Chapter 175

“Foolish.”

“Eh?”

“Did you really think the lord would be happy with you causing such a ruckus in the village?”

“Jealous much? It’s obvious I’m better at catching these guys, aren’t you envious?”

“I wouldn’t have frozen them and brought them quietly if they weren’t troublemakers.”

“Even this small disturbance counts as negative?”

“Of course it does. The lord values the village greatly. It’s a place where children should be able to play peacefully. Duh.”

From the Blue Tower.

Harmann’s emotionless reply makes Duke’s lips dry slightly.

Moreover, Harmann had already achieved such quiet accomplishments and completed communication with Bell. The one who arrived first was Duke, but the one who got the opportunity first was Harmann. That’s why this chance was quite precious to Duke. An opportunity to learn about dragons, a special race. Or an opportunity to study the language and magic used by dragons. It was a sad story that such a precious chance was flying away.

“Surely… that can’t be.”

“Think about it yourself.”

“Ahh!”

Ultimately, after receiving assurances that there were no mental issues with all the residents who witnessed this scene, Duke was able to report this fact to the lord with peace of mind.

* * *

“Such an incident occurred?”

“I swear on the Red Tower that there was absolutely no harm to the village. Really, truly.”

While mages have different personalities and characteristics, Duke’s passion stood out particularly. Was it because his interest in dragons was extraordinary?

Harmann’s shown interest and actions were impressive too, but perhaps because Duke’s behavior had a slightly eccentric edge, he showed a somewhat different character.

“What did you do with the captured ones?”

“I handed them all over to the guards under restraint for now.”

“I should go check.”

Just in case. There was a remote possibility. The possibility that good individuals might have been turned into villains couldn’t be completely ruled out, so Duke leads the way towards the guardhouse.

“Have you come!”

“Yes. You’ve worked hard. Where are the previously restrained individuals?”

“They’re all gathered and detained in one place!”

“Please guide us.”

With the utmost hospitality from the guards, we head towards where the detained individuals are. Blackened traces of burns from flames are visible all over their bodies.

Well, they probably handled things properly, but due to my inherent distrust of nobles or higher-ups, I can’t just blindly praise their actions. Of course, I don’t deny that a good guardian constantly observing the children has appeared. As usual, not all guardians act purely for the better.

Seeing incidents like this popping up little by little, it makes me consider the necessity of building a prison or correctional facility. It’s also a moment when I partially understand why rulers sometimes executed prisoners. For minor offenses, establishing a small jail might not be bad either. The village flows leisurely and gently, but there’s no guarantee that groups exploiting such leniency won’t appear.

“Is this the person?”

“Hmm. Yes, according to my covert observation, they were a group trying to kidnap a dragon.”

“Dragon kidnapping…”

Indeed. Judging from the state of the seized weapons and their level of power, they were certainly not ordinary people. The moment Duke’s argument gains credibility.

As magic advances, the range of what can be used expands. Among them, some are rather sinister and malevolent. Within the broad category of magic, everything reaching high levels includes knowledge like dark magic and demon summoning. Similarly, hypnosis or brainwashing are branches of magic I can use. Normally, I wouldn’t think of using such things, but in cases like this, things are a bit different.

“Fire is painful. I’m pretty good at interrogation.”

“No, I’ll handle it directly.”

Suppressing Duke’s enthusiasm momentarily, I step forward. Using the regeneration spell to awaken consciousness, I bring back to life what appears to be the leader of this group.

Coupled with hypnosis. The spell that loosens the man into a dazed state is clearly a negative one.

“Hooh.”

Duke expresses interest upon seeing that. He doesn’t intrude further, showing respect for my magic and domain.

“Stand up.”

“Ugh…”

A human deprived of will. Their pupils are vacant, and saliva drips from their mouths. This was the least harmful kind of magic in terms of side effects. If proven innocent, treatment to return them to their original state without issue is possible.

“What’s your purpose here?”

“Kidnap… dragon…”

“See! I told you so!”

Duke’s bright voice cuts in immediately after the man with lost will finishes speaking. The smile on his lips looks very pleased.

“Was there anyone who gave the order?”

“…Some noble… I don’t know who.”

“Hmm.”

The existence of a force giving orders isn’t a pleasant piece of information. Yet, it’s difficult to press someone who doesn’t know. Recognizing that such situations may frequently occur is sufficient. Since I have enough confidence to prevent such attempts in advance anyway.

“How about that?”

“I’ll inform Bell.”

“Cough.”

“Of course, remember that the rest is up to Bell.”

Duke clenches his fists tightly and grins with delight. Looking at him, it’s hard to believe he’s an old man; he seems to live quite youthfully. Is it because his emotional expression is so free? Anyway, since children were saved from this threat, if Bell likes it, there shouldn’t be any problems.

This is more about Bell’s opinion than mine. Although my permission is necessary for the initial contact.

“So, Lord.”

“Hm?”

“I heard rumors that magical equipment will be put up for auction. Is it true?”

“That’s because too many people were bothering me about it, so I decided to put some things I made up for auction.”

“Made? Can you make such things?”

“It’s just a hobby.”

“Hmm…”

“Are you interested?”

