Chapter 79: <Caira and Tina's Adventure>

.......

..........

...Do you know when a Fairy Queen dies?

Right now?

No, it's when she has to eat nothing but water-soaked bricks and fallen leaves for an eternity.

Then that's exactly what's happening right now.

.......

...Is that so?

First of all, there are much better words for them, like hardtack and jerky.

They taste exactly the same once they're in your mouth anyway.

And since when is one month an eternity by Fairy standards?

.......

It's only been a month since we started sleeping on the streets...?

It felt like at least a million years…?!

In that much time, even real bricks would rot away.

E-Everyone! The Princess finally did it!

She actually made a meat pie using nothing but water, hardtack... and jerky!!

No, Bedi. It is still too early to celebrate.

The true value of cooking is decided by the heart of the one who eats it.

To quote the Cotton Candy Knight, there are as many cookie recipes as there are people... or so they say.

......!!! Indeed... no dessert has ever been able to defeat the Cotton Candy Knight!

Damn it, I was finally starting to forget that horrific world-building.

A meat... pie......?

She baked a pie out of those bricks and fallen leaves...?

Yes, I ground the hardtack into powder to make a dough. Then, instead of butter, I used smoked animal fat to add flavor...

...And then I boiled the jerky with wild berries to capture both the texture and the savory flavor!

Here, please eat it before it gets cold!

.......

...Looks fine. ...Smells fine.

...Surprisingly, there are no traces of black magic either.

What exactly did you expect?!

Ugh...! I never want to see jerky or hardtack ever again, but...

Since Elizabeth worked so hard on it, I'll give it a try just this once...!

...Chomp!!

.......

...How is it?

Mmm...

Well, yes... it's barely edible.

...It's the best fallen-leaf pie I've ever eaten.

......!!!

......!!!

W-We did it, Bedi! Morgana actually treated my pie like real food!

Ugh... sob...! My grueling cooking training has finally paid off...!!

Mmm... You worked so hard, Princess!

I feel like this is wrong on so many levels... but as long as you're happy, I guess.

Anyway, you've all had enough rest, right? Our destination is right around the corner, so let's push a bit further.

Once we finish this request, we won't have to worry about food or travel expenses for a while.

Whew, thank goodness. At least we filled Morgana's stomach before facing that "legendary goblin."

Huh? Wasn't the target for this request the "Legendary King Slime"?

It's neither. Why would a monster with a "legendary" tag even be in a backwater village like this?

Well, I can see why you'd be confused. The village chief's story was incredibly long.

I almost fell asleep a few times myself while listening to it.

In the beginning, there were dragons and spirits, and at the end of the eternal war, the world was split in two...

.......

Uuu... I can't remember what comes after that...

The village chief's introduction was ridiculously long, but the conclusion is simple.

Defeat the giant spider that laid waste to the magic stone mine. That's it.

It's just a normal request, with absolutely no connection to myths or legends.

A m-magic stone mine... Could it be the "legendary" one?!

It's just a regular mine.

A giant spider... Could it be the "legendary" one...?

It's just a regular spider.

...Wouldn't a "legendary spider" taste surprisingly good?

Don't eat it.

The village chief didn't say we couldn't eat it.

Just don't eat it.

No, Ethan. Morgana might actually have a point.

I read about it in a book on Eastern Empire cuisine once.

Apparently, spider meat tastes similar to king crab, shrimp... and even chicken.

......!!!

King crab...! Shrimp...!! Chicken...!!!

Um... but still, eating spiders is a bit much...

Come on, stop dawdling and let's go!

In search of "legendary giant spider meat"!!

Charge, everyone! Protect this Fairy Queen's "meat" with your lives, Mmph, mmph!!

Quiet down, you idiot! What if they're on Lucius's side?!

W-Wait a minute! That dark red greatsword... Could it be?!

...Woooaaahhh!!

Great! This is the pose we're going with!

...Hmm, should my expression be something like this?

I think it could be a bit more tragic. Or maybe completely melancholy.

No, Your Highness! It's perfect right now!

Now we just need to rip your clothes here and there, add a few wounds...

...And finally, splash some spider blood all over you, and it'll be perfect!

