Chapter 39 - Chapter 2: Appreciation

**Kuro**

The original reason I came to Cherhom was to get the god-power of the Dwarf Saint, which held authority over anything from—or made from—the soil. As such, I could command and/or change the chemical composition of rocks, metals (including armors), and the most important of all, the soil itself. And I needed it greatly; if I wanted to convince the elves of Cherwoods to put their faith in me, then I definitely have to solve the most pressing issue of their land: the desertification of Cherwoods' ancient forests.

The advancing sands was an ancient problem in that world, dating back from the time when the current Elf Saint, Hinwe Tal-Inwir, ascended the holy throne. For her part, the elvish holy lady saw the issue beforehand, and tried to sound the alarm by encouraging her people to adapt the practices of the other races, particularly the demons. The latter's experiences in desert environments proved useful in mitigating the encroaching desert.

However, elves were natural xenophobes, and the demons' dismal reputation didn't help in the cause of the Lady Hinwe. Their pride wouldn't let them see reason, even at the pain of starvation. Rather than see the potential of their holy lady's proposals, they threw the blame on her. Discouraged, the Elf Saint became a recluse, and the problem of desertification only got worse.

Any case, after the return of the Lady Hinwe on her throne, we invited academics from the Royal Academy of Cherwind to help us fight the advancing sands. Under Lady Salis' guidance, they determined that the mighty, ancient forests of Cherwoods was dying. Soil 'health' was dismal, probably because of its excessive use for agriculture, enabling the conditions that led to the desertification.

While it was a pressing matter, I had examples from my world I could emulate to help the elves. China's efforts, the so-called 'Great Green Wall' was one, though with limited success. In Cherwoods, however, we couldn't wait for a long time to win the fight against the desert. So, using the Dwarf Saint's god-power, I planned to enrich the soil once again…

"…"

Nevertheless, even with god-powers, I believe it is still a temporary solution.

I believe that even if the High King of the Gods would force a solution on the elves' issue about desertification, mortals like me were naturally stubborn. The advancing sands may be a force everyone's hands got nothing to do with, but it became severe as personal interests and desires intertwined. Mortals may fear the gods and their statutes, sure, but there would always come the time when they would forget the events where the deities got them out of the rut. So, as a potential successor to the Lord Gaius, I aim to convince the elves to change their ways, along with enacting solutions through the god-powers. That way, there would be a lasting change in this land.

So, together with the Chersean elves, I gathered the local leaders of the elvish cities to hear their thoughts and explain my planned reforms.

"What do you mean by grinding the bones of our dead livestock?" a leading noble of elves from Cherwoods asked me when I told them my solutions.

"It is what it is, milord," I told him. "Your dead livestock can help enrich the soil again by drying their bones and grinding it to fine powder. You're already been using compost here, so it will help in fertilizing the soil."

"Huh? You want us to kill our livestock to help stop the advancing sands?"

"I only said the 'dead' animals, not kill everything," I reiterated. "I am aware that your farm animals help in food production, and I respect your beliefs about them being your 'partners' instead of 'pets.' However, since you have no taboos regarding their deaths, I figure you can still 'partner' with them even if they moved on to another life. With their mortal remains, they can still help you produce food, and protect the forests that is your home."

There was a resounding silence with that. I knew the elves—the local ones, would find the idea of having their dead livestock 'deboned' and the bones grinded to fine powder, unthinkable. However, it was a practice that came from my world, where farmers would use organic materials to fertilize the farmlands. When I taught home economics, there was a sub-topic in our curriculum that concerned with agriculture, and when researched for 'organic' ways to enrich a plotland, it was on my immediate results. It was effective, not only in the produce, but also in the costs of materials.

And, there was no way we could produce chemically-made fertilizers with the technology we had. Yes, the dwarves of Cherhom built an advanced society (akin to early- to mid-20th century Earth) through the Lord Louis' guidance, but they focused too much on the industrial production of consumer goods that they imported their food from Chersea and Cherwind. Next to them were the demons, but agriculture-wise, they only had basic knowledge of how to plant crops in a desert biome…what was even worse was that much of the knowledge about it got lost when Cherflammen was cut-off from the other worlds to contain the Seductress.

