Let’s Manage the Tower

Book 3: Volume 2 - Chapter 8, Tapping

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

Spirit Elves were whispered of in ancient legends, said to predate even the High Elves themselves. They were considered the original blueprint from which all Elven Races descended from.

Yet, the phrase ‘said to be’ carried significant weight, for even the High Elves, who had existed since time immemorial. They had never definitively confirmed the existence of Spirit Elves.

The myths spoke of their specific characteristics with reverence. They were described as Elves who stood closest to godhood, possessing an intrinsic connection to the Spirits and serving as the chosen guardians of the World Trees.

However, these tales varied widely among High Elf mythology, making it impossible to determine which versions held truth.

To ordinary Elves, Spirit Elves were so distant from common knowledge that they did not even appear in children’s fairy tales. Mention them to an average Elf, and one would be met with blank incomprehension.

Only among the High Elves were these stories preserved and passed down through generations.

This explained why Shiomala fainted upon Collete’s revelation of being a Spirit Elf. The impact of this truth manifested physically before her eyes: the moment Collete made her confession, the Spirits surrounding the World Tree gathered around her in a display of pure joy.

This was unprecedented. Neither ordinary Elves nor even Shiomala, a High Elf and the World Tree’s shrine maiden, could command such a response from the Spirits. More remarkably, Collete was not even actively controlling them – they congregated of their own accord, something Shiomala had only ever witnessed with the World Tree itself.

The World Tree Fairy’s similar astonishment only served to validate the truth of Collete’s identity. After recovering from her initial shock, the Fairy regarded Collete with undisguised admiration.

“Are you really a Spirit Elf?” The World Tree Fairy asked.

“Yes,” Collete responded, meeting the World Tree Fairy’s intense gaze without wavering.

The World Tree Fairy could sense the extraordinary power within Collete. Unlike Kousuke, who concealed his Divine Power, Collete made no attempt to suppress her abilities at this moment. The fact that her power had gone unnoticed during Kousuke’s summoning spoke volumes about her perfect control over it.

“That’s remarkable.” The World Tree Fairy exhaled; her voice laden with complex emotions.

Both Collete and Shiomala wore identical expressions of confusion at the Fairy’s tone. Undeterred by their reaction, the World Tree Fairy continued.

“Finally. Finally, the one we’ve been waiting for has arrived.”

She turned her attention to Kousuke. “You knew, didn’t you?”

Kousuke’s expression mirrored their confusion. “No, I knew that Collete had become a Spirit Elf, but I haven’t heard what it means to other Elves.”

The unspoken reference to the Gods – the only beings who might possess detailed knowledge of Spirit Elves – hung in the air between them.

The World Tree Fairy nodded deeply at his response. “Well. I suppose so. It’s the Gods’ rule not to speak of things that will affect the future after all.”

Kousuke tilted his head, recalling the numerous times the Gods had shared future-affecting information with him. The World Tree Fairy noticed his confusion and laughed, covering her mouth with one hand.

“The Goddesses of Sanctuary have told you such things because they trust you as a Living God,” she explained, highlighting the distinction between acceptable discourse in Sanctuary versus their current location in Earthgard.

Before Kousuke could respond, the Fairy redirected the conversation. “Sorry. I’m getting off-topic. I need to talk about Collete now.”

To everyone’s surprise, the World Tree Fairy bowed deeply to Collete, who recoiled in shock. While Collete did not serve as this particular World Tree’s shrine maiden, she held deep respect for these ancient beings. To have one bow to her was unprecedented.

“Huh? What!? Why so suddenly?” Collete stammered.

“I have a request,” The World Tree Fairy responded, proceeding to share a story that left both Collete and Shiomala wide-eyed with astonishment.

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The Fairy requested that Collete perform a <Ritual of Revitalization> during the Full Moon in two nights. The request was shocking because such rituals were traditionally performed only by the World Tree’s designated shrine maiden.

Neither Collete nor Shiomala had ever heard of an outside shrine maiden conducting another World Tree’s revitalization ritual.

In Sewri Forest’s village, it was taken for granted that Shiomala, as the shrine maiden, would perform this ceremony. The villagers would likely react strongly to an outsider suddenly taking on this sacred duty. Yet the World Tree Fairy’s insistence left them no choice but to accept.

Walking back to Shiomala’s residence, Collete released a heavy sigh. “What can I say…I didn’t expect it to get this far.”

“If you don’t want to meet your parents, you can just return home for now and return back just in time for the ritual?” Kousuke suggested, noting her reluctance.

Nana, padding alongside them, offered comfort by gently licking Collete’s hand.

“Hey, Nana, that tickles,” Collete said, rubbing the creature’s head affectionately before sighing again. “I don’t really care anymore. But I wonder what the others would think.”

They were en route to meet Collete’s parents before the ritual. Though Kousuke could have simply returned her to the Tower and summoned her again for the ceremony, Shiomala had intervened, and Collete wished to resolve matters properly.

Kousuke had no intention of forcing any particular course of action. Whether she chose reconciliation with her parents and the villagers or decided to make a clean break, he would support whatever path allowed Collete to find closure with her past.

Sensing his understanding, Collete reached for his hand. “Thank you for going out of your way to watch out for me.”

“What are you talking about? You can be as selfish as you want even at a time like this,” Kousuke replied with a laugh.

Observing their interaction, Shiomala sighed. “I know you two get along well, but even though I’m a High Elf who’s not good at reading the air, I still feel troubled when someone gets affectionate with their partner in front of me.”

Her sincere comment caused Collete to blush and release Kousuke’s hand – a reaction that surprised him, as he had never witnessed this side of her on the Administration Floor.