The daily routine of spring repeats like the sun rising and setting.
It ascends lazily, stands tall above us, then slowly fades away.
This similarity means there’s nothing particularly unusual about the day’s tasks.
In the morning, I visit the village to assign necessary duties and receive reports on any special occurrences.
Around lunchtime, important matters are resolved.
Right now, my focus is on research regarding Jack’s treatment. Progress is slow but steady.
In the afternoon, I check off miscellaneous tasks—these could be personal errands, sudden emergencies, or even joyful family time. It’s about freely using my time as I please.
And as evening approaches, I wrap up the day.
—
Afternoon in spring.
The sunlight feels warm but not too hot—a perfect balance for nurturing life. The forest greets me with its signature moist air mingling delightfully with the sunbeams.
I visit the forest daily to check on the seed given by someone called “Father,” combining this duty with a light stroll. Bringing Yul would’ve been nice, but the uneven paths aren’t suitable for biking—not since that one time it broke down unexpectedly.
“Ah…”
Certainly, the spot where I planted the seed was an open prairie. A vast green expanse with no remarkable features. But there, towering among the grass, stands a single tree, evoking a peculiar feeling.
Regardless of how quickly it grew, the spiritual energy and vitality emanating from the tree are overwhelming—it feels like it could burst forth at any moment. Gently touching the bark, I marvel at its power.
[Wow!]
A childlike voice whispers in my ear. Pure, innocent, and full of wonder—the tree’s voice reminds me strongly of Yul.
[Hello there!]
In just one day, it has learned language and grown so much. Could it have absorbed ancestral knowledge and experience? Its branches sway slightly, casting shade over me before waving enthusiastically in greeting.
“Hi.”
[Uwah!]
Seeing this young sapling brings back memories of the original tree that gave me the seed. What became of the being known as “Father”? Elves come to mind—their heartrending sobs wrapped around the tree linger vividly in memory.
[Are you my guardian?!]
“Guardian?”
[Yes! Young world trees need protection…]
“Really? A… World Tree?”
[That’s right!]
Turning my gaze directly toward the tree, I realize something extraordinary—but a World Tree? Did such things exist in this world?
The more I learn, the less I seem to know. Even if I thought I understood everything, humility warns against hubris. This must be what they meant.
[Please protect me until I make this forest vibrant and brimming with life!]
“Alright. No problem.”
[Thank youuuu!!]
“Do what you want. Call me if you need help.”
[Yesss!]
The purity of youth shines through, brimming with ambition.
Perhaps this was some kind of test or condition. Upon hearing my words, the World Tree wriggles, then releases an immense surge of life force.
It’s like witnessing the dawn of creation itself—radiant and breathtaking. Like the birth of a star, the intangible life energy spreads outward in waves, drawing all living beings in the forest closer.
Squirrels, rabbits, deer—they all gather here, including Suri, who perches contentedly on my shoulder. Even predators approach cautiously, making me feel oddly like a druid. Some animals nuzzle near me instead of the tree, their actions blurring the line between wild beasts and pets.
[Gee… this is tiring.]
“What did you do?”
[I proclaimed myself the newborn World Tree! “This is my land! If you like me, come here!”]
So childish. So adorable. Who says “come here” like that?
If this little one grows old and weathered by time, will it become like Father—a wise presence? Was Father also a World Tree?
“What exactly is a World Tree?”
[A tree!]
“Hmm.”
[Yes!]
“Is that all?”
[Just… a really big tree!]
The World Tree stumbles over its explanation, leaves trembling and branches bustling nervously. Sensing no malice or pressure, I let the matter rest.
Fine. If it’s just a big tree, that works. Honestly, I didn’t expect much from it anyway. All I wanted was to nurture whatever I was given.
“Alright. Big tree.”
[Yes!]
“Does it have a name?”
[Nope! Not yet.]
Every word carries life, spreading vitality that makes nearby animals sniff curiously, roll around playfully, or collapse dazedly into relaxation.
[A name is a promise!]
“Huh?”
[Because once remembered, it becomes reality! Just like the previous World Tree was named ‘Father.’]
That’s news to me. “Father” wasn’t just a title—it was a name.
“How do you know that?”
[Because I inherited part of him when I was born!]
“Then you’ll grow into a fine World Tree like him, won’t you?”
[Really?!]
Well… I don’t actually know. After all, I never knew Father’s past.
