Chapter 350: Dryad Village (4)

“My name is Teresa. I represent this village. Born from the same root as Grace, who once served the royal house in ancient times.”

Teresa bowed with a servant’s courtesy, placing her hand over her heart.

“Of course, there’s a considerable generational gap between us.”

“…Valda Philiamor. Last legitimate heir of the Lue’amoir Kingdom.”

Eugene answered for her. The always-spunky Valda had lost her composure and couldn’t speak. Sobs had risen to her throat.

Teresa approached Valda wearing the same smile Grace had worn.

“Today is our first meeting, but one thing I know: what you need right now is not conversation.”

Arms spread wide, Teresa drew closer to Valda. Eugene stepped back discreetly.

The dryad embrace, experienced after six years. It was identical to when Grace had held her. That sensation, that warmth, the refreshing scent of grass and the comforting aroma of wood.

Valda, who had embraced Grace thousands of times since childhood, knew it well.

White hands wrapped around the green back. The touch was extremely gentle. Understanding the reason, Teresa whispered.

“You may embrace me more tightly. I’m sturdy. And I have so much life ahead.”

A strength Valda herself couldn’t explain wrapped around Teresa. Her trembling hands continuously stroked the vine-woven back, waist, and shoulders.

“Huh.”

Leaves touching Valda’s face released a calming substance.

“You’ve done wonderfully. Reaching this place is proof of that. Grace would surely say the same: how proud she is of her daughter.”

The dam of elf tears burst, streaming down. But not a single drop was wasted—all soaked into the dryad’s chest.

Valda cried for a long time before finally calming. Eugene had retreated another step and turned his back. The connection between tear ducts and nose was the same for elves and humans.

Teresa released the embrace to create space.

Rustle rustle.

The leaves growing on her body bristled and shielded Valda.

“Valda Philiamor. Last descendant of the elven royal house and consort to the king of Britainia across the sea.”

It took another thirty seconds before the princess could complete her introduction. Her eye corners, cheeks, and nose bridge were flushed for various reasons.

“What an improper display. And on our very first meeting.”

“Not at all. We’re already friends. Your tears have soaked into my chest and flow through my body. I can feel the joy and affection contained within them.”

Teresa folded her leaves and smiled.

“I’ve already grown fond of you. Having received such caring feelings, how could I not be?”

This was one of the reasons dryads had served as royal nannies for generations.

What could be shared in a human embrace was body heat and scent. Emotional exchange occurred too, but that was merely conceptual.

But dryads truly could share emotions through embrace. They absorbed the various chemicals secreted from tears and skin.

“The king may now stand beside you. What a gentlemanly knight.”

“Truly so. When people praise him, they always speak of battlefield valor. A knight who has cut down countless powerful monsters, an undefeated commander.”

Valda told Teresa with pride.

It was somewhat boastful, but both Eugene and Teresa understood. The true object of that pride was someone not present here. Teresa willingly served as a medium.

“But his chivalry shines brilliantly beyond the battlefield too. Since declaring himself my knight in Gord, he’s always escorted me perfectly. He remembers anniversaries I don’t even think of, giving gifts and small surprises…”

Valda continued boasting about her husband for a while. Realizing she’d gone on too long in front of the beaming Teresa, she quietly concluded.

“I should note for my husband’s honor—this isn’t his usual self. From when we were mere adventurers until now, six years later, it’s never been like this.”

“Of course. Not just for me, but this village must also evoke nostalgic memories.”

Teresa pointed at the village. There, an eternal spring existed.

‘Do the dryads build things like this with so many of them around?’

The village’s largest building rivaled Valda’s estate in scale.

Hundreds of trees intertwined like natural pillars, making it larger than any powerful noble’s main residence. Yet it showed no sign of luxury or intimidation.

Solid yet open in many places, grand yet only providing warmth to those who gazed upon it.

‘Birds, if your wings tire, come inside.’

‘Traveler, welcome. There’s a mushroom sofa waiting for you.’

‘Oh! Squirrel friend. Let me bring down a branch for you.’

The mansion spoke kindly to everyone who saw it. Not merely metaphorically—it radiated organic matter carrying warmth, like sending a letter.

The intensity was mild, but other buildings and gardens each possessed their own comfort and charm.

“I’ve never seen such a fine village. I always believed nothing in this world surpassed the Moving Castle as a base, but here was a worthy competitor. Experience truly has no end.”

A paradise for living cozy, bountiful lives.

A sanctuary to endure until the very end, even if the world was swallowed by waves of evil.

In perfectly fulfilling both conditions, it resembled the Moving Castle. Though the methods and materials differed, each was a masterpiece representing the First and Second Eras respectively.

“Thank you for the kind words. The secret is the village’s location—it’s built atop the strongest ley line in the forest.”

Teresa looked at Valda.

“Your ancestors gifted this land to ours. Thanks to that grace, the declining dryad clan and our fairy folk friends have lived healthily into the Third Era.”