As for Chersea and Cherwind, their farming knowledge and techs are—at best—medieval-level. So, I can't rely on that as well.

In the end, I think the elves of Cherwoods could become the agricultural center of these worlds, as they were in the best position to achieve that. Not only were they 'attuned' to the nature around them, their 'fight' against the desertification could also give them new knowledge they could share to the other races. I just had to convince them to drop some of their 'attitudes' towards the new suggestions.

Well, compared to the local population, Chersean elves had a more 'liberal' view on their household animals, highly-influenced by human customs. Thus, they were easier to convince, and most of them knew me and our efforts that made the Duchy of Maverny an 'economic powerhouse' within the Empire of Chersea, rivaling the Kingdom of Amaranth in terms of wealth. Because of those, they readily sided with my proposals. Still, even though the Chersean elves dwarfed the local elvish population, I didn't want to alienate the latter, so I made sure I get their opinions and explain my plans. Not only would I avoid potential future conflicts, it would also 'repair' my reputation to them, damaged by the Lord Gerard's impersonation of my identity.

"Your Heavenly Majesty," another elf raised her hand.

"Yes, milord?"

"What is this 'reintroduction' of worms to the soil?"

"Ah, the Royal Academy of Cherwind has brought tamed groundworms to help in enriching the soil," I told the nobles. "There are the smaller relatives of the monsters that once plagued the land of the Beastfolk, though their size should cause no concern for you."

The confused looks thrown at me by the elvish lords and ladies got me explaining the role of the worms not only in farming, but also in the overall health of the soil. The elves from Chersea backed my claims, as the humans widely-used these unassuming animals in their agriculture.

"And to think, we're killing these creatures!" one of the local lords blurted out.

"I didn't know they give benefits to the soil!" said another.

"Well, there's nothing wrong in admitting to our mistakes," I reminded them. "What's important is, we learn from it, and do otherwise. Stubbornly clinging to our wrong traditions and beliefs while learning the truth isn't wise; it is the very definition of foolishness."

Though I had no ability to read minds, I could tell the local elves were starting to get convinced of my points. There were nods, a few shaking heads, but there were no aggressive refusals and rebuttals, which was a good sign for me.

"Your Heavenly Majesty," another elf noble put his questions forward without waiting for my permission. "What will you—the one with the god-powers—do, if—let's say—we adopt the proposals you're telling us? Aren't you basically saying that we're 'on our own?'" From the tone of his voice, he doubted the sincerity of my actions, and just trying to have it easy. Well, I couldn't blame him, though. The suspicions would be there for a while, as they already suffered under the Lady Hinwe's misrule…which, they themselves caused.

But of course, I aim to convince. Blaming them for their actions isn't the right thing to do now.

Taking a deep breath, I told the council, "I will be around, milord. But, I'll try to not to intervene too much; my role as a deity is to guide, not to answer for every consequence of your actions. Otherwise, we wanted to develop a responsible society, not a people that is reliant on the god-powers. See, I am teaching and proposing these things and knowledge because we will never know the time. If the Lord Gaius can step down from his duties as a god, there will always be that risk, even if someone has already taken his place. My goal is to prepare for that possibility, hence, we're here discussing this stuff."

The elves of Cherwoods said nothing, and just listened to me. While I couldn't fully remove the doubts in their hearts, I wanted to encourage them to try my suggestions, at least. And really, like what I always advocated, I wouldn't come to battle without proper preparations…

After that council, I'll have some stuff made to convince the younger elves to take my reforms seriously.

----------

"Your Holi—kyaa!"

"What the hell, Kuro?" the Lady Hinwe was half-surprised and half-laughing when I came to her room at the Saint's Tree Palace. As her usual day, I chanced upon the Elf Saint drawing manga while naked. "You know, in this situation, I should be the one sending a slap or a kick towards you."

