a base of operations.
There was a thin mist drifting around.
The surrounding trees are revitalized by the fertilizer produced by Ain, but this is also temporary, as reported.
The leaves of the branches were black and green, and the forest looked dark because it spread.
If you step out of the hub of researchers and knights and into the woods, it's like an illusion of night. The dark leaves and mist shaded the sunshine. It became so quiet that it was like a world apart from the one before.
Even though the torches provided by the knights were lined up at equal intervals, the atmosphere was still unusual.
Chris, I'm going to take a look at the forest.
On the way, Sylvia broke up with her mouth. If anything, we'll rush in faster than the wind.
Chris sends off Sylvia and then speaks to Archer.
Lady Archer.
"Hmm, what?"
Archer, have you seen any other forests near death?
"There is. There used to be more god trees than there are now, so there were many forests that relied on god trees." Have you heard from the head of the village? "
Asked, Archette was flustered.
She looked as sleepy as usual and walked slowly.
"--It might have been before she was born."
Before the Old King's City was born, the Archeys travelled the continent.
Sometimes she doesn't know the answer when she thinks about herself and when and where it happened because she spent so much time distracting herself.
When I do it, I do it, Archetti, but it was usually like this.
"Ah, hahah..."
"I'm sorry, but that was a long time ago." That's why there was a god tree on that continent. "
Is that the continent where Heim is?
"Hmm. I found it when I crossed the sea several times." But over there, the forest has been cut open a lot since ancient times, so it's gone light. "
The reason why the forests were often cut open was, in particular, the question of land.
That continent is smaller than our Ishtar. However, many humans lived, and the forest was cleared several times as its population increased.
It is said that the repeated wars that have broken out on that continent are also involved there.
"A long time ago, there were a lot more interracial people living on that continent than ever before. I think a lot of people have lost the battle to the people, crossed the sea at the cost of their lives, or perished."
“You've heard of it. was eliminated by the passage of time....."
"But I think that's it." There were countless battles even in Ishtar. "
That is why Ishtarica was born.
Archer, Cain, and the three of Sylvia continued to save lives within their reach, creating a three-person village.
Somehow, when Archer was awakened as the Demon King, it was the beginning of everything.
...... and the two of them walked through the woods, exchanging words.
The purpose of today is to see what the forest looks like.
The two of them confirmed the situation of the sacred tree with their eyes, and in the next morning, they administered a diluted candy of the example prepared by Ain. What we don't do right away is share what we looked into with the researchers this day, and then make sure we don't fail.
"Both of you"
It was the knights of Ishtarika who spoke to the two.
He was a Kingsguard who stood beside a torch on the side of a road set in a dark forest.
Is it the Kingsguard that escorts you?
Archer questions.
It bothered me that there was a Kingsguard instead of a regular knight.
"Hah. Christina-sama is our boss, and eventually Ein-sama 's--"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! It's okay! You don't have to bother talking!"
The Kingsguard looked at Chris in a hurry, smiled, and really coughed up.
"Excuse me." But please understand that we are not alone. Lilli and the others will be escorting Christina along with us. Of course, there are also Black Knights. "
In addition, there was another guard that Chris and the Kingsguard didn't know about. - No, another round.
If anything, the mighty flower monster would reveal itself out of nowhere and strip its fangs without warning the impending outsiders.
Archer knew the sign, but he didn't speak.
There is no special consciousness there. I just didn't think I had to say anything.
I'm sure you know Archer, but there's a god tree ahead.
"Hmm. I still remember that."
Ehem, the Guardian Knight calmed down when he saw Archer's chest puffing up.
"Researchers, including us, are already here today." We will check with both of them and arrange tomorrow's schedule in the airship as scheduled. ”
Then the Kingsguard turned his face toward Archer and looked at him.
At first, Archer was dazed, but he said, "Ah."
“I have it. I don't know what kind of liquid Ein made. It's in my clothes.”
"I understand." Now, let's go. "
The two of them were guided by the Kingsguard.
Then I walked a few dozen minutes further and found myself in an open place. It was a town inhabited by dark elves, centered on a giant tree called the God Tree.
"... somewhere similar to my hometown"
"I think so," said Archette to Chris's voice.
The dwellings of the dark elves were set upon the branches of the divine tree.
In other words, the trees are so huge. Even if it's not as big as the world tree Ein created, it's so tall that you can't see beyond it unless you look up. Each of the thick branches was large enough for several large carriages to pass side by side.
Chris has other concerns besides his size. It is a leaf that extends from the branch of the divine tree. The leaves of the god tree are coloured like a mixture of light brown and gray, and it can be seen at a glance that they are withered.
If I took the leaves that had fallen to the ground, they would have dried up so much that they would be shattered by just gripping them with light force.
