Chapter 273 – Mary (1)

“…Why, why didn’t you come? Why?”

Mary murmurs pitifully, as if blaming me.

A murmur spreads around us. I step in front of Mary, scratching the back of my neck. There’s a confidentiality clause so rumors won’t spread on the Internet, but these gazes are uncomfortable nonetheless.

“Of all people… Why don’t you listen to me?”

Her voice is full of sorrow.

I look at Mary with emotionless eyes.

I’m so taken aback that I don’t know what expression to make. I’ve never thought of needing to fix my expression. Perhaps that’s why, seeing my thoughtless gaze, Mary’s shoulders tremble even more sorrowfully.

Maybe it’s been a long time since I’ve completely detached myself from Mary. It seems that’s what she thinks.

– Drip.

Moisture fills Mary’s eyes, and large teardrops begin to well up.

“If it’s hard… You should have just said it’s hard…”

If I had said that, the human child would have screamed, accusing me of overreacting.

That was Mary’s personality until not long ago. Whenever she had the chance, she would call me to handle everything from giving massages to taking care of plants’ roots, watering, and even providing fertilizer. I took on tasks that she could never have managed alone. All of these required significant skill, and if it weren’t for my high potential, I would have needed at least several decades of experience.

To be told by someone like that that I lack perseverance, that it’s because I’m human, I couldn’t help but feel upset. Even if they were prepared for criticism, it’s still true.

– Drip, drip.

Tear drops falling onto the floor tiles. Yet, even in the midst of this, the gaze directed at me remained intense.

While frequently taking care of her, I had thought Mary gave off the strong impression of a spoiled princess, and her hairstyle and appearance really supported that notion. It felt as though she had brought the imagined Mary to life.

“Who is that person?”

“Don’t you know? Lee Si-heon. With Jung Si-woo at El Academy…”

First and foremost, we need to quell the commotion.

I unlocked the door, quickly input the password, and addressed Mary, who was intently staring at me from beside me.

“Let’s go in first, Mary.”

Mary snorted and nodded her head.
I can’t tell if this is a tree or a cousin who cries whenever she gets a chance.

Oddly enough, I felt at ease today. The breakfast was particularly satisfying.
I sighed.

* * * * * * *

As Mary entered the living room barefoot, tiny footprints marked the floor.
Seeing the small footprints, like those of a puppy prancing in snow, I couldn’t help but find them endearing.

Grains of dirt fell onto the floor tiles.

With a white robe wrapped in both her hands, Mary followed me.

“Please have a seat on the sofa next to you. I’ll prepare the tea shortly.”
“…Alright.”

Sniffling, I took my seat on the sofa as if it was only natural to be treated this way. I fetched some fine tea leaves from the cupboard and spoke to Mary.

“But becoming human-like, didn’t you hate humans?”

Though it may have sounded sarcastic, it was a genuine question for me. I couldn’t believe that Mary, who despised humans so much, wouldn’t mind having a body similar to one.

“You didn’t come. I kept calling, but none of you came.”

Had Mary misinterpreted my words? Her face once again turned tearful as she sat on the sofa.

– Glug, glug, glug.

As I watched Mary glance at me repeatedly while I poured the tea into the cup, I felt emotions that were beyond words. What should I say?

I had tried to make a move on someone like her. These thoughts kept plaguing me, making me feel dizzy, as if I had become a piece of trash that would touch a girl’s body.

Of course, she is 28 years old, older than me, but her demeanor follows her natural appearance.

I handed the prepared tea and refreshments to Mary. Then, standing a step away from the sofa, Mary cautiously asked,

“Hey…”
“Yes.”

With her slender index finger extended, Mary pointed to the sofa in front of her.

“Will…you not sit down?”

Was she actually allowing me to sit? This was Mary, who had once told me not to even breathe when my face was closer than 10 centimeters to hers. What did she say back then? That even inhaling the carbon dioxide I exhaled felt repulsive to her. I remember being heartbroken when I first heard such a harsh rebuke.

