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 2.4

The World Tree.

It is a sacred tree that exists within the Elven Kingdom, more crucial to maintaining the world’s balance than even spirits.

According to the lore, it was supposed to be an eternal existence—something that could never wither or die. Even in the game, no matter what happened, the World Tree remained standing, unwavering.

And yet, now it was withering?

How could something so absurd be possible?

“Thank you for agreeing to hear our request.”

With those thoughts in mind, I ultimately chose to accept the Elven envoy’s plea.

“…If the World Tree is in danger, then so is the world itself. Ignoring it would not be an option.”

“We are deeply grateful for your willingness to help.”

“But I make no promises of success. To be frank, I doubt my presence alone will be enough to resolve the World Tree’s issue. I’m not even the hero from the prophecy.”

“Even so, we wish to cling to whatever small hope remains. Standing by and doing nothing is the worst possible course of action.”

“Then I shall go with that same mindset. But don’t get your hopes up too high.”

“Understood.”

Seriously, though.

I had no idea how I was supposed to fix something like this.

“By the way, how much longer until we reach the Elven Kingdom?”

Inside the carriage bound for the Elven Kingdom, I turned to the envoy seated beside me.

“We have only just departed…”

“Hmm? Didn’t we use Teleportation Magic to transport the entire convoy a significant distance?”

“…With a group of this size, teleporting is a major undertaking. We still have some ways to go.”

“I see… Oh, come to think of it, I never actually asked for your name, did I?”

Now that I thought about it, I had completely forgotten to ask.

“…Ah.”

“My apologies. Forgetting to ask the name of a guest is a terrible oversight on my part. This is my first time in a situation like this, so I’m still making plenty of mistakes.”

“No, no! It was my responsibility to introduce myself first! You need not apologize. My name is Shaftar.”

“Shaftar, is it? I’ll remember it.”

“That would be an honor.”

The Elven Kingdom…

Since I was going all the way there, I might as well use this opportunity to study spirits as well.

With the brief exchange settled, I shifted my attention to the spirit beside Shaftar, quietly observing it.

■■■■■

During the journey, I attempted to study spirits, but as expected, merely watching wasn’t enough to yield any real insights.

I couldn’t recklessly interfere with it using magic, either, so my research remained completely stagnant.

“We’re almost there.”

“Hmm. Is that so?”

And so, with zero progress made, I let out a sigh and shifted my focus back to the journey.

“…Something just shifted.”

“Yes. We have passed through the barrier protecting the Elven Kingdom. It has existed since ancient times to safeguard the land.”

“So we’ve finally arrived. I wonder how many times humans have actually set foot in the Elven Kingdom?”

“This may very well be the first time.”

As expected from such an isolated nation.

I was the first human visitor?

“Would you like to see the Elven Kingdom for yourself?”

“Yes, please.”

With a flick of Shaftar’s magic, the carriage curtains opened, revealing the scenery outside.

“Hmm. Quite a distinctive landscape.”

The Elven Kingdom finally came into view.

A nation seamlessly merged with the forest—that was the best way to describe it.

Enormous trees filled the area, and rather than constructing buildings, the elves had shaped these trees into homes and shops, creating a city that existed in harmony with nature.

“…Oh?”

As I gazed upon the kingdom, my eyes caught onto something unexpected, and I couldn’t help but voice my surprise.

“Is something the matter?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

The Elven Kingdom had a slave market.

That settled it.

One of my destinations during my stay in the Elven Kingdom was decided.