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The face of an elf doesn’t age. So, Jeongjae had once thought that no matter how old a fairy appeared, it would be difficult to guess their age just by their looks.

However, that consideration shattered the moment he laid eyes on Great King Richard. The Great King’s face was smooth, and there was no trace of time on his skin. Rather, thanks to the dazzling light emitted from his ornate armor, it seemed as if he shone without a single blemish.

Yet in the gaze of the Great King, who was dismounting from his horse, there lay within his skin the very essence of past years and experiences that had never revealed themselves. There was something strange and mysterious about him, a regal air capable of instantly overpowering anyone before him. Jeongjae thought to himself that there couldn’t be a better term to express this man than ‘Great King,’ and it felt as if the title itself was made just for him.

He had never thought anything like this in regard to Margaret. While he often believed she possessed wisdom and prudence befitting her age, what he always sensed from her was an energy closer to the spirit of the young. Indeed, as Margaret had said, she probably fell under the category of a young elf yet to reach her prime.

It was only after confirming that a truly powerful high elf reaches the end of their life through someone like Great King Richard that he could believe those words.

“Baron Harriet, Jeongjae Park has come to see the King.”

Jeongjae bowed his head respectfully as he greeted Richard. Jenis stood beside him, placing her hand on her heart, and bowed as well.

“I am Jenis Harker, the Deputy Count of House Harker and the Grand Sage of the Magic Tower. Thanks to Your Majesty’s presence, I barely survived. I am sincerely grateful.”

Richard of Eramenia lightly nodded and accepted the greetings from the two. The Great King raised his head and looked around at the two wizards.

“We have some great figures here. Great figures gathered together.”

“You’re being too kind.”

“Before being too kind, it’s hardly even a compliment. I am merely stating… the truth. Eramenia is in a remote place close to the Empire. But even from that remote location, news of the two of you reaches me.”

“Is that so?”

Jeongjae awkwardly responded. Even standing before one of the most powerful beings in existence, he couldn’t quite grasp what to say. Glancing sideways, he noticed that Jenis also had a puzzled expression, unsure of what to say to Great King Richard.

Despite Jenis Harker’s usual unyielding temperament, her struggle to even stand tall before the King of the Fairies was evident. Observing the state of the two wizards, Richard realized that he was the one who needed to lead the conversation here.

“I have many ways to hear news from outside the forest. However, the most detailed information regarding the two of you came from the injuries sustained by my only daughter when she returned home recently.”

“Is that about Princess Margaret?”

Jeongjae had almost called Margaret by her name as usual, but quickly added her title. Richard chuckled heartily, shaking his head.

“No need for that. There’s no need for that at all. How she wishes to be addressed is her choice. Since she has allowed us to treat her comfortably, that is truly Margaret’s way, and her own form of authority.”

“Your Majesty… regarding your daughter fighting on the battlefield…”

“She is a wise one. Though I feel a little embarrassed saying this, it is from the perspective of a father rather than a monarch. There are few elves who value friendship as she does, yet can avoid being consumed by it. We… honestly aren’t a race worthy of much respect. If you had met many of us, you would understand.”

“I’ve only been on this continent a short time, but the elves I’ve met have been wise and admirable folks.”

“Only those who would seem admirable respect Margaret. At such a young age, she wields incredible influence and is leading in war, yet is not hesitant to challenge even me when the need arises. It’s those elves who are willing to risk their lives in battle for her who swing swords outside the forest.”

The fratricide among elves had ended ages ago. Richard was one of the few who had witnessed the most powerful elves fighting among themselves, wielding swords over supremacy in the forest, always thinking that the noble and proud essence of elves doesn’t always lead to the best outcomes.

Margaret is one of the most respected elves in Eramenia. However, if one removed their colored glasses for just a moment to look clearly, it couldn’t be denied that she was not loved by all in Eramenia and that she originally did not desire such a path.

Margaret firmly believed she was on the right course, and Richard could not deny that her perspective held some weight. However, in the near future, what will be expected of her as a promising leader for the Kingdom of the Forest?

Her most ardent supporters would willingly lay down their lives on the front lines of battle for her without a second thought. Although the recognition of great heroes like Walter and Rose in Eramenia has lessened recently, a substantial number of elves still tend to ignore the commands of human commanders. Yet if Margaret commanded them, they would follow without complaint due to their deep loyalty to their sovereign.

But is she truly a suitable figure to inherit the kingdom, when she is both fervently supported by some of the nation while eliciting discreet laughter from the skeptics?

He believes that once the crown is placed upon her, she would undoubtedly be the wisest ruler. Yet, as she is the type who would not hesitate to create rivals and wouldn’t even give a false smile to her opponents, she might better fit the role of a faction leader rather than a monarch of a great nation.

Great King Richard did not genuinely believe that maintaining Eramenia’s neutral position was truly advantageous. Noted for instilling a positive notion of elves among the people of Audrich with her eloquent rhetoric throughout the Empire, Margaret was also active in Eramenia as a speaker, presenting intriguing arguments.

Utilizing her position as the only living Elf Dragon Sayer, she rallied people around her, advocating that Eramenia should become the second front to combat the Demon King’s Army by declaring full participation in the war.

Margaret argued that the downfall of the Audrich Empire would ultimately lead to the isolation of Eramenia, which the Demon King would never allow, necessitating an early advance north in alliance with the ‘human brethren.’ Her argument was both persuasive and appealing.

