We take a break from the fields, and I turn to Liora.
[Wright] "Can we visit Eldrin now?"
[Liora] "Of course. Follow me."
I thank the other high elves for their hard work as we leave. They nod and wave, returning to their tasks.
Liora leads me through the network of tree houses. We climb spiral staircases wrapped around massive trunks, cross rope bridges that sway gently in the breeze, and walk along elevated platforms that weave through the canopy.
Finally, she stops in front of a particularly grand structure.
The house is built into and around one of the largest trees in the village. Easily twice the diameter of the others. The trunk is so thick that the spiral staircase wrapping around it is wide enough for three people to walk side by side. The house itself spans multiple levels, with balconies jutting out at different heights, connected by wooden walkways that loop around the tree.
The exterior is beautiful. Natural wood construction that follows the tree's shape, windows with carved frames depicting forest scenes, and a main entrance made of dark wood inlaid with silver patterns that catch the light. Flowering vines climb along the railings, and wind chimes hang from the eaves.
[Wright] "This house is huge."
Liora laughs.
[Liora] "It has to be. Eldrin hosts gatherings for the entire village here. Festivals, celebrations, important meetings. Everyone needs to fit."
That makes sense for a village chief.
She knocks on the door.
After a moment, it opens, and Eldrin appears. He looks well-rested and relaxed, his silver hair neatly combed, his ceremonial green and silver robes pristine. His ancient wood staff leans against the doorframe behind him.
[Eldrin] "Wright, Liora. Welcome."
[Wright] "Good to see you, Eldrin. Hope we're not disturbing you."
[Eldrin] "Not at all. Please, come in."
He steps aside, and we enter.
The entryway is spacious, with polished wooden floors that gleam in the light. The ceiling is high, at least fifteen feet, with exposed beams carved with intricate patterns. Tapestries hang on the walls, depicting high elven history and forest scenes. A large wooden table sits against one wall, holding a vase of fresh flowers and several ceremonial items.
To the left, I can see a living area with low couches and cushions arranged around a central table. Bookshelves line the walls, filled with leather-bound volumes. To the right is what looks like a formal dining room with a long table that could easily seat twenty people.
Straight ahead, a hallway leads deeper into the house, with doors branching off to various rooms.
But what catches my attention is the noise.
Loud clanking and muttering comes from somewhere down the hall.
[Vesper] "No, no, that's not right. The flow needs to redirect here, not there. Why isn't this working?"
More clanking.
Eldrin smiles.
[Eldrin] "Vesper is making some final adjustments."
We walk down the hallway and find Vesper in what appears to be a bathroom. She's kneeling on the floor, tools spread around her, focused on a complex magical array etched into the tiles beneath the toilet.
The toilet itself looks similar to the one in my cabin. Porcelain white, modern design, out of place in a fantasy tree house.
Vesper doesn't look up as we approach, too absorbed in her work. She makes a small adjustment to one of the runes, and the array glows briefly before settling into a steady, soft blue light.
[Vesper] "There! That should do it."
She stands, brushing off her hands.
[Wright] "I'm impressed. You've already replicated the refrigerator, stove, and toilet into magical artifacts. That's incredibly fast work."
Vesper grins.
[Vesper] "It was fun! Figuring out how to convert your appliances into mana-powered systems is a fascinating puzzle. Each one has different challenges. Temperature regulation for the fridge, heat generation for the stove, water flow and waste disposal for the toilet."
She gestures at the array beneath the toilet.
[Vesper] "This one was particularly tricky. The waste needs to be broken down properly. No smell, no buildup, clean."
[Eldrin] "It's remarkably comfortable. Much better than our previous facilities."
[Wright] "Agreed. Can't live a civilized life without it."
Eldrin nods solemnly, as if we've just discussed something of great philosophical importance.
He gestures toward another hallway.
[Eldrin] "Shall we move to somewhere more suitable for conversation?"
We follow him to a large conference room.
