NOVPUBThe ancient World Tree, known as the Primordial World Tree, carries a legend.
It’s said that the very first flower to bloom on this sacred tree, a life form called "Flower-Flame," established the first fairy kingdom and became its ruler. This legend predates even the era of the Founding Mage, from the time when historical records began. Though no one can confirm the truth, Flower-Embracing believed it wholeheartedly.
The first flower, a true king who cherished and protected all fairies...
As Flower-Embracing stepped on the leaves scattered beneath her, they made soft, cushion-like sounds. Amazingly, the leaves under her feet didn’t break. Instead, those leaves, dulled and reddish from autumn, regained their green vitality, renewed by her touch.
This was the power of the elven queen, ruler of all fairies—the ability to bestow life upon all she touched. For Flower-Embracing, who had once been plagued by a curse of death, this blessing of life was a comfort beyond words.
“...Where are we going?” asked Baek Yuseol, following behind her.
“Oh, I just wanted to show you something beautiful. You haven’t really explored the World Tree, have you?”
“No, I haven’t.”
Indeed, Baek Yuseol had never had the chance to truly experience the breathtaking scenery of the Celestial Blossom Sanctuary.
His impression was simple.
Beautiful.
There were many places on Earth renowned for their beauty, though he hadn’t seen them all. But he could confidently say one thing: nothing on Earth compared to this.
Trailing after Flower-Embracing, Baek Yuseol wore a contemplative expression. She had overheard the words he had told Jellyel—*disappear*—spoken as an excuse. That was a problem.
While Jellyel hadn’t pressed for a deeper explanation, Flower-Embracing was different. Although she had eventually stopped asking, she’d insisted on showing him something.
They left Starflower Magic Academy, strolling through the streets of the Celestial Blossom Sanctuary, past the white palace and the Eternal Falls. At last, they arrived at a secluded, forested area—a small tower hidden in the woods, where Flower-Embracing had once secluded herself.
Baek Yuseol finally understood why she had chosen this place. It wasn’t merely a spot with trees and flowers—it was truly dazzling. Rays of sunlight refracted through branches like an aurora, scattering in all directions. Although it was morning, tiny lights like fireflies twinkled in the air, forming constellations, while a yellow river cascaded from somewhere high above, splashing softly on the ground below.
Baek Yuseol walked through this surreal landscape in a daze. Flower-Embracing, noticing his expression, gave a soft smile.
“It seems you really like it.”
“Oh, yes... a little.”
“Beautiful, isn’t it? I can assure you, there’s nothing like it anywhere else.”
As she turned to look at him, her hair moved slowly in his field of vision. Her graceful turn seemed to elongate the moment, as if he was watching in slow motion. Amidst the scattering petals, Flower-Embracing smiled, looking more radiant than any flower.
“There are things in this world even more beautiful than this,” she said, reaching out toward a cluster of plum-colored fruits, each the size of a small basketball. Plucking the smallest one, about the size of her palm, she handed it to him.
“This is a sacred fruit. It grows smaller as it matures. In ancient times, there were even wars over this fruit.”
Baek Yuseol had never seen anything like it; even his enchanted glasses didn’t recognize it. Taking a bite, he immediately understood why people would go to war over it.
“...It’s delicious. The best fruit I’ve ever had.”
“Right?”
Flower-Embracing beamed, clearly pleased by his reaction. She climbed a small hill and sat gracefully beneath a tree, patting the space beside her. Hesitantly, Baek Yuseol joined her, leaning back against the tree and gazing up at the sky.
A gentle breeze blew, carrying her floral scent to him. Her hair swayed, the fragrance almost overwhelming—more refreshing and pleasant than any perfume, a natural aroma befitting the queen of the elves.
Suddenly, a system message popped up:
[Passive skill ‘Memories with Blossoms’ has been activated.]
“Huh?”
It was a skill he’d forgotten, gained when he formed a contract with Yifanell.
[When you smell the scent of flowers, you gain characteristics corresponding to the flower’s language.]
But something was odd.
He was aware of Flower-Embracing’s floral scent, but he hadn’t actually detected a specific floral aroma. Trying to identify it, he found no information. Instead, a phrase appeared in his mind, casting his thoughts into turmoil.
[Flower Language: Eternal Love]
He tried to understand the meaning of those words, but Flower-Embracing spoke up, breaking his thoughts.
“Does a place like this exist where you come from?”
No, it didn’t.
He could say so with certainty.
But even more confusing than the question was why Flower-Embracing was asking about his home.
With a faint smile, she extended her hand toward the air. A falling leaf landed between her delicate fingers, almost as if it had been waiting for her.
