Volume 5 Chapter 13 Let's Go To Pick You Up IV
Although it was something they had hoped for, the sudden start of the informal meeting began with the introduction of the participants from the World Tree Forest. Mr. Zain stood up and introduced himself first, followed by Mr. Dadana and the others in order.
"Now, I will begin by introducing the participants present. First, the leader of the World Tree Forest and my father, Dadana Da Fontana. Beside him is my mother, Salina Da Fontana."
As Zain spoke, Mr. Dadana and Ms. Salina each offered their greetings to the guests.
"Thank you for traveling all this way for my son, Zain," Dadana said. "Though our time together may be short, I hope you enjoy your stay at a relaxed pace."
"I am very pleased to meet all of you," Salina added with a calm smile. "I look forward to our time together."
The participants from Cain's side, including Margrave Shield, responded in kind with polite words like, "Nice to meet you," and "We look forward to working together." Afterward, an elderly female elf who was meeting Cain for the first time was introduced.
"This is the guardian of the World Tree Shrine, Maria, the First Priestess. And next to her is another guardian, the Third High Jurist, Gagana."
Mr. Zain then introduced the two individuals seated to his left.
"Nice to meet you. I am Maria, entrusted with the guardianship of the World Tree Shrine. I give thanks to Goddess Gardea for the good fortune of meeting you all."
The woman known as the First Priestess, Maria, slowly stood, placed her arms across her chest, touched her shoulders with her fingertips, and offered a prayer to Goddess Gardea. Once she had finished, she quietly sat down.
"Sir Cain, it is an honor to meet you again," said the man beside her. "And to the rest of you, I am the Third High Jurist, Gagana. I look forward to working together."
As Gagana spoke, his gaze remained focused almost entirely on Cain. At the end of his introduction, he even offered a solemn prayer in Cain's direction. Observing this, members of Cain's delegation, including Margrave Shield, showed a subtle but noticeable unease.
"Sir Dadana, Lady Salina, it's a pleasure to meet you. First Priestess Maria, Third High Jurist Gagana, and Mr. Zain—thank you for having us. It is an honor to return to the World Tree Forest," Cain said, rising to his feet. "Once again, I am Margrave Shield, vassal of the Floral Kingdom, and lord to Cain Sanroze Shamrock."
Cain stood and offered his greeting. Then, beginning with Margrave Shield, he introduced the members of his own group.
"Now, I would like to introduce my lord, Margrave Shield. Next to him is his wife, Lady Aisha."
Margrave Shield and Aisha, now introduced, each addressed Dadana and the others in turn.
"Thanks to my grandson Cain, I've been granted the rare honor of visiting the World Tree Forest," said Margrave Shield, his voice carrying a storyteller's tone. "In the past, I once adventured alongside Lord Zain."
"This is my wife, Aisha," he added. "It is a pleasure to meet you."
Lady Aisha responded with a gentle smile and slow, graceful words.
"And these are Viscount Sanroze and Lady Lydia. And... my parents."
With this, it became clear that Cain was the grandson of Margrave Shield and the son of Luke and Lydia. Cain had chosen to reveal this fact through their introductions.
"I am deeply grateful for this rare opportunity, made possible through my son and Lord Zain," said Luke. "I look forward to your continued guidance."
"This is my wife, Lydia. Thank you very much for your kindness toward Cain the other day," he added.
"I am Lydia, wife of Viscount Sanroze. Thank you so much for taking care of our son," she said with emphasis on the word "son." Luke flinched slightly at her tone, though only one person seemed to notice.
Once all introductions had concluded, Mr. Dadana rose from his seat and turned to Cain, offering sincere words of gratitude.
"Once again, welcome to the World Tree Forest. On behalf of everyone here, I extend our heartfelt thanks to Sir Cain and his family. Thank you for your mana offering to the World Tree."
Dadana bowed deeply toward Cain. Following his lead, Zain and the other leaders also bowed their heads in unison. The sight of the World Tree Forest's clan leaders bowing to Cain—a child of the human realm—visibly startled those on the margrave's side.
"The wounds inflicted on the Black Fenrir, long resistant to healing, have now completely recovered thanks to the World Tree's blessing," Dadana continued with joy on his face. "It is healthier than ever, and the entire town has been celebrating this miracle for the past month."
As Dadana spoke with visible happiness, his smile directed toward Cain, the boy paused for a moment, wondering whether it was the right time to reply.
"Thank you. I gratefully accept your kind words," Cain said with quiet humility. "However, I only did what I did because Goddess Gardea graciously asked it of me... This was also a way to repay Goddess Gardea, who always watches over me."
His response was respectful and sincere. Hearing this, the Third High Jurist Gagana abruptly rose to his feet.
"How wonderful! Sir Cain, please, let us join together in prayer to Goddess Gardea. Ah, what a pity it is... that you were born human."
His sudden outburst, delivered with an unsettling tone of admiration, caused a stir. Immediately, Maria—his superior—grabbed him by the arm and pulled him back down to his seat.
"My apologies," she said with a deep bow.
Though displeased, Gagana obeyed without protest and fell silent.
Notes:
• Dadana - The leader of the High Elf settlement and Zain's father.
• Zain - A man in his 30s with long ears, possibly an elf or a similar race. He works in the basement of Ms. Merida's shop and is highly perceptive, noticing Cain's incredible mana from a distance.
• Salina - A high elf and Zain's mother, residing in the Forest of the World Tree. She appears around 20 years old in human terms despite being over 1000 years old.
• Margrave Shield - Cain's grandfather. An elderly man, robust, with white hair.
• Gagana - A high-ranking magistrate (third-ranked) in the World Tree's shrine. He wears a distinctive pointed hat with three golden stripes and a vivid blue robe.
• Maria - The First Priestess of the World Tree Shrine.
• Aisha - Lydia's mother. Cain's step-grandmother.
• Lydia - Cain's Stepmother.
• Luke - Cain's father.
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