Reincarnated As The Villainess's Son

Chapter 305 Heart Of Yggdrasil [1] [Royal Elves]

Chapter 305  Heart Of Yggdrasil [1] [Royal Elves]

"Brace yoursel—!"

My words were cut short as a tree branch slammed into us.

The car skidded like it was on ice as Daina tried her best to bring it under control.

For a moment, the car spun, completing a full rotation before coming to a jarring halt.

I shoved the door open and stepped out cautiously, scanning the surroundings.

The road was eerily quiet, save for a few cars slowing down to look at the scene.

But my focus abruptly shifted to the branch—a massive, unnatural thing, thick as a car and hovering ominously near us.

"What was that?" Daina asked as soon as she walked out of the car.

"Say..." I began, giving her a quick glance. "Does the World Tree randomly attack people?"

She frowned, before her gaze shifted to the tree branch with thickness close to a car, hovering in front of me.

"Don't move," she said, her voice strained.

The branch slowly moved around me like it found me interesting while I remained completely still.

Sweat trickled down my face as a single thought passed through my mind.

'Can it feel the origin energy from my body?'

If it really is the reason, then I have to be ready.

I don't know if I can fight against the World Tree if it tries to attack me with full power.

Not to mention the elves, who will recognize its odd behavior.

I bit down on my lower lip, my heartbeat rumbling in my ribcage.

If things go south, maybe I should summon my daughter agai—.

[<You are overthinking. Even if it recognizes the energy, it won't attack you.>]

'Huh?'

I stood frozen as the branch reached closer, brushing against my face gently, almost playfully, like a child's curious touch.

Ahhh.

Right, both Muspelh and Neplh also nurtured this World Tree.

'So is this World Tree seeing me as its father?'

[<More like mother.>]

I grimaced at her words as I sighed softly.

[<And now time to explain this.>]

I felt a headache coming as I turned to look at Daina.

Her wide-eyed stare shifted between me and the branch, disbelief etched into her features.

Coming out of her shock, she softly asked, "How?"

"I don't know," I replied, shrugging. "Isn't it common?"

Her glare sharpened. "Common? You think Yggdrasil behaving like a playful child is common?"

"How would I know?" I retorted, swatting the branch away as it tried to coil around me.

The branch recoiled, almost flinching, before retreating back.

I gazed toward the direction where I could see the silhouette of a huge tree.

"Hah..." Daina let out a bewildered laugh, shaking her head as she climbed back into the car. "This is insane. Get in."

I followed without argument, settling into the passenger seat as she started the engine.

I looked at her, calling someone while starting the car.

"Hello?"

Mariam's voice echoed in the car.

"Something crazy happened," Daina said, unlike her usual calm self. "Yggdrasil just acted around Himmel the same way it does with Lady Elife."

I frowned. 'Who is Elife?'

"Don't worry about it," Mariam replied smoothly. "It's not the first time Yggdrasil has behaved like this with him."

"Huh?"

"Huh?"

We both let out startled voices at her words.

"What do you mean?" I demanded, snatching the phone. "I've never seen the World Tree before today!"

Mariam's tone remained frustratingly calm. "I'll explain later."

"Hey—don't ignore me!"

The call ended abruptly.

I slammed the phone on the seat as I tried to wrap my head around her words.

"Hey, do you know—?"

"Ask Lady Mariam when she is here," Daina interrupted. "I can't answer anything."

"Tch."

Clicking my tongue, I leaned back in the seat, waiting for us to arrive.

*****

'Damn.'

That's the word that popped into my mind as I looked out of the window.

The World Tree Yggdrasil was far bigger than I had anticipated.

One single branch was enough to cover the entire city in its shadow.

The city that I couldn't look enough of.

The car slowly entered the main palace of the Royal elves as I looked at the city.

The city felt like it was carved from the most beautiful material in the world.

Every building looked futuristic and seemed like it was built from the finest material, elevating the grace of the city.

But what made it better was how beautifully the city intertwined with the World Tree.

"Get ready," Daina said, snapping me out of my awe. "We're here."

As the car came to a stop, I stepped out, the scent of lush greenery filling my lungs.

The first thing that came into view was the vintage palace, and then the huge World Tree that loomed just behind it.

'It feels good.'

I don't know how, but I feel like I am back home.

A few figures quickly rushed toward us, making me look forward.

"When you meet them," Daina said, making me glance at her, "be respectful."

I nodded as the guards stationed themselves in front of us.

Their regal figures clad in silverish armor gleamed in sunlight. They held rapiers around their waists.

'Limiter rank.'

I quickly gauged the leader's strength.

He seemed powerful, with a beautiful control over his mana flow.

Well, they are remarkable, to say the least.

The leader of the soldiers bowed. "His Majesty, King Narcos, awaits your presence."

Without a word, they turned and led us into the palace.

Daina and I trailed behind them while I kept looking around the marvel of the palace.

It was as beautiful yet old as the outside.

'Makes me wonder how old this place is.'

I mused as they led us to a huge throne room, which was decorated far more than any other place.

But I kept my focus on the four people sitting on the four different thrones.

At the middle, sitting on the most beautiful throne, was a man with a defined expression, short blonde hair, and a mature face.

He was tall with a well-built body, wearing a traditional elven dress.

He had a powerful aura around him, with calmness in his green eyes.

The king looked okay, but the queen sitting on his right was breathtaking.

With long blonde hair cascading behind her, she had a youthful yet mature appearance.

With a slender figure and round emerald eyes that gazed at me.

She wore a greenish tiara as her crown that enhanced her appearance.

Pasithea and her older brother, whom I haven't met till now, sat on either side of their parents.

"Himmel," Daina nudged me gently. "Greet them."

