Chapter 304
Chapter 304. Homecoming and Scars
Two days later, Liliana finally arrived at her hometown.
Sancta Shiro—the village of Forest Elves, where the Mother Great Tree stands tall.
As soon as she stepped in, the pure air seemed to heal both her body and soul.
Towering trees stood in countless rows. The trees had large hollows that also served as the homes for the elves.
Elves didn’t need to ‘build’ houses from wood or stone—they just had to ‘ask’ the great trees. In return, the kind trees would welcome the elves to dwell within them.
The trees were so massive that compared to the towers of the outer world, they paled in size. Some tall trees housed several families. They climbed up to the hollows via vine ladders, and each great tree connected by bridges of vines, reminiscent of spider webs.
On the ground, fruit trees grew everywhere, bearing fruit nearly year-round. In sunny squares, harvested fruits were spread out to dry. This was the dried fruit for preservation. Meanwhile, some were singing while pouring magical water into jars and mixing in fruits—this was for making fruit wine.
Adult elves sang songs, played instruments, and lost themselves in contemplation while basking in the sun atop the trees.
“Alright, here we go!”
“Ahaha, over here, over here!”
“Wow, wait for me, everyone!”
The children were using speed spells, running around energetically. Generally, elves only left the village after reaching about fifty years old and becoming independent. It was rare to see young ones outside the village.
“Everyone…”
Nostalgia washed over her. Familiar faces all around. However, the villagers merely glanced at Liliana and didn’t seem to pay her much heed. That was because Liliana currently looked just like any normal Forest Elf.
They might have thought, “I don’t recognize that face,” but Sancta Shiro, being akin to the capital of the Holy Great Tree Alliance, frequently hosted visitors from other villages, making unfamiliar Forest Elves not so uncommon.
In fact, there were many Forest Elves Liliana had never seen before—instantly recognizable as from different villages by their clothing and fine decorations.
Suppressing the urge to greet someone familiar, Liliana walked further towards the heart of the village. A place that felt both nostalgic and powerful.
“Ah…”
She couldn’t help but let out a sigh.
The confluence of giant trees seemed to create a distance around the center of the village.
One tree towered above all, making a statement that rivaled even that of the Demon Lord Castle.
This was the Mother Great Tree—the living miracle left behind by the gods of light. A symbol and a spiritual pillar of the Forest Elves.
And—this was the residence of the High Elf Queen.
Shrouded in divinity, the Great Tree appeared to shimmer even during the day, glowing beautifully at night and illuminating the village. The Holy Great Tree generously opened hollows all around to welcome the elves.
The vast trunk also meant immense internal space, encompassing the religious and political functionalities of the Forest Elf race.
Yet, because it was such an important facility, not just anyone could freely enter.
“Not a familiar face.”
“Only those with permission may enter the sanctuary.”
“Show your identification.”
“Or a letter of recommendation from a chief.”
Liliana was stopped in front of the hollow that served as the entrance, by a duo performing the role of gatekeepers.
Armed with ceremonial magic bows, the two identical-faced Forest Elves were none other than Morn and Barn, an exceptionally rare pair of Forest Elf twins who had served as gatekeepers for hundreds of years, and also Liliana’s relatives of High Elf blood.
Tears welled up in her eyes out of nostalgia as she gazed at the ever-serious twin brothers. Silently putting on her hood to hide her face, Liliana dispelled her human transformation magic.
“Wha…?!”
“B-buh…?!”
Morn and Barn’s jaws dropped as they stood stunned, their eyes nearly popping out in surprise.
“……….”
Liliana silently placed a finger to her lips, signaling for them to stay quiet.
“Sorry for worrying you… I’m back now.”
As she said this, she conjured an image of “Tachiana’s Story” with her magical power, as if completing a pilgrimage for the Forest Elf brigade.
“Y-your Highness…?!”
“W-wait, is this really her…?!”
Panicking, the two soon deduced that something had transpired, managing to suppress their elevated voices as they eagerly inquired.