“To say I’m not would be a lie. Throughout history, artifact creators have always caused a great stir. What’s the performance of those magical items you mentioned?”

“There should be a catalog. Simple regeneration and resistance.”

“Who would call that simple?”

“Hm?”

“With regeneration and resistance, it’ll likely be quite popular.”

“Popular even though it’s light?”

“Because of the interest in artifacts. Plus, the fact that they’re handmade by you and have two effects makes them highly appealing.”

“Just that much?”

“Just? What you think and what the world perceives are bound to differ. The vision of a genius like you is bound to be different from what ordinary people see below.”

Perhaps putting out low-quality equipment to quell interest was like pouring gasoline instead. Hearing Duke’s words in that tone made my head feel a bit numb. It’s not like I can cancel the ongoing auction either.

Thinking about the beings I’ve encountered, it was merely equipment with simple magic inscribed. Moreover, among the recent ones I met, there were plenty of big shots.

Dragons.

A being from the Ming Yue Sect who turned dragons into mist.

A giant freezing the world.

An ancient king who led a happy era.

A Sword Master who reached great heights with a blade.

Meeting such beings must have raised my perception limitlessly. I can hardly believe they’d commend something this trivial.

“Hmm. Surely not.”

Saying that, it carried a hint of doubt and hope that it wouldn’t be so.

“Hehe. After the auction, the flood of interest will show that you can’t even say such things.”

Duke says that and waddles away from the guardhouse. He’s probably off to persuade someone to collaborate, claiming Bell’s approval. I have no intention of interfering in that matter, so the rest is up to Bell. If Bell whines about how troublesome it is, I’ll plan to block all interference. Prioritize things that interest Bell without being too bothersome, after all.

After handling the matter, I give the guards a token of appreciation and head home.

Visiting the greenhouse after a long time, the spirits greet me enthusiastically as they flutter around. Jack playing with Yul has become distant friends from the spirits’ perspective. Hence, maybe that’s why the spirits look sulky seeing Jack leave with his group.

That’s why the spirits jumping into my arms seem unusually high. Gently embracing the squishy ones and patting them softly, I take out delicious fruits from my bag to feed them, sharing communion with the spirits. Fairies in spring attire flit around us in the air.

“Hi!”

“Hi. How’s work going?”

“It’s fun! The World Tree is helping!”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah! It’s fun!”

Does the World Tree help crops grow well? Lately, the food has been tasting better, and the efficacy of crops has been increasing, all thanks to the World Tree.

Lately, I’ve been so busy I haven’t visited the forest, so I slowly move my steps toward where the World Tree is.

The distinctive scent of the forest spreading subtly. The damp, fresh green earth exuding the vitality of life. The warm sunlight coexisting with cool shadows in the emerald realm.

The moment I step into that place, the World Tree’s distant call reaches me. A voice as innocent as a baby rather than a child. Seemingly well-rooted in good soil, the World Tree’s growth momentum is quite remarkable. Is it trying to become a tree that supports the world, living up to its name? Though following the name I gave, it might become a bit burdensome if it grows too large.

“Long time no see?”

[Protector!!!!]

“You’re growing well.”

Walking around the circumference of the tree, it takes a full minute with normal steps due to its immense thickness. Placing my hand on it, although I’m not sure if I can feel anything, I habitually pat it while talking.

[Today, some birds came by!]

What the World Tree does is no different from Yul. Just a big kid. Every time it sees me, it tells me everything that happened, which is actually quite fun. Through a child’s fresh perspective, I get to see the scenery of the forest.

[Elf friends want to visit our forest. Is it okay to allow them?]

“Hm?”

[I told them they could come if they got permission from the Protector!!]

“Where are the elf friends?”

[A bit far away! With Protector’s normal pace… about 40 days!]

“Can you communicate from such a distance?”

[Hoho. My roots go deep, so now it’s possible! I know everything that happens in the village and nearby areas!!]

“Is that so? Then, can I ask about what’s happening in the village?”

[Yes!! Today, Fireball scolded some bad guys! The bad guys tried to do nasty things to the kids who visit the Protector, so they’re bad guys! And…]

The World Tree excitedly reported every event happening in the village to me. The interesting part is that this information updates in real-time. Here, I can know what the kids are doing and what food is being eaten at which shop. Although the expressions are from the World Tree’s perspective, there’s no problem understanding them.

“Good job. Well done, our World Tree.”

[Woo-hoo!]

“The elf friends want to visit?”

[Yes! Will you allow them?]

“If they don’t cause big incidents or conflicts and can blend well with the people, I can convey that they’re welcome?”

[I’ll do that!!]

This newly discovered ability of the World Tree is incredibly useful. The ability to see and inform about distant places.

It seems quite joyful that it’s helpful. The World Tree smiled all day and spread happiness in all directions. Unexpectedly, through various conversations, there were many amusing stories, so our chat continued for quite a while.

“If anything happens in the village in the future, especially if something happens to our kids, let me know first, alright?”

[Yes!!]

Although it could deliver messages to me anywhere, it deliberately only spoke when I came to avoid disturbing me. Seeing this, I leave such instructions with relief that it’s growing up nicely.

In this way, an unexpected high-performance security system accidentally appeared in the village.

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