The being, dressed in loose-fitting clothes with a green color scheme similar to Esena’s, was undoubtedly the fairy of the World Tree towering before them.
Possessing an atmosphere far more mature than Esena’s, this woman had undoubtedly lived longer than anyone present. Her expression, graced with a gentle smile, radiated a feminine sense of motherhood. Considering the World Tree’s role, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to liken it to the mother of all living things.
Gazing at the fairy standing before the World Tree, Kousuke suddenly remembered the goddesses in the divine realm. He immediately realized the reason why. Although the World Tree’s fairy didn’t exude divine power, there was an indefinable atmosphere about her, similar to that of the goddesses.
Perhaps sensing Kousuke’s gaze, the World Tree’s fairy bowed her head once toward him and spoke. “Thank you for coming all the way here, despite being a god yourself.”
Kousuke hastily waved his hands in response. “No, no. Please spare me. While I am a god, I’m still a novice. More importantly, I was delighted to see such a place.” He said this from the bottom of his heart, with cold sweat trickling down his back.
In this world, from the perspective of a fairy and a god, a god’s position is far superior. However, looking at the state of this forest and the fairy’s demeanor, Kousuke felt she was not someone he could contend with. Of course, if he were to forcibly destroy this forest, he could probably think of a few methods, but he had no intention of doing so. Kousuke felt a deep sense of respect for a being who had maintained this forest for perhaps thousands, or even tens of thousands, of years.
Perhaps sensing Kousuke’s thoughts, or perhaps discerning his character through direct interaction, the World Tree’s fairy gave a small nod while maintaining her gentle smile. “Thank you. I am glad to hear you say that.”
After pausing for a moment, the World Tree’s fairy shifted her gaze from Kousuke to Shiomara, Kouhi, and Mitsuki. “It would be rude to have you standing the entire time, so please, come this way.”
As she spoke, the World Tree’s fairy raised her right hand. Instantly, the roots of the World Tree moved at the spot where she was standing, forming what appeared to be an impromptu table and chairs.
Kousuke and the others, who had been invited, sat down on the makeshift chairs. Though they were merely tree roots, they possessed a warmth akin to finely crafted woodwork. After everyone had settled into their seats, Kousuke voiced a sudden question. “Speaking of which, may I know your name?”
Kousuke intended it as a casual topic, but the World Tree’s fairy wore an expression of mild distress. “I apologize. I do not have a specific name like all of you do.”
Upon hearing this, Kousuke instinctively looked at Shiomara, who nodded in response to his gaze. “When I inherited the role of shrine maiden from my predecessor, I didn’t ask for a name either. Since I primarily interact with shrine maidens like myself, there was no opportunity to call her by name.”
“Would you like me, Kousuke-sama, to give you a name?” After listening to Shiomara’s explanation, the World Tree’s fairy looked at Kousuke with an expectant gaze for some reason. Kousuke, meeting her gaze, hesitated for a moment but ultimately shook his head. “I will refrain from doing so, as I cannot predict what might happen if I carelessly bestow a name upon a being like you.” The World Tree’s fairy’s expression turned disappointed upon hearing Kousuke’s reply.
Kousuke knew how important it was to give names in this world from the experience of naming familiars. If he hadn’t known this, he might have given her a name simply because she asked, but he couldn’t do so lightly now. Furthermore, his current status as an avatar of a god made it even more so. In such a state, Kousuke didn’t believe he should casually give a name to a being who clearly had a profound influence on the world.
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Although Kousuke had thought that there wouldn’t be drinks provided even with chairs and a table made from World Tree roots, his thinking was too optimistic. After exchanging a few words, cups filled with something floated and were placed on the table. Kousuke could see that spirits had brought the cups.
“I’m not sure if it will suit your tastes, but please drink,” the World Tree’s fairy said, gesturing to the cups with her hand. By the way, the cups were made of wood.
Kousuke, taking a sip, was surprised by the drink, which had a faint sweetness. “It’s… delicious.” The words escaped his lips, and the World Tree’s fairy’s expression became delighted. “Is that so? I’m glad.”
“No, it really is delicious. Right?” Kousuke, speaking his true feelings, turned to Kouhi and Mitsuki, who were also drinking, to confirm. “Mhm.” “It truly is,” they both nodded, having genuinely felt the same.
Tasting the flavor for the first time, Kousuke tilted his head and asked the World Tree’s fairy, “It’s truly delicious, but what is this?”
“My body fluid… though that might be a misstatement, it’s essentially like morning dew.” She didn’t elaborate further, but it was a drink made from collecting droplets gathered on the World Tree’s leaves. Hearing this, Kousuke was reminded of “World Tree’s [something]” from a certain game. While amusing himself with such carefree thoughts, Kousuke noticed Shiomara, who was also drinking, looking startled, making him reconsider and think, “Close, but not quite right.” Politely (?), Kousuke chose to ignore Shiomara’s expression.
While drinking this beverage and engaging in light conversation, the World Tree’s fairy suddenly said something incomprehensible. “Oh, speaking of which, the dewdrop you are taking care of seems to be doing well; is it in good spirits?”
“Huh? Dewdrop?” Kousuke tilted his head, completely bewildered. He had no idea what she was talking about when Esena tugged at his sleeve from the side, drawing his attention. “The ‘dewdrop’ refers to Colette-sama.”
“Ah, in that case, she’s doing fine… huh? Why would Colette be the dewdrops?” Kousuke became even more confused by Esena’s words.
The World Tree’s fairy watched their exchange, tilting her head for a while before a realization seemed to strike her, and she nodded. “Ah, Kousuke-sama, you didn’t know that Colette had eloped from this village.”
“…HaaaaaaaAAA?!” Kousuke exclaimed vociferously at the World Tree’s fairy’s words. Not only Kousuke, but Kouhi and Mitsuki were also surprised. They clearly knew nothing about it either. Also, Shiomara wore a surprised expression. “Colette was under the care of Kousuke-sama, was she…?” Hearing this, Kousuke finally understood that Colette had been raised in this village. Come to think of it, despite our long acquaintance, I don’t think I’ve ever asked about her original village in detail. There were also times when the atmosphere wasn’t right for such conversations, and Colette herself seemed reluctant to talk about it, so I deliberately avoided the topic. Kousuke unexpectedly learned of Colette’s place of origin.
And so, Colette’s past has finally been revealed. She was the only one of the five wives whose past hadn’t been explored. (Whether Silvia’s past counts is debatable lol.) The circumstances of her departure will be explained in the following chapters.
