Kingdom Building: Civilization Starts with Divinity-Chapter 124: Melphite The Dryad(3)

As Melphite entered the hut with Nera, a shiver ran down her spine almost immediately as she set eyes on the woman at the end of the hall.

She sat with her legs crossed while using her non-dominant arm as a rest for her head while admiring the butterfly used as a proxy with a serene yet arrogant expression.

It rested on the finger of her other hand, and even while she didn’t look at Melphite, the young Dryad felt a feeling of dread from just being in Alchemy’s presence.

Next to her, an adolescent deer with sapphire horns seemed to ignore Melphite completely. It was as if she didn’t exist in the eyes of the animal.

’This pressure... What is it? She’s terrifying!’

Despite being scared of the seemingly young Goddess, she couldn’t help but be enamored by her.

This girl appeared to be no older than her yet had such a powerful presence. As her nerves worked against her, Melphite ended up blushing as blood rushed to her head.

"That Butterfly... You were the one talking through it?" Melphite questioned resolutely.

Alchemy’s eyes shifted, meeting Melphite’s and causing her heart to sink.

In front of the Goddess’s eyes, she felt naked and vulnerable. She saw through everything of Melphite’s.

She was doing her absolute best not to show her emotions, but it was pointless in front of Alchemy.

Before she spoke, Alchemy waved her arm, causing her avatar to fly around Melphite playfully before flying off to who knows where.

"Alchemy Ennis. Goddess of the Verminae. Or as you lot call me, the Witch who rules over this land."

Melphite clenched her fist.

"I-I am Melphite... This here is Blanc. As I’ve already stated, we are here to thank you for assisting the forest with your information."

"A trifling matter. I too, am a denizen of this forest." Alchemy responded.

"Trifling as it may be, you’ve done us a great service." Melphite quickly added.

Without missing a beat, Melphite kneeled down in reverence to the Goddess in front of her, grabbing a scroll carved in wood from her dress.

"As thanks, the Dryads have come with an offer. Please, take a look."

With a flick of her wrist, chains shot out from Alchemy’s sides and wrapped around the scroll, bringing it to her.

"A Forest’s Proxy?" She hummed curiously.

"Yes, that’s correct. It gives you the authority to do as you wish in the forest on top of our protection and food support if it’s needed. All that we ask is that you cooperate with us overseers to keep order in the forest."

"Oh? Even if I wished to unify the entire outer forest under one banner?"

Melphite’s eyes widened. She looked back at Alchemy only to see an unchanged, arrogant smile.

"T-that..."

’Come on, Melphite! Misty told me that we must get Gravana’s student on our side.’

"The Dryads must remain neutral in conflicts between the tribes in the forest, but if that is your wish we will not stop you!"

Setting down the scroll, Alchemy went silent. She let the silence fill the air for a good minute before she stood up.

Slowly, she walked toward Melphite, only to pass her and grab Nera’s chin.

"Blanc is a very pretty name." She chuckled.

Melphite began to sweat profusely and her breathing became uneven.

When she turned to face Nera and Alchemy, she saw the Goddess reaching out for her.

"A guest of honor should not be kneeling on the dirty floor, much less a girl as cute as you. Please, stand up." Alchemy said, her smile growing gentler.

"E-eh?" Melphite blinked.

She didn’t even notice that she let a surprised expression appear on her face until it was too late, which only made Alchemy laugh more.

"Did I scare you? I apologize for that. I have to keep a confident demeanor with neighbors like Teacher and that old monkey."

Melphite was unsure how to process the sudden kindness that Alchemy was showing her, but she did take the Goddess’s hand.

"I also apologize for the shabby welcome. I’d offer food and residence, but we’re still recovering from those invaders."

"Ah! No! Not at all! We came completely unannounced, after all!"

"About this Proxy position. I’ll assume I’ll be called to help with problems such as dealing with outsiders like humans?"

"That’s right. Did Sir Gravana tell you about it?" Melphite nodded.

"He’s told me some stories."

As Alchemy spoke, she began walking back to her throne.

"I will naturally help wherever I can, but I will not sacrifice my kin for conflicts that are not mine. If you accept that, I will become a proxy of the Dryads."

"Of course! We won’t force you into such a situation."

As she grabbed the wooden document, Alchemy nodded.

"Then it seems we’ve come to an agreement. Is there anything else you need from me, Miss Melphite?"

"No. But, if it’d be okay, I’ll need to come back with a contract for you to sign. Would that be alright?"

"Of course. You’re welcome back any time. I’ll make sure that the kids receive you with open arms next time."

Melphite gained a smile. Since Alchemy was amicable, she gained some of her confidence back.

"Then I will return in a few days! Thank you so much for your time, Miss Ennis."

"Just Alchemy is fine."

"Let’s go, Blanc! We need to go report the good news." Melphite said excitedly, skipping out of the building.

Nera froze up, looking at Alchemy before turning to the door.

"You shouldn’t keep your Charge waiting, Blanc." Alchemy teased her Hero.

{W-what should I do? Mother Goddess, I think I’ve gotten in over my head this time.} Nera panicked.

"You don’t say. But, this is a chance don’t you think? Stay by her side for now. Go have fun away from the nest for a while." 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

Nera’s mouth gaped at Alchemy’s words.

{B-but who will protect you!?}

"It’s just for a few days. Shouldn’t you be excited? You get to observe the Dryads up close."

Nera knew Alchemy was right. She knew this was a chance to get an answer for the colony’s biggest question yet, but that didn’t stop her troubled expression.

"Blanc! Are you coming!" Melphite poked her head back in.

"T-thats." Nera failed to come up with something to say.

"Ah, I’m sorry for holding your subordinate up. I was simply telling her to be careful."