“There appear to be several among your residents who don’t belong to this world.”

No matter how ancient a race steeped in mystery, biological limitations couldn’t be overcome. Yet this village housed numerous such beings, fairies chief among them.

“Countless worlds are separated by dimensions like a sea, forming a vast ocean. This world is a safe shoal. A bountiful garden.”

Teresa looked at the residents of various races with warm eyes.

“A place you want to visit, a place you don’t want to leave. Wherever they set foot, everyone wants to settle down and call it home.”

“I know that well. There are even those I desperately want to leave who grit their teeth and stay. I’ve kicked out every last one I’ve seen.”

“Please consider us an exception.”

Teresa laughed mischievously.

Exiles from the Fairy Realm, the Spirit Realm, the Shadow Realm, and other worlds. Not one wanted to return home.

“You are welcome forever. Isn’t that right?”

“Of course. And should a child be born between my husband and me, I would gladly request your services as nannies once again. As it was in the old days.”

At the couple’s words, Teresa knelt and showed both hands.

“It is our honor. As long-standing allies, we gladly accept that wish.”

“Ah! I didn’t mean to request birthing services like Grace did!”

Startled, Valda waved both hands frantically.

“I’ll carry the baby in my own belly. I want to feel those tiny kicks, and besides…”

Her face flushed and she tilted her head away.

“Ahahaha! You two are really something.”

Teresa laughed heartily. In all her long years, she hadn’t laughed this much.

*

“It would be unkind to keep our honored guests standing outside any longer. Please, come into the village. Let us wash away the dust and fatigue of your journey and share stories over full bellies.”

Leading the way, Teresa suddenly remembered something and turned back.

“Ah, right! I’ll widen the path, so why not invite your followers outside too? They’ve loyally followed you to this harsh place—we can’t let them spend the night outside.”

“We’d be grateful, but wouldn’t we be imposing on your villagers?”

At Valda’s question, Teresa shook her head as if it were absurd.

“Entering this village would be an adventure tale that lasts them a lifetime.”

“That’s only natural. I was the same.”

“And their loyalty to you will only grow. They’ll spread word of the wondrous sights they witnessed here, further elevating the royal house’s prestige.”

Teresa’s benevolent face now showed a hint of political acumen.

“You’re quite experienced in various ways?”

“I have many to answer for. And much mediating to do. Please accept this as my apology for being unable to help until now.”

Young dryads who had appeared stood before Eugene.

“May I request a favor of Your Majesty? Would you lead the army outside with these children?”

“Gladly. I’ll make sure my subordinates don’t cause any trouble.”

“Beyond the thorn wall, there are other guardians protecting the village. They were happy and moved when the princess visited, but they may react differently to other guests.”

Teresa beckoned the young dryads.

“I’ll inform the guardians that they’re our friends, but it’s best if both sides are cautious.”

“A wise thought. Then let’s meet again later.”

Eugene waved goodbye to Valda and headed back.

‘The summoners must be overjoyed.’

Alzhar, who commanded the earth, and Ricardo, who commanded plants—their beaming faces were vivid in his mind.

‘But where to station them? The village interior is spacious, but bringing the whole army in would be unseemly. The space between the thorn wall and the village might work. Not that there’s much distinction without a fence to begin with.’

As Eugene pondered, four pairs of curious eyes fixed on him.

“Got something you’re curious about? Ask anything.”

Perhaps they were dolls similar to the clones Grace had created—shapes that only resembled her.

Head shake. Head shake.

Stare.

“This is the second half-fairy bloodline.”

“Then are you a hero too?”

Each responding with individual personality, they clearly weren’t clones.

“Long live the princess!”

From where Valda was, commotion erupted. Cheers of joy and magical fireworks exploded everywhere.

Boom!

Pop-boom!

An ancient magic now forgotten. A burst of art with no function other than to delight onlookers. It spread across the sky.

To possess the talent of a great mage yet dedicate one’s life to such magic alone—that was something only fairies could do.

“Our savior, our protector, we welcome you with sincere hearts.”

“This is plum wine I brewed myself! The finest refreshment in this village!”

“There are snacks too! Special cheese once offered to the First Era royal house—please taste it!”

“Freshly picked grapes today!”

“Th-thank you. Oops! Cough! Cough!”

“Aaah, princess!”

The tributes that had been halted for so long burst forth all at once.

Valda couldn’t refuse the cups and food offered by artisans of various races. She even choked, but through coughing, her smile never faded.

“Looking good.”

Eugene felt the same.

*

“Pant… pant…”

Outside the thorn wall, Alzhar was drenched in sweat, performing summoning magic.

“Sir Hind. Are you really sure about this?”

“Requesting the court mage to perform such menial labor is too…”

Despite surrounding concerns, Hind was resolute.

“Isn’t Lord Alzhar in agreement too?”

“That’s true, but…”

Alzhar performed the summoning spell again.

“Haaaap!”