It will indirectly portray the loneliness of a hero left alone on the battlefield after a life-or-death struggle against a "Dragon Lord-class spider"!

.......

...You mean you're going to write that description in your book, right? Not that I actually have to splash spider blood on myself.

.......

...Can't we make it work somehow?

Wait, so you were actually serious about the torn clothes and wounds?!

Of course! Realism is everything when describing a scene!

Line by line... the illusion of experiencing that exact moment touches the heart.

And makes you forget what is even real, that is the strength of the magic called "writing."

So on that note, please go roll down that cliff two or three times.

Don't worry, I'll heal any minor cuts you get!

Fine, you can heal the cuts, but what about the torn clothes and the laundry?

I am the Empire's princess and the next emperor. I can't just walk around drenched in spider blood.

...True creation always comes with pain.

.......

...Argh, seriously! Why do you become so ruthless only when you're with me?!

Th-Then I'll get covered in spider blood with you!

No, thank you!!

Sniff...

.......

(Whispering) ...Who are those kids playing playground games?

Mmph-! Mmmph!!

(Whispering) This is my first time meeting them in person as well, but there is no way anyone could fail to recognize such famous figures.

(Whispering) First of all, that black-haired lady is Caira.

She is the wielder of the rebel demonic sword, Damocles, and the Princess of Ygritte, next in line for the throne after Lucius.

.......

(Whispering) ...What?! Sh-She's the Princess of Ygritte...?!

Mmmph! Mmph!!

(Whispering) Yes, and that wizard in the robe is...

(Whispering) She's the r-real author, Tina!

(Whispering) The one who wrote <The Cotton Candy Expedition> and <The Adventures of Caira and Tina>!!

(Whispering) Am I dreaming...? To actually meet my favorite fairy tale author in person...!

(Whispering) No, fairy tales are not what's important right now!

(Whispering) Why is the Princess of the Ygritte Empire in a place l, Argh!!

Grrrrrr...!

(Whispering) Hey! You don't just bite my finger... Arghhh!!

...How dare they smear this Fairy Queen's meat all over the dirt?!

What is everyone doing?! Did you forget that my very life is on the line here?!

We must beat them down right now!! And salvage whatever legendary meat we ca, Mmph!!

...Argh, seriously! We don't even know if they're friend or foe yet, so quiet down!

Do not worry, Ethan. At the very least, they are not our enemies.

They are also followers of Crassa, just like Nia.

Of course... we will have to wait and see how trustworthy they actually are.

What? You should have told me that first!

Mmph-! Mmmph!!

.......

.......

...Who are those kids playing playground games?

Maybe they're adventurers who were hiding from the spider?

Or maybe they're premium supporting actors signaling the start of the next story...!

Oh, did you get a new idea already? A pro writer really is built different!

Their party composition happens to be perfect for a "Hero's party."

First, that male character would be set up as the "Chosen Hero"...

What?! H-How did you know that...!

The lady in the red dress is the main heroine!

Making her the "Princess of a Fallen Kingdom" would be fitting!

......!!! A-Am I the main heroine? Ah... Ahaha...!

And that one is the Princess's sworn knight.

She looks like nothing more than a kind, tearful girl on the outside, but...

...In reality, her setup is that she's incredibly strong and a "trustworthy knight"!

Woooaaahhh...!

As expected of a pro writer! That is the exact setup I've always dreamed of!

Mmph! Mmph! Mmmph!!!

And what about that kid?

Yes, and finally, she is...

.......

..........

...A "bloodthirsty chihuahua"?

.......

Argh! This glutton is at it again!!

I do not particularly enjoy stories like <A Hero's Adventures>.

For very personal reasons... it only brings back depressing memories.

Oh... I-I'm so sorry! I got carried away and was being rude...

But what displeases me even more, and what even this Fairy Queen's boundless mercy cannot forgive, is...

......?

...Huh? Wait a minute!

If you're the Fairy Queen... Could you be the one from Avalon...?!

First, the crime of daring to insult the "meat" of Morgan le Fay!

Second, the crime of daring to desecrate the "meat" of Morgan le Fay!!

