((What...?))
Suddenly, the World Treant blurted out those words out of the blue, and the moment I reacted, I felt that my body glowed for a second. I looked at the back of my right hand for a brief moment. I felt that something like a mark appeared on it in a split second, and then it quickly disappeared.
Once the radiance subsides, all eyes are now stabbing at me. They were all as shocked as I was. Chatters of disbelief then echoed in the area. I was not sure what really happened, so I confronted the tree about it.
((Wait, wait, wait! What is the meaning of this World Treant?))
((Pardon me for now telling you this, human. Just now, I blessed you the Crest of Mutuality.))
((Mother, why did you give this human the Crest of Mutuality?!))
((Mother must have a reason, Alandra. Please let her explain.))
Shortly after, the tree spirits began to demand the tree's answers. While Aesfen and Alandra argued, my sister asked the tree with a serious tone.
(Can you explain me what this Crest of Mutuality is? And what does it do?))
((You see. As a World Tree, I have this ability that allows me to engrave marks on someone I see fit. One of these marks is the Crest of Mutuality. It is a mark that regards the one who I blessed as my equal.))
I did not really check much on the titles, so I was surprised that the World Treant had that kind of ability. I just found out that in order to acquire that ability, an entity with the World Tree title must have the Sanctuary skill. World Treant immediately acquired the World Tree title and Racial Skill: Sanctuary upon evolution, so it automatically gained that ability to engrave crests.
((So you and I are now equal?))
((Yes. By having the Crest of Mutuality, you and I are now connected spiritually through a pact. However, blessing the Crest of Mutuality to someone requires the other party to agree on the terms of the contract.))
((But why did I have the crest even though I haven't agreed on something yet? Unless it has exceptions...))
((...That's right. There are indeed exceptions to force the other party to take the crest. It is only possible if I put the bar low on my side. In other words, I set the contract to my disadvantage.))
"I'm fine. Don't mind me." She then let out a sigh. "I think you should be the one to receive it since I know what you are capable of. Gaining the side of the World Treant is more than enough, and I can't ask for more."
"That's true."
"This place is supposed to be hidden, and we need to keep its existence secret as much as possible. That is why it is better for me not to manage this place. Besides, you are great at hiding secrets, so the tree and its spirits are safer in your hands."
"If you think so, Sister.
After that, I placed a hand on her shoulder, and she responded by putting her hand over mine. A moment later, Aesfen came walking toward us.
"Your Highness Louise, Your Highness Raphael, Mother has reprimanded and made them realize how worthy you are. From now on, we will be cooperating with your nation."
"Just as we promised, we will protect the World Treant within our capabilities," I said with a hint of mental exhaustion. "I hope everything is going to be fine."
Suddenly, I saw Alandra walking slowly in our direction. She seemed awkward as she walked, not to mention that she was missing her arrogant gait and demeanor from before.
"Um... Good day, Your Highness Louise and Raphael. I am here to apologize for the things that I said earlier. On behalf of the tree spirits, I am very sorry for being disrespectful and causing you trouble as well as realizing your worth late."
Her voice was weak and apologetic, but we could feel the sincerity in her words. The other tree spirits behind her felt the same way too.
"I personally have been rude toward you," she continued. "That is why. Please accept our apologies."
"What the—?!"
Before I could stop them, all the tree spirits kneeled before us one after another on Alandra's lead. They must have been doing this because they were now regarding me as high as the World Treant due to the Crest of Mutuality.
"Well then," Aesfen was the last one to kneel. "From now on, you and Mother will be ruling this forest together."