This is how I remember becoming a Thief of the Laws of Wood.
“I’ll never forget this, no matter how much time passes…”
That day, I committed suicide.
There’s no mistake about it. I became a Thief of the Laws of Wood by crushing the heart of the Ruling King in order to become the Chancellor.
All of it was to live as the Chancellor.
I had to be the best Chancellor worthy of the Ruling King, in order to be myself.
Being a capable Chancellor—everything else is a hindrance. A burden. Unnecessary. I don’t need it.
Otherwise, I wouldn’t understand why I crushed my own heart.
“—…Teacher?”
As I was lost in thought alone for an extended period, a voice echoed from afar.
But in my mind, I shook my head, saying “No” to that voice.
I am not a “Teacher,” I am the “Chancellor.”
I have no reason to be proud of being a “Teacher” in that castle.
A being of that caliber cannot protect the country.
I am the Chancellor.
Because I am the Chancellor, I can stand beside the Ruling King.
I still think it now.
I want to stand beside the Ruling King! I want to! …!!
And yet—!!
“—The vengeful enemy, Shiso Uzunami, has appeared!!”
Standing beside the Ruling King now is that man again.
The man called the ancestor of this world, Aikawa Uzunami, despite being a foreigner.
“Ruling King… Why, with that man again…”
I gritted my teeth and cursed the current situation.
No, I envied it.
I understand.
Ultimately—no matter how much I rationalized it, that’s what it comes down to.
“Ah, if only you hadn’t appeared… Because of you, I ended up alone…”
As I thought about Shiso Uzunami, I remembered my own end a thousand years ago.
At that time, I had no one beside me.
Of course, there were soldiers.
There were people I could rely on.
There were generals who respected me.
There were young officers I had trained.
I was surrounded by many demons.
Everyone was there.
—But, no one was there.
Beside me, who had become ageless, none of my past friends could keep up.
The demons I shared the orphanage with were all in their graves, and not a single person truly understood me.
Naturally, it’s because I had dedicated everything to the Ruling King. It’s the natural consequence, as I had vowed a life where I needed nothing else as long as the Ruling King was by my side.
In the end, at the end of that life—the Ruling King was not beside me.
With no one to understand me, I was utterly alone—
“—Teacher! We are here! Please hold on!”
My shoulder was clapped, and my body swayed.
I heard voices again.
This time, they were loud, right by my ear.
Ah, troublesome…
Don’t lightly call me Teacher… You know nothing…
“Teacher! Everyone, call out to him too! He’s like that again, just like last time!”
“I know. Those who can use healing magic, use it with all your might. I don’t know the cause, but it’s better than not doing it!”
“Wake up! Teacher, everyone is waiting!!”
Before I knew it, Magic Stone Humans I didn’t know the names of had gathered around me.
All of them were the same as the blue-haired Magic Stone Human from before… Ah, I can’t recall the name.
They were the ones who, after their treatment was finished, expressed a desire to work in this castle.
Most of them were too young to work in the castle, but too strong to live in the castle town.
So, I prepared a “place” for them. Not just within the castle, but I changed the environment of the continent so they could live everywhere.
Perhaps that’s why…
Somehow, their number increased, and somehow I became endeared to them, and I feel like they’re always clinging to me…
I’ve been involved in the salvation of Magic Stone Humans myself, but I can’t believe it now.
Why did I help so many Magic Stone Humans in this past year?
Why…?
Was it because the first one to reach the fortieth floor of the labyrinth and summon me to this era was a Magic Stone Human, Hairi-sama?
Was I interested as a researcher in a Magic Stone Human like Nosfy-sama?
Or did I simply pity their circumstances?
Unlike a thousand years ago, I can recall about a year ago without much strain.
When I was summoned to this era, I first treated Hairi. Then, as I listened to her story for the treatment, I learned various things about this era.
At that time, my body naturally moved, I found the research institute that produced Magic Stone Humans, exposed its true nature, and turned it to ruins. The first Magic Stone Human I saved then… was Rouge, I believe.
