章 68: Elf Kingdom II

"Johan, what do you think?" Angelica asked as we walked through the palace corridors filled with captivating carvings and artwork.

I sighed, feeling the weight of all the stares directed at us. "King Owen seems sincere, though not most of the people here," I said, referring to the disdainful and suspicious glances we had been receiving since our arrival.

Angelica gave a wry smile, her gaze distant. "Yes, it is inevitable due to their dark past. A hundred years ago, human kingdoms, including the ancestors of the Althoria kingdom, brutally exploited the elves. They were seen as highly valuable commodities, especially as slaves. During wars, elves were often captured and sold by the upper class for fantastic prices."

She paused, recalling a past full of suffering. "Even though the previous king had banned slavery throughout the country, that order was revoked when the current king came to power. The immoral business still continues in the shadows."