Page Title

482 The Kingdom of Lea and the Elf King

 

"Eii!"

 

"Guah!?"

 

"That's enough."

 

Freya's wooden sword landed perfectly on the young female knight's side. With that, Hilda, who was the referee, ended the mock battle between the two.

 

"Aww, I couldn't win."

 

"Freya-chan, you're amazing. Even though you're so small."

 

"Well, she is related to His Majesty after all..."

 

Sighs escaped from the other female knights who had been cheering for their colleagues. Despite her appearance, Freya is a gold-ranked adventurer (in the future). There's no way she'd easily lose to an average knight.

 

"Hehe. I won. But, onee-san, your right leg's movement was strange midway through. Did you twist it?"

 

"Huh? Oh, yes. When I tried a low slash earlier..."

 

The female knight, Freya's opponent, lifted her right leg slightly and moved it gently to check for pain.

 

"Father... Ah, I mean, Your Excellency! Please heal her!"

 

"Alrighty."

 

Casting a 【Cure Heal】 spell on the female knight, she bowed repeatedly, looking embarrassed.

 

Well, she’s using the king casually. No wonder it feels awkward. The one using him is actually a princess, though.

 

Once the match ended, Freya was immediately surrounded by the female knights. Over the past few days, Freya had become something like a mascot for the knight order, especially the female knights.

 

Unlike Kuhn, who tends to stay in Babylon, Freya seems to enjoy communicating with others. Plus, she's friendly and gets along well with everyone.

 

"Touya-sama, you have a goofy smile on your face."

 

"Oops, my bad."

 

Hilda warned me, and I quickly straightened my expression.

 

No, it just feels nice that my daughter is so popular.

 

When I glanced at Hilda, who had just warned me, she seemed to be trying her hardest to suppress a smile. You can't really talk, can you... Are we both just doting parents? I wonder if this is what they call a "similar couple"...

 

As I was feeling these mixed emotions, my smartphone in my pocket notified me of an incoming call. Who could it be?

 

...Hmm. Should I answer this or not... After hesitating for a moment upon seeing the caller ID, I decided to pick up.

 

"Hello..."

 

'Oh, good to hear you're doing well, Your Excellency Duke Brunhild!'

 

"You sound unnecessarily cheerful as usual..."

 

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the ridiculously high-spirited voice, I moved the phone slightly away from my ear. You're too loud.

 

The caller was Prince Robert of the Panaches Kingdom, also known as the Prince of Pumpkin Pants. He is also the master of the Blue Crown, "Distortion Blau."

 

I've met this guy a few times, but his energy and over-the-top actions are exhausting. Even over the phone, his power seems undiminished. It's no wonder the other Crown Masters find him annoying.

 

"So, what do you need?"

 

'Ah, well. There's someone I'd like you to meet, Your Excellency. It's the king of the Lea Kingdom.'

 

"The Lea Kingdom?"

 

The Lea Kingdom... That's the island nation floating north of the Western Continent, symmetrically opposite to the former surface world’s Palerius Kingdom, which was once isolated by a barrier. It's northwest of the Panaches Kingdom across the sea.

 

"You want me to meet the king of the Lea Kingdom?"

 

'Yes. It's about the "Sacred Tree."'

 

The Sacred Tree. It's a large tree with purification abilities that I planted at the center of the Magical Country Aizengard to purify the 'Divine Demonic Poison' scattered by the evil god.

 

What's the Lea Kingdom's interest in the Sacred Tree?

 

Well, I don't mind meeting, so I set up a date and agreed.

 

The Lea Kingdom is a lush, green country ruled by an elf king. It's probably similar to our Great Tree Sea area.

 

I haven't heard any bad rumors, so I think it's safe to meet. The Lea Kingdom only has diplomatic relations with the Refan Kingdom to the southwest and the Panaches Kingdom to the southeast. Until recently, the southern Ice Kingdom, Zardonia, was on the verge of conflict with its neighboring Fire Kingdom, Dauburn.

 

It's widely known that I planted the Sacred Tree, so they probably contacted me through Panaches, with whom they have diplomatic relations.

 

Well, I'll find out when I get there.

 

◇　◇　◇

 

Yumina and Leen ended up coming with me to the Kingdom of Lea. Yumina can help with various diplomatic matters, and Leen is experienced in negotiations with different races. After all, she used to be the ambassador to Mismede.

 

That's all well and good, but…

 

"The Kingdom of Lea is home to many ancient ruins and numerous Legacy machines used in past wars have been excavated there. Father might find some undiscovered golems or special parts."

