''I... yes.'' Her awkward near-supplication stops as she looks at you, struggling to conceal a smirk. ''Although it would be much more prudent to acquire permission from the human rulers, a ritual like this with so many Mamonos will need preparation and, ideally, a large empty field with strong warriors to ensure everyone's safety.''

What in the world could this dangerous ritual be?

''My master and teacher had the duty of finding and culling the elemental trees after a meeting with two of Mother Earth daughters.'' Seyraphal's announcement comes with closed eyes and an expression of guilt she can't suppress. ''That duty was passed on to me, but I have no confidence in accomplishing it. I...'' She hesitates, tenebrous eyes reopening without looking at anyone. ''...am sorry too. Knowledge like this should be shared. I believed the strange malaise afflicting the forest was a side effect of the sprout's existence."

''Don't worry, I won't be holding a grudge.'' When you hold out your hand, the girls don't reach out and grab it. Sad. ''This kind of thing is sensitive; our king went and obfuscated the truth about the shrine-tree, anyone would get nervous.''

''I'm a bit skeptical about the need to cull them in the first place.'' Your mother comments arms crossed over her belly as she looks at you. ''That dwarf said it's to allow the main one to grow, but would that need -all- of them dead?''

''Yes.'' Seyraphal was the one to answer, her antennas made a soft buzzing noise as she nervously shrank under the collective stare. ''The Earthen one perished a century before the other three; its early return isn't too surprising. Those sprouts will occupy the emergence of the air, fire, and water elementals. That could have catastrophic consequences in the very nature of magic for the coming generations since our reality itself will skew toward the element of earth instead of our present balance.''

''And.'' Your dad inserted himself in the conversation by gently grabbing Canaan shoulders. ''Our goddess is cooperating with monsters, druids, and in all likelihood elements of the church to see this culling done.''

''Fine fine, I'm saying it's a shame to destroy big, pretty trees.'' Your mother wiggled out of your father's grasp. ''Gotta prep before setting out.''

You were too lost in thought to care about your parents. Shigeko and Seyraphal looked uncomfortable as you kept staring, but you couldn't help it. To think your guests already knew about the Elemental Tree... In all likelihood, they know about the pearls. That'll be a subject to start once everyone gets more comfortable.

''I think...'' You gently extend your arms on the table as far as they can go. Please get the hint. Please get the hint. ''We can help each other.''

They do get your intention.