Annan took the Crimson Princess back to her room as she protested, "I'm not really a child," then followed a Servants to the Skeleton King's Alchemy Room.
The Skeleton King was a neat freak—there was no doubt about it. He always wore a spotless Cloak, and even his Skeleton was polished smooth.
The Alchemy Room smelled of burning licorice. Compared to this, Michael might as well have worked in a pigsty.
The Skeleton King went to his workbench, opened a wooden box, and returned the elm leaf he had borrowed from Annan.
"This leaf has taught me a great deal..."
"Then keep it," Annan said casually. "So what's the good news?"
The Skeleton King set the good news aside. "This leaf contains a faint power that does not belong to our world. It seems to be something beautiful, something that gives people hope. When you touch it, you can almost see a World Tree thousands of meters tall standing on a mountain by the sea, and sense other leaves... This must be a World Tree Leaf from another world."
"Did you just say you could sense other leaves?" Annan asked, suddenly catching on.
"Yes. I believe it may allow its holders to stay in contact, much like our World Tree does."
"...Maybe you should give it back to me after all?"
Smiling, the Skeleton King handed Annan the wooden box as well.
"I need a second leaf," Annan said. Perhaps it could take the place of a World Tree Leaf for long-distance communication.
"I thought the same thing. That's why I plan to visit the Strange Tales Zone again."
"Should I come with you?"
"I can't ask a guest to risk himself. Stay here and rest with the Princess."
"It's fine. I'll come with you."
If a World Tree Leaf