"Aside from that manga-esque trope, why aren't you doing exactly that?"

"See the beautiful long ears I have?" she moved her long, dark blue hair to reveal her elvish features. "I'm an elf, not some weak-ass human. Your race's ladies are so sensitive being seen in their natural bodies, they'd hurt their guys who—by nature—are just following their desires. It's their 'programming'; why are you humans suppressing it?"

I would really be convinced of that twisted explanation had I never known better. Besides, she did say 'my race's ladies'…uh, she never encountered Maddie?

"The Lady Rubinforth is a special human, that's why we get along," she pointed out. "I mean, we were endowed with beautiful figures; it's a waste and a great sin to just hide it."

Yep, just as Eris said before, elves are closet perverts.

"Oi…"

"Want to cover yourself while we talk, Your Holiness?" I offered her a nearby blanket, but she just magically-wrenched it off my hand and put someplace else. Then, she took her own robe and wore it, before inviting me to sit beside her.

"Have you forgotten that you are my lover? I don't mind you seeing me," she winked. "In fact, I'm even encouraging you to give up on your vow, and jump straight to bed!"

"A tempting offer, Your Holiness," I averted my gaze; anymore of her words, and I fear I won't keep my vows. "But I really came here to ask for your help."

"Tch." The Lady Hinwe didn't hide her dismay; she knew my idea in mind, and didn't like it. "If you want to have me create another 'farming' manga again, I'll decline! Not now, Kuro! I already planned to collaborate with some beastfolk to create the ultimate hentai series; not those 'goody-two-shoes' stuff you're always forcing on me!"

Of course, I already expected this development. So, I told her, "Come on now, Your Holiness, think of it as payment for what you guys did to get me to come to Cherhom!"

"Wh-What are you talking about?" Her face turning pale, as well as her stammering gave away her involvement in the conspiracy to have me go and find the Dwarf Saint.

"I thought you're reading my mind, Your Holiness? Don't feign ignorance now; the Lady Seirna snitched you guys," I countered. "That attack on my manor in Maverny that killed several dwarves and put Eris, my servants, and guards, in danger was in collusion with the Prince Uhrian, right?"

The Elf Saint was awfully silent. She didn't even dare to look at me. However, she was defiant, "I only did what I think you deserve, Kuro, and the others, too. And even when you try to strum the strings of my conscience, I won't budge! I am the spiritual leader of my people; and leaders sometimes have to make difficult decisions for the benefit of everyone."

Impressive, I thought. From an indecisive wreck I encountered before, the Lady Hinwe was back to being the wise, powerful Elf Saint of the legends…though of course, with flaws, as she was a mortal…no matter how long she lived her life. Nevertheless, while she was not reading my mind, I brought out my ace in this negotiation. "I'll give you a Ju*utsu Ka*sen figma set made by the dwarves! You like the guy who got cut in half, right?"

"Fuck you!" she flashed me the 'finger.' "Don't talk to my husbando like that! He's the most powerful…and sexiest!"

"So, I take it as a 'no,' then? A pity; dwarves make the most beautiful of things…including figmas."

The Lady Hinwe fell silent, but she did say in the end, "How many volumes you want to write? If you want, I can also throw in an art book to release!"

Heh, easy.

----------

And so, with the elvish attitudes and farming manuals 'secured,' my turn to solve Cherwoods' problem about the desertification had come.

"…"

In the middle of a silent crowd made up by elves from Chersea and the local population, as well as the ambassadors from other worlds, I took step forward and channeled mana unto my hands. There was a warn, yet faint, emerald-green glow that appeared.

"Ooh…" I heard the Lady Helgath swoon. Well, I invited her to Cherwoods just for a change of pace. The recent return of her memories of her past certainly brought back all her traumas, even when the dwarves resumed their reverence to her. As such, the giantess—aside from the occasional 'long sleep' talks she had with me, or whenever she was consulted on how to run things in Cherhom—would spend her time alone. And as someone who dealt with similar people before, I knew she was depressed.

