Ash Von Agnus's POV
"Well, this is the palace of the elves, isn't it?"
Jenny walked around, amazed, looking around with interest.
Ron, on the other hand, didn't show any signs of surprise. As if he had expected this, he remained completely composed.
'Whatever'
First, we'll start by removing the remnants that are eating away at the World Tree. Just having the World Tree activates 'deterrence' against demons. All of this is thanks to the elves' efforts to support the World Tree in some way. They didn't save the World Tree themselves, but they bought time until someone came to save it. As the World Tree weakens day by day, many things have changed. Even the elves, who thought they were the noblest race, had no choice but to understand the meaning of these values.
I looked to my side and saw Amelia hesitating.
"Ugh,"
I turned my head with an indifferent face and said, "If you want to say something, say it quickly."
Amelia's eyes widened.
"How did you know!?"
"..."
In a hesitant voice, she asked,
"W-What brought you here?"
"Don't get me wrong, I was just curious, I—" I interrupted her, saying,
"To save the World Tree."
Amelia shouted, her face showing astonishment, "What!?"
"..."
"Do you know the significance of what you're saying now? Even if you're joking, it's not something you can say carelessly. I know you're the agent of the World Tree—"
I interrupted her firmly, with a cold look on my face,
"..."
"..."
After a few moments of awkward silence, Amelia said, "C- Can you save the World Tree?"
'If everything goes according to plan and there are no variables, there is a chance of success.'
"Yes, I can save it."
I continued walking without saying anything after that, and it seemed Amelia didn't continue the conversation.
"We considered ourselves noble as much as we bore responsibilities until now. But as a result, we couldn't fulfill our obligations because we couldn't protect the World Tree... couldn't protect my father."
What Amelia said was filled with a deep sense of regret. Because he failed in his duty, the "value" that made him noble also disappeared. I remember something like this was mentioned in the original novel—Amelia constantly blamed herself for the collapse of the World Tree, the death of her father, and the fall of the elves.
"It's something we must protect now."
"...Yes?"
"Didn't the World Tree send me to you somehow? Wouldn't that be enough?"
From Amelia's perspective, it might seem like the person she met for the first time today is giving her useless advice.
"I hope your mother believes you."
She won't ignore me. Not just because I'm the agent of the World Tree, but because I'm fundamentally honest. Just like the Elf Queen I know.
Continuing the conversation, we reached the end of the corridor without realizing it.