Just like the Elder said, it didn't take long for the cocoon to start disappearing.
It looked like it was turning into sand, but nothing hit the floor as the energy that it was comprised of dissipated before any piece could even touch the ground.
Contrary to Paul's expectations, the young woman inside was not green.
Her skin was as white as porcelain, while her hair turned golden and pulsed with light.
Her head was adorned with golden leaves, which were arranged into a pattern resembling a tiara or a small crown.
Other than that, she was extremely beautiful, and anyone who saw her would never expect that she was only eight or nine, since right now she looked no less than fifteen or sixteen.
The robe she wore also turned out to be a tight fit for her, since her body developed a lot during her transformation.
As soon as the Queen Dryad opened her green eyes, the head priestess bowed, and every elf present did the same.
-Our lady has returned.
She said while kneeling.
-Rise, all of you.
The Dryad said in a melodic voice.
-You never knelt or bowed to my late sisters, and you wont knel or bow to me either.
She added as the elves got back to their feet.
After that, she got up from the throne and approached her father.
-Thank you, father.
She said before she hugged him, making tears fall from the man's eyes.
-I'm your dad, it's what I should have done.
The assassin managed to whisper while holding his daughter in his arms.
-Can you stay here with me?
The Dryad asked.
-I'll need your help and guidance, and I don't want to be separated from you.
-I can't promise you I'll always be here, but I'll do my best.
He felt relieved, knowing that she still wanted him in her life, even after she became a Queen dryad.
After that, she asked everyone to go get some rest, as she needed some as well.
-Lord Marshal, please come see me tomorrow before you leave.
She said to Paul, surprising everyone, not only by wanting to see him but also by calling him a lord.
-You to Elaina.
The Dryad Added.
-I have a few things to discuss with the two of you.
-Of course.
Paul answered, and Elaina nodded in agreement.
They had no clue what she wanted to discuss with them, but it had to be important.
Moreover, Paul was curious about how she knew that he wanted to leave the next day.
Not that he didn't appreciate the hospitality of the elves, but his work was done, and he needed to go back to start cultivating again.
Not long after they arrived in the guest house, the assassin came to visit them.
-Thank you for saving my daughter.
The man said sincerely.
-Now, as for the price, for all your work…
-There is no price.
Paul cut him off.
-Back in White Falls town, you could have killed me, but you spared me.
I don't care for the reason you did so, but the fact remains.
So consider us even.
-Are you sure?
The assassin asked.
-Back then, I meant what I said.
-I know, but as I said, I care not for the reason.
I owed you my life, and now we are even.
-Alright, since that's what you want, then so be it.
He agreed and left, thanking Paul and Elaina once again.
The next morning, after breakfast, Paul and Elaina were escorted to the temple once again, but this time their guards were replaced by Golden guards.
-Thank you for staying longer to see me.
The young Queen Dryad said, seeing the two of them.
-I know you are in a hurry, but there are some things that I need to tell you, and I have a favor to ask of Elaina.
-How can I help you, Lady?
Elaia asked, surprised, since she never expected that she could help this mythical being in anything.
-You are embarking on a path of the Eldar, so I'd like for you to take these seeds with you and plant one in every realm you visit.
The Dryad said.
-We Dryads can visit any realm, whenever we want to, as long as one of our trees grows there.
However, as you know, I won't be able to plant my own trees, so I'm asking you to do so in my place.
I'd prefer it if you planted them in the elven forests of the other realms, since they should be safe under their protection.
-As you wish, my lady.
Elaina said, accepting the seeds and placing them in her storage ring.
-Thank you.
The young Dryad smiled.
-Now, for the reason I called you here.
She said, turning to Paul.
-For all the help you have provided, and saving my life…
-Let me stop you here.
Paul cut her off.
-Your father already paid for my work.
I owed him my life, and now we are even, so no additional rewards are necessary.
-That was my father, and I'm me.
Also, the reward I'm giving you is not that precious for most people, but it will be useful for you.
The dryad said with a smile and nodded to one of the priestesses, who approached Paul with two bottles of pills.
-These will help with your cultivation, as well as that of your ladies.
She explained.
-Now, Lord Sei, can you come out?
She said, surprising Paul as he had no idea who she was talking to, until his reincarnation soul appeared.