‘Indeed, her attitude has become significantly more lenient. What on earth happened?’

As I sat on the sofa, I set down the mask. Gently relaxing my expression, I wore a faint smile as I always did.

“So, what brings you here?”

Mary remained silent for quite some time in response to my question.
Could it be that she came here without a purpose, just to see my face?
It didn’t seem so, and it appeared that she hadn’t yet fully organized her thoughts on what she needed to say.

Well, what can I do with a girl like her?
Since the tree in charge has changed to the World Tree of Healing, I should treat her as if I were soothing a child.
Sitting calmly and smiling, I patiently waited for Mary to gather her thoughts.

For a long while, I relaxed.

“You.”

As the temperature of the teacup touching her fingernails slowly cooled, Mary hesitantly parted her lips.

“What did you mean by what you said last time?”
“What did I say last time?”
“You said you couldn’t satisfy me…”

Unsatisfiable.
She was probably referring to the words I’d spoken when I stormed out of Mary’s room, pretending to be angry.

“Ah, that.”

In truth, it was an act.
I thought it might help change her behavior somewhat.

What kind of repercussions would arise if I were to utter those words in my current state? I held back my words and racked my brain. From the beginning to the end, I had been dealing with someone who only lied.

“……”

Eyes trembling with unease.

– Shivering.

Both tightly clenched fists were shaking.

Becoming human had left them unable to properly control their senses and emotions. Were there side effects like this to humanization? The symptoms resembled those of puppies brought to an unfamiliar and frightening place.

– Blink.

Why did those red eyes appear so innocent? And why were those fists clenched so endearingly? Shaken by taking the form of a human child, rather than a tree. Regardless of their age, a child is still a child. With that in mind, I diligently searched for the right words to convey to Mary.

If done correctly, I might be able to rid this woman of her tree-centric superiority. I resolved not to reproach myself for being too swayed by emotions.

First, an explanation.

“So…”

Mary clenched her eyes shut.

Her body stiffened like a child being scolded, her mouth fumbling, not knowing how to swallow her saliva.

What’s the best thing I can say right now? I pondered as I continued to speak.

“Because Mary dislikes me. No matter how much I do for Mary… I think it would only upset her more.”

The curses I’ve heard so far have been cutting, even containing personal attacks.

“I thought it would be better to simply be eliminated rather than to cause that.”

As soon as I finished speaking, Mary responded.

“…Then why didn’t you come? I called you, but you didn’t come…”

It’s the same.

“If I went there for no reason, I would just be called ‘human’ again… I would be cursed at, and Mary would feel stressed too.”

“Did I say that? That I was stressed? I never said anything like that—”

“You did.”

“…”

And that’s not all.

“You cursed my parents who brought me into this world, my future lover, and all of my abilities.”

Mary averted her gaze from me. Her pursed lips seemed more due to having nothing to say rather than being flustered.

Did she even realize what she had said? Always using her words so harshly, she could only think of how to swear more effectively to vex others. Mary was like that kind of tree, so focused on cursing that she couldn’t remember her actual words.

“…That’s because you’re human.”

A childlike pout escaped her mouth.

“But, that’s so trivial…”
“Mary.”
“Hic…”

Why did she consider that normal? It wasn’t as if common sense had been instilled in other trees. I couldn’t understand why, even when she was hurt alone, she would extend her thorns like a hedgehog.

Mary gave up on looking at me again, tightly closing her eyes.

“Mary.”

I called out that name once more.

At last, Mary slowly lifted her eyelids and stared into my eyes. Her shoulders moved irregularly, accompanied by the sound of a hiccup. The walking pheromone had also been activated, in case it might help ease her tension.

“I don’t really understand.”
“What don’t you…?”
“Mary, you’re a tree. A being of a higher rank than humans.”

Her spirits seemed to lift somewhat upon hearing words that acknowledged her superior status. However, her voice still trembled.

“That’s right, I am higher up… It’s only natural… So even if I curse you, you too-“
“Because you’re higher up?”

