Chapter 271 – Twist the Tree (12)

[Why aren’t they coming?]

What in the world is this ordeal?

Even if I was a bit, just a tiny bit, cruel, is it right for someone to change so drastically?

[…Foolish fools.]

They’re all the same. Nobody approaches me with consistency. Each one of them harbors a dark scheme in their heart, yet not a single person sincerely supports and aids me, a tree.

It has always been this way.

[…Is it because I can’t become the World Tree? Is that why?]

I know I’m treated this way because I’m lacking in some way, being a short tree. I am certainly not a tree worthy of becoming the World Tree. If I were the World Tree, would they dare to ignore and belittle me in such a manner?

-That tree is far too finicky. It constantly complains whenever there’s an opportunity. There’s no chance anyone would like it.

Is my personality too demanding?
It’s because I don’t speak up; I bet the other trees are the same.

In truth, I knew they despised me.

– When I see them, I just want to snap their branches. They’re small too. It should be easy, right?

Most of them curse behind my back.
That was bearable. After all, they were just inferior beings gossiping behind me. Overlooking it helped me suppress my rising resentment.

– I don’t think I can satisfy you.

But the reason I feel particularly empty now is that he was the only one who directly expressed his dissatisfaction in front of me.
That’s why it was more memorable, and my heart couldn’t help but flutter.

It wasn’t a harsh curse, but solely about not being able to satisfy me.

[Lee Si-heon.]

Mary murmured.

[Lee Si-heon, Lee Si-heon.]

Feeling down because of him alone is overwhelming.

[…Why do I have to be so flustered?]

He was someone I’d meet and part ways with eventually. What is this feeling?
We don’t share any emotions, and it could be said we have no connection.

I am a tree that provides trials. He’s simply a cadet from El Academy who came to face these trials.
It’s a simple relationship, and even if it burns, it won’t last for more than a few days.

Despite the trial, he lasted a week… He matched my pace, though.

[Sigh.]

Water won’t seep into my roots.
Exhaling oxygen, I gazed blankly at the lights.

[…I want to be the World Tree.]

The dreams and hopes I constantly looked toward as a child.
I, too, want to spread my branches far and wide.

[I want to become so incredible that I can embrace everyone.]

I want to subdue those who disregard me, and live my life surrounded by a group comprised solely of people who cherish me.

[…]

People who like me.

Could there be such a thing?

Even if I were to become a World Tree and someone approached to receive flowers, would they truly care for me?
The world doesn’t revolve around me. I realized this long ago when I was confined to this solitary chamber, surviving only on the nutrients provided.

Could I change if I tried a little harder?

If I were to grow my roots deeper and produce greener leaves and fruits.
…If I were to grasp hold of this moment.

I promise to do my best. I’m sorry.
If I could utter just a single word, might something change? Lately, such thoughts have been surfacing in my mind.

-Startling thud.

The sound of a door opening.
I lift my sagging branches and straighten my body. Regrettably, it wasn’t that person, but at least it was someone who could relay their response.

[How was it?]

A more subdued voice than usual emerged.
The arborist silently gazed at the ground, hands politely folded together.

“I’ve come because there’s something I must convey to you.”

[What about Lee Si-heon?]
“It concerns participant Lee Si-heon.”

I can’t meet. It’s difficult.
I’ll think about it more.

It was the man whose speech had become increasingly subdued. Thus, every time he appeared, he always lamented not knowing this time.
Nearly a week had passed since then.
Nevertheless, the man’s face and scent remained firmly etched in memory.

[What is it this time?]

The man hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“I came to inform you that the tree responsible for the trials of participant Lee Si-heon might change.”

An idea I had never considered.

[What?]

I couldn’t help but doubt my ears.
Having managed countless Forest Keeper Trials, I had never heard of such a case.
The second trial does have a rule.
One cannot simply change the tree they must face in the trial just because they dislike it.