Her real name was Protoes. I learned she was sin itself born of the continent and an existence created by humans to oppress, and I… I believe I got angry.
Ah, that’s right.
I got angry, so I wanted to help the Magic Stone Humans.
The fog in my mind cleared a little.
“—Teacher. We are here, so please tell us anything… Don’t bear it all alone…”
“Eh…? Ah, ah, yes…”
From the slightly cleared fog, hands reached out.
There, I remembered that I was now in the throne room of Viaisia Castle.
Magic Stone Humans who were worried about me were around me.
One of them—a blue-haired Magic Stone Human—gripped my right hand.
She must have been worried about me, who had been lost in thought and unresponsive.
Both of her hands were very warm.
“I’m sorry… I zoned out a little again…”
But looking at those beautiful hands, I thought—it wasn’t like that.
It wasn’t like that.
Her hands were more like… that person’s…
“Teacher, you’ve been strange lately… Always zoning out… Since you have everyone, please talk to us more about your worries…”
“You’re right. I rely on everyone. I wasn’t thinking about my worries just now, I was just reminiscing, so don’t worry. I was just talking with an old acquaintance a moment ago…”
“If that’s the case, then it’s fine…”
This is not a story that concerns them.
As I tried to cover it up with a flimsy excuse, one of the Magic Stone Humans proposed an irrelevant topic.
“Um, um! Teacher! When is the next study session? It’s been a long time since the last one, hasn’t it? I want you to teach us many things again…!”
After carefully considering how to refuse, I shook my head.
“I still have many things I want to teach you… I’m sorry. I probably won’t hold any more study sessions. …The time has come.”
“Eh…? But, everyone is looking forward to it…”
I continued to shake my head at the persistent Magic Stone Humans.
It’s no longer the time to play pretend Teacher.
This is a “pretend play.” A child’s pretend game.
“Things have gotten too serious for that. We need to conduct the activation experiment of the ‘Castle’ as soon as possible.”
Think only of winning against Shiso Uzunami.
I need to bet everything I’ve built up until today for that.
“You’re going to activate the ‘Castle’? Certainly, the preparations are complete, but… why so suddenly…?”
This “Castle” is my last resort—no, it’s the last resort for the northern countries.
It’s only natural that the “Magic Stone Human” with blue hair would react when it’s activated.
“An enemy that requires its activation is approaching. Please tell the townspeople to evacuate, perhaps by saying that the main force of the Southern Alliance has advanced into the castle town.”
“An enemy? Is that the one you were talking about earlier? Are those people the main force of the enemy…?”
“No, they are beings that cannot be compared to that army of playthings. Two legends that threatened the entire continent a thousand years ago—anyone caught would instantly die.”
“Legends from a thousand years ago, you mean like the ‘Ruling King’ and the Apostle…?”
“Yes. So, you all should evacuate as well. The inside of the castle will be emptied.”
No one else is needed.
Only those chosen a thousand years ago should be in this castle.
This is a battle for those who know that I am the “Chancellor” from a thousand years ago.
“Wait! We want to stay and help—”
“Only the ‘Thief of Principles’ and the Apostle will remain here. Frankly, any other combat power would just be a hindrance.”
I clearly tell them they are in the way.
The “Magic Stone Human” who heard this looked sad and gripped the hem of their clothes tightly. If one looked closely, those around them had the same expression.
Then, they bit their lips and nodded regretfully.
“…Understood.”
I know those expressions and emotions better than anyone.
That’s why I almost make a similar face myself. However, they would undoubtedly get in the way of the battle against Shiso Uzunami and his group. Calmly, I turn my back and give instructions impersonally.
“Well then, please proceed as decided beforehand. The situation is a critical one, corresponding to scenario B. Please evacuate swiftly.”
“…Understood. I will inform everyone immediately.”
The voice that replied was also businesslike.
This gives me a little peace of mind.
Then, the “Magic Stone Humans” who were nearby exchanged glances and scattered into the castle.