It was too dry, despite the humidity that was peculiar to the forest.
Chris narrowed his eyes lightly as the sun poured through the gap between the branches of the divine tree.
“I'm sorry for your loss.”
Then another Kingsguard called out to Chris.
The Kingsguard had already visited the Dark Elf's town.
Today, the Queen and her son would like to say hello.
Archer was not interested in making detailed judgments, and he looked up at the God Tree with his powerless eyes and did not respond to anything.
That's why Chris will take care of it as planned.
“I'll meet you there. His Majesty told me to do the same."
"I understand." Now, I will guide you. The queen and her son will be waiting for you at the foot of the god tree. "
Until today, the Queen did not contact Ishtarika.
Obviously, when they asked Ishtarika for help, she contacted me first in the name of the Queen, and afterwards she wrote to Ishtarika.
Nevertheless, Chris doesn't know much about the Queen because he didn't receive those letters himself.
To put it mightily, the only thing I can say is that she's a big, shiny beauty like the current Queen Lalalua.
I wonder what kind of dark elf it is.
Mainly thinking about his personality, Chris joined several Kingsguard knights along the way to form a little line.
I looked up at the Dark Elves who looked down from the Divine Tree.
The food seems to be getting better, and I don't see any unhealthy, thin people.
The clothes resemble those of the Elves where Chris was born. I felt like I found common ground as a person living in the woods.
― ― ― And evenly, I was afraid. Because I grew up listening to Archetti from a young age, my eyes are stained with fear.
"... I'm sleepy"
The archer was rubbing his eyelids sleepily.
He didn't seem to care anymore about looking at fear.
Eventually, Chris and the others went ahead.
Two Dark Elves stood in the middle of a light armor wrapped in monster leather in the woods, similar to the Elf Warriors Chris was born into.
One is a beautiful woman with black skin and good silver hair, similar to LaLaLaLa.
The other was a beauty who looked like her.
We've been expecting you.
said the beauty.
Then she lowered her head, mimicking her, and the beauties, and the warriors all lowered their heads at once.
Unlike the one in the Land of Iron, it is only natural to behave now, but Chris is in a panic when he is bowed to the other person who calls himself the Queen.
"Oh, please don't! Please raise your head!"
"No. We need your help." It's never an equal position. ”
There didn't seem to be any behind it.
Chris was sharp. I didn't live to rely on that insight, and even now, I didn't rely on that insight to judge anything, but the behavior of the Dark Elves seemed sincere.
When Chris tells him to raise his head again, the queens quietly raise their heads.
”― ― ― My name is Christina Wernstein. Her Majesty has sent me to see Her Majesty."
Well then, Master Christina. My name is Merinas, and we don't have a family name. ”
I see. To the Queen...
"No, please call me Merinus."
Even if they weren't on an equal footing, they were the ancient leader of the Dark Elves.
In contrast, Chris wondered if it was appropriate to call him by name, but he gave up because he asked Merinus to call him by name again.
"It's Lugis here." He's my only son. "
Merinus' husband is said to have died more than a dozen years ago. It's nothing. I heard it was a long life.
"My name is Lugis." From now on, I'll be sure to get to know you. "
And he spake unto him, saying that Lugis was thirteen years old.
Although he was conscious of his polite tone, he could see that he was slightly tensed when he saw Archer standing next to Chris.
However, Archer was still dumbfounded.
― ― ― Chris and Archer's work in the Dark Elf Forest began with this.
And they shall take Merinus and Lugis, and walk upon them by the way of the tree which is made round about the tree of God.
The queen lives in a tree cave at the top of a shrine tree. Therefore, it was possible to touch the center of the god tree, so I took the researcher with me and started the predetermined investigation.
"Tomorrow, we'll give you a special drug."
That's what the researchers told Merinas.
Melinus seemed uneasy between the simple sightings in the tree cave and said, "What kind of medicine is that?" I reply with a smile.
But the researchers don't know what's going on.
The Kingsguard has only been informed of Ein's creation of the bamboo by a very small number of people. Basically, it has only been informed that Ein will do something about it.
There is no more medicine for God's tree, which is too slow to be nourished.
Even Shannon, who taught Ainn the old-fashioned method, is convinced that this is the only way.
Well, Sylvia thinks she can't help it, so there's no other way.
"... will our god tree save us?"
A researcher questioned by Merinus saw Chris.
“I can't make it clear. However, we will do our best. ― ― ― ― So, please take care of it.
Merinus, who was gently smiled at by Chris, looked at him with his chest still.
Meanwhile, Lugis, who was standing next to her, turned to her mother and asked a lot of questions. But he knew that he could reason and stand.
I guess that's why I'm here.
He just stared at his worried mother in the face.
◇◇◇◇
The next day.