Third, the crime of daring to lay hands first on the "meat" of Morgan le Fay!!

.......

...What?

Puhahaha! A "bloodthirsty chihuahua" is the perfect description!

I have no idea why she's so angry, but she is incredibly cute!

Fourth, daring to take the "meat" of Morgan le Fay, Mmph!!

I get it, so please just calm down... Argh!

...Y-You're biting my finger again!

Anyway, you are sentenced to death for all these crimes! Execution on the spot!!

Pay for my "meat" with your lives!!!

M-Meat...

.......

.......

...I thought I felt a strange sense of déjà vu.

Doesn't that chihuahua look exactly like "Corrupted Fluffy" from the fairy tale you wrote?

Her petty yet venomous tone, and her sheer audacity to think she's some sort of grand existence.

And the way she goes out of control when starved of meat... I mean, sugar, is identical too.

It would have been perfect if she ended her sentences with "fluff" too.

And she'd look even better if she had pink clothes and rabbit ears!

Yes, and cover her entire body with cotton-candy-like wool...

And a cat's tail...!

And with a lion's claws and an eagle's wings...!

Then she would truly be the perfect...

The completed version of Fluffy from <The Cotton Candy Expedition>.

.......

.......

...Would you like an autograph?

Yes, please sign right here...!

Ugh... Urghhh...!

H-How dare you... treat this Fairy Queen like a pet...!

Be glad they're even treating you like a pet.

If those two hadn't found you cute, someone would have definitely ended up hurt by now.

It's fine, it's fine! I like playing with puppies anyway.

Or better yet, can I just keep her?

I think she'd make a decent hunting dog if she's trained well.

You'll need a national-budget-sized food fund and a national-power-level of patience.

Whatever, I'll just think of her as a dragon disguised as a chihuahua.

I have plenty of money! And my power is scheduled to grow anyway!

Oh, well then, you're more than qualified to be her guardian.

Let's start the adoption process right away.

Huh? I haven't even heard her name yet.

Moriring "The Fluffy Lamb". It's a name given by the best naming expert I know.

Grrrrrr...!

Ahem...! First, I would like to apologize for causing such a sudden commotion.

I apologize for being so rude before even introducing myself properly.

I accept your apology.

I don't mind either! Thanks to you, I've got plenty of great material.

Thank you. Well, if I may introduce myself first...

...My name is Elizabeth Pendragon.

I am the ruler representing the six kingdoms of Britannia, and the master of the Camelot Knight Order of the Round Table.

Elizabeth... of Britannia...?

Ah! You're that queen who ran away in search of happiness during her coronation!

Yeah, I know you! That incident is incredibly famous even in Ygritte!

...*Cough!*

Ah, ahaha... Yes, I am that queen...

The one who threw away all her national duties... and couldn't even keep a single crown...

The foolish queen who can't even cook... Yes, that is indeed me.

Get a grip, Elizabeth. She didn't even go that far.

Y-Yes, E-Elizabeth! You can be a little more confident!

Even the Pudding Queen couldn't bake a meat pie out of fallen leaves!

Excuse me, I've been wondering about this for a while...

...Do you call jerky 'fallen leaves' in Britannia?

Well, I'm sure they have their reasons.

I'd love to buy them a bunch of drinks!

And get the whole honest story out of them, but...!

I shouldn't be lecturing others on their national affairs when I'm not even emperor yet.

Besides, it seems Britannia is doing just fine under the rule of that regent named Mordred anyway.

Ahaha... Yes, thank you for your consideration.

To be honest, I was prepared to hear some harsh words, so I am relieved.

Most of all, unlike Lucius, I know exactly how to treat my people and subjects.

Placing the right people in the right positions! That is the start and end of governance!

It doesn't matter whose head the vassal state's crown rests on, as long as the results are good.

My job as the future emperor is simply to anticipate those "results."

Ahaha... Yes... I see...

...Well, I know you didn't mean any harm by that.

But some idiot recently brought up "vassal states" and started a war.

Depending on who's listening, that could easily cause some unwanted "misunderstandings," don't you think?

Ah, that's right! I heard you gave Lucius a run for his money recently too.

