I Don't Want To Work! - Chapter 131

CHAPTER 131

‘Is that what happened?’

When I opened my eyes again, the familiar ceiling greeted me. 

It was the ceiling of my room in the capital. 

I collapsed again. 

Tsk, even as I bit my tongue, I didn’t think about getting up. 

After all, collapsing wasn’t something I experienced just once or twice, but peeking into the past wasn’t something I could do just once or twice. 

Moreover, this time, the dream contained even more information than the last.

“Kukkk!”

I quickly turned my head as I coughed violently. 

The first piece of information that came to mind was this: 

‘The highest branch of the World Tree touches the divine realm, while its roots are connected to the human realm.’

Does that mean one can go to the divine realm without borrowing the power of gods? 

‘The most challenging part of breaking into the temple of the gods.’

Although I might aim for events held at the temple of the gods, the second plan was always necessary.

‘Since the boundary between the human realm and the divine realm exists, there’s a high possibility that the village where the high elves reside is separated like the spirit realm.’

It could have been just talk. 

But considering that a village where high elves live has never been discovered so far, it was a plausible story. 

‘And to move around through the World Tree, a toll is required.’

When a high elf named Ayal mentioned opening the door, Mother’s reaction was unusual. 

And Elam mentioned his death was due to a dispute among the high elves.

‘About several years ago. There was a conflict among the high elves. That’s when he died.’

That’s what Elam had said the day she came to ask for help with Shu’s affairs.

‘Ayal’s death, that high elf’s death, is clear.’

Then what about Mother? What happened to Mother? 

‘In the dream, someone said there was an intrusion.’

I couldn’t hear properly due to the incessant creaking noise. 

But the external intrusion was certain. 

‘Is this what happens?’

I desperately rolled my heavy head. 

“Mother and I were ostracized even in that village.’

Perhaps Mother received such treatment for being a traitor who had affection for humans, and I received it for having human blood.

Moreover, according to Ayal’s words, Mother seemed to be the next leader. 

The anger of the already closed high elves must have been terrifying. 

‘During that time, something intruded from outside.’

Ayal and Mother barely survived then. 

Later, a second conflict among the high elves occurred within the village.

‘It’s probably because of Mother’s ascension to leadership.’

And Ayal died in that turmoil. 

‘…It’s tidy to speculate like that.’

“Kukk!” 

I furrowed my brows and wiped my mouth with the sleeve of my hand. 

Damn, what a persistent cough. 

‘No matter how much I ponder, I can’t be sure of Mother’s safety.’

If we assume that Mother ascended to the leadership position after the intrusion, and because of that, the turmoil occurred, isn’t it even worse to think in a more negative direction?

Besides that, it’s said that half-elves can choose or give up the protection of the World Tree. 

If they give it up, they can live like humans. 

There are such stories, but well…

‘It’s not important right now.’ 

I exhaled deeply and turned my head to the side. 

Somehow, it was difficult to lie straight because my chest felt suffocating.

‘I survived, but my mother didn’t.’

Whether she became the leader or not. 

Whether she died or lived. 

It was a state of not knowing anything.

‘…I hope she’s alive.’

I clenched the white blanket. I hope she’s alive. 

It would be great if she survived, enduring invasions and turmoil, and became the leader.

‘If that happens, it would be great to resolve misunderstandings with Father and see her for real…’

Reconciliation now would be difficult. 

Still, it would be good if the two of them could resolve misunderstandings and cherish memories.

“Hah…”

My vision kept getting blurry. 

I closed and opened my eyes repeatedly.

‘Is my body not well?’

I wiped my eyes with my hand. 

Something was on my face. 

Only then did I see my hand, stained red beyond the blurred vision.

‘It’s troublesome.’

Is it fortunate that I’ve returned to my palace? 

For my weak body, I’ve prepared dozens of types of medicines myself.

I should sit down, check my condition, and take some medicine.

‘If I weren’t an herbalist…’

“Ah.”

I grumbled and tried to sit up but ended up collapsing back onto the bed. 

I didn’t even have the strength to sit up. 

I couldn’t even put strength into my arms and legs. 

I blinked while pressing my head against the pillow.

“……??”

What’s this? No, what is this?!

‘Even when I just regained my memories, my condition wasn’t this bad!’

Though I felt precarious as if I might die at any moment, at least I had enough strength to run and shout grievances to the gods. 

But why? Why now?!

“Lottie!”

With a sound different from the usual opening of the door, the room was filled with echoing noises.

What? What?!

Struggling to move my gaze towards the door, there stood Stella, gasping for breath, behind the half-opened door.

“I knew you were awake!”

Stella, with her hair tied in two braids, gasped for breath and raised her voice.

“You’re awake, you’re awake!”

