Reina

Led by several elders, Eriri, carrying Reina, and Arifureta passed through the gate into Verbergen.

Everywhere they looked, they saw dozens of towering giant trees standing in seemingly random arrangements. Each tree was as tall as a twenty-story building in a modern city. The trunks of these trees had window-like holes, and from these holes, heads peeked out, indicating that the beastmen all lived within the giant trees.

Looking up, they could see thick branches intertwined to form an aerial corridor wide enough to accommodate dozens of people walking at once. Vines intertwined with pulleys were used as elevator-like transport systems, and between the gaps in the branches, large wooden aerial waterways had been constructed.

Both Eriri and Arifureta were amazed by the scene that seemed straight out of a fairy tale. Naturally, the members watching through Eriri's livestream shared their sense of wonder.

"Flower Hashira: So beautiful. Is this the beastmen's country? It's completely different from what I imagined."

"Ashen Witch: Indeed, this nation is entirely made of giant trees. It's truly astonishing."

"Arche Eeb Rile Furt: Were these trees constructed with magic?"

"Kashiwagi Eri: Hmm, I scanned them and found no traces of magic use. They seem to have grown naturally."

"Arche Eeb Rile Furt: Really? That's incredible."

"Arifureta (Group Leader): This might be one of nature's miracles."

"Chika Fujiwara: What, what? I want to see too. Let me sneak a peek in the livestream while pretending to rest my head on the desk."

"Asuna: Ah… I want to see it too... Never mind, class is almost over. Eriri, wait for me for a few minutes!"

"Archangel Gabriel: Asuna, you lack the true essence of attending class. Sleeping during class is the real joy."

"Arifureta (Group Leader): Gabriel, don't corrupt Asuna."

"Archangel Gabriel: I'm just teaching her the true meaning of fun."

"Kashiwagi Eri: You don't even have money for in-game purchases, so where's the fun?"

"Archangel Gabriel: Ah... Don't bring up that sad truth... Eriri, how about you sponsor me? You're rich anyway; I'm easy to take care of."

"Kashiwagi Eri: How much per... Ahem, let's discuss this privately later."

"Chika Fujiwara: Isn't this already blatant enough?"

"Arifureta (Group Leader): 'On the Topic of How Our Group Chats Always Go Off Track.'"

"Flower Hashira: …"

"Kashiwagi Eri: Isn't that just normal behavior?"

"Sakura Matou: Eriri-senpai, what does 'sponsorship' mean?"

"Arifureta (Group Leader): Uh…"

"Sakura Matou: ???"

"Kashiwagi Eri: Um… Sponsorship means that I'll take care of Gabriel, and our relationship will become closer."

"Sakura Matou: Oh, I see! Then I want Eriri-senpai to sponsor me too! I also want to become closer to Eriri-senpai."

"Archangel Gabriel: Oh, then little Sakura, you're now my rival."

"Sakura Matou: Why? I want to be closer to Gabriel-nee as well, and with all the other sisters in the group too."

"Flower Hashira: …"

"Arifureta (Group Leader): …"

"Chika Fujiwara: …"

"Arche Eeb Rile Furt: …"

"Sakura Matou: What's wrong? Did I say something wrong?"

"Kashiwagi Eri: No, Sakura, you didn't say anything wrong. As for sponsorship, we can talk about it when you grow up. Besides, we already like you a lot."

"Sakura Matou: Uh-huh, hee-hee."

Over the next while, Eriri continued the livestream, giving the group members a tour of Verbergen. Asuna also got her wish and was able to see the beautiful country.

During this time, Eriri also cleaned Reina up thoroughly, restoring her to full health in an instant. She then dressed her in a white Lolita princess dress, and her beautiful silver hair was meticulously groomed, making her look incredibly adorable.

…

In a large meeting room where the elders often held council, there was a massive round table. Eriri and Arifureta sat at the head, while the five great elders of Verbergen sat scattered around the lower seats.

The five elders were: Elfreich from the Forest People, Jer from the Tiger People, Mao from the Winged People, Gejie from the Dwarves, and Rua from the Fox People. Behind each elder stood a close relative or a trusted subordinate.

At this moment, the beastmen present could hardly believe their eyes as they looked at Reina, who was sitting on Eriri's lap. This shining little girl, who looked like a princess, was indeed the same dirty and malnourished child from before.

Feeling the gazes of the many leaders of the beastmen nation upon her, Reina was extremely nervous. She sat on Eriri's lap with her head down, not daring to move.

"Ahem."

Eriri lightly cleared her throat, bringing everyone back to their senses. She then focused her gaze on the Fox People elder. "Rua, Reina is from your tribe. Do you know what happened to her family?"

Rua was momentarily taken aback. He had been curious as to why this powerful person was treating Reina so kindly, but now he didn't dare delay and quickly responded, "Reina's parents were ordinary members of our Fox People. A few years ago, her mother was captured by Imperial soldiers at the edge of the Sea of Trees. Her father went after her to rescue her, and both ultimately died at the hands of the Imperial soldiers."

Upon hearing this, Reina, who had been sitting quietly on Eriri's lap with her head down, trembled slightly. Tears welled up in her eyes and began to silently roll down her cheeks.

Gently stroking Reina's head, Eriri wiped away her tears with her fingers and calmly said, "So Reina has no family left? No wonder no one came to greet her at the gate."

Eriri's words caused Rua to tense up, thinking she was blaming him. He quickly stood up and promised, "Rest assured, we of the Fox People will take good care of Reina from now on."

Eriri simply shook her head lightly, "That won't be necessary. Reina will be coming with me from now on."

Caught in the middle of her sorrow, Reina was suddenly shocked by Eriri's words. She looked up at her in disbelief, her ruby-like eyes filled with excitement.

Gently brushing Reina's smooth forehead, Eriri smiled and asked, "Reina-chan, would you like to come with me?"

The response was a firm and resolute, "Yes!"