Her 'people' like Albrecht and Ashren were familiar with her 'Martelle Hughes' persona; as such, they won't even dare look at her. After all, she was the esteemed saint; people would suddenly become aware of their respective statuses once they learned the 'stature' of the person they used to deal with.

"…"

I mean, I know because I also suffered the same. From a familiar, friendly manner, Ashren and his mercenary group started keeping their distance to me, simply for the reason that I and the Lady Helgath are people who are supposed to not to talk to them. Yeah, I had to clarify things with them soon, but for now, Cherwoods' problem was the priority.

Besides, this was Lady Helgath's god-powers. So, her presence would be helpful should something went wrong during my casting. After all, Seirna's work in Cherhom intimidated the dwarves to 'worshipping' me; I was afraid their 'devotion' was forced, and even now, I was still in the process of convincing them not to fear me.

On a related note, I did insist on conducting this 'ritual' in private, as I'm not really one to 'brag' about my powers, or achievements. However, the Lady Hinwe insisted that I performed the god-powers in front of everyone, to show that I did something for them. The elves' long-lives complimented with their formidable memories (unless it was messed by 'outside forces'), thus, ensuring that my 'legacy' would be remembered for entire generations to come.

And, speaking of the devil, the Lady Hinwe herself attended, alleging that it was only proper to show her support to me. I guess, she was right to come as well, for this was her land, and my actions now would forever affect Cherwoods and its people. Before we arrived at this point, we talked about some stuff designed to bring back the elves' faith in their saint.

"…"

The effect of the dwarf saint's god-powers was instantaneous. Once I finished blessing the encroaching sands, it immediately turned into deep and dark brown, an indication that the god-powers turned it into loam. The Lady Hinwe followed up by summoning waters deep beneath the ground to moisten it. She went a bit further by causing a few to break into surface, becoming a fountain, sprinkling the awed audience with clean water. Everyone, including the local elves, were overwhelmed by the display, clapping their hands and breaking into impromptu singing and dancing out of their sheer happiness.

However, it is not yet over…

It was the Lady Helgath's turn. Though she was already eye-catching (her height towering above everyone else present), the giantess took a step forward with her hands glowing in bright emerald-green. Then, she touched the brown, yet barren land (formerly the sand), and out of it—much to our pleasant surprise—sprouted plants that quickly grew into trees, shrubs and other foliage in the span of seconds. In a blink of an eye, the blinding deserts of Cherwoods became a lush forest of evergreen trees, complimenting the ancient one behind us, ensuring the survival and future of the elves for generations.

The elves themselves were ecstatic. The Lady Hinwe, unable to contain her happiness, lunged at the giantess and hugged her…even if it was just her leg. Of course, used to being alone all her life, it caught the Lady Helgath off-guard. But, her gentle smile told me she was happy being appreciated. And the Dwarf Saint sent a wink towards me.

----------

***Cherwoods, in a later time…***

A beautiful 'horseless' carriage could be seen traveling down the cobblestone road built on parallel to the ancient stone walls that lined the Grand Canal of Cherwoods to bring in water from the Gulf. Then, it stopped on the one of the terminals of the irrigation system, in front of elvish officials waiting on a raised platform, overlooking a vast woodland behind them. A human butler got down from the driver's seat, and opened the door at the passenger side, which revealed a lady with a pompous hat and gown unsuited for the rural scene around her.

The elves came forward to meet her halfway. "We welcome you to our lands, human noble!"

"Please address her as Lady Burns," the butler corrected the officials. "Duchess of the Isles, and co-owner of the Isles Logging Company."

The elvish lords and ladies, dressed in their usual 'woodland' attires, exchanged amused looks. However, one of them decided to put the matter forward. "Pardon for our ignorance, Lady Burns, we never mean any disrespect out of your nobility. But let us get right into the discussion, this is our land. And I believe we get to set the conditions for your company to follow."

