Let’s Manage the Tower

Book 3: Volume 2 - Chapter 7, Past and Present

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

Collete settled into the wooden chair crafted from the World Tree’s materials, facing Shiomala, whose confusion was evident in her expression.

“It’s been quite some time,” Collete said warmly.

“Indeed it has. How many years has it passed?”

“About ten years since I left.”

Shiomala, a High Elf, who had served as the World Tree’s shrine maiden for generations, immediately recognized Collete from her time in the village. Unlike other High Elves, Shiomala’s continued existence in this world was extraordinary. Her role as the shrine maiden and her profound connection with the World Tree Fairy allowed her to maintain her physical form.

The World Tree of Sewri Village held particular significance, being one of the oldest among its kind and possessing the unique power to sustain a High Elf as its shrine maiden.

As Kousuke observed their interaction, something about the scene struck him as peculiar. At first, he could not pinpoint the source of his unease, but when realization dawned, he could not help but exclaim, “Oh! I see!”

His sudden outburst startled not only Collete and Shiomala but also Kouhi and Mitsuki. Feeling self-conscious about their reactions, Kousuke averted his gaze. “Sorry about that. I just realized what was bothering me.”

Collete smiled knowingly. “I suppose Kousuke noticed how different I’m acting?”

Kousuke nodded enthusiastically. Among the members of the Administration Floor, Collete was known for her outgoing nature. Yet here, in Shiomala’s presence, she had adopted a more reserved, almost honor student-like demeanor. The contrast made him uncomfortable—it felt as though she were putting on an act.

“Exactly. This isn’t how you normally behave in the Tower.”

With a playful smile, Collete wrapped her arms around Kousuke’s neck. While she was typically affectionate, such bold displays of physical affection were rare.

Kousuke realized she was deliberately showing this side of herself to Shiomala, whose surprised expression confirmed as much.

“Collete?”

“Shiomala-sama, this is who I am now. And for the record, I’m one of Kousuke’s women.” To emphasize her point, Collete planted a kiss on Kousuke’s cheek, causing Shiomala to freeze momentarily before releasing a deep sigh.

“You seem… happy now?”

“Yes,” Collete responded with conviction. “That’s the one thing I’m absolutely certain about.”

Seeing Shiomala’s relieved nod, Kousuke took the opportunity to inquire about the village.

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Though Kousuke assured Collete she need not share if she preferred not to, she readily recounted her story. For her, it truly was just a chapter of her past.

Everything began with a fortune-telling that predicted Collete would bring significant changes to the village.

In Sewri Forest, where people lived among the unchanging trees, such prophecies of change were deeply feared. While initially dismissed as mere fortune-telling, the prediction gained weight when a series of misfortunes—poor weather, natural disasters, and other calamities—befell the village.

These circumstances made Collete a target of suspicion. Though no one confronted her directly, whispered accusations spread through the village, inevitably reaching her ears. She might have endured this but then came a more personal blow: the birth of her Younger Sister transformed her Family dynamics.

Her once-loving parents subtly altered their treatment of her—a change her young heart quickly perceived.

Upon reaching adulthood, Collete chose to leave the village. She spent time as a solitary adventurer before encountering Sylvia, and later, Kousuke. As Collete shared her tale, Shiomala’s expression grew increasingly sorrowful.

“That’s essentially the whole story.” Collete concluded matter-of-factly.

Kousuke could tell she had truly moved past these events. He suspected she usually avoided sharing her history to spare others discomfort rather than protect herself.

Rather than probe deeper into her past, he posed a different question. “I understand that, but was your personality really so different back then?”

Shiomala’s evident surprise at Collete’s familiar treatment of Kousuke contrasted sharply with the Collete he knew—someone who had seemed naturally outgoing from their first meeting.

“That transformation was thanks to Sylvia.” Collete explained. “When we first met, I was even more reserved than I am now. After spending time together… well, you can ask her about the rest.”

Collete left it at that, but Kousuke, having heard pieces of Sylvia’s history, could imagine the impact of their friendship. Their meeting seemed almost predestined from an outsider’s perspective, though Kousuke kept this observation to himself, knowing such thoughts could seem presumptuous.

“I see.” He said.

Collete responded to his understanding with a smile, once again wrapping her arms around his neck.

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Shiomala watched their interaction with curiosity. “How did you two meet?”

Kousuke and Collete exchanged glances before breaking into laughter.

“A series of coincidences.” Collete said.

“Though I’ve been interested in Collete from the start.” Kousuke added.

“Really? I never knew that!? Why didn’t you tell me about it before?”

“Because I noticed the title <Esena’s Priestess> in your status. Sylvia had a similar title too.”

Understanding dawned on Collete’s face. “Ah, that explains it.”

However, it was Shiomala who reacted most strongly to this revelation. “What? You mean… <Esena’s Priestess>…”

“Yes, I was chosen as Esena’s Priestess.” As if to confirm her words, Esena, who had been watching enviously as Collete clung to Kousuke, wrapped herself around Collete’s neck.

Shiomala’s expression became a complex mixture of emotions—surprise, joy, and a touch of sadness, perhaps realizing that Collete’s role as another World Tree’s shrine maiden meant she would truly never return to the village.

“I see… Well, congratulations are in order.”

Collete regarded Shiomala with her own complicated expression. While nothing technically prevented her from returning to the village, she hesitated before deciding to share one final piece of information.

“Shiomala, you’ve probably noticed already…”

As Shiomala tilted her head questioningly, Collete continued, “Beyond becoming a priestess, I’ve also evolved into a Spirit Elf.”

The impact of this revelation nearly caused Shiomala to faint—only Kouhi’s quick support kept her upright. Even the World Tree Fairy, typically composed, could not hide her astonishment at this unprecedented development.