Chapter 121
The banquet prepared by the Hwains proceeded in a harmonious atmosphere. It was filled with an array of gourmet dishes and performances, making it hard to believe it was arranged suddenly. When I expressed my surprise at how well-prepared it was, they explained that they had anticipated my Awakening and had made preparations in advance.
“It’s a celebration of Acacia’s coming of age; we had to prepare at least this much.”
Honestly, Heona lamented that this was significantly scaled down compared to what it should have been. Usually, when an Acacia is born, their birthdate is designated as a commemorative day. Especially during Awakening, large festivals are traditionally held. In human society, only the birthdays of emperors or kings are celebrated, but since there are so few Acacia, it seems they celebrate all of them.
“If we were to do it properly, it would take at least a month to prepare. We decorate the entire territory. You would also ride in a carriage adorned with jewels and ribbons for a parade through the streets.”
“… Are you serious?”
“Pardon? What did you say?”
“No, nothing.”
Fortunately, Heona seemed to decide it was nothing important and quickly shifted her focus.
“Anyway, given the current circumstances, this was the best we could do. When the King returns, there will be an official festival.”
“No, this is more than enough. I am just grateful for what has been arranged.”
“No, this doesn’t even qualify as a simplified version. This is a festival to commemorate your coming of age; we must celebrate it properly.”
“I’m really fine with this.”
“We are not. It’s too disappointing to let it pass like this.”
Are they really intent on putting me in one of those strange carriages?
Feeling uneasy, I looked over to Epethes, who chuckled softly. When I gave him a look that said “Do you think you’ll be an exception if I ride in the carriage?” his indifferent response of “I don’t mind” only dampened my spirits further.
“Of course, it has to be done formally. It’s also an occasion to introduce the heir to everyone.”
The one who sealed the deal was Kalph, who had moved closer at some point. As I involuntarily accepted the drink he handed me, Kalph exchanged light greetings with Heona.
“It was originally our responsibility to handle everything, but thank you for your efforts, Heona.”
“No need to thank me, we enjoyed preparing as well. When else would we get the chance to host a celebration for Acacia’s Awakening?”
I later learned that Heona was a Clonne with opium poppy traits and was the leader of the Hwains. Unlike the Mokins, who had a designated tree of the king, hwains rotated their leaders. However, this role carried little significance because they shared all senses and thoughts among themselves.
“… Did you say you share everything?”
“Yes, so we know everything about each other. Even when we’re apart, we are essentially one.”
‘No privacy among them at all…’
As I sighed inwardly, Epethes chuckled again.
Despite both being of the same species, the ecological structures of Hwains and Mokins were different enough that their impacts on each other were minimal. They respected each other’s ways without interference. Currently, they were sitting in different areas, exchanging awkward glances but making no attempt to join us on Heona’s side.
“Ah, an Acacia and a poppy together, what a rare sight. It’s a feast for the eyes.”
“Hey, move aside, you’re blocking the view and ruining the scene.”
“Someone should tell Lord Kalph to step back too. Why is he standing there without any awareness?”
“We should have had a video stone. I’d love to capture this and look at it whenever I feel like it…”
“Our village folks will be so envious when they hear about this, haha. I’ll brag about it to my heart’s content.”
“…”
Though there seemed to be mixed reasons for their reactions, I decided not to dwell too much on it.
Visually, the differences between us gave the impression of different tribes living harmoniously together. Despite these differences, there was a strong sense of kinship among them.
* * *
In truth, I harbored the faint hope that my Awakening might reveal another lineage. Perhaps until the very end, I held onto that hope.
Details like my mother’s name and my birth information were all just conjecture after all; there was always a chance that coincidences or misunderstandings had piled up. I hoped that it would rather be the case, even if it made those who were convinced I was Acacia a bit embarrassed.
… Because the mercenary I believed to be my father had died a miserable death. He was a weak and lowly man who couldn’t even protect his own life, let alone the woman he loved. I could feel pity, but I could never find it in me to resent him.
But if he were a King of a whole clan, everything would change. He wasn’t weak, nor was he lowly, and there was no way he would die such a senseless death. In reality, he was still alive and, if he chose to protect his loved ones, he could have done so.
