146 - The Freed S*aves Became Obsessed

Chapter 146: Freed Slaves Become Obsessed "So, Her Majesty claims that these rumors are unfounded?" "How many times must I say it? I've never even spoken with that human, much less accompanied them to the Sanctuary of the World Tree." The grand meeting hall of the Great Forest reverberated with an interrogation disguised as questioning. Seated like a criminal at the head seat was the Elf Queen, Ivrelia. Around her sat the elders of the Elves and other key figures of the Great Forest. Their eyes were filled with suspicion as they gazed at Ivrelia. 'Why is this happening to me...?' Ivrelia felt her situation was unjust. As a high elf who had never so much as stirred up trouble until becoming queen, she could swear with hand on heart... well. '...' Perhaps there was that one time when she unknowingly removed an elder's wig as a prank, not having realized what a wig was back then. But aside from that, there truly was nothing. To be a queen revered by all, suddenly fallen to the status of a youngest daughter causing unprecedented chaos was more infuriatingly unjust than she could bear. "It's really untrue, isn't it?" "I'm telling you, it is not! I can swear by the World Tree’s name!" "If you're willing to say so much…" Ultimately, Ivrelia resorted to her ultimate vow, which finally convinced the elders of the falsehood of the rumors. Though the queen’s dignity was already compromised, the truth had to be restored regardless. "Elder, send a message to each elf elder... no, send a dispatch immediately." "Who should we send?" "That would be..." "I'll go." All eyes fix on the source of the voice. Stepping forward with confidence was Arpia Lilianth, mischievous flower elf. Many still held reservations about Arpia. However, she was not only the winner of the Sylphid Dance Festival but also an undeniable force among the elves. Though she held no official position, she had the credentials to attend such meetings. Thus, Arpia volunteered to undertake the role of envoy. "Arpia will go?" "Yes. I happen to be free, and isn’t it more convincing if I speak on our behalf?" "Certainly…" As Ivrelia appeared visibly torn, the elders quickly intervened. "That won't do, Majesty. While it’s undeniable that Arpia is a formidable warrior, she is also somewhat inexperienced." "Indeed…" "There is some hesitation towards entrusting her with official duties. Perhaps send Rion instead. There will be no concerns with him." "Rion certainly is trustworthy." Ivrelia nodded in agreement. Instantly, Arpia challenged the point. "Rion should stay here and continue his duty as captain of the sentinels. Besides, when it comes to the Great Forest, no one knows the outside world better than me." "Hmm." Ivrelia pondered. Arpia had sincerely volunteered. But what would happen if she entrusted Rion with the task? ‘He'll likely break into my chambers every day.’ And then, annoy her endlessly. Even imagining it gave her a headache. Getting caught secretly tailing him would be a relief. It was better to delegate it to Arpia from the start. "Very well. Arpia, I’ll trust you with this matter." "Your Majesty!" "The decision is made. Let's not hear any more on it." The elders fell silent at Ivrelia's dismissal. Ivrelia exhaled softly and rose from her seat. "This concludes today's meeting. Please, everyone, return. I'm exhausted." *** Swoosh! At the apprentice warrior training grounds beyond the emissary's estate, a harsh bursting sound fills the air. Amongst the trainees, is Narsha Brian. Instead of the usual attire designed for social gatherings, she's clad in battle attire. Her rapier dances through the air, her scarlet hair flowing, more reminiscent of a knight than a lady. Her opponent is Leonard, a dark elf. Wearing short garments exposing his muscular abdomen and thighs, and a black mask hiding much of his face, he epitomizes an assassin's appearance. For Leonard, this was practically his everyday wear. That was before his story of being employed by the House of the Ball. Both Narsha and Leonard possess considerable skill in martial arts. Without regular practice, their senses would dull, so they ensured to spar whenever time allowed. Clang! Leonard held a pair of daggers in reverse grip, blocking Narsha’s thrust. The impact sparked fiercely as metal collided with metal. Relentlessly, Narsha continued her assault, leaving Leonard no moment to breathe. Her rapier strikes poured like a torrential storm. Leonard parried frantically with his daggers. 'Fast…!' Leonard, as an assassin, might falter against a power type in a straight match, but with agility, he was never one to lose. Yet Narsha’s speed exposed vulnerabilities even in Leonard’s confidence. Without heed for defense, she relentlessly attacked and attacked. Narsha. He did not want to be struck even once by her. Narsha. Only wanted to land the hits. Just hit, and hit again. If he could pummel everything to pieces, If only a future without a single hit landed allowed itself. As if asserting this desire, ‘I must retreat...’ A direct confrontation wasn't feasible. He needed to create an opening and strike with surprise. Whoosh! Leonard called upon the spirit of the Umbral Cloud. A dense black fog issued from his form. Retreating in hopes of vanishing into the shadows, Leonard made a costly error in face of Narsha. Crack! The ground beneath him groaned. A red aura flared and Narsha accelerated suddenly. Like a streak of light. A crimson bolt piercing Leonard. The dark mist, meant to shroud Leonard, scattered violently. “Ugh.” Leonard let out a groaning gasp. His body staggered and he sagged forward. Thud, he knelt upon the earth. “Hahh, hahh…” Leonard gasped the breaths he had held during combat. “Are you alright?” Narsha sheathed her rapier and extended a hand to Leonard. After catching his breath, Leonard took her hand and rose to his feet. “Well done. That was a good match.” “...” Leonard found it impossible to agree, even with polite words. If the fight had been real instead of a sparring match, he wouldn’t have realized his defeat until it was too late, having been knocked out instantly. The delayed fear of impending death engulfed his mind, and his complexion turned ashen. Although, being a dark elf, it didn’t show outwardly. “Your skills never cease to amaze me. Just how much have you trained?” “Hmm? About two years?” “...What?” Two years was but a fleeting moment for elves. Even from the standpoint of a human's perception of time, it couldn't be considered long. The notion that Narsha achieved such prowess in only two years was beyond belief. Especially since she wasn't born with any extraordinary lineage. Narsha's face lit up with a blissful expression as she replied, “It's all thanks to Master.” “...Why does he come up again?” “Because it's all owing to him. I was merely a meaningless noble's daughter before. Thanks to my master taking me in, I was reborn.” Ordinarily, Narsha was meticulous and composed, but any mention of Karami turned her into a different person. Against all odds, Leonard recently began to wonder, ‘Could this really be true?’ It wasn't just Narsha; her fellow slave, Arpia, was also remarkably strong. Perhaps Karami held a secret ability that fostered tremendous growth in his slaves. “When he returns, maybe ask him if you could also become a slave. You’d grow far stronger than you are now.” Is it really appropriate to request to become a slave…? Leonard couldn't quite align himself with this mindset. “Oh, Arpia. Are you back from the Great Forest?” Narsha, who was chatting with Leonard, noticed Arpia returning to the company. “Yeah. But I’ll be leaving immediately.” “Leaving? What do you mean?” Arpia recounted the incidents that had occurred in the Great Forest to Narsha. Having heard the explanation, Narsha quickly understood the situation. “So, you’re leaving now?” “Yes. Everything’s settled with the Great Forest.” Arpia, like most elves, possessed great patience regarding time. A delay of a day or two didn’t concern them when it came to keeping an appointment, and even after saying they’d be right back, if ten years passed, they'd merely note, ‘Only ten years have gone by.’ For beings who live long lives, their perception of time is vastly different from those with shorter lifespans. However, the past few months since Karami’s departure felt like an eternity to Arpia. Time had never crept by so slowly. Waiting had never been such an arduous task. It wasn’t even a year, yet it felt as though thousands had passed. Originally, Arpia planned to wait quietly until Karami’s return, but her mind changed. ‘The Snow Princess? What’s that about?’ Arpia still treasured the leaf-letter Karami left behind, which mentioned tending to a forlorn fox in the beast kingdom. That much she could comprehend. But if he finished his business, he should have returned. Instead, he was gallivanting about in unfamiliar territories. Surely, he's up in the north, playing lovingly with another new slave. Waiting patiently was out of the question. Doing so only painted a future of him returning with dozens of women. Conveniently, since someone had to deliver the message, Arpia decided it was the perfect time to fetch Karami herself. “Shall I accompany you?” Narsha discreetly proposed. She had traveled alongside Karami during her time as a slave. Sitting idly had made her restless these days. However, Arpia firmly shook her head. “What are you saying? You need to guard the company. Who else would manage it if not you?” She had a point. The company's growth was on a steep incline. With no trustworthy substitute, if Narsha were to leave, it would plummet straight downward. Everything built up until now could come crashing down in an instant. “…You're right. For now, there’s no other way around it.” Though the absence of Arpia would leave a slight emptiness, Narsha had no intention of dissuading her. The 'prankster flower' was wilting with each passing day, carving myriad scars into her beautiful form with her thorns. Arpia packed lightly. A coin purse Narsha had prepared for her. A cyan-green bow made of the World Tree’s branches and leaves, which she received for winning the Sylphid Dance Festival, symbolizing the mightiest of elves. She didn’t forget to pack Rachnia’s pollen, either. She was eternally the suffering elf Arpia. Only through suffering could she remain at Karami’s side. Dogs and Cats 2025.01.10 19:04 Report The elves are coming, haha 0 Only logged-in members can post comments. 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