“Lottie!”

“Sister!”

Behind the voice that echoed throughout the palace, footsteps were rushing over.

“Lottie, are you feeling better?”

Leonard, with a face full of concern, completely pushed down the half-opened door.

“Sister!”

And Arkin, who burst into tears.

“Your Highness! Have you awakened?”

Liena came in very naturally, carrying a basin of water and various medicines.

“I-I’m here too!”

Raven, who brought a cloth to help his mother wipe away sweat.

“Uwaaah! Your, Your Highness!!”

Betty burst into tears completely.

“Oh… Are you feeling a bit better?”

And even Pendrade, who followed sneakily.

‘No, why is he here?’

He even came in with a lyre in his hand, mimicking the tune of the palace’s chamber music.

“Do you know how worried we were?”

Stella, who helped me lie straight, frowned. 

“I belatedly found the one I couldn’t give to at the end of the hunting festival. When I went to give it to you, you were lying unconscious, and your maid was crying while trying to dress you. It was chaotic.”

Ah. Only then did I remember the place where I stayed until the end. 

It was the bathtub… 

I’m sorry, Betty. Thank you, Betty.

“Ah, I am indebted to her.”

I blushed and covered my face with the blanket. 

But it was only for a moment. 

Liena, who came quickly, pulled down the blanket to my neck and gently wiped away the blood on my face. 

With each touch, sadness and worry emanated, and I just averted my gaze.

“I thought you were getting better. Weren’t you?”

Leonard asked with a worried expression. 

“I worried less because you can walk and run better than before.”

“Yeah, I’ve gotten much better. Um, I suddenly felt a bit dizzy.”

“Sister, this won’t do. Let’s tell Father and bring all the physicians and herbalists from the empire, no, from the entire continent!”

Bringing them won’t help. 

There’s no one among them better than me.

Thinking this, I gently stroked Arkin’s hair.

‘But I should pretend to get examined since everyone is worried.’

“Yeah, I’ll tell Father.”

“I’ll do it!”

Arkin jumped up eagerly when I permitted, despite being fifteen years old. 

Isn’t he just like a kid at times like this?

“Too bad. Just a moment ago, Father, Mother, and Her Majesty the former Empress were also here.”

“All three of them?”

I widened my eyes. 

No, all three of them are together, how is that possible? 

National affairs will be paralyzed.

“Yeah, everyone’s here because of Sister.”

Arkin, who glanced back, coughed awkwardly and changed his words. 

“Sister, they were worried about you.”

Now that they’re relieved, other people’s attention seems to be directed elsewhere. 

Betty murmured very softly.

“For now, let’s leave that for later.”

Stella stepped forward again. 

“First, I’ll pass on what His Majesty left for you.”

“For me?”

“Yeah, what did he say?”

Clearing her throat once, Stella opened her mouth with a serious expression. 

“Lottie Pandelion, His Majesty prohibits you from leaving the palace for a while.”

“…?”

Prohibited from going out? 

Even if I combine all the years I’ve lived so far, it would easily be several thousand years. 

Prohibited from going out at this age??

“Don’t be too surprised.”

As if she had read my thoughts, Stella pointed to Pendrade, who was squatting in one corner. 

“That’s why I brought him.”

As soon as Stella and Pendrade made eye contact, Pendrade urgently shook his head.

I shivered uncontrollably. … 

It would take a few days even if I fell many times. 

Did I get my rank sorted out in that short time?

“That palace musician really can’t sing seriously, but…”

Oh, it’s the first time I’ve seen someone kill a dragon with a few words. 

Is a new dragon slayer born like this?

“But still, your expression brightened up a bit when that musician was there.”

I blinked. 

Since he’s the only one who knows my identity in the palace, my tension sometimes eased.

He seemed to have noticed it quickly.

“Rest well.”

Stella reached out and covered my eyes.

“We’ll leave now. Rest well, Lottie.”

“Sister, sleep well.”

“The medicine is here, make sure to take it.”

“I’ve put water here too! Please drink it, Your Highness!”

“Your Highness, get well soon…”

Even though my eyes were covered, I knew who was talking to me. 

I smiled and nodded with my eyes closed.

The sound of people leaving echoed, and soon it became quiet around me. 

I felt Pendrade, who had been pushed into the corner by Stella, sit on the chair next to the bed.

“They’re good people.”

“Yeah.”

I still kept my eyes closed and nodded my head.

I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

I could feel Pendrade’s gaze, looking at me strangely.

“Pendrade.”

“Yeah, what?”

“I realized it’s the first time.”

I burst into laughter.

You should enjoy happiness to the fullest when you’re happy. 

When will I get to enjoy it?

“It’s the first time someone came rushing to worry about me when I’m sick, and it makes me a little happy.”