A section of the campsite’s ground writhed and dug itself open. In a long rectangular shape, it was extremely deep. If a human tried to dig with a shovel in such a narrow range, it would be impossible.

“Done!”

Alzhar collapsed on the spot, and attendants immediately rushed over. They wiped his sweat, fanned him with a large fan, and handed him cold water.

“Immediately lay down planks. Be careful no one falls in.”

“Understood, sir.”

At Hind’s instruction, professional workers rushed to install the toilet.

“Lord Alzhar. I’m sorry for asking you to do what servants should handle.”

Lying down, Alzhar waved his hand dismissively.

“Who else could accomplish this? The underground here is brimming with spiritual energy—driving a shovel or anything else in carelessly could disturb the ley lines and displease the spirits.”

“You’ve made a personal sacrifice. I will certainly report this to His Majesty.”

“Ahem. As a minister accompanying the campaign, this is simply what’s expected.”

Despite his words, Alzhar’s eyes were honest.

‘Make sure to document my contributions in as much detail as possible.’

His willpower surged so intensely that even a fool could sense it.

“Keeya! I’ve been digging latrines for twenty years, but I’ve never seen a cut this perfect.”

“Only the area where the planks are laid is hardened. The rest is all soft. How did you do it?”

The specialists marveled at Alzhar’s meticulous finishing. The problem was that it was all in vain.

“The king has returned!”

From the path, Eugene appeared, followed by four dryads.

“You’re back so soon?”

“The negotiations must have gone well.”

“Dryads!”

“Oh my! So those are dryads!”

Before the army reacting in various ways, Eugene made his declaration.

“The thread of alliance has been reconnected. From now on, the Dryad Village stands with us.”

They responded with cheers of joy. If nationalism ever rose in this world, its starting point would surely be Britainia.

“Congratulations, Your Majesty!”

“Glory to Britainia!”

“Glory to the Half-Fairy Bloodline!”

Since the king’s return, conflicts had disappeared, and the nation was more united than ever. Valda’s research and New World crops were ending hunger.

And today, another great alliance was added. Day by day, they were regaining the glory of the half-fairy era. Everyone brimmed with pride in their contribution.

“Pack your bags. The Dryad Village has invited us all. No sentries, no perimeter patrols—just rest and enjoy. Savor the drinks and food found only in the fairy realm.”

“!!!!!!”

Moreover, their king didn’t merely rule through authority or power alone. Following a royal house blessed by the arcane and enjoying wondrous adventures—that stirred the hearts of warriors.

“Lord Alzhar. Where is Lord Alzhar?”

“Here, Your Majesty!”

The summoner leaped up, instantly composed, and approached Eugene. The court mage’s badge on his chest notched not a single degree off-center.

“To befriend a village and friends brimming with such powerful spiritual energy. As expected of Your Majesty—a sovereign equally blessed with a knight’s valor and a mage’s wisdom.”

Flattery flowed without pause, and Eugene kneaded Alzhar’s shoulder.

“Thank you. I have just one request for you.”

“Command me!”

“We’ve been offered seats and food—we can’t be a burden. We can’t leave behind filth and stench where we’ve been hosted. But neither can we carelessly tear up the land of ley lines. Your help is needed.”

“Uh…”

Alzhar’s face turned ashen.

*

Four dryads joined hands and sang toward the thorn wall.

Their interlocked fingers merged like vines into perfect parasitic trees, and Eugene felt a magical sense of déjà vu.

“This feels similar to how summoners share the cost of a contract.”

Eugene recalled when Ricardo had created the Watcher Plants in front of Mushroom Village. The barrier of Watcher Plants that Ricardo alone could never have completed.

“Exactly right! The dryads’ resonance is the opposite of ours. Summoners can only share negative energy—danger or suffering.”

“Dryads share life force and vital essence as one. Using each other’s bodies as conduits. Truly beautiful. A mystery humans can’t dare replicate.”

The summoners observed with irrepressible enthusiasm.

“Spirits of the vines!”

“Open a path for our guests to pass!”

“Every last one—human, child, even the smallest puppy—they’re all our guests.”

“Absolutely no erecting thorns. Show mercy for their delicate skin—not a single scratch.”

A song that sounded both like admonition and request echoed gently. The massive thorn vines retreated, opening a path for the army.

Ssssss.

Amid this, the scribe who had been sticking close to Eugene was diligently recording the scene.

The majestic thorn vine wall.

Four dryads performing magic.

Beside them, Eugene standing like a guardian with the Last Autumn planted in the ground.

A loyal army standing in imposing formation.

‘Wait a minute—I’m not standing next to the dryads.’

Eugene was mixed in with the army, watching. He’d noticed before, but this scribe seemed as flexible as he was loyal.

-Neither the king’s words nor actions may be arbitrarily altered by the scribe.

Yet while the written record was transcribed verbatim, the illustrations contained various artistic liberties.

But who would dare point that out?