I Reincarnated as a Villainous Noble and Want to Enjoy a Laid-Back Harem Life – I Have No Intention of Getting Involved in the Main Story, Just Want to Live Comfortably with My Female Slaves, but Everyone Around Me Keeps Treating Me Like a Hero - Chapter 2.3

An envoy from the Elven Kingdom had arrived at our estate.

She was a breathtakingly beautiful woman.

Her long silver hair, illuminated by the sunlight streaming through the window, flowed softly like the branches of a willow swaying in the wind. Her translucent white skin was as smooth as a marble sculpture, further enhancing her ethereal beauty.

Her deep emerald-green eyes gleamed with an ancient mystery, carrying the weight of centuries. And her pointed ears, the signature trait of elves, added to her elegance.

“……”

Elves—renowned for their long lifespans and pointed ears—were always depicted as stunningly beautiful beings in the game.

But knowing that from a screen and seeing it in person were two entirely different things.

Faced with such an overwhelmingly mystical and alluring presence, I found myself quietly holding my breath.

“It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Lord Lloyd Reinhardt.”

Before me, the elven woman gracefully rose from her seat, offering a poised bow as she greeted me.

“Ah… The honor is mine, envoy of the Elven Kingdom.”

The elf before me was merely a messenger.

By status, I ranked above her. As the acting head of the Reinhardt family, I was meeting her in an official capacity.

Maintaining my position, I responded with an air of authority.

“…Still, you certainly didn’t come alone, did you?”

“…!”

Rather than engaging in formal pleasantries, I went straight for an unexpected remark.

I had momentarily lost myself in admiration the moment I saw her.

So, to cover up that blunder, I acted as if I had been focused on something else the entire time.

“…You noticed?”

“You think I wouldn’t notice such intense gazes directed my way?”

Elves.

Their greatest strength in battle was their ability to fight alongside spirits.

Spirits were beings born from the forces of nature, governing the elemental powers that served as the foundation of all magic.

It was said that they had existed since ancient times, maintaining the balance of the natural world.

And right now, the elf before me had secretly brought one into this very room.

“I must say, I’m quite surprised. I wasn’t expecting such an eager spirit to be present here.”

I used that as my excuse for having been momentarily stunned.

There was no way I was going to admit that I had been mesmerized by her beauty. That would do me no favors.

Of course, I had already sensed the spirit’s presence when I got up from my bed earlier.

“As expected of Lord Lloyd Reinhardt… To think you could even perceive spirits… I am truly in awe. Perhaps I should call you ‘Hero’ after all?”

“I am no such thing.”

She called me a hero, but I dismissed it with a wave of my hand.

Taking my seat across from her, I got straight to the point.

“And? What business do you have with our house?”

I had no knowledge of diplomatic etiquette.

So rather than risk slipping up, I aimed to wrap this up quickly.

“…Since I am speaking with the esteemed Lord Reinhardt, I shall forego any unnecessary formalities and present my request outright.”

“Good. Proceed.”

I had approached this meeting with the intent of avoiding any blunders.

And yet—

“The World Tree is dying.

Please, lend us your strength.”

“…Huh?”

At her unexpected plea, my brain short-circuited for a moment.

Wait… WHAT?!

The World Tree?

The World Tree that was said to govern the balance of the entire world?

It was dying?!

But wasn’t that thing supposed to be immortal, endlessly supporting the world’s equilibrium?!

This was—

A world-ending disaster in the making!