At the End of the Hidden Greenery - Chapter 141

“That’s not good.”

“It could be hard if you lose strength again.”

“I was really worried back then.”

As expected, they still didn’t like the idea.

“But since then, nothing like that has happened. I’ve taken plenty of breaks in between.”

Jiwoo still didn’t completely let go of the idea that it could be dangerous. Requests had come in since then to check on other trees, and she had visited a few times.

However, she wasn’t going continuously; it felt more like she was making trips as needed. This had become Jiwoo’s new role since arriving in El Ragneil.

Each time, her husbands expressed their concerns.

“This time, it’s been a fortnight since the last visit, so I think it should be okay to go.”

“It’s only been a fortnight.”

“I think it should be fine…”

This time, she wasn’t just making an unfounded optimistic statement that her strength wouldn’t fade. It meant that even if her strength did diminish, she felt it would be manageable.

However, despite saying that confidently, Jiwoo felt her face warm slightly.

When it came to explaining why, even with her husbands, it felt a bit embarrassing.

“…Even if I suddenly lose strength, everyone will take good care of me, right?”

In fact, this was something her husbands had carefully taught her during their first night together, or perhaps even days later.

Originally, the pleasures they could offer to a female manifestation, or the abilities they displayed in taking care of her without her lifting a finger, were meant to showcase their devotion.

Therefore, the test they offered towards a female manifestation who would usually find them terrible, was the first night.

Nonetheless, even though it was challenging for Akarna, who was human by birth, after everything was said and done, it became a good memory.

And considering its original purpose, Jiwoo could trust her husbands with her weakened body.

“Isn’t that so?”

“That’s true, but…”

Jiwoo had made her decision so readily, but they were hesitating while looking at each other.

Just as she was pondering their expressions, Lanceil spoke up.

“Jiwoo, if you think you have to do things like being an Akarna, you don’t need to.”

Lanceil was being typical by prioritizing their concerns.

“The miasma has always existed here, even if just a little. The trees becoming sick isn’t solely due to the flooding miasma from Caranazion.”

The energy of the trees helped drive away miasma, which is why the children of Ellandos lived near them. If miasma had either not existed or wasn’t a threat, they wouldn’t cherish and love the trees so much.

However, it did seem that the destruction of the sacred places where Akarnas appeared by humans in Caranazion had worsened the magic in El Ragneil.

“If Caranazion returns to how it used to be, things might not be as serious, but it’s not something you need to feel so responsible for.”

“Ah…”

Her husbands generally avoided discussing that continent, but Jiwoo hadn’t realized they were considering such things.

Jiwoo scratched the back of her head, feeling a bit awkward. It wasn’t that she felt uncomfortable. She just liked the feeling of being connected to the trees and wanted to interact with them again.

However, given their reactions, it was clear there was another reason for their seriousness.

“If you have other concerns, please tell me. Last time, everyone seemed so serious, but they didn’t say anything to me, and I ended up misunderstanding everything.”

Jiwoo tried to show her disappointment with her words.

“Especially last time, you all assumed I would follow the female manifestation to the capital without asking.”

Lanceil waved his hands dismissively.

“No, no. Actually, about that issue. It’s more concerning because it’s such a unique situation. We’re all so young, yet we’ve encountered two female manifestations. That shouldn’t normally happen.”

“Probably the reason other groups are showing excessive interest in you is due to that.”

Lanceil added, and the three husbands, including him, grew serious again.

“By the way, I’ve been curious about something.”

Now that the topic of female manifestations had come up, Jiwoo wanted to ask.

“Why is it considered a treacherous act to engage with a female manifestation that appears through the tree?”

“What, what did you say?”

Their reactions were similar like before, as if they had heard something they shouldn’t.

“From the explanation I heard before, I thought it was something like a blood relationship, but seeing Lofrel here makes it seem different.”

“How should I explain this…”

Lanset scratched his tousled hair.

“I can’t provide a proper explanation or analogy that fits you. Originally, it shouldn’t even be possible for a female manifestation to appear through our young tree.”

“It seems like it doesn’t happen often.”

“No, it absolutely never happens.”

When Jiwoo tilted her head, not fully grasping the seriousness, Arven spoke solemnly.

“If I were to liken it to anything, it would be like a 5-year-old human giving birth.”

“…That sounds like something that absolutely shouldn’t happen.”

“Yes, I appreciate your understanding. But it’s slightly different…”

It was amusing to see how the men, used to physical labor, struggled to explain the situation.

Jiwoo remembered asking briefly before what would happen if a female manifestation appeared in their revered Ellandos. They had all found the idea of such a treacherous act hard to imagine and had looked quite troubled by the question.

However, Jiwoo realized that their understanding was vastly different from hers. They weren’t focused on the idea of engaging with a female manifestation but were instead concerned with the fact that a female manifestation appearing from their tree was the real issue.

This situation seemed to be a unique occurrence caused by an Akarna coming here. Normally, it wouldn’t happen, but this time it was permitted and didn’t feel like a betrayal.

Thus, they were surprised at this impossible event.