Chris and Archer returned to the capital. Ein greeted Chris with a strong hug as he thanked them.
"Welcome back, Chris."
"... I'm just leaving. But, Ein-sama, everyone is watching you."
That being said, Chris seemed happy.
Shortly after disembarking at the airship dock in the capital, Chris had not yet left the tarap. In other words, knights, researchers, and magic ship mechanics were watching them.
But Ein hugged Chris without worrying.
Illuminated, Chris turned his hand to his back without shaking it off. I want to do it for him! In response to Archer's offer, she said, "Please!" Can I even say that it is the heart and soul of the answer? "I'm glad I did it for Ein, obviously.
I was wondering if I should have come with you after all.
“No, don't worry about me, Krone-san, it's a difficult time.”
"That 's--"
"... it's okay. I know exactly what you mean. Ein-sama really cared about me and Krone-san, so I got lost."
While exchanging hugs.
"But I knew I'd be okay with this job." Since you've escorted me around so much, I don't need to be surprised. "
"Well... I thought you'd be fine because you went to Marco..."
Huh? Is that Marco?
"--- ah"
Ein digs a grave.
I leaked Marco's secretly attached to the guard from my own mouth and accidentally let go of his embracing arm and walked away. When he turned away from Chris, Chris placed his hands on Ein's cheeks. Gently turn his face toward you.
"I'm so worried! I'm so worried!"
Laughing at the spectators, Ein opens up again.
No, I don't think so.
"... why are you so full of expressions while grabbing my cheek?"
"This is just because I think it's more correct." I want you to think about it the other way around, but Chris used to have an excessive amount of guards when I was a little girl. "
"Well, that's true...!"
"It's the same thing. I don't think it's too much for my loved ones. That's all there is to it."
When Ein said that, Chris noticed when his cheeks were red.
She deliberately coughed, turned away like Ain, and said, "I'm cheating."
"Maybe, but let's talk about something else while we're going home."
I couldn't resist Chris reaching out to me. She does not hesitate to lay her hands on it and walk with Ain.
Since the Magic Sailor Yard was a towering building, the wind was slightly stronger than on the ground.
As soon as he walked out in the wind, Chris opened his mouth and said, "That."
"For the time being, I have a report..."
Huh? Was it the Dark Elf's town?
Yes. It was very soon after Ein-sama started to administer the liquid he made from the God Tree Cave ─ ─
The god tree swayed small once.
It was in the early morning, and after a few hours, fresh greenery was scattered on the leaves decorating the branches of the god tree.
It spread out little by little, and the trunks and branches were returning to freshenness.
One day later, just before Chris returned, they were even more prominent.
"I'm glad it went well, but isn't it too soon?"
"Yeah, yeah... that's why I was wondering too, but the surrounding land was improved thanks to the fertilizer that Ein-sama made..."
Maybe it feels like there's a sudden change in synergy.
"It seems so. That's what Archer and Sylvia said."
"I see. If that's the case - by the way, who are they?"
I heard that Archer is still asleep, in the airship.
Sylvia remains with the Archette and will be down in a few moments.
It was a sleeping Archetti, but it was a tribe, so I couldn't help it.
“But I'm glad we can have a peaceful dialogue with the Dark Elves, unlike the Iron Kingdom.”
"That's right. As for that, Archer-sama also said," I'm weak, but that's all. "" I don't feel evil, "she said."
At the same time, Archer said, "I didn't know about the Red Fox conspiracy." This was a ridiculous story, but it seemed to me that there was nothing in Merinus' and Lugis' attitude.
Ah, that's why I need to talk to Ein-sama!
Chris said that he was walking with his arm tangled in Ain's arm.
I also received a letter from Lord Merinus to Lord Ein.
"... why?"
"I think it would be better if you read the letter in detail... Prince Rugis said he would definitely like to see Ein-sama, so I guess that's it."
"... why?"
Ein repeated the same words in an unexpected way.
Chris smiled happily as he looked up at Ein with such a smile on his face.
"For a moment, I thought it was a thank you to me, but what else did you want to see the prince?"
"That's right. I'm not asking Ein-sama to come to the forest, but if possible, I'd like to meet him in Ishtarika."
”Oh, oh, oh... you seem to have made a suggestion that would have wiped out the so called troublesome things?”
Soon after the turmoil in the iron country, the question arises whether to recognize the land of the Dark Elves as a country in the first place. There is no difference in values, and what is more important is each other's position.
If you come out of the opponent's way, you can still see that Istalica is standing up.
The placement of another king on this continent, which has become the homeland of Ishtarica, is undoubtedly not appropriate in the present circumstances. It's also an important opportunity to talk about what your opponents are up to.
However, the Dark Elves have already offered protection.
It was also consulted, and Ishtarika accepted it.
