“Astonishing vitality...”
Elder Safran could sense the bursting vitality of the Frost Elves’ World Tree through the leaf in Gallolei’s hand.
“Is that girl by the name of Tylene... really the only survivor of the Frost Elves?” A look of disbelief filled Elder Safran’s eyes.
“Tylene had mentioned her past to me. Regretfully, she is indeed the only survivor of the Frost Elves. In Norland, she encountered an... extraordinary ‘artist.’ With the help from that person, Tylene began to support the growth of the World Tree all on her own.”
Even though Gallolei was not very familiar with Tylene, her elven bodyguard Flay was a close friend of Tylene. At this moment, Flay had a hesitant look on her face. It seemed like she had the desire to reveal the true identity of that ‘artist’ to Elder Safran.
But, after seeing Gallolei’s meaningful glance, this elven bodyguard ultimately kept her silence.
Now that their Blackwood Elves’ World Tree had chosen Gallolei, Gallolei’s status among the Blackwood Elves would be between that of their Clan Chief and their Great Elders. She was a paramount existence.
“Only a single person? But, Daughter of the Forest, would that artist really be willing to extend a helping hand to us?”
Elder Safran must admit that, to any Blackwood Elf, what Gallolei presented to them was an irresistible enticement.
The vitality emitted by the leaf in Gallolei’s hand was even more vigorous than the vitality on her body, the vitality of their Blackwood Elves’ World Tree supported by over a thousand Blackwood Elves.
If they were to rely on only the survivors of the Blackwood Elves, it would take them tens of years to germinate the World Tree’s seed. To the long-lived elves, that was not a long period of time. But, Elder Safran cannot possibly refuse any method that could allow their World Tree to grow quickly.
“Regarding this...” Gallolei turned to look at the elven priestesses that stood behind Elder Safran. Then, she revealed a smile and said, “Priestesses, your signings are very pleasant to hear. Your voices are also very pleasant and you all are very pretty too... I believe that artist will be very delightful to help us.”
“Signing and appearance? Daughter of the Forest... you mean to say that artist only needed those quantities?”
The leading priestess Oranka stood forth. She had thought that the ‘artist’ Gallolei mentioned would demand for even stricter conditions. For example, a large sum of money or have the Blackwood Elves become his subordinates.
“Correct. The reason why he decided to help Tylene nurture her World Tree is because he was fond of her singing voice. I believe that you priestess ladies wouldn’t possibly lose out to that Frost Elf, no?”
At this moment, Gallolei perfectly utilized her ‘acting skills’ and began tempting these pure-hearted elves.
After all, she was in an extremely passive position right now. If she wanted to quickly reach Norland, she must utilize the Blackwood Elves’ druid abilities.
“Daughter of the Forest... is it possible for you to inform me how that artist managed to accomplish such a thing?”
Oranka was still hesitant. According to her knowledge, the only method to speed up the growth of the World Tree would be to increase the amount of Blackwood Elves.
But, the leaf Gallolei held in her hand was emitting such strong vitality. No matter how she looked at it, it does not seem to be grown using nefarious methods.
“I am unable to provide detailed explanations as to how he accomplished it. But, this is the method to allow the World Tree to quickly mature. Whether or not you all choose to take this path is up to you.”
After Gallolei said those words, Elder Safran and Priestess Oranka exchanged glances. Then, they began to solicit the opinions of the other elves.
Standing on the side and hearing her kinsmen’s discussions, Flay wanted to shout out ‘That is the demon’s... temptation!’ Unfortunately, with the pressure from Gallolei looking at her, Flay ended up keeping her silence. Furthermore, she must admit that her friend Tylene seemed to be... living a pretty good life under that demon.
In the end, Elder Safran announced the result of their discussion...
“I know a human sage in Norland. Even if the artist mentioned by the Daughter of the Forest is unable to aid us, I must still publicize the wicked conduct of the Holy Church. Furthermore, if I am to fly to Norland as an owl, it would only take a week.”
Then, Elder Safran turned to the remaining few young elven rangers present, “You all protect our people that cannot fight and converge with Sigam and the others. I will bring the Daughter of the Forest to Norland to meet that... artist that provided help to our fellow frost elvenkin.”
No Blackwood Elf was able to refuse this enticement. Elder Safran was willing to attempt anything that could speed up the growth of their World Tree, even if it was only a tiny bit, as long as it does not have any side effects.
Besides, Norland could also be said to be the safest city for the elves. That city represented the apex of human civilization.
“Elder Safran, please allow us to accompany you. We are priestess-attendants of the World Tree. The Holy Tree Narushi needs us to tend to it.”
The other priestesses don’t seem to plan to abandon the World Tree to return to their fellow elves... All of them were proficient in communicating with nature. This included the druid abilities of merging with nature to change themselves into the appearances of beasts.
Elder Safran accepted their request. They were the most devoted believers of the World Tree. They were also the people that knew the best what the World Tree needed.
In the end, nine elven priestesses decided to follow Elder Safran to Norland. The remaining elves would converge with the other Blackwood Elf survivors.
As the surviving elves were being guarded by the Brass Dragon, they were, at least temporarily, safe.
After confirming the people that would be proceeding toward Norland, Elder Safran was planning to set off immediately. But, he decided to give the priestesses the opportunity to bid farewell to their fellow elves.
To the ordinary Blackwood Elves, Elder Safran and Priestess Oranka were akin to heroes as they rescued them from the burning forest.
Their journey to Norland could also be said to be a heroic undertaking worthy of an epic.
“I will return to you all very soon. Don’t worry... my sisters.”
Priestess Oranka bid her farewell to the young elves. Many of the other priestesses began to embrace their friends and promise that they will soon return to their community.
“At that time, I will let you all see the sight of the Holy Tree Narushi’s germination...” Determination filled Priestess Oranka’s voice.
The elven bodyguard Flay quietly watched the sight of the elves embracing their fellows. She was unable to feel any moving emotions from their display of affection.
Having been to Norland with her master Gallolei in the past, she could already imagine what would happen once they reached Norland. A quick return would be unrealistic at all. Instead, they would likely not want to return to the forest once they’ve reached Norland...
Flay believed that those older priestesses might be able to resist that demon’s enticement. But, there were many young and innocent elves coming along too... Because of this, Flay had a bad premonition.
“Flay, it’s time to set off... I wanted to be able to get there in time to take part in the premiere of Mister Joshua’s new movie,” Gallolei interrupted her bodyguard’s train of thoughts. At this moment, Elder Safran had transformed into a giant owl. He was ready to start flying toward Norland at any moment.
“New movie? When?! Ah... young miss, wait!” Flay followed Gallolei and climbed onto the owl’s back.
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