Sunlight filtered through the forest, scattering the hope of life.
Nahida felt the warmth and gently opened her eyes.
She smiled, telling her story.
…
It was a dreamlike beautiful place, nestled beside the World Tree.
Nahida gained freedom, able to roam and play in the forest at will.
The child of the forest, encountering the forest for the first time.
"Be careful, Nahida."
Nahida's sun called out a reminder from afar.
"Heh heh… don't wander too far."
Beside him, a gentle, water-like woman in a white dress tucked her hair and said softly.
That was Nahida's mother, Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.
Dudu.
In the forest, plump Rana ran about, carefully hiding their tracks.
"It's time to start catching, have you hidden well?"
Nahida covered her eyes, sitting on a tree stump, her small feet dangling.
She was about to play a game of hide-and-seek with the Ranas.
"Hidden well, daughter of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata!"
The Rana stretched out its small hand in response.
For a moment, the forest leaves rustled, whispering.
"You are all so clumsy."
Nahida's lips curved upward.
If she answered directly, wouldn't that have revealed her position?
So…
One by one, the plump Ranas were found by the white-haired loli.
"Ugh, Nahida is so smart, I'm found again."
The Rana shook its small head and gathered around Greater Lord Rukkhadevata and Qin Yu, forming several circles.
They were curiously staring at the man beside Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.
"You're all just too simple."
Qin Yu chuckled, wrapping the woven vine rope around a tree, letting it hang naturally.
He also secured the sharpened wooden plank, forming a swing.
"Nara Qin Yu is a silly person too!"
A particularly stout green Rana, with an equally round belly, stepped forward.
Why could this Nara (human) be so close to Greater Lord Rukkhadevata?
He had to protect Greater Lord Rukkhadevata!
"You don't accept it? Want to spar?"
Qin Yu smiled and took Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's hand, clearly showing off.
"Let's get along harmoniously, Lanbuliya."
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata held Qin Yu's hand, half-crouched to pat Lanbuliya.
At the same time, pure divine power flowed into its body.
"Wow—"
The Ranas let out a chorus of exclamations.
Being touched by Greater Lord Rukkhadevata meant that Lanbuliya had received the recognition of a deity.
"Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, I can handle things on my own now…!"
Lanbuliya jumped up happily, brandishing its little crutch.
Now, with a single swing of its crutch, it could smash a whole large iron block!
"Go pick some gifts for Nahida."
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata looked at the other Ranas, like a gentle mother coaxing a group of children.
"Okay, gifts for Nahida!"
The little forest spirits immediately ran off.
"Nahida, it's time to come back."
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata pulled Qin Yu along, the two bathed in sunlight, smiling and waving.
"Yes, Mama!"
Nahida, holding the last Rana, returned to Qin Yu and Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's side.
"It's the swing Nahida wanted to play on."
Qin Yu picked up Nahida, casually removing a green leaf from her hair.
Indeed, in front of the little angel, he had to temporarily forget Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.
"Mmm, I want Mama to push me."
Nahida sat on the swing, her small face lifting in a happy, satisfied smile.
She kicked her little feet, her hands gripping the vines.
At the same time, her gaze was expectantly on Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.
"Of course, my child."
The gentle woman, bathed in sunlight, also smiled.
After that, happy times continued.
"Whee—Nahida is flying!"
Nahida gripped the vines, swinging leisurely on the swing.
Behind her, her mother gently pushed her, ensuring her safety.
In front, Qin Yu sat on the grass, lazily basking in the sun, smiling as he watched the two women.
Leisurely, comfortable.
This was Nahida's happiest, most blissful time.
The Ranas brought wild fruits and flowers.
Amidst their shared, heartwarming songs.
Qin Yu personally placed woven flower crowns on Nahida and Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.
"Do I look pretty? My sun."
Nahida tilted her head, her smile warm and healing.
She had something she wanted to tell Qin Yu.
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata hugged her, gently smoothing the hair at her forehead.
Nahida squinted comfortably, like a pampered kitten.