In addition to Sylvard and Merinas, Warren and his team have been in more advanced communication.
By and large, the land of the Dark Elves does not exist as a nation as it did in the old days.
As it stood, I knew that without Ishtarika we would be doomed, and that as Merinas we would be able to maintain our independence.
So, let's say it's already just before entering Ishtarika.
(... it's completely different from the case of the Iron Nation.)
There is no better choice for Ain than to be at peace with one another.
And that's where Chris says exactly what he can say about the bomb.
"--- Actually, as for Merinas, if you guarantee the positions of the Dark Elves, there's nothing more to say..."
But with me.
Prince Ruggis was against it.
For a moment, Ein's eyebrows jerked up.
Chris was calm as before.
"I'd like to have a moment." That's why I want to meet Ein-sama and sort out my thoughts.... "
Meet me and sort out my thoughts ― ― ― ─
It seemed that the prince named Lugis was a prince of the same kind.
Ain smiled and figured out what Lughis was thinking. Chris has already figured out what Lugis thinks, and he's smiling bitterly.
"You can't ridicule that prince with such majesty." It was in his mind that the next king of Ishtarika came. "
"I thought Ein-sama would say that." How do you and Warren judge each other? "
"You two should understand right away." Most of all, if you want to get things done peacefully, you should accept Prince Lugis' wishes and let me talk to him. "
Ein laughed. It was a bright and refreshing smile.
"The point is, I--I want to see if I can leave the dark elves they lead to Ishtarika." Unlike Queen Merinus, who already thought I should, I want to see me with my own eyes. "
Ein said that, thinking of her grandmother Lalalua in her head.
She is an aristocrat who grew up in Ishtarika, but if Lugis were to come to Ishtarika, it might be easier for her to be present.
With that in mind, I went with Chris on his way back to the castle.
――――――――――
In the world in Ain's heart, Shannon said:
It was premature to rely on the power of the bamboo he had created. However, if it is necessary to use it, it should be diluted in view of the impact of the liquid and the rarity involved.
The liquid was finished in Katima's cellar in the castle.
It was successfully generated by the method Shannon taught Ein.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Katima doesn't lie about these things, she doesn't fool them.”
It was Sylvard who sat on the throne.
"Katima"
Yes, sir.
"I did confirm the information you compiled." The liquid named Ishtar's shark is an unexpected product, but it doesn't matter if its efficacy has been suppressed so far. "
"--- Not at all!"
"That said, what is this liquid?" Who made it? It must be feared to cast unnecessary doubt. "
"...... I'm sure you'll think it's Ain"
"Maybe, but we don't have to reveal information unnecessarily." Unless it has some advantage, but there may be some who have unexpected desires. Therefore, for some liquids, strict control is required, no matter how much the liquid is diluted. ”
Of course I do.
Katima nodded, “I understand,” and Ein, who was present at the meeting, nodded.
Between the windows, there was a little bit of red sunlight pouring out of the window.
Sylvard muttered, “But it's convenient.”
Grandpa?
“I will explain. In fact, I have been contacted about the situation of the forest and the Divine Tree in relation to this incident.”
"Does it mean that the fertilizer I made was meaningless?"
"Apparently not." ― ― ― It's about time Warren arrived... hmm, just in time.
As Sylvard spoke, the room opened and Warren appeared with a thick pile of paper on his side.
And Warren says, "Oh?” Ain and Katima muttered.
In fact, it was set up by Ain and Katima at the request of Sylvard. Before that, Sylvard had a conversation with Warren, and he was in the middle of it.
This is you two, good morning.
Warren hung his head in disgust.
He handed Sylvard a bundle of materials that he held on the side of the room without worrying about the two of them. Sylvard told the two of them to wait a few minutes.
"This is a different information from the one I shared with you this morning. Think of it as the latest from the researchers.”
"Hmm... is there anything unpleasant about it after all?"
“Looks like it. It's true that the fertilizer Ein made has improved everywhere in the forest. However, it still seemed like it was too late...."
Ein sandwiched her mouth.
About the same time, I was aware of the situation.
Warren, did you not have enough time to get God's tree back on track?
"Yes, it seems that the fertilizer has improved the state of the trees in the forest, but it has taken too long since the state of the god tree changed." Now the trees are regaining their vitality, but eventually they will be the same as before... "
The trees in the forest, supported by the power of the god tree, have regained their vitality, as Warren said.
However, nothing will change if the Divine Tree does not eventually improve. Eventually, the forest will spend its time to die slowly again.
However, the recovery of the current situation could only be regarded as temporary.
"Just--"
There, Warren laughed.
I immediately guessed that something had happened to Ain and Katima when they were here.
Your Majesty, did you two have any ideas?