But judging by his actions, he must’ve been decent. There’s an elf who loved him deeply till the end, after all. Isn’t being loved proof of a good life?
“Sure.”
Confidence born of speculation. Calm certainty in my reply. The World Tree beams happily.
[Haha!]
Do all children laugh like that? Calling this massive entity a “child” feels strange, but conversations reveal otherwise. Nameless for now, this baby World Tree settles into my forest.
“Whoa…”
Suddenly, the Fairy Captain appears, astonishment etched across their face.
“The seed bore fruit.”
“My goodness! What *did* we plant?”
“Well, according to this little one, it’s a World Tree.”
“My goodness… My goodness… My goodness…”
The Fairy Captain mutters repeatedly, then steps carefully toward the tree, hands clasped in prayer-like reverence. They gently stroke the bark with utmost tenderness.
“Amazing…”
“Is it really that surprising?”
“Planting a World Tree and asking casually if it’s surprising—that’s uniquely your style…”
“It claims to be just a big tree.”
“Hmph…”
The Fairy Captain finishes their sacred ritual, shaking their head bemusedly before turning to address me. Their eyes scan the gathered animals around us before continuing.
“A World Tree represents potential.”
“That much was written on the seed.”
“A World Tree adheres to a singular purpose.”
“Huh?”
“If its value aligns with fairies, it serves fairies. If aligned with humans, it serves humanity. For prosperity, it fosters growth across all species and life forms.”
Hearing this shocks me somewhat. I assumed it was merely a large tree, but clearly, it’s far greater than imagined.
“The last tree valued fatherhood, focusing solely on nurturing one existence. Despite needing to pass on its legacy, it fulfilled its role as a loving parent until the very end.”
“How do you know that?”
“Our king keeps watch over every new World Tree. He always visits upon their birth.”
So that’s why… Did it cherish the elf until the bitter end? Though its conclusion seemed rather cold, I can’t fully understand Father’s intentions. A faint bitterness lingers.
“What’s this World Tree’s value?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Typically, a World Tree’s purpose is decided at birth…”
“Should I ask?”
“…”
“Hey, kiddo.”
[Yes?!]
“What kind of World Tree are you?”
[I don’t have a name yet!]
Names… Hearing that sparks something in my mind. The previous World Tree named “Father”—might naming it define its essence?
“When does a name appear?”
[Will you give me one??]
Caught off guard by the question, I hesitate awkwardly. Then, out of nowhere, an imposing presence slices through the air.
An old acquaintance. The ruler atop the fairy hierarchy.
“I’ll name it.”
It’s the Fairy King.
“How about ‘Fairy Tree’?”
Without warning, they tempt the World Tree with a soft, seductive tone, almost hypnotic in allure.
[No way! I want my guardian to choose!]
“Guardian? Hmm… Really?”
The Fairy King glances at me disdainfully, then hesitates mid-sentence. Slowly, they size me up, their scrutiny palpable.
Still an opponent I wouldn’t win against easily. Yet, is victory impossible? No, there’s still a slim chance. Rare, yes, but possible if repeated enough times.
“Strange. Was the flow of time here different from Sky Garden?”
The Fairy King descends gracefully, meeting my gaze. Lifting my chin, they smile warmly.
“I thought you were absurdly weak… Guess not.”
“At least strong enough to protect one child.”
“Pity. I thought I’d arrived first.”
Turning back to the World Tree, they inquire again.
“Dislike ‘Fairy Tree,’ huh?”
[Yes! I dislike it!]
“In that case, let’s table this for later. Clinging isn’t my style.”
With that, the Fairy King retreats into the sky, maintaining their seated posture mid-air. Meeting my eyes once more, they chuckle softly.
“Don’t pick an overly biased name. Last time, I held back… This time, I might not.”
“I intend to name it what the child desires.”
“Tsk. Fair enough. Your reasoning isn’t foolish, so it suits me.”
Their stifling presence vanishes, allowing me to breathe easier.
[Please name me!]
“Can I?”
[Yes!]
“Any preferences?”
[None specifically!]
Names… Looking at the World Tree, only one word comes to mind: World Tree. Hence why.
“How about ‘World Tree’?”
“Really?!”
“Yeah. Let it do as it wishes.”
[Hehe!]
Naming a World Tree simply “World Tree”—isn’t that fitting?
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