Chapter 194

Just as the reception room wasn’t enough, Her Majesty the Queen herself stepped out and started walking after but a moment.

Remira voiced her concerns quietly beside the queen.

“Even so, it’s quite unusual for Your Majesty to personally guide someone like this….”

“Oh my. It’s not guidance at all! I just happen to have some spare time, so I’m heading over to pay respects to the Sacred Tree.”

Though her behavior was impeccable, every movement graceful like falling petals, and yet tinged with a melancholy that suggested something fading—this was still the queen.

“…….”

So formal, such self-serving excuses.

“Isn’t this more efficient? Don’t you think so too, Carriel?”

“Your words hold much wisdom.”

Hmm, efficiency…

…Or is it just laziness?

To endure such long ages is, in other words, to experience monotony in daily life.

Thus, welcoming a new breeze like this isn’t surprising—it’s almost expected.

…At least, on the surface.

While Carriel silently organized his thoughts.

Remira still looked dissatisfied, her expression stern though her eyes had narrowed slightly.

“But Your Highness, revealing our weaknesses so openly to him… I’m not sure if that’s wise.”

“I could answer for him if you’d allow it. If only you’d permit me, Your Highness.”

“Oh my. Why would I refuse such kindness?”

Remira observed the queen’s attitude, detached yet uninterested.

The queen’s immediate reaction of clasping her hands together with a smile felt like passing off an annoying burden—was this overly sensitive thinking, perhaps?

“This might sound like boasting, but…”

Regardless, Carriel turned his gaze toward Remira with a slight smirk.

“It’s because Your Highness revealed the truth to me based on what I’ve shown and proven during my journey here. That must be why.”

“Hmm, indeed.”

Her Majesty responded gently but cheerfully.

“First, there was how I helped make the Wolf Prince of Dabas the Crown Prince. Then there was mediating between feuding families in Vanus to prevent a fiefdom war, and later devising strategies in Metran to strengthen royal authority, which led to ministers carefully watching the king’s every move. Though my own safety did become somewhat precarious because of it, but hey, no big deal.”

…Is that really “no big deal”?

Killing the Knights of Glory, the son of a Great Warrior, is basically declaring war on the Empire.

A hostage’s value lies in their survival.

…If Carriel were to die, the full wrath of the Empire would descend without hesitation—an obvious certainty.

To even attempt assassination under such circumstances? This would essentially mean mutual destruction. Although in reality, it might amount to nothing more than self-abandonment.

“There are smaller accomplishments too, but I’ve always brought benefits, never harm, to those I’ve supported. Sure, there were risks involved, but they were inevitable side effects. When an opponent inevitably draws their weapon, we must face them head-on. In my case, I induced hidden daggers to be drawn, then exposed them as rusted weapons, thereby eliminating resistance through strategy and cunning. This was also an efficient way to prove my worth, even without strength.”

Whether spoken by a child or an elder, plans and schemes remain… unrelated to the one executing them.

…Though he lacked power or special abilities, being politically disadvantaged as a hostage, this was ultimately all he could prove—but that was enough.

This message was directed at Remira but implicitly conveyed to the queen as well.

Had it not been so, there wouldn’t have been any honorifics in his speech.

“It’s nearly impossible for a human child to be this perceptive. But in your case, Carriel, it’s not just intelligence—it’s innate talent, isn’t it?”

“I don’t see it that way.”

“That’s because you look up rather than down.”

One who fights struggles against beings far above, floating in lofty realms. Those consumed by admiration rarely feel envy.

Therefore, those who fight, those who never abandon challenges, and those who haven’t succumbed to despair will inevitably grow in some form or another.

“Could it have been due to exceptional educational guidance?”

The queen smiled, throwing in a compliment laced with admiration.

“Perhaps this modest talent was bestowed upon me by Heaven so I could serve someone as beautiful as Your Majesty?”

“My goodness, you speak so beautifully.”

Remira briefly clicked her tongue at the exchange between the two.

“Your Majesty’s beauty is undeniable. However, isn’t reacting so strongly to flattery from a human child a bit excessive?”

“Remira, dear. That’s disrespectful to Carriel. And besides, Carriel genuinely praises and blesses me with sincerity. This is truly special. Reducing it to mere flattery would be inappropriate.”

“? So does that mean others aren’t sincere?”

“Yes, unfortunately, that’s true.”

Saying so, the queen smirked.

That complex emotion rarely seen among elves flickered faintly but clearly—a hint of cynicism.

“Most life forms don’t truly know what they think, what they like, or what they desire.”

As Remira walked, she subtly adjusted her posture.

“Teach me, then.”

“It’s endlessly difficult yet simple: sincerity. Pure intent. Wholeheartedness. Most drift through life without ever understanding these concepts.”

“……?”

“If you don’t understand, then you simply don’t. Neither in your mind nor heart. In your case, Remira, it subtly manifests when you wield a bow or sword, but otherwise, it rarely surfaces. Recognizing it is even harder.”

“Ugh….”

When Remira began to ponder, Carriel added further explanation.

“Remira, imagine if you had to choose between protecting Her Highness from enemy threats and saving your own life. If you could save only one, what would you do?”

“Of course, I’d sacrifice myself. Without hesitation.”

“Exactly. That’s it.”

“……?”

Still bewildered, Remira received a shrug from Carriel and a gentle eye-smile from the queen.

“You explained it differently, but it makes sense. Still, if she doesn’t understand now, it’s not the right time.”

“Not at all. I understood what you said. If I’m correct, this means dedicating oneself fully, even risking one’s life, in every moment. Is that what you’re saying, Your Highness?”