“Phew. Well, things are about to get busy. First, I need to speak with the Apostle…”
Left alone, I immediately turn my gaze towards the throne.
There sat the black-haired king with sleepy eyes—”Aikawa Hidaki.” Beside her, “Diablo Sis,” who houses the Apostle, was happily talking to the king.
It was as if the argument that had just taken place between me and the “Magic Stone Humans” nearby was completely unnoticed.
The two are as usual.
They are always together. Dia is always talking to Hidaki—even though we guided them to be this way, I wish they would pay a little more attention to their surroundings.
As I approach the throne, I call out.
“Dia. Excuse me, but could you switch with Sis?”
Dia, who had been talking to Hidaki unilaterally, looks at me.
My calling her name seems to have finally caught her attention.
“Hmm, this is our time, you know.”
However, she pouts her lips and tries to reject my request.
“I’m sorry… It’s an urgent matter.”
It’s nice to see Dia, who has an unfortunate birth, showing a child’s expression, but I can’t back down today.
“…I understand. Finish up quickly. I have something to do with Christ later.”
Seeing that I, who had indulged her until today, would not back down, Dia, sensing the importance of my request, closes her eyes.
Simultaneously, the power leaves her body, and the quality of the magical energy she wears changes.
Soon after, Dia looks up and shows a smile that she, as Dia, would never make.
Seeing the “Switch,” I speak to my intended conversation partner.
“You’re here, Sis.”
“…I heard everything from inside. Finally.”
She replies in the same voice as Dia, but her tone is clearly different.
What is here now is not the pure and harmless girl, but the legendary Apostle who once made a name for herself in the world—Sis.
“But I haven’t seen Idol get so worked up in a while. Even declaring a duel to her ally… Honestly, can you win?”
Sis politely greets the black-haired girl beside her and takes a step away from the throne.
Dia has the skill “Over-Protection,” but Sis does not, making it possible for her to act freely.
“I believe the win rate is fifty-fifty… Frankly, it’s a win rate I’d rather not fight for. However, I must win against Shiso Uzunami and prove to the ‘Ruling King’ that I am superior to him. Therefore, I absolutely cannot back down.”
“I’m not telling you to back down.”
Sis shakes her head with a very casual tone and fiddles with her hair.
Her demeanor shows that she is not particularly interested in my battle.
“With this ‘Castle,’ my attacks will eventually reach him. Although it was used against Apostle Diplakla a thousand years ago, not against Shiso Uzunami, it was originally meant to defeat him. Finally, I can show you its true form.”
“You’ve been taking care of me for this past year, haven’t you? Are you planning to release it all in a duel?”
“Yes, this is the only power I can be proud of. I will fight Shiso Uzunami head-on using the ‘Castle’.”
“But if you use the ‘Castle’ for an ally, the Royal Capital’s forces will naturally be depleted. If the ‘Southern Alliance’ attacks then, won’t they steal everything easily? Are you okay with this war you’ve nurtured so far?”
“…It doesn’t matter. Even if this war ends, as long as one of the ‘Ruling Kings’ remains, we can start over as many times as we want. It doesn’t affect the overall situation, no matter how the ‘Southern Alliance’ moves now.”
“Well, that may be true for the Idols. But will the other countries in the ‘Northern Alliance’ agree to that? Isn’t it a bit sad?”
“I don’t care about the opinions of the countries that use this ‘Viais’ as a buffer. They lack the power or the courage to condemn our actions. Besides, preparations to annex the entire northern continent are already complete for emergencies.”
“Eh, already? …This ‘Border War’—no, this continent is truly in the palm of Idol’s hand.”
“It wouldn’t normally go this smoothly. However, the ‘Great Cataclysm’ a year ago left significant gaps in both sides. There were many remnants from a thousand years ago, including the Apostles, so it could be resolved with diplomacy alone. Honestly, it was very easy.”
“Easy? The sleepless days were easy…? I didn’t really understand because it’s outside my expertise, but you’re truly amazing. I finally understand now.”