Yes! That's exactly the kind of hero's party I'd acknowledge!

...Hey, did you even listen to a word I just said?

It is fine, Ethan. A conversation of this level can be considered diplomatic rhetoric.

And besides, Caira is not "yet" in a position to represent her country.

Puhahaha! You are cute in a completely different way from that chihuahua!

Like a cat hiding its claws! Or maybe a lion.

Th-Thank... you?

That was a compliment... right?

Of course it is! Whether it's a cat or a lion, they're both cute when they're cubs.

Can I call you Eli? I heard we're around the same age.

Pardon...? E-Eli?!

Well, if it is just a nickname for me as an individual, then I suppose it is fine... but...

.......

...Yes! If it's a casual name between a queen and a princess, we won't have to worry about damaging royal authority.

Great! Then my 731st friend is Eli!

Alright, who's next?! Bring it on!

The one getting an autograph over there is Bedivere. And the one growling over there is Morgana.

And I'm just Ethan.

Awesome! Then my 732nd friend is Ethan...

.......

...Wait, the only man in the hero's party... Could it be?!

Huh? Wh-Whoa! Why are you suddenly rushing me...

Ugh! Y-You're too close! Way too close!

......!!

Woooaaahhh!!

This isn't a dream, is it?! To actually meet the "Swordbringer of the Holy Sword" in person!

Y-Yeah... I mean, I'm glad to meet a fan too, but...

...Could you give me some space first? I'll shake your hand as much as you want... Whoa!

Hey! If you hug me this tight... I-I can't breathe... Cough!!

.........!!!

Oh no! Ethan's face is turning purple again!

Leave him be. He needs to cross to the brink of death once in a while to come to his senses.

I'm the victim here again, you know?! Don't just stand there watching, get her off me, Argh!

Look at this, Tina! He's the real "Swordbringer"!

He's not just some character, he's a real hero!

Your name is Ethan, right? Can I call you "Senior" Ethan?!

Um, Your Highness? Deciding what to call each other is important, of course, but...

...Before treating someone like a teddy bear, shouldn't you ask for permission first?

Oh, really? Then be my teddy bear, Senior!

As if I'd agree to that! We literally just met today!

Aww, you're surprisingly shy, Senior!

You're the one with absolutely no boundaries! Even a two-year-old retriever wouldn't cling this much!

Well, yes! I've always been very friendly.

That's not a compliment!!

H-Hauuu... I-I'm so sorry...

Her Highness is always like this, anywhere, anytime, and with anyone.

Except with one person... Crassa...

........

...Gasp!

...Eek!!

D-Did I say something wrong...?!

I'm sorry...! I'm sorry...!! I'm sorry...!!!

Elizabeth... are you okay?

Your vibe seems a bit different from usual...

Huh? What's wrong with everyone all of a sudden? Like you've seen a ghost...

Caisaria, please step away from Ethan immediately.

This is a matter that could easily escalate into a diplomatic conflict between our nations, you know?

After all, Ethan is Britannia's hero.

Pardon?! This level of closeness is totally normal between seniors and juniors!

Besides, why does a nation matter to a hero who saved the world...

.......

I-It matters...

..........

It... could matter!

Yes! O-On second thought, I think Eli actually has a point!

Thank you for understanding.

At least to me... rather, from Britannia's standpoint, it is a very critical matter.

So, please step away from Ethan before any unwanted misunderstandings arise.

Caisaria Flavius.

.......

Whoa?! H-Hold on... calm down, Elizabeth!

You don't have to pull me like that, Whoaaa!

Yes, thank you. And there is one more thing I would like to ask.

How about calling me "big sister Eli" from now on?

I've always wanted a pup, I mean, a little sister like you, Your Highness.

Of course, if that makes you uncomfortable, Caira.

I-I'm not exactly uncomfortable with it...!

.......

I'm really... not...

..........

Y-Yeah... I got it.

Big sister... Eli.

Thank you. Now I have a "friend" from Ygritte as well.

Now that the mood is set, shall we continue our honest conversation as queen and princess?

There are a few things I would like to ask about Crassa, your guardian.

.......