"Lord Ingwer, I presume?" the human lady asked to confirm, to which the elf nodded. Then she followed up with, "You already set limiting conditions on our logging operations in this land, reasoning that you wanted the trees to 'recover.' If so, then you must certainly allow us to increase the range of our company to include the Forbidden Woods."

"The Forbidden Woods shall remain as it is, milady," the elf replied. "It is named 'Forbidden' because we all agreed so. Not even us elves would permit our kin to build cities in that land behind us!"

The lady chuckled. "What a ridiculous reason! You're literally refusing investments and opportunities in your land!"

"We elves don't care about your perceptions; I've lived from the time when humans are more understanding and respectful. The Forbidden Woods is a place blessed by the saints, and we—as its heirs—will protect it as long as we breathed. And human money doesn't concern us."

"This is madness," the butler muttered. But the Lord Ingwer heard him, anyway.

"Madness, you say?" the elf lord raised an eyebrow. "What, are you going to threaten us with your 'army?'" Then, he gave a nod to the other elves behind him; taking his cue, they all displayed their modern weaponry. The Lord Ingwer laughed when he saw the fear on the butler's face. "Human, I think you're forgetting that we elves also have your technology…from repeating rifles, to infrared visions. Now, add to that our natural abilities to hit our intended targets, and never miss. You're clearly messing with the wrong race."

"!!!" Just as the elf finished his words, the ground shook terribly that the humans had difficulty maintaining their balance. Inevitably, Lady Burns fell to the ground, but while her butler assisted, the cause of the tremor revealed itself in the most terrible way possible.

"What's that?!" the noble lady screamed as a groundworm as big as the elves surfaced. It was followed by others of its species, and placed itself between her and the elvish lords and ladies.

The Lord Ingwer gave it a 'head pat,' showing them his control over the monsters. "Perhaps you're unfamiliar with this creature, the groundworm? I guess you do, milady, for this guy is already extinct in Chersea and in Cherwind. But here, they have a sanctuary, and we elves treat them as family. And of course, they are the same towards us; one wrong move, and they will never hesitate to protect us."

Tense silence aired around the group. Lady Burns surely didn't expect the stubborn refusal of the elves, for her company had been on good terms with them before. However, as the demand for Cherwoods' timber skyrocketed because of its quality, the Isles Logging Company wanted to expand its operations far beyond the elvish land known as the Common Grounds, which was relatively small in area compared to the Forbidden Woods. And with the upcoming 'temporary ban' on the logging at the Common Grounds, her business had to source wood from other lands and/or worlds.

"Please adhere to our terms," the Lord Ingwer reiterated, asking the groundworms back to the ground, and gesturing for his elves to withdraw their weapons. "We favor your company, for your house has been an elf-friend since the time of your great ancestor, Umberto Benicci. As we respect your people, we plead that you respect our customs and traditions."

The human noble and her servant couldn't say anything back to the elvish lords and ladies that barred their access to the Forbidden Woods. Faced with no other option but to retreat, Lady Burns told her butler, "Let's go, Henri!" Of course, the servant had no choice but to follow her instructions, and opened the carriage doors for his mistress. But, before the lady settled in her seat, she pitched her proposal to the Lord Ingwer for one last time…

"Can we have, at least, another patch of land to source our woods? I'm worried my company would go under if we find no other place to get raw materials."

The elf lord gently shook his head. "My apologies, milady. As much as we want to do business with you, we have to 'rest' the land, or the tragedy of my time might repeat. I can, however, ask a few friends for recommendations, and I'll send those to you."

Realizing her folly, the Lady Burns bowed. "And I ask for your forgiveness for my rude behavior?"

The Lord Ingwer, sensing a sincere change in the noble, smiled and took her hand, "All is fine, milady. As long as we realize our mistakes and learn from them, we mortals are liable for second chances."