"Nahida, you don't need to worry. If there's ever a place you want to go but can't reach in the future, just tell me, and I'll definitely take you there."
"Leon…"
"As you said, I'm the freest person in the world. I can go wherever I want, so… as long as you're with me, you can go wherever you want too."
If you are trapped in a place without the wind of freedom, I will sing the song of the sky for you.
Leon gently raised his hand and pinched Nahida's cheek. His movements were careful and delicate, as if he were touching a one-of-a-kind, fragile treasure in the world.
"If you long for freedom but can't reach it, then call my name, and I will be your wings, carrying you to the sky anytime, anywhere."
"Why… why are you so kind to me?"
Nahida's eyes filled with tears. Not even her beloved sister had ever treated her this way. Leon's kindness was like a pie falling from the sky, leaving her dizzy with happiness.
"Hm… why am I so kind to you? Probably… because you're very cute," Leon said with a smile.
At first, it was curiosity.
When Leon learned of this girl's existence from Lumine, he became curious and wanted to meet the young girl who had become the ruler of a nation.
Then came sympathy.
Upon learning how the Dendro Archon, Nahida, had been treated by her own people, Leon felt deep empathy for her situation. A gentle ruler devoted to her people had been exiled by those she ruled.
And now, admiration.
Even after being treated so cruelly and miserably, she harbored no resentment or hatred, and continued to love her country and her people with all her heart.
She was clearly just a little girl, yet she possessed such an open mind, such noble character, and such a pure and kind heart that it genuinely made him happy.
But when he thought about Nahida's tragic experiences…
Leon felt dissatisfied.
In his ideal world, good people should be rewarded, and kind people should live happy lives.
Not to mention a cute girl like this—shouldn't this special little kitten be cherished like an angel?!
"This is just my stubbornness. I only hope that all good things are repaid. Since the world owes you so much, it's up to me to make up for it."
Nahida felt her heart pound as warmth spread throughout her body.
She wiped her face and felt strangely wonderful. Being with the person before her made tears well up uncontrollably for some reason.
"And now I finally understand, Nahida… you're not suited to be a king."
Leon shook his head as he said this.
Because she was too gentle.
There was no doubt she would be a wise ruler. But in this era of cruelty and cannibalism, a king may be kind, yet must also be ruthless and cruel when necessary.
Nahida resembled the King of Knights in some ways.
But the difference was that she lacked the power to resist evil, the strength to protect herself, and loyal knights or companions willing to follow her and shield her.
She was the Lady of Sumeru.
Yet she was fighting alone.
If it had been an external invasion, Nahida would certainly have been able to lead Sumeru in resistance with her wisdom. But it was the people of Sumeru themselves who persecuted her.
This girl, who deeply loved this land, could not resist the ignorance, greed, and malice of her people—because she could not bring herself to harm them.
Just like soldiers who protect their homeland may risk their lives against enemies, but would never turn their weapons against their own people.
"Am I really not a qualified ruler?"
"No, it's not that you're unqualified… it's that the people of Sumeru are not suited for you. Those unruly people are not worthy of being your subjects."
"Please… please don't say that," Nahida murmured.
"However, even if Nahida isn't suited to be a king, you are very suited to be my friend."
Leon knelt before Nahida.
Like a knight protecting a princess.
"I like you very much. Would you like to be my good friend?"
"I want to!"
She agreed without hesitation.
Nahida was radiant with joy. She was so happy that she didn't know how to describe her feelings at that moment. She had never imagined that she could make friends.
The white-haired girl couldn't help but throw herself into Leon's arms. He was far too dazzling and dreamlike for her, but now that she had him, she didn't want to let him go.
Even if they were just friends…
That, too, depended on the level of friendship.
For someone like Nahida, who had nothing, the status of being Leon's "friend" was infinitely precious.
It jumped straight to the levels of [Only] and [Supreme], comparable to that of family.
"I'm so happy. Thank you, Leon. Thank you for being my friend. I'm really, really happy."
"Ah, I'm just making friends. Nahida, why are you crying? Haha! If anyone bullies you again from now on, just tell me and I'll beat them all up!"
"Mhm!"
Nahida had felt that after her sister's death, she had no one left in the world, and that her beloved kingdom and people had betrayed and imprisoned her.
But now… she had a [friend].
Such a simple word, yet filled with joy.
In this world where everyone said she was unnecessary, only Leon—this [friend]—stood firmly by her side, saying he wanted to protect her and care for her.
Nahida wiped her eyes. Anyone who saw those red, slightly swollen eyes would feel pity, but what she shed now were tears of joy.
However, even knowing she wasn't being bullied and that these weren't tears of sorrow, Leon still felt guilty. So he used healing magic to treat her.
After that, the two of them sat beneath the great tree, feeling the wind.
Nahida told him many things.
"The World Tree is an existence that only the Lords of Sumeru in the past were qualified to connect with and understand. However, it does not grow in reality; it is equivalent to a recorder of the world, recording everything that exists within it."
"…To what extent?"
"Everything that exists in this world, everything that happens, and everything everyone says is recorded in the World Tree. In other words… it contains all the memories of our planet."
Leon whistled unconsciously, finding it astonishing. After all, he had expected something five or six levels less absurd.
He finally understood—it was like a quantum tree that recorded everything in the world, a gigantic memory storage device.
And something that definitely needed to be controlled.
"There are two conditions to connect to the World Tree. The first is to become the master of Sumeru. Only the past masters of Sumeru were qualified to connect to the World Tree. The second… is to possess a treasure that symbolizes Sumeru's absolute authority: the [Heart of God]." Nahida clasped her hands and spoke seriously.
(End of Chapter)