Chapter 576: A Unique and Stunning Room
"Fated One, this is your room," Thalon said as he opened the door and stepped inside, gesturing toward the interior.
Leon followed behind him, his gaze drawn to the exquisite design of the room. It was spacious—at least half again as large as his chamber in the inner palace.
At the center stood a bed, but unlike any ordinary one, its frame was crafted from wood entwined with green tree roots, giving it a unique, natural elegance.
Three pillows were neatly arranged on the bed: one long bolster and two regular pillows.
To the right stood a wardrobe, carved from thick tree trunks and adorned with intricate patterns of green leaves and pink flowers across both doors.
Beside the wardrobe were a wooden desk and chair, and to their left, a bookcase completed the setup.
The left side of the room was relatively bare, containing only a second wardrobe and a small table.
On the table sat a tiny stove, a teapot, several glasses, and two carved wooden jars filled with tea leaves and coffee beans.
Two windows overlooked the World Tree, offering a direct view and allowing the fresh morning air to flow in freely while letting indoor air out without obstruction.
Noticing Leon's silence, Thalon shifted uncomfortably and asked in a quiet voice, "Fated One, are you satisfied with the room? If not, I can take you to another, more comfortable one."
In truth, this was the finest room available—aside from Elina's and the Elf Queen's.
If Leon chose to reject it, Thalon would first need to consult the Elf Queen before making any changes.
Leon chuckled softly and shook his head. "No need, Thalon. Thank you for the room—it's truly beautiful and spacious. I love it."
Thalon let out a quiet sigh of relief and gave a small nod. "Then I won't bother you any further, Fated One. A personal maid will arrive later to attend to your needs."
"Okay. Thank you, Thalon," Leon replied gently, patting him on the shoulder.
Thalon felt both shy and pleased. Without another word, he turned and quietly exited, leaving Leon alone.
Once the door closed, Leon glanced around the room again, a smile tugging at his lips.
He shut the door, took off his mantle, and draped it over the clothes hanger by the entrance.
"This is a cozy and relaxing room," Leon murmured, closing his eyes and breathing in the calming air.
Perhaps it was because all the furniture was made of wood, but the room was filled with the calming, earthy fragrance of nature.
He walked over to the wardrobe on the right side and ran his fingers over the smooth, carved wood grain, admiring its craftsmanship.
When he opened the doors, he found a collection of men's clothing hanging neatly inside—each piece unique in design.
There were green robes, nightwear, bathrobes, and more.
To his surprise, they all fit him perfectly.
Well, maybe it wasn't all that surprising.
During his conversation with Zelda through Elina's communication device, she had asked about his height, chest width, and foot size.
At that moment, Leon had already guessed that Zelda wanted to make clothes for him.
And sure enough—every item in the wardrobe seemed carefully chosen and clearly prepared by Zelda, made specifically for him.
"She does care," Leon whispered, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Though they had just met, he could tell Zelda was a kind and compassionate woman. It showed in the way she interacted with Thalon and her concern for Elina.
This only strengthened Miranda's earlier remark that the Elven race was the most accepting of his presence—and the least likely to rebel.
Of course, Leon knew better than to let his guard down.
Although Zelda didn't seem to harbor any grudges or animosity, that didn't mean all Elves—like the elders and others—would share her approach.
Still, Leon wasn't too worried. With the Star and Moon token prepared by Amon Crimson and Luminus Troya, he had more than enough power to keep any hidden threats at bay. He was confident in his safety.
He picked up one of the green casual robes and headed to the bathroom to wash off his sweat.
Five minutes later...
"Phew! Even the water tastes sweet and fresh! Amazing!"
Stepping out of the bathroom, Leon felt refreshed. The scent of wood and flowers clung to his skin, and he couldn't help but smile.
While the Elven race still lagged behind humanity in some aspects of civilization, they certainly excelled in others—like soap, shampoo, and the like.
All of the products were made from natural ingredients, each with a distinct and pleasing scent.
Leon was certain that if any of them were sold in the outside world, aristocrats and the wealthy would eagerly pay a gold coin for just one.
He walked over to the table on the left side, where tea, coffee, a small stove, and cups were neatly arranged, and began brewing a cup of tea.
From the dried tea leaves and stems in the jar, he could tell this was a new blend he had never tasted before. Feeling curious, he decided to try it.
If it was as good as it smelled, he'd ask for it as a souvenir once his business with the Elves was concluded.
Three minutes later, the tea was ready. He carried it to the desk and set it carefully on the smooth wooden surface.
Sitting in the chair, he took a slow sip. The sweet taste of honey, a subtle tang, and a hint of herbs instantly filled his mouth.
His eyes narrowed into crescent moons, and a gentle tremor passed through his body.
"What a rich flavor. My body feels instantly warm, and I'm full of energy."
Opening his eyes, he couldn't hide his amazement.
Whether it was just a feeling or something more, he could sense a trace of nature's magic in the tea.
It flowed into him, slowly replenishing the vitality he had lost.
How did he know? It was because of the dragon's blood flowing through his veins. As a half-dragon, he was attuned to such subtle energies.
His sensitivity to natural magic had grown sharper, allowing him not only to sense it but also to use it.
However, mastering the power of nature like Athena had would require intense training—a process that would undoubtedly take a long time.
Leon continued to savor his tea, and before he knew it, the cup was empty.
With a sigh of regret, he set the cup down on the desk and leaned back in his chair.
"Well, it's time to contact Miranda," Leon murmured as he slowly closed his eyes.
He knew his visit to the hidden races' territory wasn't just about showing up and convincing them to join the fight against the Evil God in the future.
There had to be another purpose behind it all—one he didn't yet understand. He would need to ask Miranda directly.
But just as he was about to speak, a knock echoed at the door, followed by a soft voice.
"Fated One, sorry to disturb you. It's me, Melissa, your personal maid. May I come in?"