"Coincidentally." They hadn't talked about the forest yet, but they accidentally brought me some interesting information and a liquid. "
I definitely don't want to see it, either.
Sylvard gave Warren the materials. Sylvard then gives Ishtar's saliva diluted in a vial prepared by Katima.
Looking at them, a few minutes later, Warren was pleased.
“It's worth a try. It may be improved by administering it directly to the sacred tree.”
Hmm. If you're going to make it, you're going to have a lot of time.
"You're right, there's no time left to save the tree that's already near death." After making some adjustments, you may want to take it to the site right away. ”
(---Is that why I should go?)
Ein's idea of acting too aggressive without changing the phase is due to the scarcity of the liquid created this time.
I thought it would be better to carry it to the site with my own hands so that it would not leak out to the outside in case.
"Um..."
Sylvard looked at Warren and Katima as they tried to express their thoughts.
But there are those who wait and call.
It was a small, poor demon king who appeared from a small room in the back.
"I'll come again."
It was Archer.
Sylvard didn't even seem to know she was there, and he opened his eyes in surprise.
Ah, Archer-sama?
"I'm sorry. It looked as comfortable as the Demon King's Castle."
"I don't mind... but why don't you come back?"
"As it is. The liquid in that vial is important, right?" In that case, I'll carry it and properly manage it for you. "
Hunnu, a sense of responsibility was found on Archer's nose and roughly mouthed face.
In the old days, apologies for causing the war through his own neglect were small, but Archetti was willing to help as much as he could.
It's even more so in the situation where there's a child in Krone's belly.
And she offered not to hesitate, that she might leave Ain her brother in the king's city.
However, Archer, Archer has been receiving tremendous support from me the other day.
"Hmm, that's okay. I don't work all the time, so I have to work a little bit."
"Oh, what do you mean by that..."
Sylvard's gaze turned to Warren.
I asked Warren for help.
“Very well, Archer offered to help himself, so it would be more disrespectful for us to refuse.”
"Nh! Warren is a red fox who understands stories!"
"It's a pleasure to take your compliments." --What do you say, Your Majesty? "
"... uuuuu"
I don't know how to get lost, but it would be nice if Archetti could help me.
I know that from what I've been doing, so I'd like to ask if I can.
After that, Sylvard felt a bit troubled and decided to go along with Archer's words. He lowered his head deeply to her and said, "Is there anything we can offer you that you want?” he asks.
I want something sweet!
Be pitiful in the sunshine.
The voice of Archer, who said without hesitation, was already playing.
◇◇◇◇
And it was not Cain, that was with Aasher, which had left the king's city at once.
This time, she nominated Chris, who accepted and boarded the airship.
But if Chris goes, Sylvia and I will go with him.
Arriving at noon the next day, the forest was dark, and Chris frowned at the appearance of a forest different from his birthplace, and remembered the depth of the situation.
"... just before the forest died. This is the situation, isn't it?”
There was a valley beside the forest on the way.
It was after several airships that docked along the cliff. Chris mumbled as he landed in the square, which was used as a base of operations.
There was a thin mist drifting around.
The surrounding trees are revitalized by the fertilizer produced by Ain, but this is also temporary, as reported.
The leaves of the branches were black and green, and the forest looked dark because it spread.
If you step out of the hub of researchers and knights and into the woods, it's like an illusion of night. The dark leaves and mist shaded the sunshine. It became so quiet that it was like a world apart from the one before.
Even though the torches provided by the knights were lined up at equal intervals, the atmosphere was still unusual.
Chris, I'm going to take a look at the forest.
On the way, Sylvia broke up with her mouth. If anything, we'll rush in faster than the wind.
Chris sends off Sylvia and then speaks to Archer.
Lady Archer.
"Hmm, what?"
Archer, have you seen any other forests near death?
"There is. There used to be more god trees than there are now, so there were many forests that relied on god trees." Have you heard from the head of the village? "
Asked, Archette was flustered.
She looked as sleepy as usual and walked slowly.
"--It might have been before she was born."
Before the Old King's City was born, the Archeys travelled the continent.
Sometimes she doesn't know the answer when she thinks about herself and when and where it happened because she spent so much time distracting herself.
When I do it, I do it, Archetti, but it was usually like this.
"Ah, hahah..."
"I'm sorry, but that was a long time ago." That's why there was a god tree on that continent. "
Is that the continent where Heim is?
"Hmm. I found it when I crossed the sea several times." But over there, the forest has been cut open a lot since ancient times, so it's gone light. "
The reason why the forests were often cut open was, in particular, the question of land.
That continent is smaller than our Ishtar. However, many humans lived, and the forest was cleared several times as its population increased.
It is said that the repeated wars that have broken out on that continent are also involved there.
"A long time ago, there were a lot more interracial people living on that continent than ever before. I think a lot of people have lost the battle to the people, crossed the sea at the cost of their lives, or perished."