 

"Kuhn, you... This isn't a sightseeing trip, you know?"

 

"I understand, Mother. It would be nice if we could find something while we're there for diplomacy."

 

Kuhn smiled mischievously at Leen, who scolded her in an exasperated tone.

 

When I said we were going to the Kingdom of Lea, Kuhn begged to come along. Apparently, she had met the king of the Kingdom of Lea before. Of course, this was in the future.

 

"Are we ready? Alright, Blau, open it."

 

When Robert said that, the blue golem next to him waved its hand around.

 

The surroundings warped, and then slowly returned to normal. This was the ability of the Blue Crown, "Distortion Blau": spatial distortion.

 

When the distortion fully cleared, a green world spread out before us.

 

This is the capital of the Kingdom of Lea, Faarn. As expected of a capital city, various buildings lined the streets, giving it a bustling urban appearance, but there was greenery everywhere. It felt like a city spread out in a forest. The streets were lively with people passing by, smiles on their faces.

 

"There are a lot of elves here."

 

Yumina commented as she observed the people walking by.

 

Indeed, there were many. Not only elves, but humans, beastmen, and the dragonkin called Dragonewts were also present, though elves seemed to dominate. It looked like the ratio was about 7:3.

 

"Apparently, other races have moved here over the past few centuries, but the Kingdom of Lea was originally a nation of elves. They hold most of the important positions in the country."

 

Kuhn's explanation made sense. Elves are the people of the forest. This green capital city likely reflects their preferences.

 

At the end of a straight street, a castle stood against a backdrop of forest. That's the Elven King's castle. Behind it stood a giant tree of similar size. Impressive.

 

"Well then, shall we head to the castle? The King of Lea is waiting for us…"

 

Just as I thought it was about time, Prince Robert suddenly collapsed with a thud and started snoring.

 

Forced sleep. That's the cost of using the Blue Crown's ability. It's quite a distance from Brunhild to the Kingdom of Lea. He'll probably sleep for a while.

 

I could have used Recall to get Robert's memories of the Kingdom of Lea and connected the Gate myself, but Kuhn wanted to see Blau's spatial distortion ability.

 

Robert, coaxed by Kuhn, offered to take us to the Kingdom of Lea himself. Since the knights of the Kingdom of Panaches were with us, I figured it would be okay to let him sleep, so I left him be.

 

When a knight from Panaches picked up the collapsed Robert and we started towards the castle, a golem-drawn carriage approached us and stopped.

 

"Prince Robert of Panaches and King Mochizuki of Brunhild, I presume? I have come to escort you to the castle."

 

A young elf man with long blonde hair tied back and wearing a black butler's uniform stepped out of the carriage. He looked to be in his early twenties. He was probably the steward of the royal family. Though he seemed too young, with elves, age doesn't matter.

 

As I pondered this, Kuhn tugged at my sleeve from behind. Huh? What's up?

 

"Father, that is the Elf King of the Kingdom of Lea."

 

"What!?"

 

Following Kuhn's words, I looked back at the elf man who had gotten out of the carriage. What? He's the king? Why is he dressed as a butler?

 

"I think he wanted to surprise us later by revealing his true identity. He's a playful king."

 

"What a troublesome king."

 

Leen, who had heard Kuhn's words, sighed softly and shook her head.

 

Is it just a prank? Or maybe he's trying to assess what kind of people we are directly.

 

Elves are known to be cautious, often not revealing their true intentions. They might appear friendly on the surface, but not fully trust you. Maybe it's best to pretend we don't know.

 

"Is something wrong?"

 

"No. It's quite an honor to be greeted by the king himself. But I was surprised to see him in a butler's outfit."

 

Leen's words, spoken with a smile, made the young elf man open his eyes wide in surprise. Oops. My wife is quite the prankster too…

 

The elf youth looked surprised for a while, but then he laughed softly and raised his hands lightly.

 

"Well, well... I thought I'd arrive when Prince Robert fell asleep, but it seems I was too late. How did you figure it out?"

 

"Let’s just say it was the unmistakable aura of nobility that you exude, Your Majesty."

 

Leen answered smoothly, but that's a lie. Our daughter from the future told us.

 

"I never intended to exude such an aura. Well, in any case, welcome to the Kingdom of Lea. I am Irvin Leawind, King of Lea."

 

"I am Mochizuki Leen, Fifth Queen of the Principality of Brunhild. And this is..."

