Chapter 126

“Roger that.”

In this forest, can squirrels really talk?

It climbed up my body and perched on my shoulder, startling at the sight of Suri sitting there.

After a while, it slowly bowed its head and sniffed around my waist, catching a whiff of my scent.

Apparently liking what it smelled, it clung tightly, refusing to let go.

That little squirrel’s antics were quite adorable.

But Suri, not too pleased with this intruder, shot daggers with her sharp eyes.

The squirrel, avoiding those glares, kept rummaging around my waist.

“You’re beloved by the forest itself.”

The elf with green leaves rustling above us spoke gently.

“Maybe it’s thanks to the Branch of Blue-Green?”

“Recognition isn’t easy. My father is quite selective about people.”

Hearing that, things started to make sense.

There was reason behind trusting the choice of this “father” figure.

I had wondered if letting just anyone in based on a pleasant scent was too reckless…

But now it seemed there was more to it than that.

“Ow! Don’t grip so hard!”

“Hehehe…”

“Stop laughing! Ow!”

Yul and the fox sprite couldn’t seem to understand each other’s language.

Their only form of communication was laughter, breaking through barriers purely on emotion.

From afar, they looked like an adorable pair.

Though listening closely revealed mostly complaints from the poor fox sprite being teased.

I had considered stepping in if it got too rough…

But they seemed to have a good grasp on the line between fun and harm.

The fox was overreacting with exaggerated responses, but not genuinely crying out in pain.

So this is why they say life looks like comedy from afar, but tragedy up close?

Or was it the other way around?

Not sure anymore.

Doesn’t really matter anyway.

“Hey, there’s a fairy here too?”

Anne’s sparkling eyes turned skyward at the sight of flying fairies.

They looked slightly different from the ones near her home – their wings emitted a unique green glow.

“These are forest fairies. They’ve been with us since ancient times.”

“I see…”

“Anne, did you bring any clothes?”

Evangelin asked quietly.

“Hmm… I brought some fabric in case I got bored, but no clothes.”

“Pity. I thought fairies in outfits would be cute.”

“Should I make some now?! I was thinking the same thing!”

Their gazes then turned toward me for approval, which I gave with a slight nod.

Whatever they wanted to do here was their freedom.

With that, Anne happily set up shop under a small tree, pulling out fabric to work with.

“Human!”

“Smells like fruit…”

“Hi!”

Fairies from different areas may look different, but their general nature seems similar.

A lively group approached me, their sparkling demeanor a mix of mild caution and friendliness – much like my first encounter with fairies.

“Hello.”

“Woah! You can speak fairy language!”

“Hi! Human!”

Was my greeting really that exciting?

The fairies’ movements became even busier.

“I have a friend making outfits for you all.”

“Clothes?”

“What’s clothes?”

“Whaaaat’s clothes?”

Do they not have the concept of clothing here?

Or maybe fairies simply don’t need them?

Could be due to the forest’s constant warmth.

Still, the fairies near our place have started understanding the concept of clothes by now.

These ones will probably catch on soon too.

“Clothes make you look even prettier.”

“Nice!”

“Me first!”

“Alright, we’ll take turns. Why don’t you wait here and have some fruit?”

I pulled out some sweet fruits – practically cheat codes for fairies.

None have ever refused these.

True to form, after sniffing the air, all attention shifted to the fruit.

Handing them over to Evangelin standing beside Anne, the fairies fluttered over eagerly.

She smiled warmly at their approach, distributing the fruits one by one.

“Wow…”

Even the elf couldn’t take her eyes off the fruit.

When I moved the peach in my hand right, her gaze followed.

Moved it left, and her eyes tracked accordingly.

Though tempted to repeat this a few times, I restrained myself and offered the peach instead.

“Is this for me?”

“Yes, please try it. It’s delicious.”

“Thank you! So much good fortune coming your way!”

Is this the elf’s true nature?

Polite yet lively, with a pure childlike quality.

Makes sense given she’s lived in the forest her whole life.

Taking a bite, she exclaimed about its chewy sweetness while cupping her cheeks, radiating happiness.

Despite this, she kept bowing respectfully to me – showing impeccable manners learned from human society.

“Oops. Not the time for this.”

The elf gestured for us to follow deeper into the forest.

“Can I come along too?”

“Yes! Of course you can. Important guests with the Branch get special treatment!”

“Then could you wait a moment?”

“Yes!”

Approaching Yul playing with the fox sprite, Jack had joined in with a cheerful grin.

