Chapter 213 - 212 : The world tree (1)
Inside the meeting room, Arthur sat across from Erica.
Luna rested on Erica’s shoulder with her tiny arms folded in annoyance. Yuna stood nearby with a calm, watchful expression, while Elizabeth leaned back with her usual unreadable grace, her crimson eyes fixed on Arthur.
The atmosphere was tense, but not hostile.
Arthur had finally agreed to explain what had happened during the days he had disappeared.
He spoke carefully.
Not everything was true.
Not everything was a lie.
He revealed just enough truth to make his story believable while hiding the parts he didn’t want them to know. He told them that Sakura had died at the hands of the Demon Lord Astarte, and that the only reason he had survived was because he had made a contract with her. He also explained that his task had been to kill an enemy dragon, return the Dragon Queen’s child to her, and avoid causing any unnecessary trouble.
He didn’t bother telling them about the greater dangers or the things he had witnessed.
"And after I killed the dragon," Arthur said, "she let me go, telling me to come back later so she could take me to the Dragon Queen and return the egg."
The part about the Dragon Queen was obviously a lie.
Arthur knew it.
Astarte knew it.
But to everyone else, it was the easiest explanation for why he would need to leave again in two days.
It was the most convenient excuse he could give without revealing too much.
For a few seconds, silence filled the room.
Then the reactions came.
Most of them were stunned.
They still couldn’t believe Arthur had actually slain a dragon.
Only Elizabeth showed no sign of surprise.
She simply watched him, as though this was just another strange Chapter in the long and ridiculous story called Arthur.
Erica’s expression gradually turned serious.
She glanced at Yuna.
Yuna gave a single nod.
Arthur noticed the exchange.
"Let me guess," Arthur said. "The Holy Kingdom has already contacted you."
Erica’s jaw tightened.
"The moment I took the throne," Erica said, "they started summoning me to receive the Pope’s blessing and lead the campaign against the Demon Lord who rules half the forest between the Holy Kingdom and Elvania."
Her voice grew colder.
"They even sent envoys," Erica continued, "and when that didn’t work, they started making threats while pretending it was diplomacy."
Arthur narrowed his eyes.
"What happened to the envoys?" he asked.
Erica looked at Yuna.
"Miss Yuna dealt with them," Erica replied.
Arthur slowly turned toward Yuna.
"You didn’t beat them up... right, Master?" Arthur asked.
Yuna raised an eyebrow.
"What do you take me for?" she replied. "Yes, they were annoying, but just because I’ve been inactive for a while doesn’t mean I’ve lost all my influence."
She crossed her arms.
"They were shocked to see me there," Yuna said. "They’d also heard that I’d been staying in the future Elven Kingdom."
Erica nodded.
"The moment they recognised her," Erica said, "their attitude completely changed. They left immediately without making any more demands. I had no idea Miss Yuna was that famous."
Arthur thought for a moment.
They must know she fought against the Imperius Family and survived, he thought. She’s already famous throughout the world. That incident probably made her even more feared across the continent.
But that wasn’t the real issue.
The one controlling the Holy Kingdom was someone else.
Someone far more dangerous.
Arthur’s expression darkened slightly.
He’ll definitely attack this place, Arthur thought. But why does he want the World Tree so badly?
The system’s voice echoed in his mind.
[ Isn’t it obvious, Host? You already know the answer. It must be a quest given by his system, and the rewards are probably enormous. ]
Arthur silently agreed.
You’re right, he thought. I need to plan this carefully.
He leaned back in his chair.
That guy is probably doing the same. From now on, it’ll be a battle of wits. Let’s see who comes out on top... even if I’m at a clear disadvantage.
A slow smile appeared on his face.
And the winner will take everything.
His smile widened ever so slightly.
Why am I getting excited when thousands of lives are at stake?
Yuna glanced at him and sighed.
"There he goes again," she muttered. "Scheming something."
Erica looked between them.
"Is that what he’s doing?" she asked.
Without warning, Arthur slammed his forehead onto the table.
Thud.
The sudden sound startled everyone.
When he lifted his head again, his expression had become completely serious.
He looked around the room.
"We’re going to be attacked by the Holy Kingdom sooner or later," Arthur said.
The colour drained from Erica’s face.
"I knew it," Erica whispered. "I could already tell from the way those envoys were acting... making unreasonable demands and insisting that I meet the Pope immediately."
Arthur nodded once.
"Then you must already know what they’re after," he said.
Erica’s lips parted slightly.
Her voice dropped to almost a whisper.
"The World Tree," she said.
Yuna’s eyes widened slightly, though she quickly regained her composure.
She turned to Arthur.
"Any idea when they’ll attack?" she asked.
Arthur thought for a moment.
If he could convince Astarte to keep those powerful monsters guarding the forest, it might buy them some time. Maybe two months. Maybe three. Enough time to prepare. Enough time to find a proper way to deal with the World Tree’s corruption.
He looked at Yuna.
"At least three months," Arthur said.
Yuna’s expression hardened instantly.
"That’s not enough," she said. "The forces here won’t stand a chance."
Erica bit her lip and let out a slow breath.
"Looks like my father was put in the same situation," Erica said quietly. "He had no choice but to visit the Pope. And who knows what happened to him and my mother after they went there..."
She lowered her head, clearly conflicted.
"Should I do the same?" Erica asked. "Should I beg them? Maybe they’ll—"
"Don’t be a coward," Arthur cut her off sharply. "And don’t talk like one."
His voice was firm.
"The situation is bad. Very bad," Arthur said. "We’re outnumbered and almost powerless. If it weren’t for Astarte protecting the elves, you’d all have been wiped out already."
He leaned forward.
"But even in this situation, you still have one trump card," Arthur said. "You just don’t know how to use it yet."
Erica looked at him.
"And what’s that?" she asked.
Arthur pointed at Luna.
"The World Tree itself," Arthur replied.
Luna glared at him with faint killing intent.
Her tiny fists clenched.
"How did you figure that out?" Luna asked.
Arthur’s lips curled into a faint smile.
"Looks like you’re not just a mosquito after all."
The room fell silent.
And in that silence, the shape of the coming war became clearer than ever.