Chapter 153

[Guardian!]

“Hey.”

[You’re here again today!]

“I promised to come every day, didn’t I?”

[I’m so happy!]

The World Tree is like a child.

A child who has so much to learn and discover.

“Who visited you today?”

[Birds and foxes today!]

“A fox?”

[Yes!]

Whenever I visit the World Tree with Jack, it greets me like an energetic child. Mostly about what creatures came by today or what it did with new friends—truly childlike topics. Its pleasant voice makes me listen carefully while Jack gets treatment.

“Are you feeling better?”

Jack nods, holding a squishy spirit in his arms. It’s encouraging to see progress in Jack’s recovery.

Ah-ing without pain now—how will Jack’s first words sound?

Such anticipation confirms hopeful imaginings that the treatment is going well.

“I’ll come again next time.”

[Yesss!]

The World Tree’s lively farewell sees me off as its green leaves flutter and branches shimmer brownishly.

More animals peek between the trees lately, following us openly or hiding playfully.

Since gaining the World Tree’s attention, nearby lifeforms naturally take interest in me too. Sometimes on walks with Jack, we find more animals showing off on the road, occasionally bringing them home for a day of play.

“Kyeow!”

As usual, an animal blocks the road—a red-furred fox rubbing against my leg. Jack’s eyes are already melting at its cuteness.

Ever since noticing his affinity for cute beings like spirits and fairies, I realized Jack has a soft spot for adorable animals. He pets the fox lingering at my feet, pausing our journey.

“Ah…”

Jack’s voice emerges faintly, clearer than the torn sounds from before.

The fox seems delighted, basking in Jack’s touch with its signature alluring smile. Being charmed by a fox is kind of literal like this.

After playing with the fox for a while, other hidden animals gradually appear around us. This scene shows curiosity overcoming caution.

It’s all good. If only Yul could keep secrets better… She’d chatter endlessly to Mom about everything she saw.

Keeping Jack’s treatment private means these visits remain just between the two of us. Yul can join on separate bike dates while visiting the World Tree.

“Ooooh!”

A blue bird lands on Jack’s head, freezing him in place with slight shoulder tension.

“Aww, looks like you made a new friend.”

“Heheh…”

The bird stays put even as Jack moves, clearly comfortable.

With various animal farewells, we head home.

Lunchtime approaches…

A sleepy afternoon indeed.

“Are you tired?”

I hadn’t noticed but was yawning when Evangelin asked, resting her chin on the table. Her elegant grace always shines through, especially when she appears unexpectedly.

“A little?”

“Then let’s rest together? You’ve been working too hard lately.”

Her concern feels genuine, making me agree readily. After all, there were times when I fell ill silently.

“That works.”

“I’ll bring tea upstairs.”

“Thanks. Where are Anne and Yul?”

“They’re in the greenhouse with Suri and Jack.”

Hopefully they’re not secretly eating fruit again. Suri discovered how delicious fresh-picked fruits are and sometimes sneaks some without me noticing—though she’s surprisingly tidy about it.

Maybe it’s puberty?

Soon Yul follows suit, picking fruits from the fields despite reminders about proper meals. Sweet treats seem irresistible.

Anne’s probably there to moderate their behavior—or maybe she’s indulging too, given her fondness for such fruits.

Thinking about this, I lie down early. After a quick wash, my body relaxes into the bed’s comforting warmth.

Evangelin soon arrives carrying a tray of tea, its aroma delightful.

Drinking tea regularly gives one such fragrance, I’ve heard. Lately, Evangelin carries a forest-like scent.

“Tastes great.”

She smiles brightly at my compliment, her delicate features exuding grace. When I gaze too intently, she subtly shifts her gaze, cheeks tinged with a soft sunset hue.

“Did you know?”

“Hmm?”

“Jack seems brighter lately.”

“Wasn’t he always like that?”

