Chapter 27: Airael’s Display

Chapter 27: Airael’s Display

Iiscate’s hesitation was clear to Airael and Hela, along with the other elves.

As expected, mere words weren’t enough to sway the ancient Elder of the Treemen in front of them.

Hela felt a bit disheartened.

After all, the elves were in the wrong here.

It was they who had previously provoked the Treemen, creating a rift between their races.

Now, when they encountered trouble and turned to the Treemen for help, it would be strange for the latter to agree right away.

Airael was thinking the same thing as Hela.

Though still a diplomat novice, she found this situation easy to comprehend.

It was just that she struggled to express it.

Looking at the ancient Treeman before her, Airael took a deep breath to compose herself and said:

“Esteemed Elder of the Treemen, Lord Iiscate, I acknowledge that the Elven Race has committed wrongs against your people in the past. I apologize on behalf of all elves, in my capacity as Elven Queen.”

Dismounting from her unicorn, Airael bent sincerely before Iiscate.

“Your Majesty! You mustn’t do this!”

Hela exclaimed, surprised by Airael’s actions.

She hurried off her mount, trying to straighten Airael up.

However, Airael’s authoritative gaze stopped Hela in her tracks.

This was the first time Hela felt this awe from Airael.

That true regal presence belonging to a queen, rather than a cutesy elf girl under her guidance.

At that moment, Hela found herself at a loss for words.

She felt fear and intimidation—after all, Her Majesty was quite frightening;

Yet there was also surprise mixed with joy—Her Majesty finally looked like a true queen;

Lastly, a puzzled sense of confusion—why had she suddenly transformed into such a formidable figure?

While she certainly resembled a queen, it left Hela momentarily baffled.

In fact, Airael was also under pressure.

This mission to the Treemen was her first major task since becoming the Elven Queen.

Thus, she felt compelled to succeed and to do so splendidly.

With her mind made up, she didn’t want Hela to interrupt her.

Once Hela was halted, Airael straightened up, raising her head to look at the astonished Iiscate.

Her previous gesture had startled not just Hela but also all the elves and Treemen around them.

What might have seemed trivial to Airael was utterly astounding in this world.

After all, Airael was the Elven Queen.

That title once ruled over the entire world.

Even though the Elven Race had declined, that title still came with great prestige.

“Elder Iiscate!”

Seeing the ancient Treeman still in shock, Airael called out.

“I apologize for my earlier insolence.”

The ancient Treeman came back to his senses and returned her apology.

“It’s alright! I just hope that you, Lord Iiscate, and the Treemen may accept my previous apology.”

Airael smiled.

Her innocent smile, paired with her earlier action, truly touched the ancient Treeman before her.

Nothing conveyed sincerity more than the bow of this Elven Queen.

Iiscate even felt it was overwhelming.

Nearby Treemen were still processing their shock.

While some held grievances over past actions by the Elves, they hadn’t anticipated such a profound gesture today.

“Esteemed Your Majesty, I represent the Treemen in accepting your apology.”

Airael’s smile widened.

With that, half of her plan was already accomplished.

She hadn’t expected it to go so smoothly.

One could say these reclusive Treemen were earnest indeed!

Certainly, Airael hadn’t deceived these straightforward Treemen.

Her apology was heartfelt.

And she truly was Her Majesty the Elven Queen!

Then Airael continued, “So, shall we consider the unpleasantness between our peoples settled? The past is behind us; we ought to focus on the future.”

“That’s only right.”

Iiscate readily responded.

Having received such sincere apologies from the Elves, there was no reason for the Treemen to dwell on past grievances.

Yet, this response had inadvertently placed him in Airael’s scheme.

He hadn’t realized that his words were practically under Airael’s control.

With the situation under control, Airael felt more anxious than triumphant.

She feared that one misstep might ruin all her careful planning.

What looked easy from the sidelines was quite difficult when experienced firsthand.

Fortunately, her interlocutors were the straightforward Treemen; had they been more cunning races, she wouldn’t have had as many opportunities to perform.

With her heart racing, Airael continued, “However, our future is now faced with an enormous threat. The Human Race’s ambitions extend beyond just us elves; their Emperor Alexander intends to lead humans to revive and even surpass the glory of the past Elven Race. Therefore, their targets undoubtedly include your Treemen and the World Tree we both have guarded for generations!”

Though similar to what she had just shared with Hela, Airael’s words now carried a stronger emotional weight.

Earlier, she had forged peace between the Elves and Treemen, winning the favor of Elder Iiscate.

This made it more likely for Iiscate to lean toward her in making a decision.

Indeed, Iiscate soon offered his response, declaring his stance.

“The Treemen will absolutely protect the World Tree! We will not bow to humanity!”

As though envisioning the scene of the Treemen being conquered by humans and the World Tree being desecrated, his voice, filled with immense anger, echoed through the forest, resounding far and wide.

While he didn’t explicitly state an alliance against the Elven Race, Airael believed that if the humans breached the Elven defense at sea and invaded Avalon, they would undoubtedly take action.

Refusing to be subjugated by humanity was a clear stance.

Humans were currently on the path of conquest; to avoid being conquered required resistance, for fleeing was not an option.

The World Tree had its roots here!

This was also the homeland of the Treemen.

Thus, the Treemen, entrusted with a sacred duty, had nowhere to escape.