When I started reading what I had written, I began to remember the time I wrote this book. All my books were written inside the World Tree. Yes, every single one of them. Before the inside of the World Tree became my "tomb," it was a place I loved to spend time in.
Yes, I remember things like that.
Spending countless hours a day inside the World Tree. But I wasn't there cultivating or training—I was just sitting there.
Either sitting and doing nothing, or writing something. All of them were written under those circumstances.
'All these things are still in my mind.'
The control of magic, the evolution of magic, the training, spells, etc... Everything that's taught here still lingers in my mind. I haven't forgotten a thing. "It's all so basic. Is this really so beloved by people?"
Serie overheard my question and answered, "Even though it's simple, it's very detailed and well explained. You've helped many people."
"Unfortunately, all this knowledge also fell into human hands..."
"..."
Back then, elves and humans used to get along "well," but now we're almost enemies. At least, that's how I see them. They killed my friends and tried to steal my body. 'How do Ryuu and the other elves even have the courage to live in Orario?'
I put the book back where I found it and went over to Serie.
I had some knowledge, so I helped her clean the bear's body. But I left all the cooking to Serie and decided to lie down. 'I'm still recovering.' Minutes passed, and my mana had already recovered a little.
I feel much better now.
After lying there for a few more minutes, I ended up falling asleep and was later woken by Serie. She had already set the table. As soon as I saw that big pot full of meat, my mouth started to water.
It probably won't taste as good as the meat I used to cook in my old world, but it should be good enough.
Going without eating meat is HORRIBLE!
I filled my plate with meat and started eating.
The first thing I noticed was… this meat is really fatty.
I've never eaten bear meat before, so this was a new experience. Many people love fatty meat, but I'm not one of them. And besides being greasy, the flavor is very strong.
'Hmmm…'
But even if it's not exactly pleasant, it's still better than eating just fruit.
So, I cleared my plate.
When I finished eating, Serie asked:
"So? What did you think?"
"Horrible," I replied.
"..." Serie's eyes widened.
"It's not your fault—the seasoning was good. The meat itself is just awful. Way too greasy, and the flavor is way too strong. I didn't like it."
"Since when did you become a meat expert?"
"Well…"
I still have Isaac's memories. Memories buried among Frieren's memories.
I know I'm Isaac, and I remember being a chef.
I also had a family. A family I left behind.
Other than that, I don't remember much.
I don't know if this is a good thing or a bad thing. Although forgetting most of my past life may seem like a terrible thing, it helps me. Without these memories, I won't have to suffer remembering everything I left behind in my old world.
I'm not sure if that makes sense, but I think it does.
"Well, I guess my taste buds have gotten more sensitive," I said to Serie.
"Then we'll just have to find better meat. I'll go hunting while you do your training, don't worry."
"Thank you, Serie."
####
POV: Ryuu Lion
"Hm?"
"What is it, Ryuu?"
"Oh, it's nothing."
I was resting in the staff room at the restaurant when, all of a sudden, I felt something strange. A sensation I hadn't felt in a long time. The feeling of being watched... but not by something dangerous. More like something that would protect me.
A warm sensation in my chest, like the magic inside me was starting to boil. A powerful magic that would cover and protect my entire body if needed.
'I remember this… from years ago.'
Back when the World Tree still had its glory. In those days, no elf needed to join a Familia to become strong. 'I'm feeling the same thing I felt back then. The power of the tree.'
What's happening?
Is the tree returning to its former glory? So suddenly?
A deep joy filled me, and I smiled for the first time in a long while. The first time since the Astraea Familia was destroyed a few years ago. 'Maybe I should pay the tree a visit?'
Maybe it's trying to call out to the surviving elves for one last farewell.
"Ryuu, what are you doing? Get back to work."
"Ah, right."
I went back to work at the restaurant, and when my shift ended, I talked to Mia to ask for a few days off.
"Why?"
"I have something important to do. Very important." I looked at her seriously. I didn't explain what it was, but I made it clear it meant a lot to me.
My hands were trembling slightly from the anxiety.
"Huff~~" Mia sighed. "Alright, but be back in five days at most, okay?"
"Don't worry, I'll be back soon."
I thanked Mia, then went to change my clothes. I took off my waitress uniform and put on casual clothes. Before leaving, I threw on a robe that covered almost my entire body, especially my head.
'I don't even remember the last time I visited that place. Maybe two years ago? Serie was still there, waiting for the queen. I wonder... is there any chance the queen has awakened? No… of course not.'
It's been so long since she fell into a deep sleep. The only thing keeping her alive is the remaining power of the tree.
If the tree really is preparing to say goodbye, the queen will likely face the same fate.
Thinking about that... breaks my heart.
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