Chapter 347: The Elves’ City (2)
Information about elves was extremely limited. This was because they were the most veiled among the heterogeneous peoples who maintained a closed policy, and I could not even say that their relationship with humans was good. After Castle Rock was turned upside down, it became difficult to find elven slaves in the State, but in fact, elves were traded in secret somewhere on the continent.
As the situation was like this, the elves had chosen to hide about themselves, and as a result, the forest of the elves had become an unknown land except for them. I was indeed quite surprised when I first saw Laios. However, the Kingdom of Eberia was showing a more overwhelming sight than I had initially imagined.
‘Really…’
It was a natural scene that was truly awe-inspiring. The lush green forest, the colorful flowers, and the large trees of different sizes were difficult to look up at the ends, and the air entering the lungs was also different.
It was ridiculous for me to use this expression, but it felt like my whole body was purified. Of course, it was not actually purified.
The most impressive thing was the large tree located in the center of the city. The tree, whose size could not be determined, was strangely harmonized with the surrounding scene, creating a perfect picture.
‘World Tree?’
That was the World Tree that had only been heard by rumors. I had never heard of a tree emitting a faint light, so it must be it. In the meantime, Elena was holding her ears punctuated, but she seemed to be in a good mood.
I felt good coming to a place with good air after wandering around in the trash. As I looked around here and there, I turned to the voice I heard, and a face that seemed familiar for some reason came into sight.
‘They look alike.’
It was a man with emerald hair and eyes like Elena. Anyone could see his connection with her.
After greeting Kim Hyunsung, the leader of the group, he turned to me. He was 300 years old. The age difference was not so big to say that he was her father, so I thought I could probably think of him as her sibling. The peculiar thing was that the force he had was considerable. He was a capable person who had reached a level similar to the Eight Seats of the State or the Five Tiger Generals. There were some other strong players besides him, but I was very happy to be able to see someone talented who could be used as the front.
“Welcome to the kingdom of Eberia, Lee Kiyoung-nim.”
“And you are…?”
“I’m Elios Eberia. You can call me Elios.”
“It is an honor to meet you…”
“No. There is no need to express courtesy. It’s an honor to meet you. More importantly, I heard you are not very well…”
“It’s embarrassing, but… that’s correct.”
“I don’t know what to say… I’m sorry.”
“It’s not that serious to worry about.”
“I also saw Lee Kiyoung fighting through the Goddess’s’ Mirror. On behalf of our elves, I would like to express my gratitude.”
“I just did what I had to do.”
Our greetings were a bit stiff. I started to feel like some of them were truly wary of us.
“Let’s move first. I will guide you where you’ll be staying.”
“Okay.”
Armed men can be seen covering this place. It was to protect us, on the surface, but I also thought that it was to protect the other elves from us.
Interestingly, the other elves were watching us as if they were looking at zoo monkeys. It was the same with the little elves who were gathered all over the place, but those looking at us from the strangely shaped building also stood out. Some were gossiping, and others were cheering. Looking at their reaction…
‘Does it mean that half of them are welcoming?’
In other words, it meant that the other half were not welcoming. I felt that they were more vigilant than rejecting us, but it had the same meaning. While we were walking slowly, I saw Elios opening his mouth again.
“This is the first time humans have come here since 556 years ago.”
“…”
“It’s not a long time, but it’s going to be amazing enough for children. I hope you don’t get offended. Of course, some occasionally express hostility…”
“I can understand.”
“I’m glad you understand. In fact, when I heard that you were visiting here, I felt a little worried, but rather… I also think it’s a good thing. Everyone has a certain level of aversion to humans. Of course, it’s not a hatred of the heroes of light, but our people still remember the pain. It’s even more so if you think about the fact that we can still see cross-racial hunters outside of the royal palace and that cross-racial slaves are being traded somewhere.”
“…”
“Of course, I know that the State is one of those countries that have adopted a ban on the slave trade, but most of the elves will not make that distinction. It’s heartbreaking for me, too, but for some elves, humans… are just greedy and dangerous ones.”
“These people are different from others, brother. What I saw in the Goddess’s Mirror…”
“I know that, Elena. I am not trying to blame our guests right now. I am just explaining the truth.”
‘He’s not just doing that…’
Of course, this elf named Elios did not show hostility to us, but the conversation just now may contain a lot of hidden things. In short, he told me to be quiet. Certainly, although the Three Kingdoms Alliance was formed, the temperature difference felt by that side, and this side seemed to be different.