As always, numerous elves rallied to Margaret’s claims, calling for an expansion of arms. However, behind the scenes, skeptics, primarily the 700-year-old elves, whispered and mocked.

As much as Margaret’s passion was overwhelming, Richard couldn’t help but side with them. Regardless of his feelings, he had a duty to maintain the balance of the Empire and protect the tranquility of Eramenia.

Whether Margaret was unaware of this fact or chose not to stop for the sake of her beliefs, there was uncertainty about what she would do should she become monarch. Would she continue to act the same way, or would she change her approach to be more gentle and neutral upon rising to the throne?

Even Richard could not discern Margaret’s heart or her future. Typically, he would dismiss others’ affairs with the thought of ‘there’s no need to pry into things one cannot know,’ but this was his only daughter.

Wherever he went, he would subtly boast, “If you fear children, then you must have them like my daughter.” But if he could maintain his usual detachment even before such a powerful factor of anxiety, he would be nothing more than a ruling machine, not a father.

While Jeongjae could not read all the anxieties buried within Great King Richard, he could somewhat sense how proud he was of his daughter just from the words he had spoken recently, as well as how much he anxiously spent each day because of that pride.

Jeongjae lowered his head toward the king and said, “Just the fact that Margaret is respected by so many shows how many noble-souled elves there are in Eramenia.”

“You speak well. It seems you know what I wish to hear.”

“She is someone worthy of respect. Your Majesty surely cherishes your daughter, so it’s only natural that my words praising her would be pleasing to you.”

Richard’s expression brightened significantly with hearty laughter. But in the very next moment, the King approached Jeongjae with a serious look, whispering softly.

“I haven’t paid much attention before, but meeting you has made it clear. That my daughter holds you in high regard, doesn’t that mean you?”

“Y-yes… yes?”

Jeongjae felt his heart plummet in fear at Richard’s sudden inquiry, taking a step back. Richard maintained his serious expression while grasping Jeongjae’s hand. Jeongjae sensed that the Great King was giving him something.

“You must have learned what the love of an elf signifies. But because of that, we cannot force anything upon a mortal bound for a short life. I have no intention of imposing any choices on you. This is not merely because it is a predetermined law, but because it is simply the right thing to do, and for that reason, we must do so.”

“I… Your Majesty, I…”

“Do not answer. It is not the first time I’ve witnessed someone unprepared to make a decision when thrown into the fray. However… I would be glad if you fought alongside us as a friend of Eramenia. This is a personal request on behalf of my daughter.”

“I have been her friend from the beginning. I thought that automatically implied being friends with Eramenia as well.”

“Then keep well what I have given you.”

Jeongjae unfolded his hand to see what Richard had gifted him. A large yellow gemstone that looked like a giant pumpkin. When one thinks of a pumpkin, they often envision insects nestled within, but within this stone lay a tiny blue laurel crown.

Since it was still dark, Jeongjae needed to shine the gemstone against the Great King’s armor for a closer look. Seeing the dazed expression of the Grand Mage, the King spoke.

“Times are growing dire, and I have sent back the best elf warriors you would want on the battlefield. Though Margaret has been injured, due to excellent medical care, she is recovering without even suffering one percent of the pain she should have endured. Yes, the one who provided her care must be that girl beside you.”

Perhaps deciding it was time to greet her, the King took a step closer to Jenis, bowing deeply toward her. Jenis, surprised, widened her eyes and bowed in return.

Richard looked at Jenis and said, “I express my deep gratitude for saving my daughter. The curse of the Dragon is a difficult spell to handle. Had it not been for the Great Sage, she might still have been struggling for her life.”

“Saving lives on the battlefield is a common occurrence, and I don’t make much of that. This is what that person has said after saving her life.”

Jenis answered with a gentle smile. Richard shook his head at her words.

“That is something only said when one is saved. From a parent’s perspective, the saving of one’s child’s life is heavier than the saving of one’s own life, making it impossible to end there. Was it the House of Harker? The gratitude and respect Count Harker has for my daughter cannot be underestimated in comparison to my gratitude and respect for the Great Sage.”

“If you say so, then I would be grateful to accept your thanks.”

After finishing his gratitude with Jenis, the King again turned his attention to Jeongjae, whispering to him.

“Regardless, Baron. What I wish to convey is this. The hero’s foresight cannot be ignored. Did you not foresee that a substantial threat would befall Eramenia in one way or another? I am frightened by that.”

“But then… wouldn’t Walter Hellhound personally inform you of that?”

“Foretelling through magic is inevitably imperfect. While we must not ignore vague and ambiguous threats, making that widely known is also a mistake. When one does not know what the approaching danger is, yet only remains conscious of its threat, one often ends up making mistakes that could have been avoided. It is very wise of him to be cautious in sharing his thoughts.”

“Is that so…”

Jeongjae found himself in a position that could not be entirely unrelated to Walter withholding his thoughts. If Great King Richard speaks like this, could it be unwise to harbor dissatisfaction toward Walter’s actions?

“That gemstone is a magical item that will help you find your way through the forests of Eramenia. If, in the near future, my nation finds itself embroiled in the fires of war, I hope that someone my daughter holds particularly dear will come to aid.”

 

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