[What are you talking about?]
“I cannot provide any details.”
[Why can’t you?]
“Do you remember the exceptions to the Forest Keeper contest?”

Everything that occurs in the selection matches can be slightly altered in schedule or manner based on the commands of the World Trees. Of course, since there are multiple World Trees, they can’t manipulate everything at will, but modifying the tree responsible for the second trial is something that could be adjusted at any time by a World Tree.

[…What?]

In short, another World Tree has changed the tree assigned to Lee Si-heon. I was dumbfounded and couldn’t speak.

The human he had looked down upon managed to pass the second trial with the protection of another World Tree. He couldn’t say a word during the process. After all, the one he faced was a World Tree, a rank higher than himself.

The highest caste I’m talking about.

[… ]

A sense of injustice that can’t be expressed in words wells up. It’s heartbreaking to understand.

[So… I just have to accept it, then? Because I can’t be a World Tree. It’s destined to happen anyway.]
“No.”
[What do you mean?]

Emotions burst forth from my lips.

[What are you saying no to?]

The branches bristled. A droplet of water fell from beneath a leaf.

[It’s because I’m small, isn’t it? Short in stature, with shallow roots, forever acting like a fledgling.]

I know.

[That’s why I was going to apologize. I admit, I was harsh. But, this isn’t right.]

A fleeting expression of surprise crossed the face of the man standing before me. His emotions didn’t matter.
After all, he had once insulted me as well.

[Is it that difficult to grant me a single glimpse?]
“…It’s not within my power.”
[…Let me see the World Tree.]

Tree Network.

The informal term for the exclusive connection between the World Trees.

After King Mokryeong and the Heavenly Demon, the communication network had been restructured numerous times, and now it could only be utilized by the highest-ranking World Trees.

I, too, was connected to this tree network. However, for trees that weren’t among the upper echelons of the World Trees, their connection was tenuous at best, and they couldn’t express their thoughts or opinions. They could only receive one-sided messages from the higher World Trees. The reason for adopting such an inefficient format was due to King Mokryeong and Flower’s schemes, which had led to the World Trees’ locations and secrets being exposed on multiple occasions.

Nevertheless, access was possible if one had the necessary permission. Of course, I didn’t possess the power or the grounds to do so. The situation was so unjust that I couldn’t help but voice my frustration.

The tips of the branches quivered, and strength surged through the roots. I had cried so much that my clothes were soaked.

[…]

It was an abuse of power.

Yet, I couldn’t utter a single word.

He knew that the disdain for humans he had expressed so vehemently thus far, and his penchant for mocking those beneath him while manipulating situations at will, were not so different from his current circumstances.

When I remained silent, the man adjusted his clothing and began to speak slowly. His voice, which seemed to carry a tone of deep regret, was irritating to listen to.

“It appears so. I apologize. It seems Mary’s role in the second trial has come to an end today.”

Once the second trial concludes…

I will be trapped here once more for years to come, swallowing insults and curses. If my growth is stunted, in the worst-case scenario, I could be abandoned to the wild. Though it may sound like a release, in truth, it’s akin to a death sentence. It would be a grave mistake to believe trees nourished and grown in soil rich with magical energy and nutrients could thrive on coarse, unyielding ground. In no time at all, they would wither away, unable to absorb sustenance.

“Please, get some rest.”

I found myself unable to speak.

There was no way to change this situation. I couldn’t even convey my feelings.

[Hehe.]

A feeble laugh escaped my lips.

[…I just can’t.]

I yearn to see you with my own eyes, to know what you truly thought of me in your heart. Did you find me bothersome as well? It must have been difficult, but one can never be certain. If you genuinely approached me to gain my affection, if that’s why you treated me so kindly… I could at least apologize.

[A conversation, at least.]

– Swish.

The retreating branches.

Roots emerge upward, taking shape.

I wished to speak.

* * * * * * *

[My dear~]

The delicate roots embrace my waist tightly.