“You've heard of it. was eliminated by the passage of time....."
"But I think that's it." There were countless battles even in Ishtar. "
That is why Ishtarica was born.
Archer, Cain, and the three of Sylvia continued to save lives within their reach, creating a three-person village.
Somehow, when Archer was awakened as the Demon King, it was the beginning of everything.
...... and the two of them walked through the woods, exchanging words.
The purpose of today is to see what the forest looks like.
The two of them confirmed the situation of the sacred tree with their eyes, and in the next morning, they administered a diluted candy of the example prepared by Ain. What we don't do right away is share what we looked into with the researchers this day, and then make sure we don't fail.
"Both of you"
It was the knights of Ishtarika who spoke to the two.
He was a Kingsguard who stood beside a torch on the side of a road set in a dark forest.
Is it the Kingsguard that escorts you?
Archer questions.
It bothered me that there was a Kingsguard instead of a regular knight.
"Hah. Christina-sama is our boss, and eventually Ein-sama 's--"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! It's okay! You don't have to bother talking!"
The Kingsguard looked at Chris in a hurry, smiled, and really coughed up.
"Excuse me." But please understand that we are not alone. Lilli and the others will be escorting Christina along with us. Of course, there are also Black Knights. "
In addition, there was another guard that Chris and the Kingsguard didn't know about. - No, another round.
If anything, the mighty flower monster would reveal itself out of nowhere and strip its fangs without warning the impending outsiders.
Archer knew the sign, but he didn't speak.
There is no special consciousness there. I just didn't think I had to say anything.
I'm sure you know Archer, but there's a god tree ahead.
"Hmm. I still remember that."
Ehem, the Guardian Knight calmed down when he saw Archer's chest puffing up.
"Researchers, including us, are already here today." We will check with both of them and arrange tomorrow's schedule in the airship as scheduled. ”
Then the Kingsguard turned his face toward Archer and looked at him.
At first, Archer was dazed, but he said, "Ah."
“I have it. I don't know what kind of liquid Ein made. It's in my clothes.”
"I understand." Now, let's go. "
The two of them were guided by the Kingsguard.
Then I walked a few dozen minutes further and found myself in an open place. It was a town inhabited by dark elves, centered on a giant tree called the God Tree.
"... somewhere similar to my hometown"
"I think so," said Archette to Chris's voice.
The dwellings of the dark elves were set upon the branches of the divine tree.
In other words, the trees are so huge. Even if it's not as big as the world tree Ein created, it's so tall that you can't see beyond it unless you look up. Each of the thick branches was large enough for several large carriages to pass side by side.
Chris has other concerns besides his size. It is a leaf that extends from the branch of the divine tree. The leaves of the god tree are coloured like a mixture of light brown and gray, and it can be seen at a glance that they are withered.
If I took the leaves that had fallen to the ground, they would have dried up so much that they would be shattered by just gripping them with light force.
It was too dry, despite the humidity that was peculiar to the forest.
Chris narrowed his eyes lightly as the sun poured through the gap between the branches of the divine tree.
“I'm sorry for your loss.”
Then another Kingsguard called out to Chris.
The Kingsguard had already visited the Dark Elf's town.
Today, the Queen and her son would like to say hello.
Archer was not interested in making detailed judgments, and he looked up at the God Tree with his powerless eyes and did not respond to anything.
That's why Chris will take care of it as planned.
“I'll meet you there. His Majesty told me to do the same."
"I understand." Now, I will guide you. The queen and her son will be waiting for you at the foot of the god tree. "
Until today, the Queen did not contact Ishtarika.
Obviously, when they asked Ishtarika for help, she contacted me first in the name of the Queen, and afterwards she wrote to Ishtarika.
Nevertheless, Chris doesn't know much about the Queen because he didn't receive those letters himself.
To put it mightily, the only thing I can say is that she's a big, shiny beauty like the current Queen Lalalua.
I wonder what kind of dark elf it is.
Mainly thinking about his personality, Chris joined several Kingsguard knights along the way to form a little line.
I looked up at the Dark Elves who looked down from the Divine Tree.
The food seems to be getting better, and I don't see any unhealthy, thin people.
The clothes resemble those of the Elves where Chris was born. I felt like I found common ground as a person living in the woods.
― ― ― And evenly, I was afraid. Because I grew up listening to Archetti from a young age, my eyes are stained with fear.
"... I'm sleepy"
The archer was rubbing his eyelids sleepily.
He didn't seem to care anymore about looking at fear.
Eventually, Chris and the others went ahead.
Two Dark Elves stood in the middle of a light armor wrapped in monster leather in the woods, similar to the Elf Warriors Chris was born into.
