Chapter 118………………………………………….
So you could tell right away that I’d been to Pardes.
Is it because you’re from Pardes too?
— To have been there… I’m truly jealous.
While I was lost in thought, the Divine Tree kept talking.
— When I was in Pardes, I was very happy. If only I could return to those days. I wonder if the spirits that used to frolic atop my body are all doing well…
Listening to the incessant chatter somehow made my head throb.
Are kids who live in Pardes all this talkative by nature?
Yeppi was surprisingly chatty too.
Come to think of it, the spirits in Pardes were constantly chirping without rest.
— They must be doing well.
As if it had read my thoughts, the Divine Tree murmured softly in a relieved voice.
Only then did I come to my senses and cautiously greet the Divine Tree.
— Hello!
It looks like you can read my thoughts.
— I heard that in order to wield you, I first need to earn the qualification.
I continued speaking carefully in my mind.
— Could you tell me what that qualification is?
— Of course.
The Divine Tree whispered playfully, its voice ticklish like a breeze.
— I can see potential in you.
— Potential?
— Yes. You could certainly become an excellent swordsman. You have the aptitude.
That was nice to hear.
Just as I was about to grin in excitement, the Divine Tree spoke firmly.
— But that alone is not enough.
— Not enough…?
What else is needed besides talent and aptitude?
— Yes, child.
Then, unlike before, the Divine Tree asked in a slightly lowered, calmer voice.
— For what purpose, and what do you intend to cut?
At that question, I gently tilted my head.
For what purpose, and what do I intend to cut?
Is this the question for that “qualification”?
— Yes, that’s right.
Once again reading my thoughts, the Divine Tree continued in a drifting voice.
— Those who have spoken to me in the past each gave countless different answers.
Its voice was calm, yet faintly wistful, as if recalling old memories.
— Some said for honor, others for power that would never lose to anyone. Some sought overwhelming authority and wealth.
— ……
— They wished to cut enemies, cut comrades, and at times even cut the weak who had no power to resist.
— Gasp.
Aren’t those just terrible people?
And more than that—there were people who said such things so bluntly?
— They aren’t answering.
Before my thought even finished, the Divine Tree added in the same playful tone as before.
— I “see” their answers.
Before me, no one can hide their true heart.
— Now then, child.
The Divine Tree asked me again.
— What is your answer?
Carving the question into my heart, I fell deep into thought.
Since lies wouldn’t work anyway, the Divine Tree surely already knew my answer.
‘But I’m curious too.’
For what purpose, and what do I want to cut?
What is my true heart?
‘The reason I wanted to learn the sword.’
I wanted to become strong enough to protect myself.
I didn’t want to be a burden to Mom and Dad.
But if I dig deeper…
‘In the end, it was just one thing.’
Realizing my true feelings, I took a long, deep breath.
The reason I want to learn the sword.
It was the same reason I came to the Imperial Palace.
And the reason I stood at the center of all the events so far.
‘I want to protect Mom.’
— Your motivation is love.
— ……
— Love is a very multifaceted emotion.
The Divine Tree murmured softly, then continued in a lyrical, almost singing voice.
— It can become anything, and that is why it is such a frightening emotion. But…
Though I couldn’t see any form, I felt as though the Divine Tree were peering straight through me.
— Your love shines brightly.
Then the Divine Tree said with a hint of laughter in its voice.
— This kind of love is not bad.
— Really?
— Yes. The desire to protect someone will become the greatest driving force.
Phew, what a relief.
It seems my answer pleased it.
This means I’ve taken one more step toward completing the mission—
— So, what will you cut?
It didn’t let me off that easily.
At the follow-up question, I steeled my heart again and swallowed hard.
This question was even harder than before.
‘What I want to cut…’
The self-proclaimed guardians of the world, perhaps?
Or even if not them, people who might threaten Mom?
No… perhaps I…
— You see…
I stopped my train of thought and spoke quietly.
— Honestly, I don’t want to cut anyone.
This was my true heart in the end.
I’d said I’d punish everyone who bullied my mom.
I’d even captured and interrogated those self-proclaimed world guardians.
‘But still.’
Even if I want to wield a sword, my heart doesn’t change.
— I’m sorry.
After realizing my true feelings, I apologized sincerely to the Divine Tree.
— Maybe I’m someone who doesn’t have the right to hold a sword.
You even spoke to me, and yet… I’m really sorry.
— ……
The Divine Tree remained silent for a while.
— Kyahaha!
Then it burst into innocent laughter like a child.
Huh? Why is it suddenly laughing?
I don’t think I said anything funny.
— You may not realize it, child.
The Divine Tree spoke again, its voice even more excited.
— But there is no better answer than that.
— Huh?
— No one wields a sword better than one who understands its weight.
Unable to believe this situation, I tilted my head.
Is that really how it works?
— I know of exactly one person who gave the same answer as you.
Meanwhile, the Divine Tree continued speaking energetically.
— Now that I look at you, you seem to give off a similar aura.
Someone with a similar aura to me would be…
— Shion’s dad?
— I don’t know his name. But he was the one who awakened me just before you.
So it was Shion’s dad!
— Dad answered like this too?
— Yes.
The Divine Tree nodded lightly at my question.
— He also said that he was afraid of cutting something.
— Shion’s dad…
To think that someone who could cut anything gave the same answer as me.
That’s a bit surprising.
— That is why even the simplest motion of him swinging his sword contains tens of thousands of agonizing thoughts.
As I thought of Shion’s dad, the Divine Tree kept speaking.
— With that fear, combined with the desire to protect something, his strikes can only be heavier and deeper.
— ……
— That is why he can’t help but be strong.
The reason Shion’s dad became a peerless sword master.
Could it be that, in truth, Dad too was afraid of cutting someone?
— A sword must never be swung carelessly.
As if to confirm my thoughts, the Divine Tree intoned in a powerful voice.
— One must always be mindful of what they are cutting, and with what heart. What result this single motion of the hand will bring—this must be engraved into oneself at every moment.
— Every moment…
— I hope you never forget that.
The moment the Divine Tree finished speaking, a brilliant light began to spread around the wooden sword in my hands.
— What will you be able to save?
At the same time, the Divine Tree’s voice began to fade.
— …Will you be able to save…?