“That’s not true. I’m an ordinary person. …More importantly, Shiso Uzunami is more important right now. From your perspective, Sis, do you think the ‘Castle’ will work against him?”
“Since it’s the same magic that sealed Diplakla, I think you can be confident. If successful, it should be able to seal even an ally. Of course, that’s if it’s successful.”
“Yes, I will succeed. I won’t make any more mistakes. Never—”
Being indirectly told that success is somewhat difficult, I retort strongly.
With the win rate being balanced, one cannot win if they waver. I glared at Sis, vowing to succeed.
Sistama’s eyes widened slightly in surprise as she saw it, then she let out a small laugh.
“Ahaha, this is a little amusing. To think that Idol would get this worked up. It’s like… watching a younger brother try to compete with his older sister’s boyfriend.”
Sola was deeply offended by this assessment and also surprised. He immediately corrected this unfair judgment.
“A younger brother…? No, that’s not it. This is, in a sense, a rivalry with a peer. As a subject of the King, it’s the spirit of not wanting to lose to other subjects. As ‘Chancellor’, I cannot afford to lose.”
“Hmm, this is as ‘Chancellor’, huh… Such a competitive climb. Well, if that’s how it is, then it’s fine. If you’re alright with it, then I will fully support you. Because that’s the ‘Contract’, isn’t it?”
Sistama fended off his words with an adult’s demeanor and confirmed the promise they had made a year ago. Indeed, all that mattered was the ‘Contract’. There was no need for her to understand his thoughts.
“Yes, this is the ‘Contract’ for this very moment. Sistama, please hold back the true ‘Ruling King’ with Lord Hidaki.”
“Understood. I promise not to let my meddlesome older sister interfere with your little spat. …However, could I ask for one small thing?”
“Please, don’t hesitate to ask. We are allies, after all.”
“May I speak with my allies before the fight? Just for a little while.”
“Do you wish to meet them? I would prefer to suppress any irregular actions if possible…”
He showed his displeasure at her unexpected proposal.
“I want to offer them surrender before the fight. You see, I’m a pacifist.”
He narrowed his eyes at her. Honestly, he didn’t believe that the woman before him was a pacifist. Just as he had his own intentions, she undoubtedly had hers. If he were to forcefully restrain her now, she would undoubtedly act on her own. Apostles were such beings. In that case, it would be better for her to do something reckless within his line of sight.
“…Very well. However, if it becomes dangerous, I will intervene immediately.”
He emphasized this out of caution, knowing that she, unlike him, would unlikely find herself in danger due to her superior abilities.
“Thank you. Well then, I suppose I’d better hurry and get ready. Fufu, this is going to be busy.”
With that, Sistama closed her eyes again. The strength left her body as before—and her inner self changed. The alluring gestures of Sista disappeared, replaced by the masculine movements of Dia. As her eyes snapped open, she let out a click of her tongue.
“…Tch. Sista just decided that on her own. My schedule is all messed up. I had plans to go to that new restaurant in town with two people tomorrow.”
While slightly amused by her cute display of anger, he admonished her.
“I apologize. I thought the enemy attack would take a few more days… but they might arrive as early as tomorrow.”
“Haa, I get it, I get it. Alright then, Christ, let’s get ready. Here, give me your hand.”
As she said this, Dia reached out her hand to Aikawa Hidaki, who was her proxy for the ‘Ruling King’ seated on the throne, and the proxy for the Explorer Christ.
“………N.”
Hidaki reacted slightly to this, took the offered hand, and stood up. Then, with the unsteady steps of a sleepwalker, she followed Dia. Astonished by the talent of this ‘Thief of the Principles of Water’ who could move so much even while 99% asleep, he called out to the two girls walking away.
“I’m entrusting her to you, Lord Dia. Once we’re outside the castle, we don’t know what might happen. Please protect her.”
“Ah, the ‘Ruling King’—Christ is my comrade. I will absolutely not let her be in danger. I will never let her go again. Never…”
Perhaps it was because he brought up what he needed to protect, but he received a clear reply. Then, as if to uphold his words, he firmly grasped Hidaki’s hand and left the throne room.
