Chapter: 757
An awkward silence lingered in the air as I pondered the unimaginable proposal.
After all, the idea that there should only be one World Tree could simply be narrow-minded thinking. The assumption that creating a World Tree is an incredibly difficult process is nothing but a wild guess. I mean, has Konstantina ever outright said that a World Tree should only exist as a single entity or that making one is hard?
Sure, it’s probably not an easy task. But given the unique circumstances with faith suddenly surging, maybe now is the time for a creation. It’s definitely not a regular situation.
“But, the World Tree is a very significant existence for the elves, right? Can we really create more?”
With that awkward question, I struggled to suppress my confusion. The World Tree is like a treasure and source of pride for the elves; even if it can be recreated, is it right to just whip up another one?
– You’re correct. The World Tree is the cradle that embraces the elves. It’s like a home for my spirit friends and fairy children. If another one were to appear, it would surely cause chaos.
“Well, then…”
– That’s why I mentioned something ‘like’ a World Tree. I don’t intend to create a duplicate World Tree.
“Oh.”
It slowly dawned on me after processing Konstantina’s words.
She did indeed say “like” a World Tree. She never actually called it a World Tree.
I felt a bit embarrassed. How could someone who has risen to the position of Judicial Minister not catch such a simple phrase? I mean, I briefly lost my mind over the possibility of a second World Tree popping up.
– Since there’s already a World Tree, if I create something this time, it will be a field of flowers. A vast garden filled with hundreds or thousands of flowers.
“I can already picture it, and it sounds fantastic! If the God of Flora creates a flower field, it’ll surely become the most beautiful spot in the continent.”
Feeling a bit more at ease than before, I readily agreed with her. After all, if it’s not a World Tree, then what difference does it make what gets created? It would be a lovely addition for tourism, really.
Right now, there’s a famous tourist site known as Tulip Hill in the Count Flanbel territory, which could be similar. If a flower garden created by Konstantina herself were to be established, it would surely be a hit for the entire continent.
“I can’t be entirely sure of the Emperor’s wishes, but I highly doubt he’d reject a flower garden. It would fit perfectly into the Species Protection Zone.”
Creating a new tourist attraction within the already famous Species Protection Zone? It feels like favoritism toward a specific area, but it’s just the deity of the species displaying their power within their own domain. What could possibly be wrong with that?
Plus, with the Wise Duke’s abilities, even a suddenly created divine work shouldn’t pose much of a problem to manage. He’s the best in terms of administrative skills, regardless of his drinking habits.
– However, creating it within the Species Protection Zone is a bit much.
“Excuse me?”
But Konstantina declined that option.
– The World Tree is where faith towards me converges; it’s nearly like a symbol of my divinity.
“Oh, yes, I understand that.”
– Creating a new piece of divinity next to the World Tree could result in conflict. My power could rampage uncontrollably.
Now that’s slightly problematic. Considering Konstantina is already burdened with overflowed faith and is intentionally consuming it, if her power went haywire, it would defeat the purpose.
And if the God of Flora goes berserk, I can almost imagine the entire Species Protection Zone being engulfed in wild overgrowth. Plus, the Duchy of Cheness could be at risk of some unwanted encroachment.
– So, it’s a bit embarrassing, but I have a request to ask you, benefactor.
“Please, go ahead.”
– Could you discuss with the Emperor to find a suitable location? It should be distanced from the Species Protection Zone, ideally a place where my faith isn’t overwhelming.
I nodded absentmindedly at those words.
Looks like I’m set to decide a region that could become a continent-wide tourist hotspot or a new holy land for the elves.
“Should I just send it way North?”
That thought briefly crossed my mind but I quickly shook it off.
Sure, the North is away from the Species Protection Zone, and faith towards Konstantina is low there. But if some trace of her were to appear in the eternal blue sky home, the aftereffects would be terrifying.
I’d probably end up listening to the complaints of some deity for around 20 hours a day, or 360 days a year. Just the thought of it makes me dizzy.
I moved to a quieter area and pulled out my communication orb. Since Konstantina’s faith is building even now, discussing through the orb is much more efficient than traveling all the way to the Sun Palace.
Of course, I could quickly teleport to the Sun Palace, but just having presented my triplets before Grandma to later say, “I’m busy, so I’ll be going now,” would be rather disrespectful. I don’t want to unnecessarily burden Grandma’s heart.
– You’re saying you want to create a new World Tree?
“More like a plant similar to the World Tree. They mentioned wanting to make flowers this time, not trees.”
It seems this could put an immense burden on the Emperor’s mind, but honestly, that’s not really my concern. If anything, it sounds like a delightful affair.
In any case, the Emperor’s expression became complicated at my report. He’s probably calculating whether this is a gain or loss, and if it’s a gain, how would it affect the authority and prestige of the Empire and the imperial family—or how much thicker the wallet might get.
I leisurely observed the Emperor’s struggles. My role ends with conveying Konstantina’s wishes.
Discussions about deciding the flower field’s location with the Emperor? I could gladly take that on. It’s not the kind of task that’s too difficult.
