Chapter 6

And it wasn't just Najya who arrived.

"Hmm... Small, yet splendid."

"Th-the bird is... talking!?"

It's no wonder Aila was surprised. After all, a bird had perched on the tree I had just planted using 'Tree Planting.'

But can it even be called a bird? Honestly, I'm hesitant to judge. Because its size... is about the same as the tree.

It might be better to consider it a bird-type monster. The fact that it understands human language means it's a very high-level monster. And if it managed to get through the tree barrier, it must be.

"Maid, he is not an enemy."

"If Najya says so, it's fine, Aila."

"Grr, what a high level of trust (I could see us getting really close, moving in together, and even having three kids... but now a strong enemy has appeared)."

"Hahaha! Lord Woody is quite popular!"

Aila, who had been in a state of readiness to use magic at any time, relaxed her guard while muttering to herself. The large bird, seeing the two of them, laughed happily.

What is this bird really? Najya said it was fine, so I'm not worried...

Seeing my puzzled expression, Najya pointed at the bird and said with a bang.

"This bird brought me here! So it's a good bird."

"That's such a weak basis!?"

"What's wrong, maid? Do you have a complaint?"

"No, but I think it's not right to bring danger close to Lord Woody."

For some reason, Aila is being harsh with Najya. While the two of them were clashing, I decided to communicate with the bird.

"Forgive me for the sudden intrusion, Lord Woody. I am Simurgh, also known as the Divine Bird by humans."

"---D-Divine Bird!? A Divine Beast, my apologies!"

In this country, there are creatures known as Divine Beasts. They are not just ordinary birds or monsters. Divine Beasts are said to exist alongside this world, protecting it.

The Divine Tiger Fenrir, the Divine Bird Phoenix, the Divine Lion Regulus... these beings, known by divine names, often appear in fairy tales and legends, guiding people or sometimes warning them.

They are said to possess incredible strength.

Mostly, they just watch over the world and rarely appear in the human realm. I haven't even heard of them in my education as a lord.

"But why would a Divine Beast... bring Najya here?"

Divine Beasts are so rare that they are objects of worship. At least to my knowledge, there has never been a report of contact with one since the kingdom was founded.

"I sensed the World Tree that Najya had. I became interested in Lord Woody, who created it with his 'Tree Planting' ability, and came here with her."

"World Tree...? ---World Tree!?"

At first, I listened in a daze, but my eyes quickly widened. Did you just say World Tree?

"What, you didn't know? The tree that Lord Woody creates with his 'Tree Planting' ability is undoubtedly the World Tree."

The World Tree is a massive tree, often mentioned in legends alongside Divine Beasts.

When I say massive, I don't mean just any size. I've heard that entire cities can be built on its branches. It's said to be so enormous that its roots reach deep into the world itself.

The stories passed down are so fantastical, they seem like fairy tales.

Climbing the towering World Tree will lead you to a sky world. Making medicine from its leaves can bring the dead back to life. The elves have created a village at the base of the tree to protect it from defilement.

The trees I've been planting for breaks are the World Tree...?

"That's amazing, Lord Woody!"

"Indeed, Woody is impressive. My fiancé is not just anyone."

Najya's arrival, the appearance of a Divine Beast, and the revelation about 'Tree Planting'... the sheer amount of information made my head spin.

"For now... I'll go to sleep."

I decided to pretend nothing happened and get some rest.

---

I woke up in the middle of the night, feeling uncomfortable. And as expected, nothing had improved.

"Mmm... I, I can't breathe..."

---In fact, the situation has worsened!?

The space I created with the tree barrier is spacious enough for two people. But last night, with Najya joining us, it was quite cramped.

But it shouldn't be this tight... I looked up and saw that Aila and Najya had somehow ended up in my bed.

And the other side, where no one was sleeping, was completely empty... It's so empty over there!

I tried to move, but I couldn't. Aila had a firm grip on my lower body, and Najya had a tight hold on my upper body.

The close proximity made the air sweet and dizzying. The soft, squishy sensations on my chest and stomach... I shouldn't think too deeply about this.

Before my inner beast could take over, I decided to fall asleep quickly.