That evening, while all the ladies went to get some sleep, Elaina came to Paul's bedroom.
-Lord Paul, can I have a moment of your time?
She asked, after knocking.
-Come in.
Paul said, surprised that she had even come there, since she usually avoided his bedroom like it was a demon's den.
-What can I do for you?
The human asked.
-I wish to ask if you would accept me as your servant until my lady is back?
The elf asked, without beating around the bush.
Paul was at a loss for words for a few seconds, then he smiled.
-Of course I will.
He said, having a strange feeling while he confirmed something that, in his eyes, didn't even need to be addressed.
-Thank you.
She said with a sigh of relief, like she was not certain that he would agree.
-Since you came, maybe you can satisfy my curiosity.
Paul then remembered the question he wanted to ask her, but since she rarely left her room, he never got the chance.
-I'll try.
She nodded.
-Why didn't you restart your cultivation yet?
The human asked.
It was strange for him, as the cultivation was the most important part of this world, and ever since she came to live with them, he had never seen her cultivate, and didn't feel any change in her level at all.
-That's because my spirit tree was destroyed by the goblins when I was captured.
Without it, I cannot cultivate, and as far as I know, there is no way to restore it.
She said with deep shame in her voice.
Paul understood that something like that might be perceived as humiliating among a race as proud as the elves.
-Do you know a way to restore the spirit tree?
He asked, surprising her since she had just told him that there was no way to do so.
-I do.
Another voice came, and the reincarnation soul materialized, shocking her.
-There are multiple ways to restore damaged or even destroyed spirit trees.
The soul said to Paul, then turned to Elaina.
-Daughter of the forest, will you allow me to take a look at your spirit tree?
The soul spoke in an official tone.
-I will allow that, ancient one.
She answered, matching his tone.
This was an ancient way of asking elves to make themselves vulnerable.
Anyone who could gain access to their spirit trees could place seals on them or even destroy their cultivation with ease.
Gaining permission was the highest form of trust one could earn from any elf.
Having permission, the soul placed its phantom finger on her forehead for about three seconds before removing it.
-The good news is that your spirit tree is not fully destroyed.
The bad news is that it is severely damaged and its roots were mostly severed, which is the reason you can't cultivate it right now.
The soul said.
-Is there a way to heal my spirit tree?
Elaina asked.
She heard the first time that there were ways to restore destroyed spirit trees, but sometimes it was easier to restore something destroyed than to repair something damaged.
-There is a way.
The soul confirmed.
-Paul, would you allow me to take control of your body to heal her spirit tree?
-No, don't, it is not worth it to take such risks to heal my spirit tree.
The elf almost shouted.
-What is she talking about?
Paul asked, surprised at her outburst.
It was his first time seeing her near panic ever since they met.
-If a ghost takes over the body of a living person, there is a chance that their soul would be destroyed without any chance at reincarnation, and the ghost would gain permanent control over the body.
It is a forbidden form of necromancy allowing one to live forever by simply changing their bodies once the current one becomes old.
However, it comes at a price.
No matter how long the person lives like that, they can never go to the next realm, and even if by some miracle they possess a person from the upper realm, the heavens will still not allow them to go up, or in some cases, they will destroy the soul along with the body if it ever tries to ascend to the higher realm.
The reincarnation soul explained.
-You can calm down, there is no chance of this happening in this case, since I am a part of his soul.
The only difference between me and any other reincarnation soul is that I have been awakened.
What's more, the process of merging our memories has already begun.
The soul turned to Elaina.
-I apologize, I had no idea that such things were even possible.
I thought you were a ghost in Lord Paul's service.
The elf apologized, still shocked at the revelation.
-There is nothing to apologize for, since even in the higher realms, this knowledge is not exactly common.
The reincarnation soul said, with a calm smile.
-Truth be told, I would rather let him do it, but it will be a long time before he can do such things on his own.
So will you allow me to use your body to heal her?
-What do I need to do?
Paul asked, not even blinking at this request.
If there was a chance to restore her cultivation, then he would take it, if for no other reason than to let her be capable of defending herself.
-You don't need to do a thing.
Just don't resist. When I take control, and that's it.
With any luck, the treatment will last around two hours, after which I'll return control to you.
The soul explained.
-Do it.
Paul didn't even hesitate.
A moment later, the soul disappeared, and Paul closed his eyes for a moment, like he were asleep.
He opened them again a moment later, and they flashed with white light for a moment.
-I have already forgotten the feeling of having a body.
He said.
Elaina looked in shock as the man before her looked the same as a moment ago, but at the same time, his aura had changed completely.
-Don't worry, he will be back shortly.
The reincarnation soul smiled.
-We don't have a lot of time, so please lie down on the bed and let's get your spirit tree healed.