"…"
The beautiful mother and daughter, bathed in sunlight, made Qin Yu momentarily dazed.
"Do I look pretty?"
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata noticed Qin Yu's gaze and asked softly.
"…"
Qin Yu stood up and walked to Greater Lord Rukkhadevata and Nahida.
Under the surprised gazes of the two women.
He greedily opened his arms and embraced them both.
"You are both beautiful."
Qin Yu lightly inhaled their fragrance, wishing to freeze this moment in his heart forever.
"My sun… actually I…"
Nahida murmured, nestled in Qin Yu's embrace.
"What is it?"
Qin Yu sensed something and gently patted her head.
After a long silence.
"Actually, I am the current Dendro Archon of Sumeru."
Nahida decided to tell Qin Yu this secret.
"...Hmm?"
Qin Yu's body stiffened, and he looked down in surprise.
Although he had suspected it for a long time, but…
Qin someone's heartbeat began to quicken.
This meant that he was now holding two Archons at once, one on each side?
An inexplicable sense of satisfaction made the corners of his mouth curl up.
Qin someone was getting ahead of himself again.
"Cough… I understand."
Qin Yu coughed lightly and nodded with a serious expression.
However, his hands were honest, showing no intention of letting go of the two women.
"What have you been through these past five hundred years?"
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's tone was still gentle.
But it was clear she knew something.
Nahida lowered her head, not immediately answering the first Archon's question.
She had been under house arrest by the Akademiya, failing Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's expectations.
Though it was difficult to speak, with Qin Yu here, she had the courage to face anything.
"I..."
Nahida recounted everything that had happened to her.
…
After a long silence.
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata showed no surprise, only holding Nahida and comforting her in silence.
"So that's how it is."
Qin Yu's pupils contracted, and he looked at Nahida.
The elemental light in his eyes was on the verge of an outburst.
As long as Nahida nodded.
He could go to Sumeru at any time and overturn that damnable Akademiya.
"The Akademiya should be reshuffled."
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata cradled Nahida's small face and said calmly.
She also glanced at Qin Yu, signaling him to calm down.
"My sun, listen to me first."
"I have a solution to the problem."
Nahida grasped Qin Yu's hand, her voice soft.
"My physical body in reality possesses the wisdom and power left by Mama."
"As long as I master it, I can gain the recognition of the people of Sumeru."
"This is a test for my divinity."
In truth, she knew very well that it was Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's reborn body.
But her daughter was being bullied.
Borrowing her mother's account wasn't too much, was it?
Besides…
"Sorry."
Under the joint comfort of the two women, Qin Yu calmed down a bit.
Little angel Nahida was, after all, too gentle.
If he were to handle it…
"Nahida needs to grow."
"This level of trial is just right."
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata nodded gently, indicating her support.
Of course, if the Akademiya truly caused any trouble.
She, the first Dendro Archon, could intervene at any time.
In other words.
With your parents backing you up, feel free to spend lavishly.
"I will help you then."
Qin Yu patted Nahida's head.
If Greater Lord Rukkhadevata hadn't stopped him, he would have dismantled her maiden family... no, the Akademiya right now.
"That's wonderful!"
Having received understanding, little angel Nahida showed a innocent and brilliant smile.
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata also patted her head, her gaze encouraging and gentle.
A scene of warmth, affection, and filial piety.
"Then..."
Suddenly, Nahida grasped Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's hand.
"The World Tree has just been purified and still needs observation and care."
"I can only trouble Mama to stay here for a while."
A considerate little cotton jacket, her smile warm.
However, the warm atmosphere subtly shifted.
"?"
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's eyes flickered.
Her daughter was deliberately using a stratagem to keep her away.
"Wisdom is the enemy of the God of Wisdom."
"Mama, you taught me this."
Nahida hugged Qin Yu tightly and smiled.
She wanted more warmth from her sun.
Even if the obstacle was her mother.
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata suddenly laughed.
"Of course."
"My good daughter…"