Chapter 13: Anna’s Growth Issues

Chapter 13: Anna’s Growth Issues

Elves and humans may not look very different at first glance—after all, elves are a bit more charming—but inside, the two races are worlds apart.

The most obvious distinction is lifespan.

A human, no matter how well they care for themselves, almost never lives beyond a few hundred years, whereas an elf’s life is counted in thousands.

As for someone like her, in her current state, she might even be on a ten-thousand-year track, potentially never dying a “normal” death, living alongside the world itself.

Though Anna is her daughter, she is also undeniably a child of humanity, possessing some human blood within her veins.

This means Anna will surely exhibit some traits typical of humans.

For instance, rapid development and a shortened growth period.

This phenomenon has been noted throughout history.

Of course, it varies from individual to individual.

Not every half-elf will fare the same way.

Some half-elves blend in quite well with the elven society, displaying characteristics similar to pure elves.

In contrast, those who grow more quickly find it harder to fit in with their peers.

After all, it’s a bit awkward when you’re only eighteen—a child in your own right—but look almost like the adults around you.

In the human world, they might also seem out of place.

With their elven blood, they inherit elven capabilities, such as longevity, along with very distinct elven traits, like pointy ears.

If this trait were to be overly pronounced, Airael wouldn’t know whether to be happy or worried.

Happy because her daughter is maturing quickly, allowing her to educate and nurture her to adulthood swiftly.

As for the issue of her daughter’s lifespan, she needn’t fret.

Fast growth doesn’t equate to a short life.

With Airael’s bloodline, little Anna possesses a vibrant life force.

Airael figures she could live for thousands of years without issue.

This is the normal lifepan for elves; as for herself, she’s quite the anomaly now.

Worry arises when considering whether little Anna can integrate into elven society.

After all, an eighteen-year-old becomes an adult in human terms, but in elven society, she’s merely a baby.

If we disregard these unfavorable factors, the innate talent of half-elves can be astonishing, especially when the gifts of both humans and elves are perfectly combined, potentially giving rise to a prodigy.

While this dilemma troubles Airael, she doesn’t lack solutions.

The easiest way would certainly be to attribute everything to the World Tree; backed by Linis, she holds the ultimate authority on matters regarding it.

However, clever individuals aren’t easily fooled by such tricks.

Yet, as little Anna’s mother, she will undoubtedly take full responsibility for her upbringing.

Once she resolved this issue in her mind, Airael went back to handling state affairs.

As of now, little Anna hasn’t exhibited any problems; all she can do is take preventative measures.

When the time comes, she’ll deal with it head-on, come what may.

At that moment, a maid knocked on the office door from outside.

“Come in!”

“Your Majesty, Lady Domiya requests an audience.”

The maid entered and respectfully bowed.

“Teacher Domiya?”

Airael paused her work, feeling perplexed.

Shouldn’t she be busy in the lab right now? Why would she come over?

However, since Domiya has made the trip, Airael cannot turn her away, and the fact that Domiya decided to visit must mean something significant is afoot.

“Please invite Teacher Domiya in.”

“Of course!”

The maid bowed and exited.

Seizing the moment, Airael continued her tasks.

Still, she would prefer not to work overtime this afternoon.

She wants to spend time with little Anna.

Especially now that she knows Anna’s growth could resemble that of a human; she cherishes every day and every moment together.

Time once lost cannot be regained.

And indeed, time is like a sharp knife, capable of changing many things.

Once upon a time, she was just an ordinary human man; now she is a mother and holds immense power as a nearly immortal elven queen.

If Anna’s childhood is brief, she intends to enjoy every precious moment she can spend with her.

“Your Majesty!”

Entering the office, Domiya slightly bowed to Airael.

Stopping her work, Airael looked at Domiya and asked, “Teacher Domiya, have you encountered any difficulties in your research?”

“Not at all. I came to invite Your Majesty to witness the latest results; the ‘Pegasus Project’ is now in its final experimental phase.”

“Oh! That’s fast!”

Airael felt excitement bubbling up.

This Pegasus Project is crucial for the upcoming military adjustments of the elven race.

“Thanks to Your Majesty’s support,” Domiya replied.

This isn’t some flattery; with Airael’s backing, they’ve had sufficient personnel, funding, and resources—everything they needed.

Considering the elven race already had foundational research in this area, if they still couldn’t produce results, it would truly be a mark of incompetence on their part.

“While my support is certainly vital, it’s you and your research team that are the real heroes—without you all, the Pegasus Project wouldn’t stand a chance, especially since it was your idea in the first place.”

Airael replied with a smile.

“Thank you, Your Majesty! We’ll continue to work hard to provide the elven race with even more advanced technology.”

“On behalf of the elven race, I thank you for your contributions.”

Airael lightly nodded at Domiya, making her feel a twinge of excitement.

Though she isn’t overly concerned with such recognition, it does feel wonderful to have their efforts acknowledged.

Aside from that, there were also Domiya’s followers.

Her lack of desire for fame doesn’t mean everyone else feels the same.

Airael smiled again, asking, “By the way, when do you plan to start the final experiment?”

“Three days from now. We hope Your Majesty will be able to attend.”

“I will be there.”

After successfully inviting Airael, Domiya took her leave.

She hurried back to share this good news with everyone.

In the coming three days, they must prepare everything.

Although the product has undergone multiple tests, this time will be its most refined form, yet precaution is paramount.

If any mistakes happen in front of Airael, that would be embarrassing.

Domiya may be indifferent to fame, but she continues to value her reputation.

The entire Magic Research Institute is diligently working towards the final experiment in three days.

If this experiment culminates perfectly, they will be able to commence mass production of the product.