Thus, he was left alone in the throne room. Without a moment’s rest, he began his own preparations. To defeat Shiso Uzunami, meticulous preparation was necessary. He intended to use everything he could prepare without any carelessness.
He left the throne room and walked through the corridors of Viaisia Castle. His first destination was the workshop on the side of the castle, a massive forging facility that handled all the metalwork for the entire castle. The workshop had a tower-like appearance but was a single story. It had a high ceiling with numerous horizontal windows, allowing for effective temperature control according to the work being done.
He walked to the facility and immediately entered. At the same time, he was greeted.
“—Ah, Teacher! You’re in great spirits today too. Please take a look!”
In the workshop, the people he had trained were displaying their talents to the fullest. One of them, a ‘Magic Stone Human’ with brown hair, spotted him coming to check on things and enthusiastically ran over to him. While searching for the item he needed, he spoke with the ‘Magic Stone Human’.
“You’ve made… quite a lot again…”
Numerous metal items were lined up on the surrounding workbenches. It was immediately clear that this ‘Magic Stone Human’ possessed exceptional skill in the workshop.
“I’m confident in each and every one of them! Thanks to the ‘Divine Iron Smithing’ you taught me, all these metalworks are very durable!”
“Yes, I’m sure they are. You were a very quick learner. You must have had a talent for being a craftsman.”
Unlike himself, the ‘Magic Stone Humans’ were multi-talented. Watching them master in a few days what had taken him years to learn gave him a slightly complex feeling as a teacher, but thanks to that, the weapons and armor of Viaisia Country were now among the best on the continent.
“Thank you, Teacher! Lately, thanks to my work being recognized, orders for ‘Magic Stone Lines’ have been coming in from all over, so I’m a bit overwhelmed. It’s a happy problem to have!”
He recalled that a few months ago, they had reviewed the water management and ‘Magic Stone Lines’ in each town. It seemed that the impact was extending this far. As long as he left it to them, the framework of Viaisia Country would be secure.
“Is that so… Um, could I see things other than ‘Magic Stone Lines’ and metalworks as well? I need weapons.”
“Weapons? Um, a special order for you, Teacher, is, I believe, over there…!”
The brown-haired ‘Magic Stone Human’ scurried around the ‘workshop’, gathering equipment for him. First, a rough wooden bracer was placed on a workbench.
“A bracer? Is this armor made from the wood of the divine tree in the garden…?”
It was a special weapon, crafted using the ‘Divine Iron Smithing’ skill but containing no iron at all. It was an armament completely for a ‘Thief of the Laws of Wood’.
“This is the one you requested a while ago, Teacher. Did you think I’d forgotten? Honestly, as if I could forget! It’s your fault for not coming to pick it up!”
“Hahaha…”
It seemed it was he who had forgotten. Lately, his memory had been quite poor… He was fine when it came to work, but when it involved himself, he was apparently hopeless.
“Thank you. Our enemy this time is quite skilled in swordsmanship. This will put my mind at ease.”
Honestly, there was no way I could feel at ease against Shiso Uzunami, but I put on a brave face for the Magic Stone Human who had prepared my weapon.
She happily handed me gauntlets, her eyes sparkling. Even without words, I understood her wish clearly. Reluctantly, I put on the gauntlets, moved to the open space in the workshop, and did some light warm-up exercises.
“…Ah. Well, please excuse me for a moment.”
Then, I practiced the basic forms that General Volz had taught me. Just as he had taught me, I diligently and deliberately confirmed each movement – I swung my arm down with force, rotated my hips, and cut through the air with my feet, then thrust both hands forward from my waist.
“Th-that’s amazing speed! I couldn’t see your movements at all! As expected, Master, you’re strong!”
The Magic Stone Human clapped her hands and praised me. Indeed, I had performed better than I expected. It seemed that even though my memories were hazy, my body still remembered. My skills, “Martial Arts” and “Self-Defense,” seemed to be in order.
