Chapter 4, Invitation

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

The Elf guide halted before an ornate door. “Shiomala-sama, I’ve brought them here.”

“Let them in,” a feminine voice responded from within.

Upon hearing the command, the guide opened the door and gestured with his right hand. “Shiomala-sama awaits you inside.”

Kousuke and his companions entered the chamber. At its far end stood a female Elf attired in traditional shrine maiden garments. Though her pointed ears clearly marked her Elven heritage, something about her presence seemed different from typical Elves.

As Kousuke pondered this distinction internally, the woman’s lips curved into a knowing smile.

“As expected—most cannot discern the difference between Elves,” she said. “I am Shiomala, a High Elf.”

Before Kousuke could complete his own introduction, Shiomala raised her right hand to stop him. “Please, there’s no need. I already know your true name, as well as those of your companions.”

As confusion crossed Kousuke’s face, Esena appeared, looking apologetic. “Big Brother, I’m sorry. I told Big Sister.”

“Big Sister?” Kousuke glanced between Esena and Shiomala, but the High Elf shook her head. Then realization dawned on him. Esena must be referring to someone else, likely another shrine maiden they had encountered in their previous visit to an Elven village.

“I see. In that case, there’s nothing to worry about,” Kousuke assured the dejected Esena. He noted how frequently he had found himself comforting her since they had entered this forest.

Once Esena’s spirits lifted, Kousuke turned back to Shiomala. “I apologize for the interruption.”

Shiomala waved off his concern with a warm smile. “Not at all. It’s heartening to see such a close bond between you two.”

“Well, I suppose so,” Kousuke replied vaguely, preferring not to delve deeper into that particular topic. He quickly redirected the conversation: “Is there something I can assist you with?”

“Actually, it’s not I who requires assistance, but another,” Shiomala responded cryptically, though Kousuke immediately understood she meant the ’Older Sister’ Esena had mentioned.

“I see. Will we be meeting her here?”

Shiomala shook her head. “Though I serve as her shrine maiden, she cannot leave her physical form to join us.”

“What?!” Kousuke exclaimed, startled by this revelation. He had grown so accustomed to Esena appearing beside him at will that he’d assumed all World Tree Fairies possessed the same ability.

Noting his surprise as he looked at Esena, Shiomala offered a knowing smile. “You two share a unique bond. While I don’t understand its full nature, I believe that’s what enables your connection.”

It was clear Shiomala comprehended Esena’s true identity. Her words confirmed that the relationship between Esena and Kousuke was indeed extraordinary—a fact Kousuke himself was only now beginning to grasp.

“I never imagined I’d learn something like this now,” he mused.

“It’s often difficult to understand such things about oneself,” Shiomala replied with gentle amusement. “Now, we shouldn’t keep her waiting too long—she may grow impatient. Shall we proceed?”

She indicated a different exit from the one they’d entered through. Kousuke confirmed Nana’s inclusion in their party, to which Shiomala assured him, “Of course. There’s no reason to exclude your dependents.”

The new doorway led directly outside. Though the building followed traditional Japanese architecture requiring removal of shoes indoors, outdoor footwear was provided for visitors. The path beyond resembled shrine grounds, impeccably maintained through the diligent work of Spirits under Shiomala’s supervision.

After a ten-minute walk, they beheld exactly what Kousuke had anticipated: a World Tree that dwarfed even Esena’s physical form. Like the one in the first Elven village they had visited, likely concealed its presence behind magical barriers. However, this tree’s presence far exceeded that of its counterpart, making Kousuke realize just how diminished the other had become.

For several moments, Kousuke stood transfixed by the magnificent tree and the Spirits dancing around it. Though he’d seen Esena’s true form many times, it was clear she was still but a sapling compared to this ancient giant.

This was truly a tree worthy of being called a pillar of the world. Perhaps his own divine nature allowed him to sense aspects of its majesty that others could not, though he could not articulate exactly what those might be.

“Kousuke-sama?” Shiomala’s query broke through his reverie.

“My apologies,” he said, gathering himself. “I was simply overwhelmed by how magnificent the World Tree has grown.”

Shiomala turned to Esena with a warm smile. “You’ll grow to become like this someday. I look forward to seeing it.”

“Yes, of course.” Esena nodded.

Though the massive tree loomed before them, it took another ten minutes to reach its base. As they followed the forest-lined path, they finally approached the massive roots, each as thick as the surrounding ancient trees. Between these mighty roots stood their intended host—a woman whose features, whether by chance or destiny, bore a striking resemblance to Esena’s. Clothed in shrine maiden attire similar to Shiomala’s, she was none other than the Fairy of this towering World Tree.