The room is spacious and well-lit, with windows overlooking the farm fields below. A long oval table dominates the center, made of dark polished wood with intricate grain patterns. The chairs aren't the low cushions common in casual high elf homes, but proper high-backed chairs carved with leaf motifs.
Tapestries hang on the walls, along with what looks like maps of the surrounding region. A cabinet in the corner holds scrolls, books, and various official-looking documents.
We take seats at the table. Liora excuses herself briefly and returns with a ceramic teapot and cups. She pours for everyone, and a wonderful herbal aroma fills the air. Something floral with hints of mint and citrus.
I take a sip. It's excellent, soothing and refreshing at the same time.
[Eldrin] "I wanted to debrief you on my recent visit to the committee."
He settles into his chair.
[Eldrin] "The food was delivered successfully. Everyone was, once again, shocked by both the quantity and quality."
[Wright] "That's good to hear."
[Eldrin] "They should be well-supplied for another month, which gives us time to prepare the next shipment. The relief effort is progressing smoothly."
[Wright] "What about the political situation?"
[Eldrin] "The Aldencrest kingdom has officially fallen. Preparations are underway to establish the coalition rule. Representatives from Rathen, Selenith, Respera, and Eryndor are working together to create a transitional government."
He takes a sip of tea.
[Eldrin] "As for the refugees, approximately half have chosen to stay in their current locations and have begun job training and naturalization. The other half have elected to return to Aldencrest under the new coalition rule."
[Wright] "It's good to see things settling down."
[Eldrin] "Indeed. The transition has been remarkably peaceful, all things considered."
He sets down his cup and leans forward slightly.
[Eldrin] "I also brought up the matter of the academy with the committee members."
[Wright] "And?"
[Eldrin] "All three kingdoms would welcome the heroes with open arms. Rathen, Selenith, and Respera. Each has offered to waive tuition fees entirely and provide daily allowances for living expenses."
That's incredibly generous.
Maybe too generous.
[Wright] "Just tuition is enough. The kids should learn the value of money in this world and manage their own funds accordingly."
We gained plenty of gold from raiding the Duke's mansion, and the dungeon drops have been valuable too. They'll have enough to live comfortably while learning to budget.
[Eldrin] "I agree. Though we should tell them to ask for help if they need it."
[Wright] "Of course."
[Eldrin] "The question then becomes which academy they want to attend. Each has its own strengths and specializations."
[Wright] "Let's ask them when they get back from the dungeon. We can decide from there."
I lean back in my chair.
[Wright] "I'd also like to visit whichever academies they choose. That way I can use Gate magic for quick travel, just in case they need to come back or we need to reach them quickly."
[Eldrin] "A wise precaution."
[Liora] "Speaking of visiting other countries..."
She glances at Eldrin, who nods.
[Eldrin] "Demon Lord Kaelith has extended an invitation for us to visit Eryndor."
The demon kingdom.
[Eldrin] "We're neighbors, and he wishes to meet you personally. He wants to thank you for the food supplies and for, as he put it, 'getting rid of that awful kingdom.'"
He takes another sip of tea.
[Eldrin] "Aldencrest has been a thorn in Eryndor's side for quite some time. Kaelith is pleased to see them gone."
Wait.
[Wright] "Isn't that where the hot springs are?"
[Eldrin] "Yes. Eryndor is a mountain kingdom famous for its natural hot springs. They're considered some of the finest in the world."
I've been wanting to visit hot springs since I got to this world. This is perfect timing.
The next harvest is three weeks away. Plenty of time to visit Eryndor and check out the academies before coming back. And the kids should be able to move quickly now that they've leveled up and gotten stronger.
[Wright] "I'd love to visit. Once the kids get back from the dungeon, we can head out."
[Eldrin] "Excellent. I'll send a message confirming our visit."
[Vesper] "I'm coming too!"
We both turn to see Vesper standing in the doorway, grinning.
[Wright] "Vesper—"
[Vesper] "Hot springs! Do you know how interesting it would be to study the magical properties of geothermally heated water? Plus, I've never been to Eryndor. This is a perfect opportunity!"
Eldrin and I exchange glances.
We both sigh at the same time.