However, I still felt this way—
“Hahaha, not at all.”
“No, it absolutely is!”
—I felt too weak.
“Master is strong?”
Absolutely not. I was weak, no matter how I looked at it. Even if I could defeat everyone in this castle with my martial arts, I would likely lose in a competition among the “Thieves of Principles.” I was even doubtful if I could even contend with the weakened Shiso Uzunami right now… Even if my “Martial Arts” stats were higher than his, there was a possibility he would surpass me during our fight.
“I’ve also prepared rings and bracelets that match your magic, made of wood, of course. Ah, but please try out the magic in the garden. It might cause a fire in here.”
“Yes, thank you for helping me with everything. I’ll head to the garden then.”
“Yes, have a good trip.”
While I was checking my martial arts forms, the Magic Stone Human had apparently gathered all the equipment for the “Thief of the Laws of Wood” in the workshop. After receiving them, I left the workshop.
As I walked through the corridor, I put on the equipment. I wore a simple wooden ring on my finger, then put on the specialized leather gloves over it. I passed the bracelet through the gap between the leather gloves and the gauntlets, leaving no space. After securing the gauntlets to my arms, I put on the chestplate under my clothes.
Along the way, I passed by many of the castle’s subordinates. Viaisia Castle was home to people of all stations. Not only in age and race, but it was also filled with Magic Stone Humans and even slaves. This was an unheard-of situation in other castles.
People I passed on the path greeted me.
“—Good morning. Great Leader Aid.”
Some of them had been serving the castle even before I took over the north. And, unlike in some memories, the voices greeting me were all filled with goodwill.
“—Hehe. Mr. Aid, it’s a beautiful day today. On days like these, our work really progresses.”
“Lord Aid, I will have the girls bring you the report on the recent expedition later. Please take a look.”
“Ah, speaking of which, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you later. A revised plan has been completed, and I’d like your opinion—”
Returning answers as the “Chancellor” to these voices, I continued to walk down the corridor. By doing things befitting a “Chancellor,” my mind felt a little clearer. With steady steps, I reached the castle’s courtyard.
This courtyard was more than ten times the size of the throne room. It might very well be the largest garden in the world.
There was no ceiling to this garden, and many plants thrived under the open sky. It featured not only colorful flowerbeds but also a wide variety of trees. The trunks and leaves of these trees served as walls and ceilings, turning the garden into a mini-maze.
The maze was three-dimensional. Bridges were made by connecting planks between trees, and wooden stairs led to the tops of the trees. In the center of this three-dimensional maze was an open space covered with grass. This area was both a garden and a “training ground.”
I advanced to that special “training ground” and stopped, observing the people around me. Many people were in the courtyard. Courtiers, researchers, guests from foreign countries— Some were tending to the trees and flowerbeds. Others were training on the lawn. Some had brought tables out onto the “training ground” to chat. And some, in a corner of the flowerbeds, held instruments for magical experiments.
“Ah, Master!? The test for plant number one hundred and eleven is complete! Look at this!”
One of the Magic Stone Humans near the flowerbed noticed my arrival and called out. Her voice alerted the others, who began to murmur, “It’s Master,” and “Master is here.” With a slight frown, I returned their greetings with a forced smile.
“Good morning, everyone.”
The Magic Stone Human who had first called out quickly ran up to me with a joyful expression. She then reported the results of her work.
“I’ve gotten one step closer to the ideal tree! With a species this resistant to cold, we can surely help the people struggling in the far north! What’s more, the fruit is significantly larger than before! This will fill our stomachs nicely!”
The Magic Stone Human pointed to a fruit-bearing tree planted in a corner of the garden. Within the garden’s flowerbeds were areas that could be called fields, where improved grains were growing. In other words, this was also an “experimental site.” Most of these crops were improved using my power as a “Thief of the Laws of Wood.”
“As expected. It was the right decision to leave the care to you. …However, while that tree that fills our stomachs is important, are the other plants doing well too?”
“Of course, those are growing properly as well!”