‘Things got interesting.’
I literally meant it.
‘There seems to be something wrong…’
It was just a simple idea, but it was still a good guess. Although they stamped the document, if I looked at those agitated by the fact that only a few humans were here, I could see what the atmosphere was like. It may be that they simply reached out to face a great threat, but it was likely that they also had external or internal problems. I mean, they could have reached out to us because of need.
‘What can it be?’
Of course, I didn’t see any situation right now. It seemed like a peaceful place without contention at the moment. Besides, they didn’t look like they didn’t have power. The soldiers’ overall level seemed to be high, and there were many useful archers among them. The proportion of summoners that were not easily found on the human side was higher than that of wizards.
To be honest, this was one powerful country. Also, considering that the barriers spreading near the city were also of high quality, it was questionable as to why they asked to join the Three Kingdoms Alliance.
‘There must be a reason.’
When I tried to think again in a situation where the background knowledge around me was insufficient to guess various things, I heard a voice again. We’ve arrived at the accommodation in no time.
“As long as you stay in our kingdom, you can stay here. Today, relieve your fatigue, and I’ll schedule a meeting with the King. Oh, I won’t stop you from looking around the city during your spare time, but I hope you don’t approach restricted areas.”
“Okay.”
“I will guide them directly to the city, brother.”
“No, you should see our father for a moment, Elena. I think it would be better to leave the guests’ guidance to Ludwig.”
“But…”
“Father is waiting. Then, everyone, have a relaxing time…”
“Wait, Elios-nim.”
It was then that Kim Hyunsung suddenly spoke.
‘What? Hyunsung, why are you doing this again…’
“If possible, I would like to see His Majesty separately now.”
“I’m sorry?”
“I know it’s rude, but it’s an urgent thing. Could he…”
“It’s late now…”
“Please.”
‘…What’s up with you, man?’
It was certainly sudden for him to continue to ask for permission. I didn’t know what the hell it was, but Elios looked disconcerted, and I didn’t even need to say anything about Elena’s face. I didn’t know, but it was undeniable that it was something related to me.
It may be unreasonable to say that it was rude behavior, but he would not disagree that the atmosphere had changed a little. I could see Elios’s face while talking once more. It was clearly different from before. It was a look that seemed to be wary of something.
“Can I hear why, first?”
“His Majesty will be able to understand if he hears it himself, Elios-sama.”
“…”
“There won’t be any harm done towards Eberia.”
“…”
“…”
A long silence followed. Kim Hyunsung was quietly looking at Elios, and so was Elios. It was then that the tall elf sighed loudly.
“If you say so, I will submit a request. Kim Hyunsung, please follow me. Elena, you go back to your room for a minute…”
“No. I will stay with them.”
“Elena.”
“I think you’ve heard the situation roughly, brother. My will remains unchanged.”
“Sigh…”
His head must be hurting. I feel sympathy naturally. I know very well how he felt. In the end, it seemed that he could not overcome his sister’s stubbornness.
After Elios nodded to us and started to walk, I saw the back of Kim Hyunsung following the guy. It was a sight to see him glancing at me. His face looked like someone who was going to an important interview, and it was filled with solemnity.
‘What on earth is it?’
It was true that I was anxious because there was no information. I thought something was going on, but I didn’t expect him to act so fast. He even needed to be alone with the King. I was worried that he would suddenly say to hand over the kingdom’s treasures, but even though the situation was urgent, I would not make an irrational move to that extent.
‘This is nerve-wracking… It’s making me nervous about sending him alone…’
I wanted to follow along, but I was already tightly stuck with others. I hope that the way to heal my body was not found. I thought it would be perfect if this were finished in moderation, not becoming something too big.
In the meantime, Elena was busy guiding the other guild members while checking my condition, and the other guild members were also having conversations, but I couldn’t hear them. This was because I was worried that the uncomfortable situation would become even more uncomfortable.
Of course, as always, my sad hunch had never been wrong.
An hour passed after Kim Hyunsung went outside. Then, I started hearing busy noises somewhere. It felt like the armed men were heading this way. As I naturally looked at Elena, I could see her nodding and looking outside the door.
“What’s going on?”
“Excuse me for a moment, Elena-nim.”
“What is this doing now?!”
“Please forgive the rudeness.”
“Put that weapon down from your hand right now!”
There were noisy sounds from outside. I couldn’t figure out what was going on, but I could tell one thing for sure.
‘What the hell did Kim Hyunsung say?’
Our lovely returner had indeed made an irrational move.