Lewis's proposal to cultivate a druid for the centaur tribe was not some wild idea.
The Scholar's Moonstone in his possession was already the key to unlocking Druidic inheritance.
Now that he himself had awakened as a druid through that inheritance and insight, he could naturally use the Moonstone to pass that power on to others in the same way.
Of course—
he had no intention of teaching the half-baked "druid" system of the wizarding world.
That version could neither fully wield natural power nor exist independently of wizard magic. It was, frankly, inferior.
If he was going to teach—
he would teach a true druid.
A genuine agent of nature.
This way, the centaur tribe would always have access to druidic guidance without needing to rely on him directly.
They would benefit—
and still owe him a favor.
A perfect outcome.
"Really? You would truly cultivate a druid for our tribe?!"
Magris was overjoyed.
He had never dared hope for something this good.
Originally, he had only wished that Lewis, as a druid, might occasionally help the tribe with difficult problems—
curing poisons they couldn't treat,
accelerating the growth of rare herbs,
purifying curses,
interpreting celestial signs,
or taming dangerous beasts.
All tasks beyond the centaurs' own abilities.
Even small assistance from a druid would elevate their entire tribe.
But having a druid of their own?
That would change everything.
In all their legends, such a thing had never happened.
No non-human had ever possessed druidic power.
If Lewis could truly achieve this—
he would be more than a chosen one.
He would be a hero worthy of epic songs.
At that moment, Magris bowed deeply once more.
"If you can truly raise a druid for our people, then my entire tribe shall serve at your command without hesitation!"
Lewis waved his hand quickly.
"That's too much, really. I'm only doing this for convenience—it's not as grand as you think."
Before Magris could continue praising him, Lewis cut straight to the point.
"Of course, becoming a druid isn't easy. Certain conditions must be met."
"What should we do?" Magris asked immediately.
"Bring me all the young members of your tribe. I'll choose the most suitable candidate."
"No problem! I'll gather them at once!"
Magris moved quickly, eager beyond measure.
Soon, the entire younger generation of the centaur tribe—
adolescents, foals, even infants—
were brought before Lewis.
The scene resembled an interview.
Lewis sat behind a table, Moonstone in hand, a floating notebook and quill beside him.
Each centaur stepped forward, touched the Moonstone, and answered a series of questions.
Name, age, health—
then personality tests, carefully designed to assess temperament.
The quill recorded everything automatically.
One by one, they passed.
Though the tribe numbered fewer than a hundred, and only a few dozen candidates were present,
it still took Lewis nearly an hour to finish.
The centaurs watched in admiration.
"Such diligence…"
"Truly sincere…"
But if Lewis heard that—
he would probably laugh.
Because in truth, selecting a druid didn't require all this.
A simple assessment of perception and compatibility with nature would suffice.
The rest?
That was for another purpose entirely.
From the moment Magris sought his help, Lewis had already defined the tribe's role:
short-term allies—
long-term subordinates.
This "interview" was his way of gathering intelligence.
Understanding their younger generation.
And most importantly—
choosing someone with the right personality.
After reviewing his notes, Lewis made his decision.
"The one qualified to receive druidic inheritance… is Daisy."
He raised his voice.
"Daisy, come forward."
From the crowd emerged a young centaur girl.
She looked about fifteen or sixteen in human terms, with a delicate face and rose-colored eyes.
But what truly stood out—
was her hair.
Unlike other female centaurs who adorned themselves modestly,
Daisy had dyed both her hair and tail in vibrant rainbow colors.
On anyone else, it might have looked absurd.
On her—
it was striking.
The tribe erupted in disbelief.
"Daisy?!"
"That rebellious girl?"
"She's not fit to be an Oak Child!"
Even Daisy herself was stunned.
"Mr. Green… are you sure?"
"Of course."
The protests grew louder.
Magris stepped forward cautiously.
"Are you certain? Perhaps… there's been a mistake?"
Daisy lowered her head.
"…Maybe someone else would be more suitable…"
Before she could finish, Lewis interrupted firmly.
"I decide who is suited to be a druid. And in my judgment—your talent and your character make you the best choice."
He looked straight at her.
"But if you don't believe in yourself, I can choose someone else."
Daisy froze.
In his gaze, she saw something unfamiliar—
trust.
Recognition.
Expectation.
And the faintest hint of disappointment.
Something inside her snapped.
Why couldn't she believe in herself—
like she had when she dyed her hair, defying everyone?
Back then, she had stood alone.
Now—
someone stood with her.
She clenched her fists.
"I believe in myself," she said firmly. "I will become a druid."
Lewis smiled.
"Good. Then come with me."
He took her hand and led her toward the stone circle.
Behind them, the other centaurs watched in silence—
some envious, some disappointed.
"…Thank you," Daisy said softly as they walked.
"For what?"
"For choosing me. For believing in me."
Lewis shrugged. "You were the best candidate."
Daisy shook her head.
"No… your trust means everything to me."
Then, she began to speak—
about her past.
She didn't like gathering or sewing.
She didn't want to decorate herself like other females.
She wanted to run, to hunt, to live freely.
But no one supported her.
They mocked her.
Called her a disgrace.
So she rebelled—
dyeing her hair in defiance.
And though it only made things worse—
she never regretted it.
"…Until you chose me."
Lewis listened quietly, then patted her shoulder.
"That's all behind you now. As a druid, you'll have the power to shape your own path."
Daisy's eyes shimmered with tears.
She had waited so long for this moment.
"Before we begin," Lewis said, "there are a few rules—"
"I understand!" Daisy interrupted quickly. "I'll follow them. I'll even dye my hair back—"
Lewis blinked, then laughed.
"You've misunderstood."
"My only rule is this—love nature. Don't disrupt its balance. That's all."
Daisy froze.
"…That's it?"
"That's it."
Relief and shame washed over her.
"…I'm sorry."
Lewis smiled.
"I understand."
Then he added gently,
"I don't need obedience. I just need you to grow stronger."
"I won't let you down!"
"Good."
He turned to the stone.
Then paused.
"Oh—and Daisy?"
She looked up.
"Druid magic includes spells to change your appearance."
He grinned slightly.
"So don't worry about your hair. The rainbow suits you."
Her eyes filled with tears.
She opened her mouth—
but before she could speak,
moonlight descended.
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