At the End of the Hidden Greenery - Chapter 134

Of course. Now it was becoming unclear whether she should continue calling her a ‘female manifestation.’

The idea that a female manifestation, capable of living independently, would create a group seemed like a burdensome effort to gather others. It was something unnecessary, which meant she likely wouldn’t even look back unless they humbly begged.

“I can see them dressed up beautifully because they didn’t want to lose you to me … how annoying.”

“Haha…”

Jiwoo scratched her head at that remark. She had misinterpreted their intentions, feeling a bit hurt because she thought they were trying to follow a more favorable female manifestation.

However, it turned out they had secretly dressed up to impress Jiwoo.

Now she understood why they had tried to hide their preparations. It made sense. It wouldn’t be ideal for the subject to impress to enter and observe.

Unlike when they were dressing up, once complete, they would adjust their clothing and smile brightly every time they made eye contact with her.

And then there was Helka, suddenly calling her ‘dear’ and flaunting their close relationship. It seemed this matter had posed a significant threat to them.

‘I had no idea…’

Feeling much more at ease, Jiwoo spoke comfortably to Lofrel.

“Still, thank you for caring. I really intend to refuse.”

“You don’t like my gift?”

“…It’s not that. If possible, could you give me a different gift? I’d like to become friends with you.”

She was sincere.

Lofrel reminded Jiwoo of the alchemists of the outer wall who were supposedly searching for Akarna back in Caranazion. They had been trying to rescue those being exploited in the temple.

From the perspective of the female manifestations here, the children of Ellandos were not much different. They had come to help. However, Lofrel accepted Jiwoo’s refusal calmly.

“Alright.”

Lofrel stood up and examined the tree roots once more. A far more positive feeling emanated from her than when they discussed the children of Ellandos or Caranazion.

“So you like the tree.”

“Hmm? Oh.”

As Lofrel touched the white bark, she leaned her forehead against the tree.

“It’s not me. It’s the tree that likes you.”

What was different about that?

Lofrel spoke softly with her forehead against the roots, her eyes closed.

“Of course, I do too. Thank you, Seo Jiwoo.”

“I’m grateful as well. Thank you for worrying about me.”

* * *

Lofrel spent some time with the tree. Afterward, they shared light snacks and drinks that Jiwoo’s husbands had prepared. She had thought she would need to serve meals to her guests, but the embodiment of Ellandos didn’t need to eat like Akarna, so this was all they could enjoy.

The conversation was delightful. Jiwoo asked about various things concerning El Ragneil. Despite not being the embodiment of Ellandos, she had been worried about how she could thrive here, but she felt she had found a good teacher.

In particular, she was relieved to have formed a light-hearted friendship, rather than a relationship tied to any specific institution or marriage.

As they talked, it didn’t take long for them to drop formalities, and Lofrel felt at ease as if they were long-time friends. Jiwoo especially appreciated that Lofrel used her native language, which she could speak fluently.

“If you ever start to hate the guys here, just come to where I am. To the capital.”

“How do I get there?”

“Well, if you think you want to come, you’ll probably find a way. Eventually, just waiting will lead you there.”

Since Jiwoo could only use Akarna’s powers for self-defense and healing at the moment, she thought that by the time she arrived, she might be able to use them for more.

However, she didn’t understand what Lofrel meant by saying that just waiting would get her there.

As she pondered, Lofrel explained.

“This tree is gradually moving toward the capital. Eventually, it will reach there.”

“The tree moves?”

“Yes. The older the tree, the closer it gets to the capital. Its movements create currents, preventing the water from Caranazion from reaching here.”

“Oh.”

Jiwoo hadn’t realized that the natural world here was interconnected in such a way.

It seemed that the continent revolved around the tree. Since Lofrel mentioned that Ellandos would move toward the capital as they aged, it suggested that the relatively younger trees were located on the edges of the continent.

Jiwoo had been considering living here for a lifetime, perhaps far beyond a human lifespan, but now that she understood the meaning behind Lofrel’s words, she was grateful for the insight.

“Just remember, when that time comes, you have to speak my language.”

“Ah, okay.”

She didn’t know what Lofrel’s language would be like, but she was confident that as time passed, she would be able to harness Akarna’s powers to that level, so she had no worries.

Originally, Lofrel had come to fetch her, but she was also pleased to hear about a future meeting.

Although it felt like they hadn’t talked about much all day, the sunset began to set in. Lofrel prepared to leave, saying that she didn’t want to stay overnight where the children of Ellandos were.

As if he knew, Helka approached and helped with the farewell preparations.

“Did you have a good time? I’ll see you off.”

Lofrel didn’t even glance at Helka and instead spoke as if she had just remembered something.

“Oh, Jiwoo. I’ll send you a new gift in a little while.”

“What will it be?”

“It won’t be a man. You’ll know it’s from me just by looking at it.”

“Ah, sure.”

“Then guide me to where they are. I’ll take them away.”

Even though Lofrel mentioned taking them away again, Jiwoo felt that Lofrel wouldn’t accept them as husbands like she did. So Jiwoo asked subtly.

“Um… you’re not going to kill them, are you?”

“Well, I’ll think about it.”

Lofrel shrugged her shoulders.

She still focused solely on Jiwoo, not even glancing at Helka, even though he was the one who could practically guide her since Jiwoo was still unfamiliar with the geography. Helka accepted this treatment as if it was natural, bowing graciously as he guided her.

However, when Jiwoo met them again, she witnessed a surprising sight. Her husbands were surrounding the two men Lofrel had brought as gifts.