The Magic Stone Human guided me to a flowerbed in the opposite corner. What spread out before me were clusters of vibrant flowers in colors like red, blue, purple, and yellow—a patch of poisonous flowers and weeds that one would rarely see in daily life. In the past, I had used them as a supplement for medicine, but now I no longer needed to take care of the Magic Stone Humans. The time had come to convert all of these into “combat” materials.
I also confirmed the progress of carnivorous plants that harmed people and plants that reacted and moved to magic. After thanking the Magic Stone Human who had taken care of them, I delivered my message.
“Thank you for your hard work until today. However, I hate to say this to you who have cared for them, but the time has come to ‘use’ all of this…”
The Magic Stone Human’s smile stiffened upon hearing my words. But I continued to convey the reality without mercy.
“Some of you may have already heard… An enemy has arrived who requires us to utilize this ‘castle’ and fully open up the ‘garden.’ Therefore, this place is now closed to the public.”
“…Yes. I heard a report about this garden earlier. B-but, is it true that the enemy is so formidable that we must close the garden? An enemy that requires the entire ‘castle’ to be used… honestly, I…”
“It is true. He will undoubtedly be the greatest enemy of my life. Even using everything I possess, it will be a close match at best. …Therefore, I request that you evacuated.”
With a sharp tone, she emphasizes that such obstacles like “Magic Stone Humans” are unnecessary.
“…I understand.”
Sensing her understanding, she nods her head, dejected.
But she quickly raises her face again to ask about the aftermath of the battle.
“B-but, once this battle is over, everyone can return to the ‘Castle’, right? Just like always?”
“…That’s right. Once everything is over, then again—”
Honestly, against that Shiso Uzunami, there was a high probability that the castle and garden would be destroyed.
Nevertheless, she nods back, protecting this “Magic Stone Human’s” dream.
“—We’ll live together again. We still have plenty of work to do, you know.”
“Yes! Then I’ll get ready! I’ll be waiting for you to come back, Teacher!!”
The “Magic Stone Human” smiles brightly and invites the others in the ‘Garden’ to begin evacuating.
Watching her back, she feels relieved.
She thought some might try to stay in the castle by force, but they are more understanding than expected.
Perhaps they all believe that she will win against the enemy.
They probably mistake her for strong because they don’t know true powerhouses like Shiso Uzunami.
Thanks to that, the obstacles were smoothly cleared from the garden.
This way, there’s no need to worry or be worried about.
She can concentrate on refining her magic.
After confirming that no one was left, she places her hand on one of the trees in the garden. This tree is particularly thick and large in the garden, still maintaining its solemnity despite being covered in lush green moss, clearly indicating it is an ancient tree that has seen many years.
This is her trump card, the “World Tree.”
Unlike the first one used a thousand years ago, this second one has no flaws.
It is small now as it has not yet been activated, but if its full power is unleashed, it will become larger than the first one. This time, it might swallow an entire country, not just a castle.
If it succeeds, she is confident she can defeat any “Thief of Principles.”
She channels magic into her trump card, the “World Tree”—directly connecting and synchronizing it with “Viais Castle.”
“—Magic: Wood Growth.”
A basic reinforcement magic of the wood attribute is activated—and the garden pulsates vibrantly.
With the crackling sound of dry wood, the “World Tree” begins to move as if it were alive.
More accurately, it grows at an astonishing rate, making it appear to be moving.
In an instant, the trunk expands manifold, branches divide endlessly, and roots begin to surface, unable to be contained by the ground.
As the “World Tree” changes, the surrounding plants are also affected. They similarly grow at high speed, becoming several times their original size.
All the garden’s plants grow and take root, encroaching not only on the ‘Garden’ but also on the stone materials that constitute the ‘Castle.’
Roots run through the walls, establishing themselves like a spider’s web throughout the castle’s corridors and rooms—everywhere.
This is the power of a “Thief of the Laws of Wood.”
If this continues, the ‘Castle’ will be swallowed by the ‘Garden.’
The spot where she is now standing will become the heart, a living ‘Castle.’