 

"I am Mochizuki Touya, King of the Principality of Brunhild."

 

"I am Mochizuki Yumina, First Queen of the Principality of Brunhild."

 

Since marrying me, Leen and the others had also become part of the Mochizuki family. At the same time, they were also queens of Brunhild, so Brunhild was part of their name.

 

It's okay to use either name. Many royal families don't include their country name as part of their family name.

 

So, Leen could be Mochizuki Leen or Leen Brunhild. Similarly, Yumina could be Mochizuki Yumina or Yumina Brunhild.

 

Well, I don't plan on calling myself Touya Brunhild. It doesn't sound right.

 

"And this young lady is?"

 

"Nice to meet you, Your Majesty. I am Mochizuki Kuhn, a member of the royal family of the principality. I wished to see the famed forest kingdom of Lea, so I asked King Touya to let me accompany him."

 

Kuhn curtsied gracefully, picking up the hem of her skirt. Quite the picture. Well, she is a princess, so she's well-trained in these things.

 

"And I hoped to see the Green Crown 'Gran Grün' that you possess, Your Majesty."

 

"Ha ha ha. More interested in Grün than me, huh? Well, what do you say, my dear?"

 

At the elf king's call, the upper body, from the chest to the head, of the large golem connected to the carriage slid backward with a clank.

 

A small hand emerged, followed by a golem similar in appearance to the blue one, stepping out in front of us.

 

Like the other Crowns, it had a small three-headed body with a green color scheme.

 

Compared to the previous Crowns, it seemed somewhat feminine. The parts extending from the back of its head looked like a ponytail, and its body had more curves. The waist parts even looked like a skirt.

 

Whether golems have genders or not, some machines with Q crystals have female-like personalities. Like the cat-shaped golem "Bastet" made by Elka the engineer.

 

"The one who governs fertile land and motherly trees. This is 'Gran Grün,' my partner for over two thousand years."

 

"Nice to meet you. I am the Crown Series, model number CS-06 'Gran Grün.'"

 

Oh, its language functions are advanced. This golem probably has some ability with a cost, like other Crowns. Judging by the elf king, it's probably not a physical cost...

 

When I looked to the side, Kuhn was staring at the green Crown with sparkling eyes.

 

"You haven't seen it in the future?"

 

"No. We weren't allowed to participate in world conferences, and the King of Lea didn't bring Grün with him. This is my first time seeing it, but it's a cute golem!"

 

Cute…? Well, I guess it can be seen that way.

 

"Anyway, please get in. I'll guide you to the castle. Grün, if you will."

 

"Understood."

 

Grün disappeared back into the large golem. A golem controlling another golem feels strange. Well, I guess it's similar to our Over Gear, the beast-shaped Frame Gear.

 

The golem-drawn carriage was surprisingly fast. Judging by how it ran without damaging the cobblestones, it probably had rubber tracks. The ride wasn't too bumpy, likely thanks to a good suspension system.

 

The castle of the Kingdom of Lea was a truly fantastical one. With a giant tree as a backdrop, white walls entwined with trees and vines, it had a very green, natural feel.

 

I heard the castle was built four thousand years ago. It didn't look that old, perhaps due to preservation magic or something similar.

 

Inside, the castle had an old-fashioned design but didn't feel too ancient.

 

Following the Elf King and Grün through the castle, it started to seem like our destination wasn't actually inside the castle. At this pace, we might walk right through it…

 

The Elf King had a mischievous smile on his face. Is he planning something again?

 

Eventually, we reached a large set of double doors guarded by two knights who began to push them open with great effort.

 

「Wah...!」

 

「Maa...!」

 

「Hee...」

 

Beyond the creaking door was a forest with sunlight filtering through the trees.

 

Directly in front of us stood the enormous tree we had seen behind the castle on our way here, towering above us.

 

"This is the Reiju Reawind. The mother tree of the elves, the place where souls return... or rather, it used to be," said the king.

 

"Used to be?"

 

It didn't seem like there were any spirits dwelling within this sacred tree, unlike the Sacred Tree in the Great Sea of Trees. Something felt off. There was no sense of life.

 

"Have you noticed? Yes, this sacred tree has already reached the end of its life. Thanks to the magic power left within the tree, it still appears normal, but in a few months, it will begin to wither."

 

So that's why. A tree that has reached the end of its life cannot be revived even with healing magic. This sacred tree must have been here for thousands of years, watching over the Kingdom of Rea. Thinking about its history is quite moving.

