“So talk to me when you grow up a little more. It won’t even take an hour then.”

Jeff gave me another chocolate cookie, his eyes softening at the slight stiffness in my face.

‘I can’t believe he really thinks of me as a child!’

Although my physical appearance resembled that of a child, I realized arguing would be futile. No matter how eloquently I tried to argue my point, Jeff had no intention of telling me in the first place.

“Okay, I’ll listen next time.”

Ah, he’s clearly not going to tell me. I can’t help but be more curious. I turned my head away and continued speaking with a sullen face.

“Instead, if you go to the temple, take me with you. I couldn’t see the sponsor area last time because I ran out of time.”

“Of course. I promise.”

Jeff seemed satisfied only after I withdrew my intent to dig up information. He even pinky-promised after accepting my backup offer.

Knock, knock.

Just as Jeff returned to his original seat, someone knocked on the door.

“Your Majesty, Countess Lillith is here to see you.”

“Let her in.”

Upon hearing who it was, Jeff’s demeanor changed instantly from a warm impression to that of a majestic emperor.

“Your Majesty, I apologize for the interruption, but the Empress is looking for you.”

Moments later, Lillith walked in with dignity, placing one hand on her chest and bowing before stating her purpose.

“I’ll go now.”

Standing up with charisma, Jeff glanced back at me just before he disappeared behind the curtain at the entrance to the short hallway.

I watched him closely, thinking he might have some unfinished words, while Lillith waited patiently, her head slightly bowed.

“See you later, my daughter.”

Ugh.

I stepped back, repelled by Jeff’s cringe-worthy display of affection.

I wonder how long he’ll continue to wink like that. The guy, who will be in his 40s in a few years, seemed to have no shame.

‘God, I want to die.’

I took a sip of my cold tea to cleanse my palate. When I looked up again, Jeff had already left quickly, and Lillith was about to return to the office.

I wondered if Hecate had a message for me, but it seemed that Jeff didn’t know I was here, so no message was delivered.

‘I wasn’t expecting anything anyway.’

I sighed and crossed my arms, looking at the World Tree leaf in the box pushed into the corner of the sofa.

The leaf flickered in beautiful hues of gold, ash, and yellow. While staring at the mystical leaf, questions about the World Tree struck me like lightning.

The last time I saw the World Tree leaf, I didn’t have time to ponder deeply because Carlisle started talking, but now was different.

I was enveloped in an overpowering curiosity, like the cascading waters of a waterfall.

Why did the World Tree, unlike me—who was confined to eternal bondage for not answering the divine question—still remain in paradise?

The fact that the World Tree leaf reached me through Steward Diomer Ar Men meant the tree was still alive under the care of the Ariel Temple.

The life that the gods permitted the World Tree had not yet ended.

Then why did the gods allow the World Tree to fall into human hands?

Was it because all life on Earth, where Paradise had taken root, would be at risk if the World Tree left?

If so, why leave it in the Ariel Temple instead of making it invisible to humans through divine power?

“Hey!”
Unable to rely on speculation alone, I summoned Lise Marsen. She had been free to roam the world for centuries, so I thought she might have some information.

“Looks like you’re free. Spare me a moment.”

The moment I raised my voice to call her, Lise Marsen stopped in her tracks and turned to walk toward me.

“You all may leave.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

I issued a gag order because the conversation would involve matters related to the World Tree, not suitable for the maids to hear. I told them to go elsewhere until they were summoned.

If the conversation naturally led to discussing past lives, it would be a big problem if a maid eavesdropped while standing by to serve.

Thud, thud—dash.

After Miranda and Hailey left the room and their presence faded away, I placed a box containing a World Tree leaf that had been shoved into the corner of the sofa onto the table.

“Oh my, looks like something important is inside.”

“Of course. You’ll realize how incredible it is as soon as you see it.”

Seeing that I had successfully captured Lise Marsen’s attention, I immediately opened the box’s lid and took out the World Tree leaf.

Even Lise Marsen, who always acted indifferent, showed a momentarily stiff and genuinely surprised expression at the golden leaf’s radiant aura and brilliance.

It was understandable. Lise Marsen had left Paradise and the Land of Gods long before me and had had no chance to keep up with the World Tree’s recent conditions. So, it was only natural that her reaction exceeded mine.

“Do you know why this is here?”

I gently swayed the World Tree leaf back and forth, as if a baby bird were flapping its wings.

“I wonder?”

Really, this reaction wasn’t right. I tilted my head and looked up at Lise Marsen.