(Whispering) ...H-Hieeeek!!

(Whispering) I-I've... n-never seen the Princess look so scary before...!

(Whispering) Wh-What is there to be s-scared of...?!

(Whispering) If she is this Fairy Queen's companion...! Th-That level of reign of terror is standard......!!

"Reign of terror" is the absolute least fitting phrase for Elizabeth, you know.

Well, I'm glad she managed to tame that headstrong retriever, but what suddenly got into her?

Wow! I was shocked too!

No one has ever been able to tame Her Highness besides Crassa!

And judging by your reactions, she isn't normally that kind of character, is she?

...C-Character? Ah, now that I think about it, you said you were a writer earlier.

Well, if I had to choose between a cat and a lion... she certainly used to be more of a cat.

I see. A change in character concept that even her companions didn't notice...

.......

...Hehe, I think I know what caused it.

(Whispering) Wh-What made E-E-Elizabeth...! s-so scary...?!

.......

...Huh? Why... why are you looking at me like that?

In novels, in fairy tales, or even when kids play house in the neighborhood...

Every single story featuring a man and a woman shares one thing in common.

And that is...!

A-And that is...?!

(Whispering) The only one who can cause a change in the "main heroine" is that one specific person!

.......

...Huh? Wh-What did you just say?

Of course she can't hear you if you whisper like that. Say it a bit loud, Argh!!

Hey! Why are you biting my finger this time?!

...Just because I find you incredibly annoying on so many levels.

What?! What does that even...

Seriously, this pig... is always so oblivious when it matters most.

He doesn't even realize how blessed he is, just accumulating karma wherever he goes.

Aaaaaaaagh!!

P-Please calm down, Morgana! Ethan is not meat!

Wow! This is quite an interesting dynamic!

Thank you! Thanks to you, another new idea has come to mind!

I-I mean...! What have you been talking about this whole...

...Aaaaaaaagh!!

...So in short, you received a request to defeat that spider, right?

Because you ran out of food and money while hiding from Lucius.

Actually, we have plenty of food even now.

The only problem is that "bloodthirsty chihuahua" over there constantly complaining about the side dishes.

Excuse me, you should be grateful the "bloodthirsty Fairy Queen" hasn't descended upon you.

Ah! So that's why you described 'jerky and hardtack' as 'fallen leaves and bricks'!

I failed to understand such a deep metaphor... I still have a long way to go.

P-Please don't say that, Tina!

O-Of course...! Morgana is amazing in her own way, but...

...At least as a writer, Tina is far more incredible!

I have never been a "writer" in my entire life, though.

Right! Whichever it is, you just need money, right?

Then I'll give you the bounty for that spider!

Really...?! Is that truly okay...? Th-Thank you so much!

Hehe, we should be the ones thanking you!

I was actually worried because I've been running out of ideas lately, but you've given me so much inspiration!

Ah, would it be alright if I based some characters on you?

I was just mapping out a new chapter for <The Adventures of Caira and Tina>!

.......

..........

...Woooaaahhh!! ...Wooooaaaaahhhhhh!!!

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes! Th-Thank you! No, wait... please take good care of us!

Yes, looking forward to working with you too!

Huh? But where did the others go?

They were right next to us just a moment ago... Huh?

U-Uuuuh...?!

.......

...Hey, Eli?

Why have you been rummaging through that spider corpse this whole time?

Yes? I'm sorting out the usable parts, of course.

The torso is completely shattered, but there are still plenty of legs left.

U-Uh...? U-Usable... parts...?

Yes! According to a recipe from the Eastern Empire, spider legs taste very similar to king crab!

Which means we can roast them in their shells, as long as we have enough heat!

Ooh... I-Is this the legendary spider meat?!

Yes! Leave the heat to me!!

This Fairy Queen's magic can roast even a dragon!

.......

.......

.......

.......

...Tina. May I ask you for one favor?

...Yes, I won't write about the spider in my book.

...Thank you.

...Yes, it would be terrible if children tried to copy them.

...Yes, protecting children's innocence is very important.

.......

Is... Is this really safe to eat?

I think there's still some spider hair on it...?

