Volume 6, Chapter 70 – Dark Elves and Half-Elves

“Your Highness, the counting is complete. There are five intact elves, plus three others, totaling eight people. Even providing them with free food and drink is no difficult task. After bringing them back, we can use them to publicize the terror of the Darkborn, and also indirectly show your power.”

Reporting to Fia with a capable stance, Erin Slate in the alley lowered her head slightly. Behind her was a dilapidated wooden door, from which people’s low sobbing could be faintly heard.

This was an abandoned warehouse for settling the hostages. Theoretically, these hostages should live in better-conditioned houses. But because the Fire Cat Tribe’s territory wasn’t rich enough, plus most hostages couldn’t take care of themselves, they were very likely to be given humanitarian relief because no one was willing to claim them. They had no value from the start, so they were placed in a warehouse with very poor conditions, originally used by slave traders to store slaves.

As for the crying inside the house, it was the reaction of some hostages having mental disorders.

The only good news was that after two days, several hostages captured for a shorter time recovered their sanity, becoming able to respond reasonably to external changes, giving people hope.

“Intact elves? I remember among the people I saved, there was no part suffering from disabilities. For experiments, the Darkborn kept the hostages very intact. Did it happen these past few days?”

Fia tilted her head in confusion. Because she might discuss some important matters with Erin Slate, she didn’t even bring Anastasia out.

“No, the disability subordinate mentioned refers to the remaining three not being elves like us. They are Dark Elves and Half-Elves, not belonging to the ranks of orthodox elves like us.”

“Orthodox elves? Is there such a saying?”

“Yes.” Nodding solemnly in agreement, Erin Slate explained further to Fia. “Since the existence of the Holy Tree, elf history has become the history of the Alexia family. No matter which dynasty is in power, the person in power must have the bloodline of the Alexia family, otherwise they cannot control the Holy Tree and obtain the Holy Tree’s protection.”

“Before the Holy Tree appeared, we elves were divided into two parts: Wood Elves and Dark Elves. At first, everyone lived in peace. However, because the Alexia family you belong to belongs to the Forest Elf clan, over time, the perception that Wood Elves are superior to Dark Elves gradually formed among the people. Discrimination and exclusion prevailed. The oppression lasting for tens of thousands of years gradually made the Dark Elf race disappear, excluding them completely from the Elf race. Nowadays, except for remote areas and the Land of Exile, it is already hard to see their figures in Silvar.”

Erin Slate stopped speaking. She looked up at Fia, opened her mouth, but said nothing in the end.

Fia nodded slightly.

“Don’t hold back, go on.”

“Yes. Because you have had black hair since birth, which is unprecedented among us Wood Elves—only Dark Elves have black hair—before you revealed your power, there were often people in the royal city and among nobles discussing that you were actually His Majesty’s illegitimate child, or slandering you as the child of Her Highness Veronica and Clark, which is a Half-Elf.”

“However, as you grew up and revealed wisdom and strength, these discussions disappeared on their own. Of course, the Twilight Flower also played a part in this. Before betraying you, Brigitte secretly warned those sluts who liked to gossip.”

“What a nasty stigma. Black hair also has this layer of meaning.”

Twisting the black hair in front of her with her fingertips, Fia smiled lightly.

As for Brigitte in Erin Slate’s mouth, that was the predecessor of Erin Slate and Anastasia. She served as the Eldest Princess’s personal maid and was also the manager of the Twilight Flower. But because of her cowardly nature, unable to bear the heavy burden of the Twilight Flower and wanting to leave the organization, betraying the existence of the Twilight Flower, she was captured and executed by Erin Slate, who was still a subordinate at that time, for insubordination.

Fia couldn’t do anything about the history of decades ago except sighing. After understanding a little, she stopped inquiring. In fact, both Renee and Roka showed considerable hatred and disdain when hearing the name Brigitte.

“You didn’t take it to heart, right? You lost your previous memory; your subordinate is a little worried…”

Golden eyes full of worry and hesitation, Erin Slate looked at Fia cautiously.

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Fia waved her hand.

“Of course not. If one really wants to doubt, Father must be more anxious than me. Although it’s not good to say this, the fact is Father can accept me but cannot accept Anastasia. This already explains a lot. I am Father’s child.”

“But your hair…”

Fia couldn’t help finding it funny.

“If I were Father’s illegitimate child, then I should be happy properly. You know, I can’t bring myself to like Veronica.”

However, given the feelings Yelido showed towards Veronica, illegitimate children weren’t in the options at all. Small people in the court just liked to spread rumors.

Erin Slate nodded thoughtfully.

“True. By the way, Brigitte had the habit of taking notes. There must be records of those people she warned before. If we dig out the notes preserved in the Twilight Flower, we should be able to settle accounts with those gossiping people later. Slandering the Crown Princess is a serious crime enough to execute three generations of a family.”

“I have no interest in them. You handle it.”

“Okay, please entrust it to your subordinate to handle. Your subordinate will definitely satisfy you!”

Seeming very excited, Fia noticed Erin Slate’s shoulders trembling slightly. Without guessing, Fia knew Erin Slate would definitely find evidence to kill those gossiping small people to settle the account.