“Actually, I was captured. By the Night Elves.”
A shadow fell over Liliana’s face. This was intel enough to leave her brothers once again speechless.
“But thanks to various circumstances, I managed to escape. I want to keep my return to the village under wraps for now since I faked my disappearance. It would create confusion for the Demon Lord Kingdom.”
Forcing a bright expression, Liliana gazed at them.
“I’ve attempted to dispel the curses on me, but there might still be some I can’t break on my own. I’d like to purify myself first before meeting Mother…”
““Understood…!””
Morn and Barn replied in unison, yet they couldn’t both leave their posts at the gate.
The two exchanged glances and began tracing magical patterns. They conjured fire, wood, and water symbols in succession and simultaneously. Eventually, Morn solidified the water while Barn solidified the fire. “Alright…!” Morn clenched his fist, while Barn wore a disgruntled expression.
They decided victory and defeat through a method known as “the mortal triad,” where fire beats wood, wood beats water, and water beats fire. By the way, landing the same symbol results in a tie.
“Then, let me guide you… dear traveler.”
Pretending to host her as a visitor, Morn led Liliana into the depths of the Great Tree—into the sanctuary. To keep her identity hidden by her presence, she used the human transformation magic once more.
Nostalgia engulfed her. This was truly her home. The rugged walls, the smooth floors, and magical lights burning in various places.
On the ground floor, guardians of the forest gathered, exchanging information about the state of the surrounding woods and any environmental changes. Unlike the average elves, many wore stern expressions. A somewhat grim atmosphere lingered—no matter how peaceful it appeared, they were still not free from the pressure of the Demon Lord Army.
As Liliana climbed the mid-levels, she started seeing brigade leaders of the archers and the sages. The brigade leaders were huddled together, murmuring strategic discussions, while the sages were enhancing their magical power through spiritual training or deep in study with books. In the library of the mid-levels, Liliana had once voraciously read various tomes—
Then, to the upper levels. This was truly a realm accessible only to a limited few. Tenants of the various villages, members of the Holy Great Tree Alliance council, diplomats, top-tier sages, those of High Elf lineage, and the Queen herself resided here—
“This way… your Highness.”
Having entered an area now nearly exclusive to insiders, Morn dropped his pretense as a guide. Liliana was led to a bathing chamber. In this sunlit sanctuary, pure water rich with the sap of the Great Tree bubbled up from small hollows above, cascading down like a waterfall.
“Thank you.”
Liliana dispelled her human form, returning to her true self. Purifying herself here would not only cleanse her body but also dispel most curses… In fact, any curse that couldn’t be undone here would presumably be impossible to break in the material realm.
“My, I’m truly relieved you’re safe! However, what a peculiar magic… I wasn’t expecting this!”
Morn was impressed, being experienced in discerning visitors as a gatekeeper.
“It’s the Dragon’s ‘Human Transformation Magic’. It seems we can learn it too. Thanks to it, I managed to travel under the radar until now.”
“Indeed, fascinating…! Ah, I apologize for digressing. I shall inform Her Majesty.”
“Alright. I truly… have so much to report to Mother. Please, I beg you.”
“Understood.”
Once Morn left, Liliana stripped down and began to cleanse herself in the bath.
“Ah…”
She splashed the pure water all over, letting out an exclamation of comfort. Exhaustion from her forced march melted away, and even the wounds of her heart seemed to heal.
The miraculous water not only dispelled curses but even rejuvenated her magical powers. The only downside was that its benefits didn’t last long if taken outside. When she lived here, she had utilized it daily, never fully appreciating its value until she heard the outrageous prices it would fetch if put on the market.
Yes—through mundane conversation.
Liliana spoke, and Alexander was astonished.
“………”
I wonder how he’s doing right now.
As she bathed in the water, Liliana gently placed a hand over her heart.
—Even with all this healing power from the Mother Great Tree.
“There are pains that cannot be healed.”
Pure droplets traced down her cheeks, flowing away.