*Munch, munch...* Hmm... Mmm... Oh?!

H-How is it...? I tried prepping the shell a bit differently this time...!

Hrmmmmm...

Mmm! It's definitely better roasted with one side of the shell peeled off. It really locked in that smoky flavor!

I knew it...! Since it tastes like king crab, the cooking method is similar too.

Next time, I'll try lowering the heat just a bit. Even king crab loses its juiciness and tenderness if overcooked!

Mmm! It's wonderful to see you improving day by day!

Yes! That's the least I'd expect from a companion of the Fairy Queen!

E-Excuse me... I know this might be a bit rude, but...

...Are you really that 'Morgan le Fay'? The second Fairy Queen of Avalon...?

Yes? What about it? Would you like an autograph?

If you can't believe it, just pretend it's true.

To be honest, even I have my doubts sometimes.

You ungrateful pig... Who do you think kept you alive until now?!

O-Oh... I-It's not that I don't believe you, Morgana...

It's just... there's a very... very slight difference from the records I have.

Yes? What difference?

Uh... well... you see...

Compared to the records, your height is just a tiny bit...! shorter, I think...

And your build is also a tiny bit...! smaller, maybe...

And your expression is... how should I put it...

Just a tiny bit...! Y-Younger, perhaps...?

.......

Pfft!

Why beat around the bush? Just say she looks like a kid. I think she looks cute like that anyway.

S-Some people might find that offensive!

Huh? What girl doesn't like being called cute?

Ahahaha... This might require a detailed description.

I-It's okay, Morgana! We will never forget the true greatness of the Fairy Queen!

I don't need your half-hearted pity?!

I'll explain it myself, so everyone just be quiet!!

Good grief! What is this pack of highway robbers?!

You should be groveling on your knees begging for forgiveness, and you want a what? A bounty?!

You expect to get paid after doing something like that?!

If I had that kind of money... Hmph! I would have put a bounty on your heads first!!

No, no, no! Hold... Hold on a second, Village Chief!

You clearly asked us to defeat the monsters!

So what do you mean we weren't supposed to kill that spider?!

That wasn't a monster, it was livestock, you idiot! We intentionally let them graze on the mana stone veins!!

I explained our town's history and customs in detail just to make sure there wouldn't be any misunderstanding!!!

But you ignored all of it...! And now you've slaughtered the very last one?!

...And you actually ate it?!

Uuuuu... Why do I have to get scolded too...?

I-I'm so sorry...! We naturally assumed it was a wild spider...

Yes, the third leg from the front was the most delicious.

Please, just shut your mouth! My head is already pounding trying to make sense of this...!

.......

.......

Um, Your Highness? I think we might be the bad guys this time...?

At this rate, what the village chief asked us to 'defeat' was probably... Mmph?!

(Whispering) Shh! Think about it, Tina!

(Whispering) I can pay for the spider we killed with my own allowance! But if...

Mmph...?

(Whispering) If... this gets back to Crassa?

.......

...*Gasp*!

(Whispering) Fortunately, that old lady still doesn't know who we are!

(Whispering) If we drop enough Gold at the right moment and slip away, a world where no one gets hurt will be complete...

It's them! They're the ones who ran amok and ruined our town's spider ranch!!

Wh-Wh... Whaaaat?!

S-So, the ones you wanted 'defeated' were those two?!

Well, the request itself was correct. We just somehow got the subjects mixed up.

Ahahaha... Prejudice really is a scary thing.

Yes, my own prejudice delayed me from discovering the taste of spider meat.

If you understand, then get moving, you useless good-for-nothings!!

Bring those jackals before me right this instant!!

.......

Mmm! Shall we think about this while we run?

Yes! I-I'll calculate the cost of the spiders as fast as I can!

Bwahahaha! The hero's party that saved the world really is something else!

To think you withstood all of my Ultimate Landslide Magic!

You just smashed the cliffside! What part of that was magic?!

...P-Please stop, both of you! I-I'm sure the village chief must have misunderstood something...

C-Chat! E-Even now, we can resolve this through chat!

H-Hauuu... I-I'm so sorry...

To put it simply... we are entirely in the wrong, from start to finish!

