The Expelled, Oblivious Strongest Boy Saves an S-Rank Beautiful Female Adventurer and Unknowingly Forms a Harem - 18

Chapter 18: Liam, Feeling Stressed?

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“There’s something you need my help with? And it’s related to the Elf Kingdom..?”

“Yes.”

If Meria-san was in trouble and I could help her, then I’d be happy to help, but…

“What exactly is it? What is it that I need to do?”

Meria-san then started explaining.

“Actually, the enormous tree at the heart of the Elf Kingdom is currently suffering from a shortage of magic power. You see, the giant tree converts magic power into life force, but since the tree is running low on magic power, at this rate… The giant tree, which supports all the life of the plants in the Elf Kingdom… The tree might die. In the worst case scenario, the entire Elf Kingdom might cease to exist for good.”

“The-The Elf Kingdom might cease to exist?!”

I was shocked to know the problem was that grave. The Elf Kingdom was one of the oldest nations in the world. If a country that important were to disappear, the ones getting affected by it wouldn’t be the elves alone, but the entire world. 

“Well, it’s really not that serious. The tree is not going to die anytime soon, but we’ve started seeing signs of magic shortage. Remember the teleportation circle that you repaired? Just like the plants, the teleportation circle spread across the country is also supported by the magic power from the tree. But as you can see, the teleportation circle has been experiencing a shortage of power and the reason is… Well, just like what I said. The giant tree’s shortage of magic power.”

“I see…. So the issue with the teleportation circle wasn’t just a one-time problem. There was a bigger issue hidden beneath… But, Meria-san, how can I be of help?”

“It’s simple. I’d like you to help me by giving your magic power to the giant tree.”

“Wha-What?!”

Giving my magic power to the giant tree in the Elf Kingdom?!

“An ordinary magic power wouldn’t provide much difference to the giant tree, but a magic power with extraordinary quality like Liam-kun’s… I’m sure your magic power is the key to solve the giant tree’s magic shortage problem.”

“Ple-Please wait a moment! My magic power is not as great as you make it out to be—”

“No. Liam-kun, the quality of your magic power is simply exceptional. I genuinely think it is impressive you were able to fuel the teleportation magic circle in just one second. That’s why… Liam-kun, will you please help us? Help the Elf Kingdom?”

I really didn’t believe my magic power could be of any help to the giant tree, but the gaze in Meria-san’s eyes… She was being sincere. She had to plead to me like this, there was no way I would refuse her request just because of my own lack of confidence! At the very least, I could give it a try first!

“I understand… I don’t think I can be of any help, but if you don’t mind it, then I’d like to give it a try. I will accept your request, Meria-san.”

“Really!? Thank you so much, liam-kun!”

Meria-san looked extremely pleased upon hearing that. She might appear to be the carefree type at the first glance, but I now knew she was actually someone who loved the Elf Kingdom with all of her heart. 

“By the way, Liam-kun! Fun fact! There’s a theory that says the quality of one’s magic power is closely related to one’s mental state. So! It would be great if you could be as stress-free as possible before supplying the giant tree with your magic power! Which brings me to this question… Liam-kun, are you feeling stressed about anything right now?”

“Stress, you say? I don’t have anything in particular that stressed me out, so I think I’ll be fine!”

I said confidently, but Meria-san only came close to me, seemingly still skeptical. She then traced my body from the top to bottom with her fingers. Her touch was like a sliver. She was barely touching me, almost like a whisper.

“Really?~ Liam-kun, you’re a boy, so… You might have some pent-up stress, right? Especially since you’ve been traveling with Lydia-chan. There must be something piled up inside of your body that you can’t wait to release…?”

“Pent-up stress…?”

“Yes. If you so wish, I could help you release all those pent-up stress tonight—”

But before Meria-san could finish her sentence, Lydia-san suddenly interjected. She came between us and glared at Meria-san coldly.

“If you’ve done explaining the problem of the Elf Kingdom with Liam-kun, then please close that vulgar mouth of yours and leave this place promptly.”

“Vulgar?~ But Liam-kun is a boy. It is perfectly natural for him to have some pent-up stress—”

“It has only been two days since I started accompanying Liam-san with his journey. Therefore, your concerns are unnecessary. Moreover, if he really needs any help in that section, I would be the one to attend to his needs, not you.”

“U-Umm… May I know what exactly you two are talking about—”

“Really?~ But I doubt a straightlaced knight like you could fully satisfy Liam-kun though?~”

“Considering the fact that I know Liam-san better than you do, I’m confident I can provide a better satisfaction for him.”

“But—”

The two of them continued to bicker, but I really couldn’t understand what they were talking about. Something about the journey and attending to my stress or something. Feeling exhausted from all the things that had happened today, I started feeling sleepy. And so, I decided to go to bed a little earlier than usual. I slept alone in the inn’s bed while Lydia-san and Meria-san were still busy bickering.

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