Therefore, there was only one conclusion left.
He left my mother of his own free will.
‘… Why?’
I probably wouldn’t be able to resolve this question on my own. Honestly, I wasn’t that curious. Whatever the reason, I couldn’t accept it. Not as long as my mother’s voice, wandering like a ghost, persisted in my mind.
“Wet nurse, where is he?”
“What are you saying, my Lady?”
“My beloved husband. He was just here by my side.”
“… My Lady, it’s only been you and me here.”
“No, that can’t be…”
The small disturbances that happened in the middle of the night. The murmurs like sighs and the sounds of weeping. Since her mind became clouded, my mother often spoke nonsense. The most frequent symptom was her searching for someone who wasn’t there.
“He cried while looking at me. He kissed my forehead. He said he loved me…”
“My Lady…”
“Wet nurse, my father was lying, right? That he’s no longer in this world. It must be a lie, right? The embrace that held me so tenderly felt so real. It wasn’t just a dream, was it?”
“My Lady, please…”
“It’s a lie. It must be a lie. All I want is for him to be alive. It’s okay if he doesn’t come to take me, as long as he’s alive somewhere…”
For her, the greatest pain was the fact that her beloved was no longer in this world. Unable to bear such a reality, she eventually fell apart.
Therefore, my real father couldn’t be someone remarkable. At the very least, he shouldn’t have been living a healthy life. Otherwise, my mother’s sorrow would be too much to bear. Everything she endured for the sin of loving one person would be rendered meaningless.
‘… But this is reality.’
I sighed inwardly as I looked at the people standing before me. Five men, dressed impeccably, were staring at me. They were the members of the Council. They were the ones who insisted on meeting me during the banquet. Kalph tried to stop them, but they wouldn’t relent, so I eventually allowed it. Now, their piercing gazes felt overwhelming. Their expressions were filled with admiration, not a single word of rebuke questioning my legitimacy.
“Heavens, Redom. It truly is the Acacia.”
“Yes, I see it too. Astonishing.”
“This impressive figure… It’s like seeing Lord Renner alive again.”
It seemed the truth I didn’t want to accept was becoming more solid. I didn’t need to ask how they recognized me because I could see their true nature as well.
This happened with Kalph and the others too. Their appearances were human, but the moment our eyes met, I could see their true forms. Trees with well-grown branches and lush green leaves.
‘They said you’d know your origin when you become an adult…’
It was indeed impossible not to notice. Even if I didn’t recognize the trees immediately, I could look them up in a botanical guide or something. … Which is what I should do since I couldn’t recognize the trees of the people before me. There were, however, one or two that I did know.
‘Lilac.’
Perhaps the representative. The man at the forefront shared the same tree as Semeion. Thus, his frame and aura felt quite similar. He greeted me gracefully.
“I greet the Acacia’s heir. My name is Redom of the Lilac. I serve as one of the Elders on the Council.”
“… Yes, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Sei.”
“It is an honor to meet you, Prince Sei. We cannot begin to express the depth of our anguish, knowing that the royal seed was raised among humans. Seeing you safely awakened is beyond words for us.”
“…”
I didn’t know how to respond appropriately. Kalph, who had been observing, stepped forward.
“Prince Sei needs time to adapt to his new circumstances. He must be tired, so let’s keep this meeting brief.”
“You’re in a rush, aren’t you, knight Kalph? We were only just introduced.”
“By the rules, you shouldn’t even be entering this place like this.”
“While that may be true, how can we, as subjects, stand idly by upon hearing that the Acacia has awakened? Please understand our sentiments.”
Redom smiled gently, his eyes crinkling softly.
“Besides, how could I not be anxious when there is still no news of my younger brother?”
“…”
Not understanding what he meant, I looked at Kalph, who sighed briefly. “He is Semeion’s brother.” After Kalph’s explanation, given formally out of respect for the Council, Redom appeared in a new light to me. Though I had suspected some familial relation, learning that they were siblings made it surprising that they didn’t resemble each other more closely.
“… So, there’s no news from Semeion?”
——
(T/N): It’s just so heartbreaking for Sei’s mother.