Giving special instructions to Yul and Jack to stay close to Anne and Evangelin, I moved toward the girls.

Anne was fully absorbed in making clothes.

Evangelin was busy sharing fruits diligently.

“I’ll be back shortly. Rest here while I’m gone.”

“Mhmm.”

Without looking up, Anne nodded, focused on her sewing.

There’s something admirable about seeing someone completely engrossed in their work.

“See you later.”

With Evangelin’s farewell, I ventured deeper into the forest with the elf.

More accurately, with Suri perched on my shoulder.

A deer suddenly appeared, tilting its head at us before disappearing into the woods.

Occasional birds watched us from branches above, chirping melodiously.

The deeper we went, the denser the foliage became.

The sunlight struggled to penetrate the thick canopy overhead.

Following the deepening emerald hues, we soon arrived at an ordinary-looking tree.

“Greetings.”

“This is our father.”

Far more modest than expected.

I had imagined some grand World Tree.

Instead, just a regular tree stood before us.

While the voice suggested this wasn’t an ordinary tree…

Visually, it looked like any other, providing rather underwhelming stimulation.

“Hello.”

“The forest welcomes you. Feel free to rest as long as you wish.”

The tree’s voice was warm, almost like a sunny day.

Its kindness made sense why it was called “father.”

“Thank you.”

“Eh…?”

The elf’s expression shifted from confusion to growing astonishment.

Her eyes widened, mouth opened, unable to contain her excitement.

“Could you relay messages for me? The child beside you cannot hear me.”

“Of course.”

“Much gratitude. And…”

“Yes?”

“Please tell her she’s worked hard, and that it’s okay to stop now.”

“What does that mean?”

“My life is nearing its end.”

“Hmm. Is this something I should relay?”

“There’s a big difference between facing the end unknowingly versus preparing for it.”

“If you believe so, gladly.”

The elf’s face showed a mix of joy and shock – clearly thrilled by the fact I could communicate with their father figure.

Though reluctant to deliver bad news that might dampen her spirits…

Given it was requested by their father…

“There’s a message for you from the one you call father.”

“YES! YES! Please continue. Are you talking to him right now? AMAZING!”

Her speech patterns had taken on a fairy-like quality.

Must be from spending too much time with them.

Clearing my thoughts, I carefully repeated the tree’s words.

“He says you’ve worked very hard.”

“Thank you! No, it’s nothing. Please tell him it’s no trouble at all. Also, please convey that I’ve been trying my best. And that I’ll continue working hard!”

Her flood of words carried pent-up emotions.

“And there’s one more thing.”

“Yes! I’m all ears!”

“It’s okay to stop working so hard now.”

“…Huh?”

The elf froze in place.

I bit my lip watching her reaction.

“Let me talk with him a bit more and come back.”

This wasn’t an easy message to deliver.

Being the middleman for sad news is never pleasant.

Especially when the recipient was just basking in pure happiness.

“Sorry to burden you with this, but I couldn’t hold back seeing how much effort that child has put in, burning herself out.”

“So how much time is left?”

“Exactly. Humans have lifespans, and so do I. Mine has been artificially extended through great size, resulting in this modest form you see now. But that extension is reaching its end… About three years by your reckoning. Returning to soil is inevitable. Meeting you has been fortunate though, allowing me to pass on this message.”

The image of the tree smiling faintly came to mind.

The fatherly tree remained calm and peaceful despite discussing his impending end.

Truly composed.

“Such a pity.”

“I hope the young elf won’t be hurt too much.”

“She already seems troubled.”

The elf started sniffling, tears welling up, not bothering to wipe them as she stood frozen like a statue.

“Where there’s meeting, there must be parting.”

“The parting feels especially heavy for elves.”

“What can be done? My time has come.”

Unlike before when discussing his own condition, thinking about the elf brought a sigh of sorrow.

Their mutual care for each other was evident even in this short exchange.

Didn’t expect such a bittersweet situation during what was supposed to be a pleasant trip.

“Is there any way to help?”

“Immortality through halting aging would have been possible.”

Saying this, the tree watched as the elf approached, stroking its bark while sobbing uncontrollably.

A heartrending scene.

Pulling out the Branch of Blue-Green from my Bag, I intended to give it as a parting gift.

“Where did you get that?”

“Perhaps this could provide some means to protect the forest after my passing.”

Hope filled its voice.

Contrasting sharply, the elf hugged the tree, crying loudly.

Rather chaotic.

Very chaotic indeed.

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