As I stepped through the gate and returned to my world, the quiet warmth of my domain wrapped around me again.
The gate closed behind me like a ripple fading on water.
I let out a soft sigh.
"Haaah~"
My gaze drifted toward the couch resting in the center of the chamber. A gentle smile spread across my face as I walked over and dropped onto it, lazily stretching out and using my arm as a pillow.
For a moment, I simply stared at the grass.
Then my thoughts wandered back to what had just happened.
"Hmm… Oreleon, huh…"
A faint chuckle escaped my lips.
Looks like he was doing better than I expected. I didn't imagine that cute, blushing boy from before could grow into someone like that.
Time really does change people.
In another sense, the other two rulers looked rather impressive as well. Creating and maintaining their worlds with their own strength wasn't something simple.
Still… They were like children.
Interfering with the natural flow of life. Trying to dominate everything they created. Trying to control every small detail inside their worlds.
That kind of desire… It wasn't the mark of a ruler.
I closed my eyes briefly.
On the other hand, I had used quite a bit of power back there.
It couldn't be helped. There were spectators watching. And if I was going to make an example, it had to be done properly.
Still…
Now a heavy, sleepy feeling clung to my body. Looks like I'll have to sleep for a few thousand years before waking up again.
I sighed softly.
I had hoped to keep watching the life growing beneath my world. Watching it unfold little by little was something I truly enjoyed.
But well… There wasn't much I could do about it now.
"Before that though…"
I lifted one hand lazily toward the air.
"I need to set a few things first."
With that, I sent a message through the flow of mana, letting it travel across the world. A message meant for the Origin Spirits. As i gave them permission to come.
This time I didn't summon them directly. It felt better letting them arrive on their own. And just a few seconds passed.
Then suddenly—
"Eliaaaaa–mamaaaaa!!"
A cheerful voice burst into the room as a small figure rushed toward me at full speed.
Before I could even react, she crashed into me and buried her head directly against my chest, smiling brightly as she looked up at me with sparkling eyes.
I couldn't help smiling faintly.
But that moment didn't last long. As a hand suddenly grabbed the back of her robe. And with one smooth motion, she was lifted into the air like an unruly kitten.
"…Just how many times do I have to educate you?"
Maristella's calm, cold voice filled the room as she held the struggling spirit away from me.
She looked completely unamused.
"…It seems I'll need to double my visits next time."
"B–buttt—!"
The small spirit flailed helplessly in the air. And before she could complain any further, two more figures appeared at the same time.
Both of them immediately dropped onto one knee. One hand rested over their chest as they bowed their heads.
"We greet Her Highness, Elia-sama."
They spoke in perfect unison.
I waved my hand lightly.
"That's enough."
They slowly raised their heads and looked toward me.
"It's nice seeing all of you again after some time."
The room felt calmer now that they had gathered.
"Well," I continued, shifting slightly on the couch, "I called you here because I have something important to discuss."
Their attention sharpened instantly.
"I'll be sleeping for the next few thousand years."
The words had barely left my mouth when all four of them froze. Shock spread across their faces almost immediately while they exchanged quick glances with each other before looking back at me again.
"…And because of that," I continued casually, "I need you to handle a few things while I'm gone."
They listened carefully.
"First," I said, raising one finger lazily, "I want each of you to begin teaching magic to the other species of this world."
They blinked.
The same confusion appeared on every face.
After a moment of hesitation, Maristella finally spoke.
"…Forgive me, Elia-sama."
Her expression remained calm.
"But… what exactly is magic?"
I blinked once.
"…Ah."
Right. That made sense.
For spirits, using mana was as natural as breathing. So they had never needed a word for it.
"…Well, that's fair," I said thoughtfully.
"What I mean is this."
I sat up slightly, resting my chin against my hand.
"I want you to teach them how to manipulate mana. Show them how to feel it, how to guide it, and how to use it to shape the world around them. To protect themselves," I added calmly.
"But…"
I raised another finger.
"There's an important rule."
All four of them focused completely on my words.
"You are not allowed to interfere directly with their lives. You will only teach them the basics," I continued.
"Nothing more, no solving their problems, no guiding their decisions, no controlling their growth."
I smiled faintly.
"The rest… they'll figure out on their own."
Life needed struggle. Without struggle, nothing truly grew. And I wanted to see what kind of future they would build with their own hands.
I leaned back against the couch again, already feeling sleep creeping deeper into my body.
"Think of it as…"
I yawned quietly.
"…planting seeds."
The Origin Spirits remained silent for a moment.
Then one by one—
They bowed their heads.
"As you wish, Elia-sama."
Perfect. That should be enough.
Now… I could finally rest.
For a very long time.