Fia had no disgust for this. Those people chose to go against her; their death was deserved. From the moment they enter the royal city, they should know what could be said and what couldn’t be said. Politics was a life-and-death game; paying the price for choosing the wrong camp was a matter of course. Moreover, strictly speaking, she had absolutely no good feelings for villains bullying others with their background. If not so, she wouldn’t let Erin Slate handle it. After all, how Erin Slate would choose was actually very clear.

“Compared to this, I care more about the notes left by Brigitte. That’s actually a diary, right?”

“You could say that. That was a habit she formed, recording daily affairs big and small in a notebook.”

“Is there anything written about me inside?”

“Yes. But at that time you prohibited your subordinate from reading the parts related to you, so your subordinate doesn’t know what exactly was written.”

“Tsk, why didn’t you say earlier,” Fia held her forehead in distress. “Later, return to Silvar with me. You go find Brigitte’s notes. This thing is very important to me. I must understand what kind of person I was in the past.”

This was crucial to whether her soul was replaced or she simply lost her memory.

Erin Slate, who was criticized, shrank her head, looking aside awkwardly. Because of her turning action, her light green ponytail almost swept into Fia’s chest.

“Sorry… Too much time has passed; your subordinate also forgot there was such a thing…”

“Knowing now is not too late. What about Half-Elves? Let’s go in first to see the Dark Elves and Half-Elves.”

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Saying this, Fia was about to bypass Erin Slate to push open the blackened tattered wooden door. Erin Slate hurriedly blocked Fia with her body.

“Wait, Your Highness! It’s very dirty inside. Those hostages have no ability to take care of themselves. You’d better not go in. Later your subordinate will ask people from Silvar to pick them up. After returning to the country and dressing them up, you can look as long as you want!”

“I am the Princess of Silvar. What’s wrong with visiting my own subjects?”

As soon as the voice fell, Fia and Erin Slate stopped moving together, looking toward the left side of the alley in unison. Standing there was a tall figure wrapped in dark red armor. Fia knew this person; this was the Wandering Knight.

Seeming very surprised to meet Fia, the Wandering Knight who just turned into the alley was obviously stunned, then strode toward Fia.

Erin Slate frowned, holding the sword in her right hand to block between Fia and the Wandering Knight.

“Halt! Who goes there?”

Obvious hostility made the Wandering Knight hurriedly extend his hands to surrender, his words full of embarrassment.

“Uh, just call me Wandering Knight, beautiful Elf lady. I am an acquaintance of the Elf lady behind you.”

“Acquaintance?”

“Although he is a Darkborn, he is working under Nola now. Let him come over.”

“Yes.”

Erin Slate bowed to Fia, put down the sword, and retreated to Fia’s side. Fia sized up the Wandering Knight again. This was Brinkat, not the hunting ground. The Wandering Knight shouldn’t appear here.

“Didn’t expect to meet Her Highness Dofilia here. It must be fate tying us together. Ah, I don’t mean to offend, just want to say we are destined. You know, there is no war now, and I heard there was a monster riot in the Weeping Mountains, even the Holy Son personally went out. I, a warrior who can only contribute strength, was really bored, so I ran over to see the situation myself. I have communicated with Lady Ying. Because I know some Faith Magic more or less, maybe I can restore the hostages’ spirits, so Lady Ying let me come to try first. Are you not going in?”

The Wandering Knight pointed to the tattered wooden door, his voice full of doubt. Fia couldn’t help feeling that the eyes under the Wandering Knight’s mask must be staring wide with curiosity.

Already knowing the reason for the Wandering Knight’s arrival, there was no need to stop him. Fia retreated to the side.

“I have some things I haven’t finished saying to Erin Slate. Wandering Knight, you go in first.”

“Then I’ll obey respectfully.”

Cupping his hands toward Fia, the Wandering Knight pushed open the door with his right hand. But just a moment before he opened the door, he stopped his force suddenly, turning to look at Fia, full of admiration.

“I heard of your deeds from Lady Ying. Wiping out the Darkborn stronghold with just two people, capturing countless demons alive. Truly worthy of being Her Highness the Eldest Princess. If not for you, the hostages inside the door would definitely have been tortured to death by the Darkborn. I thank you on their behalf.”

“Aren’t you also a Darkborn?” Fia deliberately teased, spreading her hands. “And you, a Darkborn, actually know Faith Magic. I heard Faith Magic requires faith in gods for gods to promise miracles.”

“Hehehe, you are really humorous. Although I am a member of the Darkborn, I only do things with a clear conscience. Swinging a blade at unarmed weaklings is an act of cowardice. Even if challenging, one should challenge those stronger than oneself, like dragons, or other people belonging to the Darkborn. So in the eyes of outsiders, I belong to the kind category. As for faith, faith only considers piety, not race. As long as the heart reaches, Faith Magic can be used just the same. I think the gods should also be gratified to shake hands and make peace with former enemies.”

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“Interesting statement. I won’t disturb you. Go do your things. If you can restore the hostages’ sanity, that would be a great merit.”

“I’ll take your auspicious words.”