The branch is nestled between my armpits. The root encircles my waist. In human terms, it appears as though we are hugging with both arms and legs, our chests pressed as close as possible to each other. I gaze at the World Tree of Healing as it rubs its soft wooden body against my cheek.

“[…Did I do well?]”
“Yes, yes, you did a great job.”
“[Kyaaah!]”

As I stroke the tree’s body with my hand, its voice soars in happiness.

Is this a tree or a person?

– Chomp, chomp, chomp, chomp, chomp.

My face is drenched in a viscous, saliva-like liquid. A cheek kiss should resemble a cheek kiss, but I can’t tell if I’m being treated like a spouse or a puppy.

“[I was short one person to take care of, so I switched right away. You were already having a headache due to your second ordeal, so it’s better to have it easy, right?]”

What a safety net.

Is this why networking is said to be so crucial in daily life? The World Tree of Healing used its branch just once, and everyone was left speechless.

Thanks to that, I couldn’t meet Mary, for whom I had worked so hard.

‘Is it a good thing?’

I had planned to thoroughly change Mary’s mindset during this opportunity, but now there was no need.

‘After all, it’s better to safely pass by fulfilling my role a few times than to take a gamble without any certainty.’

I glanced at the World Tree of Healing, which was hugging my body, and then at Marronnier, who stared at me with a subtle gaze from a distance. As my focus shifted away from the World Tree, she seemed to vie for more attention, tightening the branches that embraced me and spoke.

“[Seobang-nim, your scent is so intoxicating.]”
“You’re quite the pervert.”
“[Right now, everything from one to ten is mine.]”

So be it.
Since when has my body belonged to me?

“… Lee Si-heon.”
“Yes?”
“No, it’s nothing.”

Marronnier seemed like she was about to say something, but she stopped, puffed her cheeks, and looked away.

Was it mentioned that there was a subjugation?
If I’m not mistaken, there must be a reason behind that pained expression and the tragic heroine-like pose she’s assuming.

If it’s subjugation, shouldn’t she be heeding most of my words?

“Blanche.”
“Don’t call me that!”
“Honestly, it’s only right to call you by your name. Regardless of your position, it is still your name.”

[I think so too, my lord~]

Marronnier pursed her lips, syncing with the rhythm of the World Tree of Healing.

“…I don’t like it. It feels strange.”

Seeing her exhibit this denial, it doesn’t seem like she’s under subjugation again.

‘Or maybe, as Tae-yang mentioned, it took effect to a lesser extent?’

Somewhere between complete subjugation and a partially influenced state.
A precarious situation with no telling when it will fully take hold or dissipate.

It’s said that one can only enter proper subjugation by maintaining a relationship and whispering sweet nothings consistently. Curious, I slyly addressed Marronnier.

“Do you want to sit on my lap, too?”

It wouldn’t be surprising to receive a slap for such a remark.
If uttered to someone not close, it wouldn’t be odd to immediately end up at the police station for questioning.

Stealthily glancing at Marronnier, they were gazing at my lap, eyes lowered.
As I spread my arms, they shook their head back and forth.

“Are you insane?!”

They spoke and quickly turned their head away, but their eyes soon shifted back to me. Deep turmoil was evident.
Their face flushed gradually, and eventually, they awkwardly crawled and sat before me.
Assuming a posture that revealed their back more than their knees. Looking forward, they covered their face with both hands.

From this perspective, it seemed as if they were once again ensnared in servitude.

“I must be mad… I don’t know…”

As I placed my hand atop their head, I felt the soft sensation of their hair.
As I stroked their hair from side to side, they subtly shifted their weight onto their back and leaned into my embrace.

[What about me, sir?]
“I know.”
[Hehe]

I could sense it while gently caressing their hair with my hand.

The Marronnier therapy appeared to hold significant value as well.

They say that being close to brainwashing is akin to subjugation. Observing the firm expression of negation, it had certainly affected her less. At last, I could be confident about Marronnier’s condition.

There were only two days remaining until the second trial concluded.