“I’ve had a feeling for some time now... Baek Yuseol, you always seemed a little out of place. The way you speak, act, and even handle relationships.”
He seldom attended classes, barely studied, and wandered off on endless adventures, mingling with various people without forming deep bonds.
“There’s something unfamiliar about your aura.”
“...Is that so?”
“Yes. But I like it. I can’t quite imagine the world you came from, but... you came here to protect Aither, didn’t you?”
After a moment’s hesitation, Baek Yuseol shook his head. He couldn’t even pretend it was true. He hadn’t come to Aither by choice to protect it. He’d been forcibly dragged here by someone he didn’t know.
If, just before being transported to this world—right after defeating the Black Dragon Midnight Black Thirteen—the *Constellatio Project* had shown him that Aither World was real and given him a choice, asking, *“Will you go and save it?”*...
Would he have come?
*...I don’t know.*
It was all hypothetical.
If he could go back in time now, maybe he would choose *Yes*. This world had become more precious to him than Earth, filled with connections he didn’t want to lose, and he truly loved his life here.
But the Baek Yuseol who hadn’t experienced Aither yet was just an ordinary young man. In that case...
He probably would have chosen [No] without a second thought.
“I’m not the great person you think I am, Lady Flower-Embracing. I’m afraid a lot... and all this running around I do, it’s not to save others. It’s just so I can survive.”
“Is that so.”
But Flower-Embracing only smiled, her face full of warmth. She didn’t seem disappointed, nor was she sad or upset.
[Emotion: Joy]
Her feelings pierced his heart.
“Did I... say something in another language? I told you I’m a coward, just trying to survive, so why are you...”
“No, that makes it even better. It’s a first for me.”
“A first?”
“It’s the first time you’ve spoken openly about your feelings. Isn’t it?”
“Um...”
Was it? He couldn’t quite remember. Now that he thought about it, maybe he hadn’t shared his inner thoughts with anyone since arriving in Aither.
“Also... it makes me feel a bit closer to you.”
“Closer? What do you mean—”
Flower-Embracing leaned toward him, stopping his words.
“Human warmth.”
“What...?”
“Until now, Baek Yuseol, I didn’t think of you as entirely human. You seemed like a force of nature, defying calamities, overturning destiny, and defying fate... you felt too distant.”
It was an intimidating thing to hear. He didn’t think he was anything that extraordinary. There hadn’t been many situations he’d actually resolved directly; often, it was just sheer luck.
But he couldn’t get a word out, feeling her face so close that he could almost hear her breathing.
A strange thought crossed his mind.
*I hope my breath doesn’t smell.*
To some, it would seem trivial, but for Baek Yuseol, it was a very real concern at this moment.
“Um...”
Flower-Embracing spoke, close enough for her breath to brush his face.
“There’s a lot of beauty in this place.”
He barely managed to hold back the obvious response—he could tell that much already. Her face alone was a beauty beyond anything Earth could offer.
“So... once you’ve achieved whatever goals brought you here, couldn’t you... stay?”
Only then did Baek Yuseol realize what she had misunderstood.
She had correctly deduced that he was here in Aither for a reason and that he was tackling many challenges. But she also believed he would return once he finished his tasks.
That was a misconception.
Even if he had come here against his will, he had no desire to leave.
He wanted to say he’d stay, but that wasn’t something he could guarantee. So he answered honestly.
“I’d like that. I don’t want to lose what I’m seeing right now.”
Understanding the implications, Flower-Embracing’s face initially bloomed with a smile but quickly turned to one of worry. His words had sounded as if he didn’t have a choice
.
“What does that mean...”
“I’ll do my best.”
Baek Yuseol interrupted, speaking firmly.
“Because I really want to stay here.”
Was that a sufficient answer?
Flower-Embracing, her hands folded delicately on her lap, gave a small, satisfied smile.
“Yes. Next time, let’s come back here together. It’s beautiful here, but... alone, it feels lonely.”
“I’ll keep you company.”
Having said that, Baek Yuseol rose from his seat.
“Shall we go back? It seems the orientation at Starflower Magic Academy is about to begin.”
“Yes, I should return as well.”
Then, as if she had forgotten something, Flower-Embracing raised her hand, summoning a document-like folder from the air.
“Actually, I came here to talk about something else. There’s a bit of a complicated matter with the World Tree...”
“I know. It’s because of Dark Crimson April, isn’t it?”
That subject was on Baek Yuseol’s mind as well, but with the other conversation, he’d nearly forgotten.
“Just trust me. I’ll take care of it in no time.”
______________________
TL NOTE: Please don't skimp on the stars and likes of the translation - it inspires me and gives me the strength to write more. Thank you~!
