Chương 9: Alferusia Kingdom II
[Pov Eric]
I looked around, and for the first time in my life, I saw a fantasy world that was actually real. I used to only see it from behind a screen, but now it was right in front of my eyes.
Behind the towering walls, a breathtaking view unfolded. Elves with beautiful and handsome faces walked here and there, moving about in a city full of life. Buildings with elegant and artistic architecture surround the winding streets, filled with various shops and stalls selling magical items and daily necessities.
I was mesmerized by all this. Looking at the elves with their beautiful faces, I felt like I was in another world. Amazed by the proportions of my face now, I realized that in the future I would probably become a handsome man. However, seeing so many adult elves with beautiful and handsome faces, surpassing the idols in my world, made me feel inferior.
However, if only my current situation wasn't considered strange by passers-by. I could feel their gazes-a mixture of sympathy and disbelief. A child being considered a criminal, it was indeed quite a concerning sight. Some of the passing elves showed expressions of sympathy and compassionate glances, while others stared with confusion or disbelief.
I walked with my hands tied, feeling very self-conscious. "Well, since I'm still of the same race as them. What if I were a human?" I thought, feeling the chill of reality. There was no need to imagine what would happen-it was definitely much worse. Especially with the current situation of war conflict with humans heating up.
Although I was in this wonderful world, the harsh reality of the situation I was in could not be ignored.
"Go inside, boy," said one of the guards, his voice flat but firm, when I was told to enter the underground room.
I could only obey his orders, following his lead with a heavy heart. The narrow passage we entered was full of dampness, the walls were overgrown with mold, and the smell of dampness mixed with a musty odor filled the air. The dim candlelight only slightly illuminated the path, creating eerie moving shadows around me.
Our steps echoed on the stone floor, creating a monotonous and oppressive rhythm. Each step felt like an additional weight on my shoulders. After what seemed like an eternity, we finally reached my holding cell. Cold, rusted metal greeted me, giving off a gloomy vibe that added to the sense of isolation.
"Sit here and wait," the guard ordered before closing and locking the cell door with a rattling sound that echoed down the corridor.
I sat on the cold stone floor, my back leaning against the damp wall. Silence and darkness surrounded me, only the sound of water droplets falling in the distance. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself in the midst of this uncertainty. My mind was spinning, wondering what would happen next and how I could prove my innocence.
.
..
…
[Pov Change]
At the same time, in a magnificent palace room with intricately carved walls and gleaming marble floors, Queen Beatrice sat in a velvet-covered chair. In her graceful hands, she held a cup of warm tea that emitted a fragrant aroma, while the other hand gently leafed through a report written on a carefully crafted sheet of bark.
The room was illuminated by the sunlight coming in through the large windows, reflecting light throughout the room, creating a warm and bright atmosphere. The gold-colored silk curtains swayed gently in the breeze from the slightly open windows.
"So... The village near the border was attacked?" asked Beatrice, her voice soft yet firm, her eyes focused on the male elven guard named Izack who stood tall before her.
Izack, an elf with a well-built body and a serious face, bowed slightly as a sign of respect before answering. "That's right, Queen. We received a report that the village was attacked and the attackers were slave traders working with one of Terra's royal nobles," he said in a stern tone. "It's obvious that the attack was for the purpose of slave hunting."
Beatrice sipped her tea elegantly, then placed the cup on the small table beside her. Her bright blue eyes conveyed worry and firmness as she pondered the information she had just been given. The sunlight streaming in through the window gave the room a warm feel, but the chill from the anxiety she felt made the atmosphere heavy.
"This is very worrying," She murmured, her voice almost a whisper yet full of firm decisiveness. "Basically they really want to go to war with us. Not to mention I have a feeling that my eldest daughter, Anna, is being taken captive."
Her graceful hands began to tremble as she expressed her worries, revealing her vulnerability as an anxious mother. Izack, who stood before her, saw the anxiety in the queen's eyes and felt the growing weight of responsibility on her shoulders.
Izack bowed deeper, showing respect and empathy. "Queen Beatrice, we will do everything we can to ensure Princess Anna's safety. Patrols and investigations will be stepped up to find out your daughter's whereabouts."
Beatrice nodded, although the anxiety was still clearly depicted on her face. "Thank you, Izack." The Queen took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. The soothing scent of the tea was unable to completely dispel her worries. After a while, she remembered something important. "Right, how did the interrogation of that Eric boy go?"
Izack stood tall, with a more serious tone replied, "Captain Naura herself intervened to interrogate him, Queen."
Beatrice furrowed her brows, but there was a hint of calmness in her tone. "I see. Tell Naura not to be too rough with that child. After all, she has brought Bella back safely. And when my little elf finds out that her friend had an unpleasant experience, I really don't want to think about the repercussions."
Izack nodded, feeling the weight of his now increasing responsibility. "Of course, Queen. I will relay your message to Captain Naura immediately."
Beatrice sighed again, her eyes returning to the report in her hands. The sunlight coming in through the window shone on her face, reflecting the tension etched there. "Thank you, Izack. Do your best to ensure justice and safety for all involved."
Izack bowed once more before turning to leave. The sound of his steady and firm steps echoed in the hallways of the grand palace, creating a rhythm that seemed to add to the burden on Beatrice's mind. The queen sat back in her chair, trying to focus her mind on the various problems plaguing her kingdom. However, images of her daughters continued to plague her mind, reminding her of the daunting task she had to fulfill as a mother and queen.
"It might not be long before war breaks out," she murmured softly, her voice full of anxiety. She gazed out of the window, looking at the beautiful yet worrying scenery of the elven city. "And I really don't want to involve my race in a war, not to mention our population is declining."
Beatrice let out a long sigh, frustration evident on her face. "Haah, if only the king hadn't put half-elves into a special district, surely the internal problems we had before would never have happened. He keeps spouting nonsense about purebloods and half-bloods are just an eyesore in this holy land," she grumbled, her voice laden with bitterness.
Beatrice's mind drifted back in time, recalling the decisions made by the king. Discriminatory policies towards half-elves had created tensions and divisions among his subjects, sparking internal conflicts that undermined the peace and prosperity of the kingdom. Regret and frustration gripped her heart, adding to the burden she already carried as queen.
She looked down at the documents on the table, but her mind kept drifting back to the fate of her daughters and the future of her kingdom. "I must find a way to reunite us," he thought, "and protect the future of our people from the threat of war and division."
<---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->
Author note:
Character Description
Name: Izack
Age: 400 years old
Appearance: Izack is an adult elven man with a tough and experienced appearance. He is of medium height, with a sturdy and muscular build. His hair is short and dark in color, giving off a masculine and stern impression. His eyes are sharp and alert, reflecting his intelligence and courage as a soldier. His ears are firm and pointed, indicating his strong heritage in martial arts. His skin is slightly dark, indicating his frequent habit of being in the field. He always wears a functional and practical soldier's uniform, with weapons hanging from his waist.
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