As the rulers of the Haligtree, Miquella and Malenia were very popular locally and enjoyed a good reputation.
The people here did not look down on them for their congenital disabilities, and living in this secluded paradise felt quite nice.
The surroundings and climate were pleasant, but the available living space was a little awkward. How many houses could be built depended on how large the Haligtree was. Otherwise, people could only live on the Mountaintops of the Giants. Compared to the mountains, the Haligtree was so much better.
At least they did not have to worry about blizzards.
The Haligtree had lush foliage and a tangled mass of roots. On a map, it looked like a vast expanse of greenery sprawling across the sea. One glance was enough to tell that it was enormous.
The Haligtree and the Erdtree were different species. The Haligtree looked like a banyan capable of forming a forest all by itself. Whenever a branch approached the ground, it could take root and grow into a new tree.
That was why there was a distinction between the Main Trunk and the branches. Miquella's castle had been built around the Main Trunk.
The castle encircled the tree, its walls forming a ring. Modeled after Leyndell's style, they were built tall and thick, right out on the sea.
There was even a breakwater outside.
Haligtree Town, for instance, was built on the Haligtree's branches and canopy, though it was not very far from the castle.
It was within walking distance.
The Erdtree was different. It was more like an oak, shooting straight into the sky, but standing all alone. Its canopy did not offer suitable conditions for building houses, or rather, no one wanted to build houses up there.
Upon learning that Malenia had returned, the residents