Case 340: Along Everwood’s forest.
By the ti I finish picking a suitable spot for my church, the sun is already halfway subrged below the horizon.
It's a relatively calm but not desolate spot near the protective forest that is encasing our palace—my ho. I am aware of many more populated places that should be even better, but my feelings lean toward this one.
''Your Holiness, if you will.''
''Hm?''
Sowhere along the way, several elven architects, likely sent by my dad, join us. Their representative carefully approaches with magical tools specifically made for designing structures hanging around his waist.
''It is already late, but if you could stay with us for a while and share your ideas, the church can be finished by early tomorrow.'' He says, lifting his glasses.
''How efficient...'' I mutter. ''Ah, I'm planning to be here until midnight, so I guess we have ti.''
''That's great news, Your Holiness.''
Looking at the proud faces of these people, I instinctively swallow the words I'm about to utter.
See, I intended to build the church myself using divine power. As long as I consult the professionals and actually comprehend the structure, I can recreate it quite accurately and reliably. This is the reason I took so long choosing the location.
But these elves... they seem like a big fan. I can't let them down, right?
So, I spend a few hours discussing the Sylvia Church's construction with Justia and the architects. As expected of my dad's vassals, they are true professionals at their work. It's really satisfying knowing they will properly translate every little detail, every piece of story I want the building to convey and make them look magnificent, too.
By the way, what's this hologram ho carving thingy they're using...? It seems like a mix of magical engineering and so sort of electrical work. I've really beco out of touch with the technology we have these days.
''Hmm... that's about it, I think.''
''Understood. We will proceed with the construction now, but if you want to change anything, please talk to us anyti.''
''Got it. Thanks a lot.''
Once the church's final design is approved, I notice it has turned nine. I would love to have a night date with soone now, but alas, everybody is busy.
''How about a walk in the forest?'' My guide, Justia, leans in. ''You haven't been with the trees for a while, right?''
''Oh, that might be a good idea.''
Waving goodbye to the architects, I follow Justia toward the Erald Palace. Our destination is not there, but I guess I can go back to my room for a bit. Maybe I'll visit the nanny...
As I take relaxed steps on the bed of fallen leaves, such thoughts cross my mind.
By now, the city's light has receded much, allowing the gentle moonlight to pierce through the vibrant branches. A refreshing sense creeps in, easing my busy mind.
I like this.
I like the wind brushing my cheeks, the clear air, and the calmness not found in my usual environnt. It hits once again that this is how elves are supposed to live.
''By the way, Your Holiness...''
''Yeah?''
Turning around, Justia briefly checks her surroundings and gets a bit closer to , seemingly itching to say sothing,
''This is just a rumor I've heard, but...'' She whispers.
''But...?''
''It seems His Majesty and Her Majesty are considering a second child...!''
''...''
...Excuse ? Am I going to get a younger sibling?
I an, that... works, but won't it be weird? In terms of elves, a twenty or so years gap might not be anything, but my mind is still very much human. One weirder possibility is that this sibling of mine can potentially be younger than my own children.
Think about it; my parents probably won't have a child now, considering we're still at war, so they will make one so ti after that. Now, whether my future wives will let my belly be this flat for even one day after our victory... that's dubious.
Okay, let's not do this anymore.
''But what gives? Did they decide to have another heir since I will beco a goddess?'' I ask further.
Justia once again scans her surroundings, looking as if a ghost would co out any mont. Then, with even lower volu than before, she speaks, ''His Majesty's nan—my source claims it's because of the pressure from Your Holiness's grandparents. They want another grandchild since you are often away... or so I heard.''
''...''
Aha. So the nanny is the actual source for this.
By the way, my nanny is also my dad's nanny, and she can really be trusted. I guess I'll have a younger sibling soon.
As we continue aimlessly in the forest, chatting away like that, my feet suddenly halt. Sohow, I recognize the patch of empty space before .
''This is...''
An imnse wave of nostalgia hits . Isn't this where I first fired the Desert Eagle with Emy and Liana? We used to do so much naughty shenanigans here.
I must take a picture and show it to those two later.
Ah, wouldn't it be so romantic if my children could play here soday, too? Am I asking too much?
Unfortunately, I only have so much ti here in Everwood. So, I quickly stop by the palace, say hello to the nanny and my forr maid before departing.
I need to head to the frontlines to continue monitoring the war situations and attend etings. I'd probably check in on the church a day or two later so that the workers don't have to rush as much.
''Damn... I still rember this place.''
'' too.''
''Nostalgic, right? Let's go back there with everyone soday!''
The next day's evening, we gather inside Eva's pocket dinsion. We rarely have such a ti recently, but this is just a lucky coincidence, I guess.
After a shower, as I recount my walk and show the two elves our playground, I can feel everyone curiously peeks over my shoulder. Perhaps seeing this as a chance to elevate her position, Liana clears her throat quite arrogantly,
''Man, this makes rember... I have a portrait of Sylvie when she was little. You know, the only one.''
Ah, was that when Liana insisted she could draw? I an, she was a child back then, so... the painting is honestly quite bad.
Jumping on the bandwagon, Emy makes a noise on the other side, ''I still have the wooden crown Sylvia gave . It's on display in my room.''
That was probably... when I spiraled into my woodcarving phase. I thought, as an elf, it would be par for the course for to learn so handcrafting skills.
I didn't know she took it so preciously, though.
Well, jokes aside—
''Let's go there.''
''Nn?''
Suddenly, Tina chis in, insisting we all visit the elven forest. Her expression speaks of utter determination, which I briefly think is an exaggeration, but when the others start doing it...
Don't tell you guys are jealous...?
Tina, I can understand. Anna... not so much, but Sariel? Even Eva?
Are my stupid little gifts as a kid that important?
''My, my, it'll be quite rry.''
Amidst all of this, only Luna remains cheerful.
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