Chapter 29: The Astonishing Linis

Chapter 29: The Astonishing Linis

“As the saying goes, ‘A stumble can lead to wisdom.'”

She took a small loss that could perhaps bring about her growth—maybe it was a gain after all.

With this self-comforting thought, Airael felt her mood lift considerably.

With Airael in higher spirits, Hela didn’t press her further about her feelings.

The group continued their journey, aiming to exit the vast forest before nightfall.

Unlike their arrival, they were much lighter on their feet this time.

Their mission had been successfully completed, leaving no need to specifically search for traces of the Treemen.

Thus, their pace through the forest increased significantly.

Two days later, Airael and her companions smoothly returned to the Elven Royal City.

Outside the city, as she gazed at the tall and exquisite city walls, Airael felt a little dazed.

After a few days away, she found herself unexpectedly nostalgic for this place.

Although life here had brought her considerable pressure, as the queen of the Elven Race, this was undoubtedly her homeland.

This place belonged to her!

As the group slowly walked into the Royal City, the elves on the roads respectfully cleared a path for them.

Although the general populace of elves didn’t yet recognize Airael, the perceptive ones could easily tell that this entourage was not to be trifled with.

To have so many Royal Palace Guards escorting her indicated that Airael was no ordinary person.

Seeing the streets crowded with elves, Airael’s expression filled with surprise.

She remembered when she left just days ago, the streets were far from this busy.

Why were there so many elves today?

It’s important to note that the population of the Elven Race is quite small; even in the Royal City, there aren’t many permanent residents.

“Hela, is today some kind of special festival?” Airael curiously asked.

Hela frowned and replied, “Your Majesty, today is not a special festival.”

She then started observing the surrounding elves and continued, “These elves must be from outside.”

“Elves from outside,” Airael muttered under her breath.

She felt deep down that something significant must have happened in the Royal City during her absence.

Noticing Airael’s concern about the extra outside elves, Hela urged, “Your Majesty, we should hurry back to the palace.”

But Airael refused, “No, we’re going to the Life Temple to find Linis.”

Hela advised, “Your Majesty, I can relay the matters regarding the Treemen to Lady Linis; there’s no need for you to go personally.”

Airael shook her head, “Hela, I’m looking for Linis not just about the Treemen, but for other matters as well.”

Seeing this, Hela didn’t press further and had the Royal Palace Guards escort Airael to the Life Temple.

Iis and the other elves had no choice but to obey orders.

As the Elven Queen, it was easy for Airael to enter the Life Temple.

At the moment she walked in, an elf from the Life Temple went to notify Linis.

In her office, as Linis was working, she paused upon hearing that Airael had arrived, then set aside her tasks and walked outside.

Not far along, she bumped into Airael.

At this moment, only Hela, Iis, and two Royal Palace Guards followed Airael; the rest had been left outside.

They weren’t there for a raid, so there was no need for such a grand entrance.

“Your Majesty! Welcome!” Linis bowed deeply to Airael before looking up, waiting for her to speak.

Airael looked up at Linis and said, “Linis, I’ve come today to discuss a few matters with you.”

“Please follow me, Your Majesty; this isn’t a suitable place for conversation, let’s move to a different location.”

“Sure!” Airael nodded and followed Linis to the conference room of the Life Temple.

This time, Iis and the two Royal Guards remained outside.

Only Airael, Linis, and Hela were permitted inside.

“Your Majesty, please take a seat!” Linis gestured to the main seat.

Airael naturally sat down without hesitation.

Hela silently stood behind her, following suit.

“Linis, you should sit as well,” Airael pointed out to Linis, who had remained standing.

“Thank you,” Linis said as she took her seat, then looked at Airael and asked, “What brings you here, Your Majesty?”

“It’s nothing major; it mainly concerns the mission I undertook with the Treemen,” Airael replied.

Upon hearing “mission,” Linis’s expression brightened, and she asked, “How did that go, Your Majesty?”

Airael responded, “The Treemen have agreed to unite with our Elven Race to resist the Human Race’s invasion.”

“That’s wonderful news! The Treemen are definitely reliable allies, Your Majesty, you’ve done a fantastic job,” Linis exclaimed with joy.

Seeing Linis’s delight, Airael also smiled.

Still, that said, although she might have faced some minor setbacks, the outcome was nothing short of delightful.

Especially Linis’s commendation, which made her feel a bit elated.

Airael understood that whether she could officially rule would hinge on Linis’s satisfaction with her and whether she would be willing to pass her powers into Airael’s hands.

In her excitement, Airael continued, “Actually, my gains from this journey are not limited to that.”

Linis’s eyes widened in surprise. “Oh! Does Your Majesty have more rewards to share?”

Airael gently nodded, smiling, “Of course! In this conflict with the humans, the Treemen are willing to entrust us with their command, but we Elves must take responsibility for their warriors and not harbor biases against them.”

Without giving it much thought, Linis quickly replied, “That’s completely acceptable.”

The Treemen’s warriors are tremendously powerful fighters, after all, and good steel is meant to cut!

“Moreover, the previous grievances between the Treemen and our Elves have been resolved. I hope we can enjoy friendly relations moving forward,” Airael added.

Linis’s jaw dropped in shock, and after a long moment, she managed to ask, “Your Majesty, is that truly the case?”

Linis had hoped for Airael to bring back the Treemen’s aid from this mission.

That wasn’t difficult; they understood the principle of ‘if one falls, they all suffer.’

But the surprises Airael brought her today were truly overwhelming.

Accepting command of the Treemen warriors was to be expected, yet the reconciliation between the two races was truly beyond her wildest dreams.