It had been quite a while since Epherna and Ern began sharing a bed.
At least a week had passed, and there were almost no issues that arose during that time.
Of course, this was from Ern’s perspective.
The increasing intimacy while he was asleep, which started off pleasant, began to interfere with her sleep as time went on.
[It will continue like this until Astra considers you his.]
Shir giggled.
Epherna, looking tired, said.
“… Don’t just laugh; give me an alternative.”
[Haven’t I told you several times? There is no way other than becoming Astra’s female.]
“Not that. I barely slept last night.”
Last night, when they stayed at the accommodation provided by the shamans, Ern’s intimacy was unusually intense.
When Epherna asked why, the response was.
[The mother came out of the nest with the egg. Isn’t it natural to be concerned about the egg?]
“…”
Epherna, who was at a loss for words by the perfectly fitting example, thought long and hard before making a decision.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Thus, Ern and Epherna decided to use separate rooms for a few days and were assigned a different accommodation by the shamans.
“… It can’t be helped. Condition is important.”
Though it was a bit disappointing, they soon agreed once they heard the reason for wanting separate rooms.
Epherna’s sleep issues were not to be taken lightly.
Just recently, fatigue had built up to the point where it nearly caused a problem.
More importantly, it was crucial to meet with the Elders of the shamans now.
The Elders of the Forest and Ocean, who arrived this morning, were said to be waiting at the Forest Hall. The top floor of the towering Hall Tree, the highest tree among the tall trees, was the Hall, a special place that could only be accessed with the Forest Elder’s permission.
Following the guide provided by the shaman attendants, they arrived at the Hall Tree, went through identity verification, and began ascending the tree.
It wasn’t done by walking; there was an elevator that could comfortably take them to the top floor.
“It’s fascinating. This place is full of wonders.”
Temur asked about the principle behind the elevator.
“A strong rope is used to pull the elevator up and down. The operating energy comes from mana stones.”
“… It’s not a technology that would help the plains.”
“No, it wouldn’t. The nomadic tribes of the plains don’t settle in one place. There aren’t any tall buildings like this.”
Even in the Empire, buildings of this height were rare. The tallest buildings only reach about five floors, so buildings with elevators are few even in the Empire.
After about two minutes, the elevator reached the top and stopped.
The door opened, revealing the Hall and two solemn elders of the shamans.
“Are those the shamans’ elders?”
“Yes. They are among the few in the continent with the authority to stand shoulder to shoulder with the imperial royalty, except for the Emperor.”
The Forest Shaman Elder Achaz.
The Ocean Shaman Elder Roland.
These individuals, who need not bow to anyone other than the Emperor, even Epherna had to bow her head.
“We greet the great Elders of the shamans.”
As Epherna bowed respectfully, Achaz laughed heartily.
It’s the first time seeing your face. Please, come and sit.”
The Ocean Elder frowned.
“You resemble the Second Prince quite a bit.”
I observed their every expression carefully.
Unlike Solendril, there was insufficient, almost non-existent information about them. The Ocean Elder had only recently taken their position, and the Forest Elder had rarely appeared in official settings.
As Epherna took her seat, Achaz began to speak.
“This old man is not in the best of health, so if possible, I’d prefer to get straight to the point.”
Epherna nodded.
In that case, this was exactly what they wanted.
“Firstly, as I mentioned in my letter, the reason I am here in person is to seek counsel and advice from the elders regarding Evergreen.”
“If it’s about Evergreen, Roland here knows all about it. If you have any questions, you can ask him.”
At a gesture from Achaz, Roland sighed deeply.
“Isn’t this something that an elder should answer?”
“Haha. My mind isn’t working well these days. It seems like dementia, so let him explain instead.”
“…”
Roland, looking annoyed, started speaking without pausing.
But on the contrary, Roland’s mouth began to speak without even taking a breath.
“I’ve read the letter you sent. You asked how we are dealing with the wicked terror and crimes of Evergreen. To put it briefly, we haven’t done anything. The shaman lands are small compared to the Empire and people live closely together. The environment is not conducive to committing crimes. Although there are some groups that occasionally call themselves Evergreen and engage in proselytizing, most of the citizens only show mild interest and are not converted.”
“So, until a month ago, no measures were taken, but after the Forest Elder was subjected to an assassination attempt, our thinking has changed. That is also the reason we accepted your sudden proposal.”
The situation regarding Evergreen’s assassination attempt was causing headaches as well.
In some ways, it could be more troubling than the Empire.
Because.
“If they truly took in the Force Shamans, and if that fact becomes known, the trust between the Empire and us will inevitably be strained.”
Even though they are called Force Shamans, they were once shamans themselves.
Now they belong to Evergreen and have committed crimes in the Empire.
Although very few people know this fact yet, once rumors start to spread, the long-standing relationship between the Empire and the shamans will inevitably be damaged.
Therefore.
“Our shamans are willing to actively cooperate in suppressing the emerging religion Evergreen. We are also ready to provide the information you need without hesitation.”
Epherna, who had anticipated this exact response, nodded silently.
“You didn’t come here just to discuss this, did you? What other proposal do you have?”
It was clear that Epherna still had something she desired.
A smile spread across Epherna’s face.
Roland was right.
Epherna did not call the shamans’ elders here just for such discussions.
“I won’t make excuses since you already know. Yes, I have a sincere request to make to the elders.”
“What is it? Speak plainly without beating around the bush.”
The primary goal had been achieved.
With the support of a nation, the crusade against Evergreen had received a significant boost, resulting in the best possible outcome.
However, wasn’t something off?
It seemed too easy.
A group that had hidden in the shadows for over ten years until the threat was imminent showed no sign of action until their necks were on the line.
Epherna believed the reason was one of two possibilities.
They had either completely given up or they didn’t care if their necks were on the line.
The former was almost impossible.
Given her recent radical attempts to strip away the summer sun, it couldn’t be that they had given up.
So the remaining possibility was the latter.
Recently, Evergreen had decreased its frequency of crimes and terrorism.
It was as if they had decided this was enough, like a bear hibernating and storing food for winter.
“Evergreen’s goal is to gather the essences of the Divine Kings and make a wish.”
“I’ve heard that.”
“And they are a religion. Even if hundreds of years pass, it will be almost impossible to eliminate their roots.”
This is a fundamental problem that cannot be solved with ordinary methods.
Even if the essence of the divine kings can be safely protected in this generation, what will happen after hundreds of years?
What rises eventually falls.
No matter how powerful the Empire is now, it could collapse in unforeseen ways over the course of centuries or a millennium.
“But I intend to completely eradicate them.”
“How?”
“We need to make a wish on our end.”
Roland’s eyes widened.
“The number of times one can wish after gathering the essences is only once. According to the legend passed down only in the Grandeum imperial family.”
“…”
“So, if we make the wish first, it’s over. To eliminate the existence of Evergreen. I formally request your cooperation in gathering the essences needed for this wish.”
“… Do you understand what you’re saying?”
“Of course.”
“Do you have confidence that you won’t lose all the essences once gathered?”
“This isn’t a plan to lose them.”
“You might be lying.”
“Why would I, a princess of the Empire, lie? It doesn’t make sense. And…”
What if they refuse?
It is already known that the Force Shamans have joined Evergreen in large numbers.
The party more urgent about eradicating Evergreen is not the Empire but the shamans.
Would they have a choice?
She came here with no intention of offering them a choice.
Swallowing those lengthy words, Epherna displayed a deep smile.
“In the end, the choice is up to the Elders.”
The one who will regret the refusal is you.
Epherna’s golden eyes spoke as much.
