Lost Sword story · Main story, Part 1
Chapter 51: In Search of the World Tree
3 scenes, 147 lines
1. Northern Desert
116 lines
Seriously? You're saying Bedivere's still alive?
I can't say for sure.
But there was a fairy before her, one blessed by the World Tree.
That fairy nearly died, but was saved thanks to the tree.
If Bedivere's unique power really did come from the World Tree...
Then we need to look into it.
What? Elizabeth, what are you saying?
It caught me completely off guard.
Of all people, I never thought she'd say that.
And I wasn't alone.
Elizabeth... are you serious right now?
Bedivere might be alive! What could possibly matter more?
We're at war!!!
......
......
Elizabeth rarely ever raised her voice.
It sounded more like a scream than a shout.
If we leave now…
we don't know how many more lives we'll lose.
Just like Bedivere was precious to me...
those soldiers out there are someone else's family.
She knew their pain better than anyone.
And she was forcing herself to face it.
Just knowing that Bedivere might be alive... that's enough for now.
We'll go after her, once the war is over.
As the leader of this alliance, I can't turn my back on our people.
And Bedivere... she'd understand that.
......
I hadn't even thought of that.
Wasn't it just yesterday we swore to carry on her will?
If we leave now, how many more lives will it cost?
Heh. Do you not trust us that much?
Guinevere...?
We came together as an alliance for a reason.
If you really see us as allies, then trust us a little more.
Ahem! Princess Guinevere is absolutely right.
Princess Elizabeth, don't try to carry all the burden on your own.
We're all here for the same reason, to protect the people we love.
Even Isolde, huh...
And if we bring back Bedivere, we might be able to save even more lives in the long run.
If, by some miracle, she's still alive...
Then none of you will have to keep wearing those sad faces.
That alone would do wonders for the soldiers' morale.
Just then, the other princesses and Merlin arrived.
Princess Isolde is right!
Bedivere is... she's your dear friend. Both yours and Ethan's.
If I had to say goodbye to Bonnie... I'd be devastated too.
So go, Ethan! I'll protect the people while you're gone...
Just like you protected me! Hehe.
......
The Rose of Mercia, which once seemed like it would bloom forever...
There was a time when even its radiant petals withered and dulled.
But the reason it could bloom again, so brilliantly...
Was all thanks to your dedication and sacrifice.
Please... let us repay that debt.
Everyone...
Elizabeth. You've got nothing to worry about.
Thanks to a certain someone giving a rousing speech...
The soldiers' morale is through the roof.
...Ahem.
The Empire's supply lines are cut, and the alliance commander returned alive after defeating an Apostle alone.
Momentum is fully on our side now.
You've got more than enough time to go find Bedivere.
......
Elizabeth looked like she was doing everything she could to hold back her emotions.
She wiped away the tears and smiled as brightly as ever.
What do you mean you don't know where she is?!
Of course I don't know! I've never even been to the World Tree.
Then let's just start looking!
We're surrounded by Imperial troops and Tiamat fanatics, how do you expect us to "just start looking"?!
Barely ten minutes after leaving the abbey...
We'd already hit a major wall.
We had no idea where the World Tree even was.
Of course things were going too smoothly...
Just when I thought the fairy queen was finally acting like a real monarch...
I AM always a real monarch, you stupid pig!
Not even a guess? I thought you'd been to Avalon.
Even the fairies' research books didn't mention its location.
It's like someone deliberately wiped it out.
Damn it... It's not like we can just turn back now...
So this World Tree... what is it, exactly?
I traveled to every nation for the sake of the alliance,
But not once have I heard anyone mention the World Tree.
To put it simply, it's a massive tree filled with mysterious power.
But despite the fancy name, it doesn't really do anything.
War breaks out, towns get destroyed... and the World Tree couldn't care less.
I pulled the old map from my pocket and spread it on the ground.
This tree right here, could this be the World Tree?
..!
Morgana stared at the map like she couldn't believe her eyes.
Our usually grumpy fairy queen had never looked this excited before.
Hyaah!
Morgana immediately cast a spell.
A brilliant light surrounded the map...
And the tree in the center began to glow blue.
Hmph. I don't know where you got this, but you got it right.
It's a rare occasion, so I'll say it: nice job.
This way!
And just like that, we set off to find Bedivere.
The situation was urgent, so none of us had time to ask the obvious question:
Why was the Ygritte Empire looking for the World Tree in the first place?
2. Moonlit Forest
23 linesWe followed the map... only to end up in the middle of a desert.
There wasn't a single tree in sight, barely even a weed.
Morgana... are you sure the World Tree is supposed to be here?
Will you be quiet for once? I'm almost done.
Morgana gathered the surrounding mana and fired it into the air.
And then...
The scenery around us shifted into a lush forest.
...Okay, that was actually kind of amazing.
Hmph. That's just basic stuff for someone like me.
Finally realizing it, are you? That you're nothing but a foolish pig who couldn't even recognize my brilliance?
Where do you think you're going?! That wasn't a real apology! Put some feeling into it!
Halt!
You may not pass without Vivien's permission!
Ugh... not this again.
Hey, elves! Listen up! I'm tired of repeating myself, but I am the Fairy Quee...
How dare you!
Aaaaah!
A lowly bandit, daring to sully the name of Queen Morgana?!
Unforgivable!
And... here we go again...
3. Moonlit Forest
8 linesLooks like it got caught up in the Rift...
The Rift...?
It's the final barrier before reaching the World Tree.
Spirits and monsters that protect the tree... they all pour out from there.
So basically, same as always?
Great. That means no complicated stuff, let's go get Bedivere already!