“Even more so. Before he only cared about spirits and fairies, but now he’s interested in animals and plants too.”

“He must feel more at ease.”

“Exactly.”

Older sisters notice things differently. Her keen observation of Jack’s subtle changes is impressive.

“That’s wonderful, isn’t it?”

“Absolutely… So wonderful.”

The moisture in her “absolutely” reveals her deep care for Jack. If only he could recover soon and speak to us as her brother.

Finishing the tea, I close my eyes to rest. Though not intending to sleep, my relaxed body drifts off easily.

“Thank you always.”

A moist sensation touches my cheek before I fully drift off.

Day eleven of spring.

My resolve to explore and upgrade the system solidifies, yet various matters keep delaying it.

This is the final day though. With most tasks completed, I finally have time entirely to myself.

“Shall I prepare lunch for you?”

“It’s fine. I’ll be back for dinner.”

“You should leave after lunch.”

I told Evangelin and Anne I’d be briefly exploring due to work, which isn’t entirely false since I’ll return for meals using the warp device.

After enjoying Evangelin’s lunch and putting on casual clothes—especially the outfit Anne made—I finally step out.

This journey relies solely on my two feet, not carriages or cars.

Recalling the incident where the Sword Master split space returning home…

I realize I can’t replicate that feat exactly.

This might stem from skill deficiency or differing insights. If the Sword Master’s determination to grow stronger could cleave heavens, perhaps it also cuts through space. Such evolution often connects related concepts through focus.

While I could dive deeper into these connections…

The difference lies mainly in our starting points, despite similar destinations eventually.

Walking…

Or rather, moving through insight-based steps.

Brief moments connect into endless time.

Manipulating this distortion allows folding movement.

Similar to teleportation but through distortion.

Scientific validity aside…

When magic power enters the equation, physical laws shatter. Using personal concepts and realizations seems scientific enough here.

“Oooh?”

Each step pulls my body through stretched time before snapping back. It feels like divine play.

Though energy-consuming, it’s enjoyable and safe enough to share with Yul later.

Thus, I continuously fold through distorted space, finding it quite amusing.

* * *

“Unusual weather phenomenon?”

“Yes. Clouds are moving across the Great Plains.”

“But it’s spring, not summer.”

“The situation feels abnormal.”

Sword Master Elroy yawns lazily.

“Tornado?”

“Yes.”

“Do the mages really need this old man involved?”

“The scale is unusual.”

“Hmm?”

“Observations suggest it’s larger than the historic ‘El Reno’ supercell.”

That catches the Sword Master’s attention. Mentioning El Reno isn’t trivial.

“When did this start?”

“We received official documents from the capital’s Magic Academy, certified by the dean.”

“Hmph…”

The Sword Master mutters softly.

“Where’s the tornado heading?”

“Crossing the Great Plains, passing through three territories, with the final destination being…”

The messenger hesitates before continuing resolutely.

“The capital.”

“What a convenient coincidence.”

“This seems unnatural. How could any human control natural phenomena…”

“Hmm…”

Suppressing thoughts of non-human possibilities, the Sword Master stands up.

“Has the document spread far?”

“You’re the top priority.”

“Of course… What about that rural baron? Did he receive it?”

“I’ll check.”

“Nah, never mind. I’ll go directly. So where do we meet?”

“First encounter is at Bartrand Territory.”

“Timeframe?”

“One day.”

“Quite tight. I’ll manage somehow. Don’t worry.”

“Our territory partially falls within range too.”

“Really? Even our dukedom?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t worry; I’ll handle it properly.”

“Always grateful for your efforts and dedication.”

“Stay safe.”

After the messenger leaves, the Sword Master grasps his long-time companion sword.

Sadness flickers in the old man’s eyes before standing to tear through the air.

Protecting citizens against nature—nobility’s duty.

Carrying this heavy responsibility, he moves slowly toward Valley of Starwind.

Planning to bring a promising young talent there for the future.

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