– Minister.
“Yes, Your Majesty. Please speak.”
– Didn’t you say the Species Protection Zone is not an option?
“Yes. I clearly mentioned that.”
I could see the Emperor let out a sigh through the communication orb.
Seeing that made my lips twitch uncontrollably. There he was, turning someone resting in a mansion to the Species Protection Zone, and now he’s caught in his own web of karma.
– The most logical location would have been the Species Protection Zone, but now I’m struggling to think of a suitable alternative.
“What about the Imperial Palace? If it’s just a flower field, wouldn’t it be fine to offer a corner of the Imperial Palace?”
– Are you serious?
“If it’s not suitable, then there’s nothing I can do.”
That response seemed a bit dismissive, so I quickly backed away. I took a shot, but as expected, the reaction was negative.
The Livnoman Imperial Family must maintain a friendly relationship with the Dawn Sect and the faith in the Eternal Blue Sky. It would be problematic to only have traces of one deity dwelling in the palace.
– Actually, a better fit would be the Minister’s mansion, which is a benefactor of Konstantina.
“I lack the talent to nurture flowers, I’m afraid.”
Suddenly, the memory of a plant Lin gave me back when I supervised the Pastry Club came to mind, but I forcefully pushed it aside.
That was one plant; a flower field has hundreds or thousands. Completely different leagues.
“What about the area where the Behemoth resides?”
– If we add a flower field to a place already covered in foliage, the road might get overtaken. How about the capital of the Muno Empire? It’s an uninhabited ruin, so adding some flowers there should be inconsequential.
“True, but the capital of the Muno Empire is close to the Duchy of Cheness, isn’t it?”
– That does have a point.
In an instant, numerous regions were proposed as candidates only to be thrown out again.
This is troublesome. Given the Empire’s expansive territory, I figured we’d find an adequate spot quickly, but surprisingly, nothing suitable springs to mind.
But I can’t just plop down divine flowers wherever either. If I’m getting a gift like this, it ought to be utilized to the fullest.
– Ah.
“Your Majesty?”
After deep contemplation for a while, the Emperor exhaled something resembling a sigh.
– …Oh no, never mind. That area doesn’t feel right.
“Oh, right.”
He shook his head slightly, dismissing his idea before I could even bring it up.
What a shame. I was hoping something decent had finally popped up—
– No, maybe that area actually is good?
‘Wait, what the heck?’
I felt a bit overwhelmed by his indecisiveness.
What is he doing, toying around with me? Is this some kind of romantic game between us?
“Your Majesty. Please grant me your wisdom as well.”
I transformed the sentiment of “stop rambling and just spit it out” into a much more polite expression.
Whether it’s good or bad isn’t for him to judge alone! I need to hear the location first before agreeing or disagreeing with His Majesty’s opinions.
– Minister. What do you think about the academy?
“Yes?”
But hearing that unexpected name made me doubt my ears.
At the base of the crazies that burned the World Tree… you want to plant Konstantina’s divinity there?
‘Are you out of your mind?’
I’ve known the Emperor wasn’t quite all there, but to think he’d go that far at his age is quite concerning…
*
My eventful academy life is now nearing its conclusion.
Seeing the blurry end come into focus fills me with mixed feelings of joy and emptiness. It’s a strange blend of satisfaction and nostalgia. For this old man’s ambitions to finally find fruition.
‘Who knew this meandering path would turn out quite so beautifully.’
After graduation, I dove straight into military service and lived as a combat magician. I wasn’t afraid to get my hands dirty for the current Empire.
But after walking that path, all that remained was emptiness. I don’t regret my choices but wonder if ending my life this way is right.
So I chose a new path. Instead of remaining a military elder, I shifted toward becoming an educator. I wanted to nurture young sprouts for the future of the Empire.
It wasn’t an easy route. An old-timer who used to roll around on battlefields was now embarking on a new journey, and I could hardly guarantee I’d stand before a podium before I kick the bucket.
‘But I did it.’
I obtained that uncertain future and ascended to the illustrious role of Principal of the Academy. Achievements as a magician, a soldier, and now an educator—how could I have anything to regret in my life?
However, a momentous event happened when the royal family of a foreign nation and the next saint enrolled, but that too has faded into a distant memory that now brings a smile: “Well, that was something.”
Thanks to that experience, I developed a heart that doesn’t easily waver over trivial matters. I was even calm upon discovering ancient relics through the archaeology club recently.
A strong mental fortitude built from years of experience. That, I believed, was the greatest treasure I earned from the Academy before stepping down from my post in a few months.
—Or at least, that was what I thought.
Until I received a bizarre notice from the Ministry of Education stating that a massive garden of flowers is about to be formed near the Academy. Since it’s a trace of Konstantina, don’t be disturbed.
‘What on Earth is this?’
Before the colorful flowers spread across the plains beyond the castle walls, I was left in shock at the bizarre news.
With hardly a few months left before retirement, something completely absurd has occurred.
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.