Like a gentleman in a tuxedo, the tall Wandering Knight bowed to Fia, finally pushed open the gate, and walked straight into the yard.

Not until a cry of surprise came from the room opposite the door did Erin Slate lean close to Fia and ask in a low voice.

“Your Highness, I felt a trace of danger from him. He might not be as simple as on the surface.”

“I felt what you felt, but I tested him. He is indeed fine.”

“Should send someone to monitor.”

“A sixth-rank expert can easily detect someone tracking him. We will leave here soon. Don’t create unnecessary misunderstandings and troubles.”

“Yes…”

With an expression hard to let go, Erin Slate agreed in a low voice.

Fia could only be helpless about this. The Wandering Knight’s attire indeed made it easy for people to suspect him. Not probing personally, feeling his movements suspicious was reasonable. In fact, even if she had probed the Wandering Knight, she didn’t trust him completely, and wouldn’t let partners stay alone with him in the same space. The Knowledge-Seeking Demon General and the Watcher were also Darkborn, but never gave her this unpredictable sense of danger, as if she would be plotted against by the Wandering Knight if not careful.

She signaled Erin Slate to walk on the street, taking the initiative to step toward the bright alley entrance.

“Continue the previous topic. What are Half-Elves? People possessing both human and elf bloodlines literally? Then why isn’t Anastasia a Half-Elf?”

“Anastasia is a Forest Elf. Like you said, a Half-Elf’s parents must be one elf and one non-elf. Generally, the probability of a Half-Elf being born is only one-tenth, meaning only one out of ten such babies is a Half-Elf. The probability of birth is very low.”

“Half-Elves sound like they would combine the advantages of both races, but the fact is just the opposite. Half-Elves’ ears aren’t as long as normal elves; their ears are short and pointed. Moreover, without Mana Surge, their affinity for magic is also inferior to orthodox elves. Placed among us elves, they count as disabled. Plus being the product of intermarriage with foreign races, Half-Elves’ treatment in Silvar is the same as Dark Elves and humans.”

“It’s just intermarriage, yet they are ostracized because of their race…”

“This can’t be helped either. If they could be as powerful as Stellacryst Beasts and vampires, naturally they would receive our respect. But they are weaker than us, unable to surpass us. Being discriminated against is also helpless. Although there are people benevolent and just like you among elves, it cannot be denied that most people like to bully the weak. Even if not bullying the weak, they won’t stand out to confront the strong. This is common sense.”

Erin Slate was right. One couldn’t force others to help, only restrain the perpetrators.

Fia sighed heavily.

“Hah, if only we could make everyone’s prejudice less severe.”

“If you wish, your subordinate thinks we can start with Dark Elves first. Compared with us Wood Elves, they have their own advantages and disadvantages. Wood Elves are good at nature magic, Dark Elves are good at blood magic. Letting them obtain battle results in the battle against the undead, maybe can gradually improve everyone’s view of them. In the final analysis, discrimination is built on the difference in strength. Of course, the marriage of the royal family is also a way of setting an example. But letting His Majesty marry a Dark Elf as a wife is really… afraid it’s hard to make His Majesty have such an idea.”

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“True.” Fia crossed her arms in distress. “After all, we don’t even know where the Dark Elf settlement is right now.”

“There is a group in the Land of Exile. Previously your subordinate and Anastasia saw a Dark Elf gathering place in the southern Land of Exile. If Your Highness wants to go, your subordinate can lead the way—we can also visit some ‘old friends’ by the way.”

When saying the words “old friends,” Erin Slate’s tone had a bit more coldness. Obviously, the other party wasn’t her real friend, but someone who didn’t get along with her.

Sensing Fia’s strange look, Erin Slate smiled.

“Those were people who tripped your subordinate up during your subordinate’s exile. Basically a group of local tyrants hitting a person when they’re down and bullying newcomers.”

“Did Anastasia encounter them too?”

“I think she should have encountered them. As long as it’s someone new to the Land of Exile, those people will give a show of strength, making the newcomer realize they are the leader.”

Is that so.

Fia revealed a knowing smile.

“I understand. After leaving Cold Night, let’s take a trip to the Land of Exile.”

“Yes.”

Unknowingly, the two had walked out of the alley to the busy street. And just at this time, a fiery red figure appeared in Fia’s vision. She was only about ten meters away from Fia, walking alone with her head down, obviously preoccupied. Not only that, Nola also held a sunflower with only half of its petals left in her hand. Nola was constantly pulling the sunflower’s petals, murmuring something in her mouth.

Even fools have their worries.

Everything that needed solving has been solved.

Curious and concerned, Fia called out to Nola loudly.

Nola raised her head subconsciously. After seeing Fia, she stiffened all over like a rusted machine. Her cheeks also climbed with crimson at a speed visible to the naked eye. Her ears even burst into flames with a poof . The sunflower in her hand fell directly to the ground in fright.

“F… Fia!?”

Then, Nola turned and walked away as if seeing a ghost.

Translator Note

i feel… using your subordinate this your subordinate that your subordinate thes your subordinate thos is really affecting my mind… im going crazy with this way of talking… should i keep it… buh… wth is this even. sorry for the rambling, thanks for reading.