 

"Reawind has fulfilled its role. But the sacred tree is a symbol of our nation. Without it, the peace of our people will be disrupted. We must welcome a new sacred tree."

 

"A new sacred tree?"

 

"Yes. That is why I wanted to meet the Duke of Brunhild. We wish to make the 'Sacred Tree' you created in Aizengard our new sacred tree."

 

"The Sacred Tree?"

 

The Sacred Tree of Aizengard was planted to purify the 'Divine Demonic Poison' scattered during the battle with the evil god.

 

But it was my uncle, Kosuke, the god of agriculture, who created it, not me.

 

Does he mean to uproot the Sacred Tree from Aizengard and bring it here?

 

"Oh, no, I misspoke. We don't want the actual Sacred Tree from Aizengard. We want one like it."

 

"Oh, I see..."

 

Hmm, the original Sacred Tree was created after several rounds of selective breeding, so there are indeed saplings of it. In fact, I have some in my [Storage].

 

However, I'm a bit hesitant because the Sacred Tree was made by my uncle, the god of agriculture. I’m not sure if I can give it away at my discretion.

 

"Please wait a moment. I need to confirm something."

 

I apologized to the King of Lea and called my uncle, Kosuke. If he was reluctant, I would have to ask the King to give up.

 

‘It's fine. Essentially, it was created while I was in a humanized state, so it belongs to this world. Besides purifying the Divine Demonic Poison and polluted air, it doesn't have any special abilities.’

 

My uncle's reply was rather casual. He's so nonchalant... Well, since he says it's okay, it should be fine.

 

When I took out the Sacred Tree sapling from my [Storage], the King of Lea reached out, trembling with excitement at the sight of it.

 

"Th-this is...! Such noble energy surpassing that of the former sacred tree...! Indeed, this is a Sacred Tree...! It feels as if a god dwells within it...!"

 

He might be exaggerating, but it’s true that it shines beautifully. I can understand why he feels that way.

 

The shimmering light coming from the leaves is purified magic essence. It's absorbing the polluted air and magic essence from the atmosphere, but it’s less than what it was in Aizengard. I'm not sure if it's because it's a sapling or because the air in the Kingdom of Lea isn't polluted.

 

When I handed the Sacred Tree sapling to the King of Lea, he accepted it with great reverence.

 

"I am grateful. We wish to build a bond of friendship with the Duchy of Brunhild and prosper together."

 

"No, we look forward to working with you as well."

 

I firmly shook the hand extended by the King of Lea. Then he turned and looked up at the towering giant tree.

 

"Reawind. The mother tree that has watched over this country for so long. Rest in peace..."

 

Glynn raised his hand towards the sacred tree. From his palm, a soft green wave shot straight towards the tree.

 

"Touya-san, the sacred tree is...!"

 

"Whoa...!"

 

As Yumina pointed out, the sacred tree, which had been lushly green, was rapidly losing its color.

 

It was like watching a video in fast-forward; the sacred tree withered in an instant. Not only that, the branches and trunk started to crumble. The gigantic sacred tree disintegrated into dust.

 

Could this be the Crown Skill of the Crown's abilities...!?

 

As the sacred tree turned completely to dust, the King of Lea swiftly planted the Sacred Tree sapling in its place.

 

"Receive the spirit of the old life and awaken new life in this land. Blessings of the earth!"

 

"Huh!?"

 

"Whoa!?"

 

As the King of Lea spoke, the Sacred Tree sapling began to grow rapidly. What is this...!?

 

While we were left speechless, the Sacred Tree continued to grow at an astonishing pace. Is this also Glynn's ability...!?

 

"This is [Plant Control]... The ability to manipulate plants, even processed wood. It’s the Crown Skill of the Green Crown, ' Gran Grün '..." explained Kuhn, amazed.

 

So that's it! But doesn't that mean there’s a significant cost to the contract master...?

 

"Ugh..."

 

As I realized this, I heard the King of Lea groan in pain. The Sacred Tree had already grown to about half the size of the former Sacred Tree. The green waves emanating from Grün had already stopped.

 

The King of Lea staggered and fell to his knees, collapsing forward.

 

The cost of using the Crown's abilities can sometimes be life-threatening. Could it be...!?

 

"Are you alright!?"

 

I rushed over and lifted him up, only to hear a loud growling noise I'd never heard before. Huh?

 

The Elf King, with glazed eyes, muttered in a raspy voice.

 

"I'm hungry..."

 

Wait, that's the cost...?