Chapter 123: Take the Risk
Alwin explained that Esmeralda was the reason for Mt. Esme’s former lush forest and fertile lands. Thus, she was worshipped as Safiro Tribe’s guardian deity.
"Esmeralda had probably shown herself to the ancestors of the Safiro Tribe. This was why they prohibited cutting her tree and was then labeled as a sacred tree by the following generations and worshipped as their guardian deity."
Arabella nodded her head as Alwin explained.
[Is she believing it or does she think I’m spouting nonsense?] Alwin raised a brow.
"So you are saying that the Goddess Esmeralda that Nadia talked about was a dryad and was also the one who helped Nadia and her people not to be fully controlled by Count Dempsey’s magician?" Arabella asked to show Alwin she was listening attentively.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Alwin explained that the magician knew about the dryad’s existence and ensured she would not be able to recover after the forest was destroyed. Thus, she had no choice but to remain asleep or else she would die easily in the state Mt. Esme was in.
"Mt. Esme and the lands of Safiro were put under a curse so they would not grow back and recover. It was why it remained barren for years without a single bud or sprout appearing anywhere."
Alwin finally told her that they sensed the presence of the nymph when they visited this morning and she was weak and dying but would recover with some mana.