.......

...Th-Then maybe it's Tina who's misunderstanding...?!

Don't be ridiculous, you silly Bedivere!

Anyone can see! Beyond any shadow of a doubt!

That natural disaster couple is clearly the villain of this story!

And they dared to massacre Morgan le Fay's 'meat'!

O-Of course, the spider meat is important... but...

...We came all this way to meet Crassa! We must stop the war between our two nations at all costs!

We were hoping you could arrange a meeting with her...

.......

*Sigh*... Come to think of it, you did mention you had your reasons.

Man, I still have a long way to go. Getting so swept up in the moment that I neglected such a critical nationality matter.

......Th-Then!

But turning back now just isn't my style.

You know it too, Eli, don't you? It's a ruler's duty to boldly forge their own path.

If we're truly destined to be friends, we'll cross paths again even if we take different roads.

Well, I guess that's only natural. After all, there are no perfect parallel lines in this world!

.......

S-Sorry... I guess I said something unnecessary.

O-Oh, no! It's just...!

Hearing your words, Caira... gave me a lot to think about...

.......

.......

Alright, I can't take this anymore! Since we're saying goodbye, let's show them that one last thing!

One of the strongest wizards in the Ygritte Empire! The Ultimate of the 'Laurel Witch' Tina!

Y-Yes?! H-Here?!

I-I have enough mana, but... won't it cause trouble for the people around here?

It'll be better than me causing another landslide.

Besides, nine times out of ten, your magic turns places into temporary tourist attractions, doesn't it? So I'm sure the old village chief will love it too!

Though, that one out of ten times really was a disaster!

H-Hauuu... That was in the middle of a metropolis.

But in a place like this... where trees stretch to the horizon...!!

...Heheh, all done.

Now! Here it comes! Be careful not to fall over, everyone!

U-Uwah, u-uwah...! The g-g-ground is shaking.......!!

A-A magical earthquake...?! Can an Imperial Wizard really do something like this?!

N-No! Tina's magic is supposed to... c-control trees...!

.......

How on earth... No, why do you...?!

Even I failed to recreate this magic...!!

Wooooaaaaahhh...!!

The air brushing against my skin feels so warm and gentle! Just like the World Tree's mana...!

...Like the... World Tree's mana...?

......

...Wh-Whaaaat?!

I have no idea what just happened, but let's establish two things first.

First, the one who created Britannia's World Tree was Oberon, right?

And second, as far as you know, there is only that one World Tree.

...Yes, that's right.

I tried to recreate this magic multiple times myself, but ultimately failed.

Th-Then... how could Tina use the strength of the World Tree...?!

Hey! Is everyone okay?! Still got all your limbs attached?

You didn't get eaten by the trees or anything, did you?!

I told you, it's not that dangerous...!

W-Well, you might fall over when the ground first shakes, but...

.......

U-Um...! Everyone really is okay, right...?!

Y-You've been so quiet... y-you're not hurt, are you?!

.......

...Yeah, we're fine! Everyone's just a little surprised!!

You always worry way too much. See! I told you they'd be fine!

How could the hero's party I recognized ever be defeated by mere trees?!

Y-You never know with these things!

In reality, plenty of people die in the most absurd ways!

Oh, really? Says the one who told me to roll down a cliff?!

Th-That was... strictly for the sake of the display...!

.......

*Sigh*.

Well, anyway, you got a great show, right?! This magical forest is a spectacle that only a handful of people in Ygritte have ever witnessed!

Oh, and absolutely do not mention this spider incident to Crassa! Our lives depend on it!

W-What Her Highness just said is no joke! C-Crassa is truly terrifying!

Alright! It was great meeting you all! See you later!

Y-Yes! I was glad to meet you too! See you later!

.......

...And they're gone. Just chatting away amongst themselves as always.

The... World Tree's mana... or the true nature of this magic...

...I feel like we had so much to talk about...

Getting caught up in their energy... somehow made it all seem trivial. Ahahaha...

.......

...Let's just eat. The view is nice, after all.

Yeah, it's not like we'll find any answers by worrying about it now.

So it's better to just forget about it for now.