The thick trunk will be the bones, and the intertwined roots will be the blood vessels.
The overgrown moss and leaves will become its skin, allowing the giant from long ago to be ‘Reborn.’
Of course, this may still be insufficient to face Shiso Uzunami.
A massive body is merely one of her hands.
The activation experiment of the ‘Castle’ must be concluded quickly, and preparations for the next step must begin.
She speaks the magic name, hastening its completion.
“—Magic: Wood Yumir Kingdom.”
Honestly, the previous performance was not enough to confirm her ‘Martial Arts.’ She also needs to reconfigure various plants considering their synergy with magic.
She wants to prepare new seeds for the duel and also needs to consult with ‘Her,’ who was tasked with inscribing incantations onto the trees.
There is still much to do.
While constructing a plan in her mind, she also checks on the enemy.
“—Magic: Trees Contact.”
She channels magic from the ‘White Cherry’ in the garden down to the ground, extending her magical senses to another ‘White Cherry’ in the distance.
She probes the movements of her distant duel opponent, Shiso Uzunami.
She has already memorized his magic. As long as the ‘White Cherry’ trees planted in various countries over the past year are present, she can track him unless he is in an exceptionally remote area.
Closing her eyes, she senses two powerful magics in the south of the continent.
Magic of the dimensional attribute and magic of the wind attribute—undoubtedly, the Ancestor and the Demon King.
However, the movement of that magic is strangely fast.
She can tell they have left the ‘Second Labyrinth City Daril’ via carriage or something similar and are heading straight north. They are likely using all their wealth and power to reach her as quickly as possible.
Beside those two magics, she also senses Snow-sama’s non-attributed magic, seemingly the Commander-in-Chief of the South. And this—is it perhaps magic of the star attribute?
“Noir…? No, Rouge?”
It seems one of them is accompanying Shiso Uzunami, guiding him.
She ponders for a moment, unable to understand the reason.
However, she quickly dismisses it as unimportant.
Although the two of them had been acting together continuously a year ago, they have met far less frequently recently. They have likely grown and acquired new values in her absence. That’s all there is to it.
Rather, it’s a fortunate development.
With them, well-known in the ‘Northern Alliance,’ leading the way, there will be fewer unexpected incidents on the journey, and the enemy’s arrival can be calculated more easily.
Even if they were to appear as enemies alongside Shiso Uzunami, it would be of no concern to her.
The childish ‘pretend play’ of ‘Teacher’ and ‘Student’ is over.
“Shiso Uzunami…!”
More importantly, she needs to focus on the enemy.
She has no time to dwell on trivial matters.
What she needs to consider now is defeating Shiso Uzunami. To report to the ‘Ruling King’ that she has grown stronger again in the past year. To prove that she is worthy of standing by his side as ‘Chancellor’—
Ah, that’s right.
Her ‘Lingering Desire’ is to be a ‘Chancellor’ worthy of standing beside the ‘Ruling King’—she must not think about anything else.
“I am the ‘Chancellor’ of Viais… I am the ‘Chancellor’…”
In the very center of Viais Castle—at the heart of its courtyard, she mutters.
Transforming her body into a treant, she extends roots from her feet, branches from her arms to connect with the castle, and communing with the plants of Viais, body and soul, she thinks as the ‘Castle’s’ heart and brain.
“I will win… This time, I will challenge you and win… And I will prove that my being ‘Chancellor’ was not a mistake… Otherwise, I—”
Knowing that her voice will not reach Shiso Uzunami, she continues to speak.
Repeating the word ‘Chancellor,’ she waits for the two of them to return to the Viais Country, abandoned by Shiso Uzunami and the ‘Ruling King.’
This will likely be the last task she can perform as the ‘Chancellor’ who clung to Viais until today.
Alone in the castle as the ‘Chancellor,’ she continues to whisper.
“Uzunami… Shiso Uzunami… ‘Ruling King’… Hurry, hurry—…”
She continues to whisper, praying that it won’t be too late—
