Raising Yanderes to save the world

”My lady...as you wish.”

The guard looked pissed at the fact that Kana was allowing outsiders to enter the elf tree’s sacred area, but he did not have enough authority to go against her either. So in the end, he could only nod and take a step back as Kana walked past him.

The other three followed her, but Kael noticed the glare the guard was sending his way. It was not a friendly one, and Kael was sure this guard would cause trouble for them...

Not that he cared much about it. This guard was far from powerful, and Kael could take him out easily.

For now, it was time to focus on the matter at hand. The doors closed behind them, and Kana suddenly turned toward them with her hands raised. She gave a small bow to show her respect, and the final doors opened as well.

They all finally caught a glimpse of the elf tree that had been bestowed upon the elves by the gods, and its magnificent translucent bark welcomed them all.

”So this...is the elf tree?”

Seraphina asked in awe as she looked at the forty-foot-tall tree towering over them all. It had a massive canopy that stretched across the entire elf territory, and Kael noticed that magic had been cast on it to ensure no one would be able to see it from the outside.

He could also feel the divinity within the holy tree, but it was being suppressed by the corruption.

Kana looked proud as she introduced the elf tree to them. Her eyes shone with wonder and delight as she reached out to touch its branch.

The corruption instantly stirred when Kana touched the tree, making Kael suspicious of her intentions in inviting them into this space. He was almost sure that their identities had been discovered when he heard Kana speak.

”This elf tree is the pride and joy of all elves, and we need to take pride in it. I know that it’s fragile, but how can I allow people who specifically came here to see it to be turned away?”

Kana was a good leader with excellent people skills. That made her beloved among her people.

Kael even recalled her being very popular among the elves, and some even called her the ’face of the elves’ in his past life.

Of course, Kael did not have time to deal with her, nor did he want to because of her sister and their family ties. So he had mostly ignored her whenever their paths crossed.

’Would something have changed if I had gotten closer to Kana?’

But Kael did not regret the choices he had made in his previous life. He knew they were the best ones he could make at that time. Besides, this place was filled with corruption, and so was Kana. There was no point in regretting his past anymore.

”Anyway, this sacred tree is a symbol of elf pride. You may touch it if you want to.”

She assured them, and Kael decided to touch it first to make sure it was safe. His hand lightly brushed against the bark when he felt the corruption singing beneath his touch. It felt welcoming, inviting him to come closer.

The warm feeling beneath Kael’s hand felt familiar but disgusting. It was mocking him with what he could not have.

But he could not pull away either.

[Come to us and you shall no longer have to worry about anything. We know your wish, and we will fulfill it.]

The promise felt welcoming, and Kael almost took a step forward before he felt Seraphina’s soft hand holding his own.

”Teacher...”

Seraphina whispered softly, and Kael came back to himself before reluctantly pulling his hand away.

”Lady Kana, this is—”

Kael looked at Kana, only to see her delighted expression. She looked like someone who had just won the lottery, and she immediately grabbed both of Kael’s hands with her own.

”It seems like you are very compatible with the elf tree. Would you like to become its vessel and speak to it on behalf of the elves? I promise it won’t be a tiring task, and I can guarantee you a comfortable life as well.”

Kana quickly pitched the idea to Kael, and he felt intrigued by her offer. The smart thing to do would be to refuse it, but Kael could not help thinking about the possibilities that came with this offer.

If he was careful, then he could test all sorts of cures for the corruption and the elf tree...

”Teacher, we need to head back soon. We cannot stay here for much longer.”

Seraphina reminded him softly, providing him with an excuse to refuse the offer. Her gentle touch reminded Kael why this was a bad idea, and he quickly snapped back to reality and shook his head.

”I am afraid I won’t be able to become the high priest of the elf tree since I have other responsibilities. I would like to take my leave now.”

Kael bowed and decided to lead both Leon and Seraphina out of the elf tree’s chamber. But Kana’s eyes never changed as they continued to look at him with greed.

”I see. It’s a shame that you are refusing like this. Still, do come back if you change your mind. I will be waiting for you in this room. I will even let the guards know to allow you—and only you—inside.”

Kana was being far too generous, and Kael did not feel comfortable around her.

He was almost sure he had been discovered, but Kana’s lack of action kept him moving.

When he exited the elf tree’s chamber, the guard gave him a sneer, but Kael ignored him. He heard Kana instructing the guards behind him, but it no longer had anything to do with him.

He reached a safe area and finally let out a sigh of relief now that he was no longer being watched. But he had a feeling things were about to become much more complicated soon.