“Indeed. The praise Carriel gives me carries that weight. It’s neither false nor mere flattery. That’s why I’m genuinely pleased. And while you claim to understand, it’s merely the surface. To truly grasp it requires deeper insight.”

For Remira, this seemed both easy and impossibly difficult.

Like trying to grasp wind.

“…I still don’t fully comprehend.”

“That too will come with time. Aren’t you still young?”

“But humans lie as naturally as breathing, right? Does that mean everything Carriel says is truth instead of falsehood?”

“That’s correct. Whatever Carriel says is always the truth. If our senses were as sharp as some races’, detecting lies would rely purely on physical reactions. Every being inherently holds a mix of good and evil, shaped by upbringing. Those inclined to curse and reject evil often reveal tension or hesitation unconsciously when lying or harboring ill intent. Sensitive individuals can perceive such discomfort to discern deceit.”

“But we’re different, aren’t we?”

“True. We sense energy. The unnatural aura emitted by actions, words, intentions, and its lingering traces help us easily determine authenticity.”

“…Then does that mean Carriel remains consistently calm and pure despite all this?”

“Exactly. He doesn’t lie. He speaks the truth with genuine intent.”

Carriel scratched the back of his head, feeling slightly awkward.

“Don’t worry; I appreciate your kind words for both of us.”

“If that’s the case, then gladly.”

“…….”

Something seemed hidden in their exchange again, incomprehensible to Remira.

She felt frustrated with her own limited intellect in such moments, even though it made her a diligent guardian.

It left her uneasy.

And sensing this, the queen offered light encouragement.

“Feeling anxious and aware of deficiencies is part of growth. Stagnation comes from misunderstanding the necessity and meaning of progress. Don’t worry. Keep striving like this, and I look forward to seeing you in a hundred years. Hehehe.”

Carriel added his voice.

“Remira, you’re still in your growing phase, so don’t rush.”

“…….”

This brat makes me want to cry unnecessarily.

Surely these aren’t words a human child should utter.

“And remember, since Carriel has snakes in his head, trusting everything he says might still be problematic. Keep that in mind.”

“……This is too hard, Your Highness.”

“That too will resolve with time, so don’t worry.”

After conversing thus for a while, how long had they walked?

The World Tree, always visible everywhere, now filled their entire field of vision regardless of looking back.

“And this is the main topic, Carriel. You mentioned not getting along well with spirits, right? Perhaps here, you might find a small clue. I hope this brings you positive progress.”

“As you say, the spirits seem to avoid me because of the snake in my head. Even Geoffrey said there’s nothing to be done about it.”

“That’s because she follows the path of magic. There are few who surpass us in handling spirits.”

“Still, isn’t it strange for the fiancé of fairies to not handle spirits well?”

“Better than not using them at all, isn’t it?”

…There he goes again.

Remira frowned involuntarily at the abrupt shift in conversation.

“Your Highness, are you truly considering arranging a marriage between Carriel and our people? And… Carriel, are you okay with this?”

At this, Carriel grinned wryly.

“Remira, human males have an intense obsession and desire for partners, mates, and spouses. Personally, I believe a man should have at least ten wives. All of them, envied by the entire world!”

“T-That’s disgusting! Greedy! Your Highness! Look at him! How could we possibly give our precious daughters to someone like him…?”

Instead of scolding, the queen defended Carriel.

“If it contributes to the continent’s peace, even partially, why not?”

“Eh?”

What absurd logic is this?

But the queen’s next words shocked Remira even more.

“In return, if you tie yourself to me, you’ll have to stay here for the rest of your life.”

“To spend eternity with Your Highness, I’d gladly endure much more than that.”

“Even so, there’s always room for reconsideration… After deep thought, I’d like you to share your optimal conclusion with me later.”

“You keep reverting to old-fashioned language. Feel free to be more casual.”

“Centuries of refined eloquence aren’t easily changed, huh? Hehehe.”

“It’s fine. That aspect suits you well.”

Wha-wha-wha-how can he say such embarrassing things without blinking?

“Hehehe!”

Seeing the queen receive his words purely and joyfully, Remira felt a pang of suspicion in her lower abdomen.

“Hmm?”

As they approached the World Tree, altars of various sizes and crowds gradually came into view.

Some elves simply filled cups with water and prayed.

Others lit fires on platforms, deeply engrossed in prayer. The diversity was striking.

And there seemed to be no distinction between high elves and regular elves here.

“If you wish to visit the World Tree alone later, follow this path.”

“Understood.”

Carriel nodded calmly, prompting the queen to smile and inquire.

“Didn’t you wonder why I didn’t call or guide you directly here from the start?”

“I assumed it was due to Your Highness’s wise foresight and thoughtful consideration.”

“My goodness, thank you for saying so.”

Smiling brightly, the queen added:

“Remira, outsiders and foreign races aren’t usually allowed to worship the Sacred Tree. The ones making it possible are Your Highness and the 14 Councilors.”

“Remira, Carriel knows all this already. How many days has he been here? Do you think he wouldn’t know?”

“…….”

With a skeptical glance, Carriel tilted his chin upward, gazing at the World Tree as if admiring distant mountains.

“Even so, is he truly sincere?!”

“He hasn’t lied, has he?”

“How could…?”

Suddenly changing his tone, Carriel began to sniffle.

“Remira, you’re giving me a chance to express myself like this. Why won’t you understand my deep feelings? It hurts my heart.”

“My goodness, that’s definitely sincere too.”

“Your Highness!”

Why do these two keep teasing me like this? Am I imagining things? Or am I overthinking?

“Look at how adorable.”

“So cute for his age.”

……Please explain this properly so I can understand! Your Highness! Carriel!

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