"How do you think, Yuusha? It's really great, isn't it?" Iris asked when the two of us had already entered the room.
"Yeah… it's amazing," I replied.
Behind that door, there wasn't a room inside it, but rather a balcony that was quite spacious.
This balcony could probably accommodate up to dozens of people.
Wooden railings were used as protection along the edge of the balcony.
Even though they were made of wood, the design was still well maintained, and their appearance was no less beautiful than railings made of bricks.
Moreover, the scenery that I could see from this balcony was far more beautiful than what I had seen inside my room.
Because it was located on the top floor of this building, I could look down below with a much wider view.
The night sky looked clearer, and the stars and the moon also shone more brightly.
The leaves of the trees were still glowing due to the moonlight, and from here I could also see the houses of the residents.
From a distance, I could see a hole that was not too large, inside which there was water that was so clear, almost like a lake.
The lake also looked as if it were glowing, due to the effect of the water reflecting the light from the sky.
The wind and the cold air could truly be felt here, making me feel very calm.
"So, why did you bring me here?" I asked.
Well, I was sure Iris didn't call me here just out of mere desire, there had to be something behind it.
Even though it felt like I was suspecting something strange, I thought my guess might actually be right.
"You seem a bit too cautious, Yuusha. I brought you here just to show you this beautiful view," Iris replied.
She leaned against the wooden railing, her cheeks slightly flushed from the joy and calmness she was feeling right now.
Her long white hair was repeatedly lifted by the wind, allowing me to smell the scent of flowers that likely came from her hair.
The long white dress she was wearing also made it feel as if the night itself was giving its light to Iris.
"A night like this can almost be enjoyed every day, especially when viewed from here," Iris said while gazing toward the settlement.
I was sure that if Iris said that, then she must often come to this balcony to look at the night scenery.
"Hey, Yuusha. Do you know about this giant tree? Its size is so huge that it surprised you when you first saw it, right?" Iris asked.
"Yeah, I was indeed surprised because this tree is truly gigantic," I replied.
She glanced at me for a moment after I answered, before turning her gaze forward again.
——
(Iris side, while telling something to Yukito)
…I think this is the right time to tell you about this, Yuusha. Sooner or later, you have to know this story.
This is closely related to your task and my task to awaken my power, so I want you to hear it from me now. That's fine, right?
"If you say so, I'll listen." (Yukito's reply)
Hmm… first of all, the giant tree behind us is Yggdrasil. The Tree of Life for us elves who live in Riruyo.
Without this tree, the fertility of the land throughout Riruyo would be disrupted, making it impossible to grow any plants in this land.
About fifteen hundred years ago, the land in Riruyo could be said to have had very low fertility.
Although it looked brown, once dug, the soil was very hard and compact.
There was only a small portion of land that was suitable for use, which was why the population of Riruyo at that time was very small.
But one day, an elf found a plant seed that looked different from ordinary seeds.
With the hope that the land of Riruyo would become fertile and filled with trees, he planted that seed not far from his house.
He placed great hope in that seed, because he felt that it would bring a great change to the surrounding environment.
"Then, that seed became the giant tree named Yggdrasil?" (Yukito)
"Yes, that's right," I replied.
At first, during the first month, the seed did not produce any sprouts above the ground.
Nothing grew from the seed, even though it was carefully tended every day.
The elf felt that his efforts and hopes had been in vain, and he even thought about digging it up and throwing the seed somewhere else.
However, when he was already prepared to dig it up, he remembered the efforts and hopes he had put into it over the past month.
In the end, he decided not to dig up the seed, and instead chose to wait for another month before deciding what he would do next.
And his efforts and hopes were rewarded by everything he had done up to that point.
It only took one week for a sprout to grow above the soil where the seed had been planted.
The sprout looked very fresh when it first appeared, and it continued to grow bigger and bigger until it became what it is now.
Thanks to the growth of that tree, gradually all regions of Riruyo began to gain increasing fertility.
Eventually, all the land in Riruyo became covered with grass, and trees began to grow naturally in many locations.
That growth continues even to this very moment, which is why Riruyo has now become a place where we elves can live.
With many tall trees and places to take shelter, we can live safely in this land.
Because this tree holds the status of being the starting point of a great change in Riruyo, it was named Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life.
If this tree were to wither or shed its leaves, it would be a sign that a disaster is coming.
Because during the rainy season, hot season, or even autumn, the Yggdrasil tree will never wither or shed its leaves.
—
I am always happy when I see elves and humans living side by side in this place, smiling and living happily.
Of course, as the child of Riruyo's leader, I have an obligation to carry out this duty.
Not because it is an obligation, but because I do this to protect those happy smiles.
I want to become a leader who can make the people feel happy, and because of that… I have always been waiting for you and the hero's party to come here.
So, how is it? Do you understand now? I think this might be very useful to you.
You might not believe this, but that's fine. I'm not forcing you to believe it, I just want you to know about it.
——
(Yukito side)
I see… I'm starting to understand even more just how strong Iris's determination is to awaken her power.
She told that story with a smile and a gaze that felt as if it were watching over everyone.
Iris truly said all of that straight from her heart. And I didn't feel any lies in what she had just said.
Well, I already knew Iris's feelings. How could I not believe her after she said all of that with such a gentle voice and eyes filled with desire?
"Come on, Iris," I said as I walked toward her, then leaned against the railing right beside her.
"Huh?" Iris uttered, seemingly confused by what I had just said.
She simply looked at me as I leaned next to her after saying that.
"I'll help you. So relax… besides, I can't let your dream be destroyed just because of my own selfishness," I said.
"…I believe everything you said earlier. That's why I also want you to believe in me."
She looked straight at me, and I could see her eyes shining as they reflected the moonlight.
Those beautiful eyes were staring at me, and I felt like she was smiling right now.
"Yuusha… you're saying something strange, you know. If I didn't trust you, I wouldn't have invited you out to walk around earlier," Iris replied while letting out a small laugh and covering her mouth.
U-ugh… she's right, I completely forgot about that.
My cheeks turned slightly red because I didn't expect her to say that.
"But… after hearing what you said just now, I feel like I want to awaken my power even sooner," Iris said.
She left her position and walked toward the door, and I immediately looked at her.
She stopped and turned around, placing both of her hands behind her back, and looked at me with a smile.
"I'm going to build our relationship much faster, you know. So Yuusha… no, you have to accept all of my actions, okay?" Iris asked.
I was a little confused when she struck that pose, but well…
"Of course, I can't wait to see what you'll do next," I replied.