My words caused Mary to fall silent.

“Mary, may I ask you a question?”
“…”
She nodded.

“How have humans who’ve met you before reacted?”

I spoke gently, as though dealing with a child, trying to make my voice as soft and comforting as possible.

A subtle flow of magic warmed the air in the room.

“…I tried to appease you.”

“Isn’t that natural?”

“Yes.”

“But how did it end?”

“They either cursed me behind my back or ran away.”

This time, the question was slightly altered.

“How was I?”

“…You were the same.”

“Then why did you come to see me?”

“You didn’t curse like that person… You just said you were sorry, even though there was no need to apologize…”

She knew it all too well.
Mary was aware that she was treating humans cruelly.

Despite knowing that, there must be a reason for driving humans away.
That reason remained unknown. More conversation would be necessary to uncover it.

Once the questioning ended, I remained silent for a while.
I simply gazed at Mary.

He trembled for quite some time. Seemingly distracted, he appeared to be trying to avoid this situation, and he averted his gaze as much as possible to avoid looking into my eyes.

“Why… won’t you say anything?”
“Why do you think?”

I respond with a question of my own.

I waited for a long time. The minute hand of the clock moved several times.
I did my best to create an atmosphere in which Mary could emotionally open up to me.

“…You too.”

Finally, she spoke.

“Do you dislike me as well?”

I gave a brief reply.

“I do.”

Thud. The sound of a sinking heart.
Clutching her aching chest, Mary blinked her eyes.
The more she tried to dry her damp eyes, the more tears welled up and dripped onto the sofa.

“Most people probably feel that way.”
“…Ah. Uh-huh.”

What are these World Tree bastards doing without educating even a single child? Without humans, they would have no honor or power.

In this place, known as the cradle of trees, what if humans were treated like dogs scavenging for discarded trash?

…Or perhaps not.

Maybe Mary is such a lackluster tree that she doesn’t even need to be educated. The World Tree of Healing had received much education and guidance since arriving here.

Thus, Mary is like that—belonging to the fringes of the nobility. A tribe that lacks any redeeming qualities, filling their sense of inferiority by demeaning others.

“…Ah, ugh.”

Mary did her best to hold back her tears. Her tear drops continued to fall onto the floor.

“It’s… all the same…”
“What?”
“…Just me, just me…”

She’s throwing a tantrum again. Hiding my impatience, I managed the kindest smile I could muster.

Yes, she’s a tree. Her mental age might be a bit younger than others.

“I will be cast out… Every day, being cursed at…”
“Is that so?”
“The World Tree is inadequate… Because my growth is immature, always…”

What should I do?
I intended to shock, but the impact was too devastating.
I let out a bitter laugh.
How can I handle this situation?
Hugging was said to be the best way to comfort Shiba or her cousin.

Without a word, I stood up and approached Mary.
Unaware of my presence, Mary continued to cry profusely.

When one’s spirit is shattered to such an extent, there are typically a few methods to employ.
Either continue to press the issue,
Or empathize as much as possible, soothe them first, and then persuade them gently.
I wasn’t sure what the right approach was for Mary, so I followed my instincts and moved my hand.

“My words aren’t finished yet.”

I knelt down and embraced Mary.
She tried to pull away slightly, but soon she nestled in my arms and continued to sob.

“I understand it’s difficult. When everyone else is cursing, you end up cursing as well. However, if every person who sees it curses constantly, it’s only natural to feel resentment.”
“…Hic, uh, waaaah.”

Sigh, now I can’t even respond.
I let out a sigh and continued to comfort Mary by patting her back.

“So, isn’t it just a matter of Mary extending her hand so people can come to like her too?”

I wasn’t sure if she was listening or not.
But if she kept this thought in her mind, her attitude might soften a little.
Perhaps a few of those who viewed Mary like a mere bug might change their perspective upon witnessing her transformation.

“Ah… Sob, sniff, sob.”

When would this end?
It had been a long time since I last experienced the challenge of consoling someone in such distress.