One is a beautiful woman with black skin and good silver hair, similar to LaLaLaLa.
The other was a beauty who looked like her.
We've been expecting you.
said the beauty.
Then she lowered her head, mimicking her, and the beauties, and the warriors all lowered their heads at once.
Unlike the one in the Land of Iron, it is only natural to behave now, but Chris is in a panic when he is bowed to the other person who calls himself the Queen.
"Oh, please don't! Please raise your head!"
"No. We need your help." It's never an equal position. ”
There didn't seem to be any behind it.
Chris was sharp. I didn't live to rely on that insight, and even now, I didn't rely on that insight to judge anything, but the behavior of the Dark Elves seemed sincere.
When Chris tells him to raise his head again, the queens quietly raise their heads.
”― ― ― My name is Christina Wernstein. Her Majesty has sent me to see Her Majesty."
Well then, Master Christina. My name is Merinas, and we don't have a family name. ”
I see. To the Queen...
"No, please call me Merinus."
Even if they weren't on an equal footing, they were the ancient leader of the Dark Elves.
In contrast, Chris wondered if it was appropriate to call him by name, but he gave up because he asked Merinus to call him by name again.
"It's Lugis here." He's my only son. "
Merinus' husband is said to have died more than a dozen years ago. It's nothing. I heard it was a long life.
"My name is Lugis." From now on, I'll be sure to get to know you. "
And he spake unto him, saying that Lugis was thirteen years old.
Although he was conscious of his polite tone, he could see that he was slightly tensed when he saw Archer standing next to Chris.
However, Archer was still dumbfounded.
― ― ― Chris and Archer's work in the Dark Elf Forest began with this.
And they shall take Merinus and Lugis, and walk upon them by the way of the tree which is made round about the tree of God.
The queen lives in a tree cave at the top of a shrine tree. Therefore, it was possible to touch the center of the god tree, so I took the researcher with me and started the predetermined investigation.
"Tomorrow, we'll give you a special drug."
That's what the researchers told Merinas.
Melinus seemed uneasy between the simple sightings in the tree cave and said, "What kind of medicine is that?" I reply with a smile.
But the researchers don't know what's going on.
The Kingsguard has only been informed of Ein's creation of the bamboo by a very small number of people. Basically, it has only been informed that Ein will do something about it.
There is no more medicine for God's tree, which is too slow to be nourished.
Even Shannon, who taught Ainn the old-fashioned method, is convinced that this is the only way.
Well, Sylvia thinks she can't help it, so there's no other way.
"... will our god tree save us?"
A researcher questioned by Merinus saw Chris.
“I can't make it clear. However, we will do our best. ― ― ― ― So, please take care of it.
Merinus, who was gently smiled at by Chris, looked at him with his chest still.
Meanwhile, Lugis, who was standing next to her, turned to her mother and asked a lot of questions. But he knew that he could reason and stand.
I guess that's why I'm here.
He just stared at his worried mother in the face.
◇◇◇◇
The next day.
Chris and Archer returned to the capital. Ein greeted Chris with a strong hug as he thanked them.
"Welcome back, Chris."
"... I'm just leaving. But, Ein-sama, everyone is watching you."
That being said, Chris seemed happy.
Shortly after disembarking at the airship dock in the capital, Chris had not yet left the tarap. In other words, knights, researchers, and magic ship mechanics were watching them.
But Ein hugged Chris without worrying.
Illuminated, Chris turned his hand to his back without shaking it off. I want to do it for him! In response to Archer's offer, she said, "Please!" Can I even say that it is the heart and soul of the answer? "I'm glad I did it for Ein, obviously.
I was wondering if I should have come with you after all.
“No, don't worry about me, Krone-san, it's a difficult time.”
"That 's--"
"... it's okay. I know exactly what you mean. Ein-sama really cared about me and Krone-san, so I got lost."
While exchanging hugs.
"But I knew I'd be okay with this job." Since you've escorted me around so much, I don't need to be surprised. "
"Well... I thought you'd be fine because you went to Marco..."
Huh? Is that Marco?
"--- ah"
Ein digs a grave.
I leaked Marco's secretly attached to the guard from my own mouth and accidentally let go of his embracing arm and walked away. When he turned away from Chris, Chris placed his hands on Ein's cheeks. Gently turn his face toward you.
"I'm so worried! I'm so worried!"
Laughing at the spectators, Ein opens up again.
No, I don't think so.
"... why are you so full of expressions while grabbing my cheek?"
"This is just because I think it's more correct." I want you to think about it the other way around, but Chris used to have an excessive amount of guards when I was a little girl. "
"Well, that's true...!"
"It's the same thing. I don't think it's too much for my loved ones. That's all there is to it."
When Ein said that, Chris noticed when his cheeks were red.
