Chapter 267.1. Cutting Down The Sacred Tree

This is a subquest involving a withering sacred tree. 
It’s one of those typical game events that didn’t have a connection to the main storyline. 
People might have encountered similar subquests in other games where characters ask for crab shells or flowers. The Night of Magic has its fair share of such quests as well. 
Among them, the sacred tree quest made the least sense. 
Well, people shouldn’t expect subquests to have logical reasons behind them.
In this situation, I observe Baron Hotta’s demeanor. He seems to have zero faith in the sacred tree. It appears he thought of this whole thing just to gain my favor. Frankly, I doubt he cares whether the sacred tree withers or recovers.
Next, I look at the priest, who seems anxious but hopeful that I could heal the tree. He seems to believe in the soil from Gardo Farm, which can cure the tree. 
Well, considering people can harvest strawberries in 7 hours from the dungeon soil sold to the locals, it’s not an unreasonable belief.
There’s nothing unnatural about their behavior. It doesn’t seem like they’re setting traps or trying to manipulate anyone.
So, is this just a regular subquest? Mii-chan hadn’t even noticed the sacred tree until now, which is interesting. While mama and the others knew it, Mii-chan never heard about it. 
If Mii-chan hears an intriguing rumor like this, full of adventure and curiosity, she’ll definitely want to see it!
Mii-chan thought this tree was pranking the mob characters. That’s why it was hiding.
Hmm, for now, let’s clear this quest. I take a deep breath and switch my focus.
This isn’t a subquest; it’s a main quest. It’s not part of the main story, but it’s still a quest. 
Why is it a main quest, though? It seems like an irrelevant story with no importance.
This is probably something that has to be done by Miu regardless of the main storyline. 
It’s not a subquest. But a dedicated quest for Miu. The conditions for completion seem different from the main story.
But if I cut it down, it won’t be a heartwarming story. Mama will probably be furious.
-Let’s channel Mii-chan points into the sacred tree.-
As I ponder my options, I cross my arms and think. Just then, the quest updates. Perfect timing. As expected of me, I quickly came up with a solution.
“Well then, let me diagnose it a bit! I’ll try using recovery ma-gic.”
“Oh, does Countess Takano’s recoery magic work on plants?”
Baron Hotta asks in amazement, but I shake my head and deny it.
“I’ll infuse it with holy power and offer some encouragement.”
“I’ve heard that talking to plants can make them healthier.”
The priest nods in understanding, and the others have heard of it too.
It should be fine. Alright, let’s give it a try. I approach the sacred tree and gently place my hands on its leaves, casting my recovery magic.
[Extra Heal III]
“Since I’m here, I’ll use Priest’s maximum recovery magic.”
A magic circle appeared at the base of the sacred tree, and pure white particles emerged, enveloping the sacred tree.
“Is this going to be okay…?”
I didn’t know how to channel Mii-chan points, so I tried using recovery magic. Since it probably wouldn’t work on plants, this should suffice.
My recovery magic’s light moved Baron Hotta and the others. That’s because they had rarely seen it. They seemed impressed even though they had seen it just a moment ago. Especially the village priest, whose cheeks were flushed with excitement.
As for the sacred tree…
“Did it work?”
As a result of receiving recovery magic, cracks began to appear in its trunk.
Curiously, I watched with an open mouth as the chocolate-colored leaves of the sacred tree, which had been withering, fell off, and the brittle branches snapped and fell with a rustling sound.
Then, the trunk began pulsating, and slimy tendrils started to emerge.
“W-What is this?”
“Something is coming out!”
“Look! What is that?”
Baron Hotta and the others watched the scene in astonishment, their expressions filled with confusion.
What could this be? A parasite? An earthworm? No, maybe tree roots.
Tendrils kept coming out of the trunk, but upon closer inspection, the brown tendrils were like tree roots. It was a bit too many and eerie.
Why were tree roots coming out of the trunk?
I hastily stepped back and observed as the roots slowly converged.
They gathered together like twisted ropes, forming a grotesque, doll-like figure as if it were made from curses.
“Ugh… this is kind of scary.”
Mii-chan face twisted in disgust, and was creeped out. She’s not a fan of this creepy stuff.
“Could it be that a monster was parasitizing it?”
Baron Hotta was also disgusted and drew his staff, preparing to face the doll-like figure.
“We’ll defeat the monster. Countess Takano, stand behind us!”
The doll-like figure, which appeared to be made from twisted ropes, was about three meters tall. It had no eyes or mouth on its face but had holes resembling caves.
[Ooooo]
With an eerie voice, almost like the sound of wind blowing out of a cave, it raised its grotesque, thick legs and stepped forward.