Let’s Manage the Tower

Book 3: Volume 2 - Chapter 5, Morning Dew Drops

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

Before Kousuke stood an imposing figure dressed in loose-fitting green clothing similar to Esena’s—unmistakably the Fairy of the World Tree. She carried herself with a maturity that surpassed Esena’s, suggesting she had lived far longer than anyone present.

Her gentle smile emanated a maternal warmth that befitted her role as the World Tree’s guardian, making it no exaggeration to consider her the mother of all living things.

As Kousuke observed her standing before the World Tree, his mind drifted to the Goddesses at Sanctuary. The connection became immediately clear: while the World Tree Fairies didn’t radiate Divine Power, they possessed an aura remarkably similar to that of the Goddesses.

The Fairy, perhaps noticing Kousuke’s scrutiny, offered him a graceful bow. “Thank you for taking the trouble to come to a place like this, even though you are a God.”

“No, no. Please spare me the formalities,” Kousuke hastily responded, waving his hands. “Even though I’m a God, I’m still a novice, and more than anything, I’m pleased to have had the chance to see a place like this.”

His words were genuine, though beads of cold sweat traced down his back.

In this world’s hierarchy, Gods far outranked Fairies. Yet, observing the magnificent forest and the Fairy’s dignified bearing, Kousuke felt distinctly outmatched. While he could conceive of several ways to destroy the forest by force, such thoughts were far from his mind. Instead, he felt profound reverence for these beings who had maintained this sacred place for millennia.

The World Tree Fairy, either reading his thoughts or having assessed his character during their brief interaction, responded with a gentle smile and slight nod. “Thank you. I’m glad to hear you say that.”

Turning her attention to Shiomala, Kouhi, and Mitsuki, she gestured welcomingly. “It would be rude to stand there, so please come this way.” With a raise of her right hand, the roots of the World Tree shifted, forming what appeared to be makeshift furniture—a desk and chairs.

As the group settled into their seats, they discovered that despite appearing to be mere tree roots, the chairs possessed the comfortable warmth of finely polished woodwork.

“By the way, how do I address you?” Kousuke inquired casually, though the question seemed to trouble the Fairy.

“I’m sorry. I don’t have a specific name like you all do.” She replied apologetically.

Kousuke instinctively glanced at Shiomala, who confirmed with a nod. “Even when I took over the role of shrine maiden from my predecessor, I didn’t ask for her name. Since I’m the only shrine maiden she interacted with, I don’t have a chance to call her by any name.”

“Kousuke-sama, would you kindly give me a name?” The World Tree Fairy asked, her eyes bright with unexpected hope.

After careful consideration, Kousuke shook his head. “I don’t know what will happen if I carelessly give a name to a being like you, so I’ll refrain.”

His response visibly disappointed the Fairy, but he knew the weight that names carried in this world, especially now that he had become a Living God. It would not be appropriate to casually name such an influential being.

Despite the simplicity of their root-crafted gathering space, the World Tree Fairy proved to be a gracious host. As their conversation progressed, Spirits appeared bearing cups filled with a mysterious liquid.

“I don’t know if it will suit everyone’s taste, but please try it.” She offered, indicating the wooden cups before them.

Kousuke took a tentative sip and was immediately struck by its subtle sweetness. “…Delicious,” he remarked instinctively.

The Fairy’s face brightened at his praise. “Is that so? I’m glad.”

“No. This is really delicious, you know?” Kousuke insisted, turning to Kouhi and Mitsuki for confirmation. Both nodded in genuine appreciation rather than mere politeness.

“What is this?” Kousuke asked, savoring the unique flavor.

“My bodily fluids… that’s a bit misleading, but it’s basically like morning dew,” she explained, referring to the droplets collected from the World Tree’s leaves. The explanation reminded Kousuke of a similar concept from a game he once knew. He tactfully ignored Shiomala’s shocked expression at this revelation.

As they continued their pleasant conversation over drinks, the World Tree Fairy suddenly posed an unexpected question: “By the way, it appears that Morning Dew Drops are being taken care of by you, are they doing well?”

“Huh? Morning Dew Drops?” Kousuke responded, confused.

Esena tugged at his sleeve. “Morning Dew Drops is Sister Collete.”

“Oh, in that case, take care… Eh? Why is Collete called Morning Dew Drops?” Kousuke’s confusion only deepened.

The World Tree Fairy observed their exchange before understanding dawned on her face. “Oh, so Kousuke-sama didn’t know that Collete had run away from this village.”

“…Huh!!!?” The revelation shocked not only Kousuke but also Kouhi, Mitsuki, and even Shiomala.

“Collete was under Kousuke-sama’s care…” The Fairy mused, finally helping Kousuke understand that Collete had originated from this village. Despite their long acquaintance, he had never inquired deeply about her hometown, partly due to the sensitive nature of the topic and partly because Collete seemed reluctant to discuss it.

In this unexpected setting, Kousuke finally discovered the truth about Collete’s origins, though many questions still remained unanswered.