Once the tension settled, we could sense some minor movements on the World Treant. Its branches shook slightly, and creaks could be heard from its bark. I could feel some weak rumbling underground. The World Treant must be responding to us.
Suddenly, I felt that my mind had been connected to something. I took a glance at my sister, and she seemed to be feeling the same too. But we maintained our composure as we used to engage in telepathic communication.
((Your Highness Louise, Your Highness Raphael, can you hear me?))
A few seconds later, Aesfen's voice rang out in our minds. Not only her, but the other tree spirits had been connected with the World Treant as well. The tree wanted to involve everyone in this matter, which was no problem with us.
((We can hear you, Miss Aesfen. Loud and clear.))
((That's good, then.))
I said and then took a glance at her to confirm that we were talking. I could also begin hearing the voices of other tree spirits as well.
((Everyone...))
All of a sudden, an overpowering voice overwhelmed all of our minds. The voice was loud and neutral, not masculine nor feminine, and spoke with authority. Judging from it, that voice definitely belonged to no one other than the World Treant.
It spoke to us completely mentally, it did not even move its physical mouth. It kind of made sense, as any movement would be unnecessary and inconvenient.
Encountering such wonderful beings was incredibly rare. I knew that it was a monster, but I was amazed at how it developed such will and intelligence over time like Inari and Czarina. Griffith did not fall in that category since her intelligence was developed with my involvement, the Tamer skill.
As soon as the World Treant spoke, all of the tree spirits immediately bent their knees before their creator. As for Big Sis and me, we did not follow them since there was no need for us to do so. Moreover, we were currently on equal terms here, but we still respect the tree.
((If you already said so,)) My sister spoke. ((Then there is no need for this talk anymore.))
((Please listen to me, Mother,)) Alandra suddenly interjected. ((If they can do that to the dragon, we could have ended up in the same fate as well. That is why we shouldn't trust them. You are the peak of existence, and we don't want our creator to become an underling of a mere human.))
((I appreciate your concerns, Alandra, but I am not as almighty as you all have thought of me. There is always a more powerful one out there. I am aware that I am just a small sapling in a pot. Nevertheless, this one is no mere human at all. They already have someone who is beyond our comprehension on their side.))
((B-but the ancient dragon is only more powerful because you are not in your best condition at the moment.))
((I am referring to someone else... But more importantly, we are the ones who sought for protection, yet we are now debating whether to commit to it or not. Or it could be else that you are rebelling against me, Alandra?))
((I-I would have never thought of that, Mother! There is no way I can turn against you! I am just thinking about our sake. I think that dealing with humans is a huge risk that might lead to our demise.))
Alandra burst out her feelings in the telepathic communication, denying the accusations the World Treant had put on her. Not only her, but some of the tree spirits were feeling guilty for not corresponding with their creator's will.
((I know that you wanted to do anything for our mother's safety.)) Aesfen solaced her sister. ((But we need to gamble our way if we desired a better result. There are still risks, of course, but I have a strong feeling that we will be going to be fine under the rule of the queendom. They are the only ones we can approach. We cannot be one if not all is in line.))
((...))
((Alandra.))
"Yes, Mother."
Looking up, Alandra opened her mouth and uttered those words.
((If you are still undecided, then I hope that this helps you. I, the World Treant, will herby bless this human, Raphael Raevender, the Crest of Mutuality...))