I Became My Elf King Character In A Game-Like World
Chapter 115: Druids

Chapter 115: Druids

"Move trees? Yes, Your Majesty! Of course, we can!" The Spirits of the Groves nodded eagerly, their interest caught. That sounded like a fun challenge.

"Well then," Renjiro proposed, his voice clear and full of simple logic. "Here is my solution. Use your wonderful magic power.

Create wide, clear paths through the forest roads just for the Giant Golems.

Make them broad enough so our big friends can walk easily, coming and going without fear of trampling anything precious." He gestured towards the deeper woods.

"And your own Grove Spirit families? You can build your beautiful paradise, your homes and sacred groves, deeper within the trees, away from these main roads. A place just for you, undisturbed."

The eyes of the Grove Spirits suddenly sparkled brightly, like little green stars. They looked at each other, then back at Renjiro, comprehension dawning.

"Ooh! Your Majesty’s idea is brilliant! That’s perfect!" one exclaimed. "That way, we won’t have to worry about those clumsy stone-men stumbling near our special places ever again!"

"Yes!" another agreed quickly. "They walk so carelessly! Always kicking up dust!"

"Your Majesty is the wisest!"

"Long live the King!"

The Spirits of the Groves chattered excitedly among themselves, completely won over. They showered praises on their Elf King for his clever plan, and then, almost as an afterthought, shot dismissive, slightly superior looks at the group of ’silly,’ ’clumsy’ Giant Golems standing patiently nearby.

The Giant Golems just let out another collective sigh, this one sounding less sad and more resigned.

It seemed the pretty little Tree Sprites just plain didn’t like them much. They couldn’t really do anything about it, could they?

These little spirits clearly preferred the company of flashy, elegant creatures, like those sparkling Fairy Dragons Renjiro had also summoned. Creatures that floated and shimmered, unlike their own heavy, grey forms.

Still, the Giant Golems thought amongst themselves, exchanging silent, stony glances, the creatures the Grove Spirits really hated probably weren’t them.

No, the ones who likely annoyed the Spirits the most had to be the Chimeras. Sure, those beasts had fearsome Tenth-Circle fighting strength, but they spent all day just... spitting. Dripping acidic saliva or whatever foul stuff came out of their mouths. It was messy.

Yes! The Giant Golems silently agreed amongst themselves. They hated the Chimeras too. Spitting at enemies in a fight was one thing, but those things seemed to drool and slobber everywhere, all the time. Disgusting. At least Golems didn’t leave puddles behind.

And so, Renjiro’s simple mediation worked wonders.

The Giant Golems got their wide, clear paths, allowing them to move freely through the forest without causing accidental destruction or getting stuck.

The Spirits of the Groves got their own dedicated areas deep in the woods, a safe haven where they could grow their plants and build their paradise without worrying about giant feet.

Everyone had what they needed. Everyone was happy.

And for a while, at least, there was peace and understanding between the biggest and some of the smallest members of the King’s growing forest family.

One thing, however, didn’t change: the beautiful little Tree Sprites still didn’t like the Giant Golems one bit. They kept their distance.

Whenever a curious or clumsy Golem happened to wander too close to one of their newly established groves further in the woods, it would quickly find itself being firmly warned off with sharp taps from a magic staff, accompanied by angry little shouts.

No real harm was done, but the message was clear: "Keep away, stone-foot!"

Watching the retreating backs of the giant, shuffling Golems and the flitting, still slightly grumpy Grove Spirits heading off to their respective areas, Renjiro suddenly let out a soft chuckle and shook his head.

He never imagined that one day he, a king aiming to build an empire, would actually be acting as a peacemaker, a mediator settling arguments between his own summoned troops.

And over something as seemingly small as trampled flowers and blocked paths! It felt a little ridiculous.

"Ah well," he thought with a sigh, "they are different kinds of beings, after all. And when different folks have to live close together in limited space, problems like this are bound to pop up!"

But Renjiro held onto a firm belief.

When I have truly vast lands, endless forests and mountains under my command, issues like this won’t happen so often. There will be room enough for everyone.

Just then, another group approached.

A troop of Claw Druids came walking over.

These figures were impressive and a bit intimidating. They stood about three meters tall, easily towering over the elves, with powerful, muscular bodies.

Their bodies were humanoid, strong and upright, but their heads were distinctly bear-like, with furry snouts and sharp teeth visible even when their mouths were closed. They wore simple leather harnesses and carried a primal energy about them.

As they walked with heavy, deliberate steps, there was a definite feeling of wild beasts charging towards you, a raw fierceness that made you want to step back.

Reaching Renjiro, the lead Claw Druid bowed its bear-head low, followed by the others. Its voice was a deep growl, but the words were respectful. "Your Majesty, great Elf King, the Claw Druids greet you!"

Hearing them speak, and seeing them up close...

Elaria and the three elf army leaders Lorien, Selena, and Lirael suddenly looked quite startled. Their eyes widened slightly.

These creatures... they looked so much like the Orc Bearmen races found elsewhere on the continent. But they called themselves... Druids?!

How could that be possible?

Everyone knew that being a Druid was a special path, a unique calling deeply connected to the elves and nature. Across the known lands, only elves were known to walk the Druid path. How could these bear-headed beings possibly be Druids?

Elaria voiced their confusion, her tone laced with disbelief. "Your Majesty," she asked hesitantly, "are they... are they truly Druids? Does that mean they also possess the high-level Druid secrets and transformation methods known to our ancient elves?" She sounded hopeful, yet doubtful.