She deliberately coughed, turned away like Ain, and said, "I'm cheating."
"Maybe, but let's talk about something else while we're going home."
I couldn't resist Chris reaching out to me. She does not hesitate to lay her hands on it and walk with Ain.
Since the Magic Sailor Yard was a towering building, the wind was slightly stronger than on the ground.
As soon as he walked out in the wind, Chris opened his mouth and said, "That."
"For the time being, I have a report..."
Huh? Was it the Dark Elf's town?
Yes. It was very soon after Ein-sama started to administer the liquid he made from the God Tree Cave ─ ─
The god tree swayed small once.
It was in the early morning, and after a few hours, fresh greenery was scattered on the leaves decorating the branches of the god tree.
It spread out little by little, and the trunks and branches were returning to freshenness.
One day later, just before Chris returned, they were even more prominent.
"I'm glad it went well, but isn't it too soon?"
"Yeah, yeah... that's why I was wondering too, but the surrounding land was improved thanks to the fertilizer that Ein-sama made..."
Maybe it feels like there's a sudden change in synergy.
"It seems so. That's what Archer and Sylvia said."
"I see. If that's the case - by the way, who are they?"
I heard that Archer is still asleep, in the airship.
Sylvia remains with the Archette and will be down in a few moments.
It was a sleeping Archetti, but it was a tribe, so I couldn't help it.
“But I'm glad we can have a peaceful dialogue with the Dark Elves, unlike the Iron Kingdom.”
"That's right. As for that, Archer-sama also said," I'm weak, but that's all. "" I don't feel evil, "she said."
At the same time, Archer said, "I didn't know about the Red Fox conspiracy." This was a ridiculous story, but it seemed to me that there was nothing in Merinus' and Lugis' attitude.
Ah, that's why I need to talk to Ein-sama!
Chris said that he was walking with his arm tangled in Ain's arm.
I also received a letter from Lord Merinus to Lord Ein.
"... why?"
"I think it would be better if you read the letter in detail... Prince Rugis said he would definitely like to see Ein-sama, so I guess that's it."
"... why?"
Ein repeated the same words in an unexpected way.
Chris smiled happily as he looked up at Ein with such a smile on his face.
"For a moment, I thought it was a thank you to me, but what else did you want to see the prince?"
"That's right. I'm not asking Ein-sama to come to the forest, but if possible, I'd like to meet him in Ishtarika."
”Oh, oh, oh... you seem to have made a suggestion that would have wiped out the so called troublesome things?”
Soon after the turmoil in the iron country, the question arises whether to recognize the land of the Dark Elves as a country in the first place. There is no difference in values, and what is more important is each other's position.
If you come out of the opponent's way, you can still see that Istalica is standing up.
The placement of another king on this continent, which has become the homeland of Ishtarica, is undoubtedly not appropriate in the present circumstances. It's also an important opportunity to talk about what your opponents are up to.
However, the Dark Elves have already offered protection.
It was also consulted, and Ishtarika accepted it.
In addition to Sylvard and Merinas, Warren and his team have been in more advanced communication.
By and large, the land of the Dark Elves does not exist as a nation as it did in the old days.
As it stood, I knew that without Ishtarika we would be doomed, and that as Merinas we would be able to maintain our independence.
So, let's say it's already just before entering Ishtarika.
(... it's completely different from the case of the Iron Nation.)
There is no better choice for Ain than to be at peace with one another.
And that's where Chris says exactly what he can say about the bomb.
"--- Actually, as for Merinas, if you guarantee the positions of the Dark Elves, there's nothing more to say..."
But with me.
Prince Ruggis was against it.
For a moment, Ein's eyebrows jerked up.
Chris was calm as before.
"I'd like to have a moment." That's why I want to meet Ein-sama and sort out my thoughts.... "
Meet me and sort out my thoughts ― ― ― ─
It seemed that the prince named Lugis was a prince of the same kind.
Ain smiled and figured out what Lughis was thinking. Chris has already figured out what Lugis thinks, and he's smiling bitterly.
"You can't ridicule that prince with such majesty." It was in his mind that the next king of Ishtarika came. "
"I thought Ein-sama would say that." How do you and Warren judge each other? "
"You two should understand right away." Most of all, if you want to get things done peacefully, you should accept Prince Lugis' wishes and let me talk to him. "
Ein laughed. It was a bright and refreshing smile.
"The point is, I--I want to see if I can leave the dark elves they lead to Ishtarika." Unlike Queen Merinus, who already thought I should, I want to see me with my own eyes. "
Ein said that, thinking of her grandmother Lalalua in her head.
She is an aristocrat who grew up in Ishtarika, but if Lugis were to come to Ishtarika, it might be easier for her to be present.
With that in mind, I went with Chris on his way back to the castle.
――――――――――