I stepped forward, bowing slightly. "The heir of Segyal Highblood offers his greetings to the royal family of the elves."

"Don't take it rudely," King Narcos began, eyeing me. "You sure greet lousy."

"Forgive me, Your Highness," I replied, keeping my calm. "I just learned it yesterday."

He scoffed. "You had enough tim—."

"I have better things to do," I cut in his words. "Elven greetings are the least of my priorities."

He glared at me furiously.

"Leave it be, dear," Queen Rosalie quickly chimed in before he could continue. "We will have our guest soon."

Narcos scoffed, clearly unimpressed, while the queen descended from her throne and approached me.

A small, graceful smile played on her lips as she stopped in front of me. "I've heard quite a bit about you, Prince Himmel."

She raised her hand close to my face.

"Uh, right," I muttered, fumbling slightly as I took her hand and pressed a kiss to her ring finger. "Pleasure to meet you."

But when I glanced up, her smile faltered, replaced by an awkward expression.

I looked around, and for some reason, the atmosphere seemed chilly.

What happened?

"Are you challenging me?" Narcos growled, narrowing his eyes toward me.

"No?" I replied, tilting my head.

"Kissing a lady's ring finger signifies romantic interest," Queen Rosalie explained gently, though her smile wavered with unease.

"Oh… I had no idea," I admitted with an awkward laugh. "My apologies."

"It's quite alright," she said, shaking her head with a forgiving smile. "You're clearly unfamiliar with our customs."

"Yeah," I said, glancing back at her. "By the way, I like your… damgyatt."

"You mean, Diadem?" she asked, pointing at her tiara. "That's what we elves call it."

'Nah, I meant what I said.' I chuckled. "Right, Diadem."

"All right, enough greetings!" Narcos scoffed, standing up from his throne. "The messenger of Solace kingdom will arrive soon."

"Yeah, heir Himmel, we should be moving now," she said, with a gentle smile.

I smiled back. "Sur—."

"Well, well… If it isn't Ragnar's replacement."

A voice echoed from behind me.

Just as I stepped to follow her, a sharp, mocking voice echoed from behind me.

*****

"All right, I wanna see everything before the trip ends!"

Zenith's voice brimmed with excitement as she spun around, taking in the beauty of the beautiful fountain in front of the hotel.

Though the professors had scheduled specific sightseeing hours, they encouraged students to explore during their free time—so long as they followed all the protocols.

"It's impossible, Zenny," Siersha said, standing beside her with a small sigh. "The Tamriel Kingdom is massive—"

"Think positively, you stupid girl!" The ball of excitement named Zenith exclaimed.

She crossed her arms, pouting dramatically. "And don't say my name around him! He'll just tease me again for no reason!"

Siersha chuckled. "You're very conscious around him."

"I am not!" Zenith snapped, narrowing her eyes. "And what's your deal, huh?"

Siersha tilted her head, her crimson eyes filled with confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Don't play dumb," Zenith accused, pointing at her. "I see you talking to him alone all the time."

"You are thinking too much," Siersha replied, with a dismissive wave of her hand.

Due to her grandfather's order, she couldn't reveal her engagement with him.

Even if there wasn't any order, she wasn't very keen on revealing it to her friends.

"Whatever you say," Zenith replied, shifting her focus to a trio in the corner. "What are they doing?"

She narrowed her eyes toward Elijah, Amaury, and Heather talking about something.

Elijah looked troubled while the other two had an excited look on their faces.

"Are you planning to spy on them?" Siersha asked, noticing the faint swirl of mana forming in Zenith's palm.

"What? No!" Zenith denied, her voice almost too defensive. "I would never do that!"

"I've known you long enough, Zenny," Siersha replied, pinching her fluffy cheek. "Your spying habits are no secret to me."

"Ugh, what do you know?" Zenith grumbled, swatting her hand away. "Anyway, let me just… listen."

Siersha sighed, shaking her head.

Zenith softly made a rune around her ear, enhancing her hearing as she focused on their talk.

The more she listened, the bigger her silly smile became.

"What are they talking about?" Intrigued, Siersha questioned.

"Something good," she replied as she turned around before she started to search for someone.

"By the way, Zenith," Siersha mumbled, looking at the girl. "Are you still having those dreams?"

Zenith's grin faltered as she rubbed her temples. "Yeah, I had one last night."

"Anything new?" Siersha pressed.

"Not really," Zenith muttered, though her eyes soon lit up as they landed on a lone figure leaning against a far wall.

"Oy, wannabe depressed boy!" she exclaimed, pointing at Aimar. "Come here!"

Aimar glanced at her before he sighed, dragging his feet toward her.

"What do you want?" he asked flatly.

"I need your help," Zenith replied, her tone suddenly serious.

"I refuse," Aimar said immediately, turning on his heel to leave.

"I'll pay you generously!"

"With your mom's professor salary? No thanks."

"Listen!" Zenith snapped, stepping in his path. "All you have to do is buy me something."

He stared at her for a moment, then sighed again. "What?"

"I will tell you later," she replied, staring back at the trio group.

Aimar nodded before walking back to the corner.

"Why does he like to be alone?" Zenith mumbled, glancing at Siersha.

"I don't know," Siersha replied, glancing at her hand. "By the way, you forgot to switch on those handcuffs."

Zenith's smile turned stiff as she looked down.

"Ah, my bad," she replied, flipping the switch to make the filter work. "I forgot."

"It's fine," Siersha replied. "Just be careful next time."

She nodded. "I wil—."

Zenith's words cut off as her head snapped toward a spot in the distance.

Her expression tightened, her gaze locked on a now-empty space.

"What happened?" Siersha asked, following her gaze.

"Nothing," Zenith replied, adjusting her uncomfortable handcuff.