Chapter 10: [SIDE] Meanwhile, In the Elven Kingdom (2)

About two weeks after Lydia left the giant tree.

On a balcony within the royal palace towering at the foot of the World Tree.

Veronica and Gilbard were enjoying an elegant lunch together.

A magnificent single-slab table was crowded with luxurious dishes brought in from other countries.

Holding a glass of wine, Gilbard spoke cheerfully.

“Over the past ten years, our country has become quite prosperous. That’s all thanks to you, the ‘Priestess of Abundance.’”

“Yes. At the very least, this country will remain secure for another five hundred years.”

Veronica smirked.

As long as her sister Lydia remained imprisoned in the magic spring, this abundance would continue.

Until the day she, the next queen, retired, the Elven Kingdom would flourish.

‘I always thought my sister was a nuisance, but she’s turned out to be quite useful.’

As she sipped her wine while thinking that—

Knock knock knock.

There was a knock at the door.

The door opened, and an elderly minister entered.

“I have a report for you, Lady Veronica.”

“What is it?”

“We have received multiple reports that some crops in the northern regions are not growing well.”

“What?”

Veronica frowned.

“What’s the cause?”

“We are still investigating, but it may be due to the recent cold weather.”

“I see,” she replied, her thoughts already turning.

Indeed, over the past two weeks, the temperature had been a little lower than usual, and the air somewhat dry.

‘But well, that kind of period happens sometimes. It used to be much colder in the past anyway, so it should be fine.’

Veronica glared at the minister and spoke arrogantly.

“Things like that happen from time to time. There’s no need to report such trivial matters every single time.”

“…Understood.”

After the minister bowed and left, Veronica and Gilbard raised their glasses once more.

The matter of poorly growing crops vanished completely from their minds.

However, a few months later.

Reports would begin arriving from all over the Elven Kingdom that crops were failing to grow properly.