Chapter 10: Humans and Elves

Chapter 10: Humans and Elves

After some self-reflection, Hank was now filled with worry for Airael.

Whether it was Airael’s two acts of assistance or the little thoughts in his heart, he couldn’t help but be concerned for her safety.

The Shadow noticed Hank’s change.

This gave him a glimmer of opportunity.

Perhaps this situation wasn’t as troublesome as he thought.

The Shadow didn’t speak immediately, only looking at Hank, waiting for him to say something first.

After a moment of pondering, Hank looked at the Shadow and said, “I choose to trust you.”

He knew that at this moment, he had completely lost the initiative.

But he did it anyway.

Maybe he appeared humble, but he was merely seeking a clear conscience.

Regardless of anything else, Airael had helped them twice, and such a kindness must be repaid.

“A very correct choice. Now you can tell me what you know.”

The Shadow looked at Hank and spoke with a hint of subtle excitement and eagerness.

He had a feeling that what Hank knew might not be much, but it would likely be crucial.

“To be honest, I don’t know much about Lady Ailia either. The first time I met her was at sea when our Mercenary Group escorted a merchant ship from the Elven Race’s Avalon to Bruz City.

On the sea, we encountered Pirate John, and it was Lady Ailia who suddenly came to our aid against the pirates. After arriving in Bruz City, I brought Lady Ailia here to collect the bounty for killing the pirates.

It was then that Lady Ailia met her lover, Lord Axi, as you mentioned.

I helped Lady Ailia gather information related to Lord Axi, and then she parted ways with us to be with him.”

At this point, Hank sighed, a hint of disappointment on his face.

“Is that all?” the Shadow asked.

He had obtained some information, but if that was all, it wouldn’t be enough.

“Also, about a year ago, I encountered Lady Ailia here again. At that time, she traveled with us to Avalon, and on the way, she helped dissuade Dark Elf pirates, preventing a massacre. After that, I haven’t seen Lady Ailia since.” Hank continued, sorrow evident in his demeanor.

A year ago… so the timeline aligns.

So she did go to Avalon.

But why would a mere human go to the Elven homeland of Avalon?

The Shadow didn’t pay attention to Hank’s condition, instead lost in thought.

Though he got some information from Hank, it still required thorough sorting and combining it with what he had previously learned.

After a moment of silence in the room, Hank looked at the Shadow and asked, “Sir, that’s all I know. Do you have any more questions?”

“Don’t rush. Let me think about what to ask you.”

Hearing Hank’s question, the Shadow first reassured him, then after pondering for a moment, he suddenly asked Hank, “Let me ask you this: Based on what you just said, when Lady Ailia arrived in Bruz City, was she unfamiliar with this place?”

“Yes!”

After considering the question, Hank nodded and replied, “Whether it was the Mercenary Tavern or finding information related to Lord Axi, I helped Lady Ailia with it. Not just that, it seems like she doesn’t understand the human world at all; it’s all just from books.”

A person returning from the Elven homeland to the human world but being unfamiliar with it.

There’s a possibility there.

That person must have grown up in the Elven homeland.

But that shouldn’t be the case!

Although the Elves and Humans have some exchanges, it’s merely economic trade.

Given some historical reasons, the relationship between Elves and Humans is quite awkward.

However, it’s not impossible.

Even though the relationship between these two races isn’t good, it doesn’t rule out some exceptional individuals among them.

Thinking of this, the Shadow halted his thoughts and pulled out a small pouch of gold coins, placing it on the small table beside Hank, saying, “Mr. Hank, thank you very much for your cooperation. This is your deserved reward.”

“Sir, I cannot accept your gold.”

Hank declined.

“If you truly wish to rescue Lady Ailia from danger, then consider this your contribution to her rescue.”

The Shadow looked at Hank with slight surprise, then smiled gently, “Since that’s the case, I won’t force you. But since I said I’d buy you a drink, I still intend to cover the tab. As for your concern for Lady Ailia, she shouldn’t be in any major danger.”

Summoning his courage, Hank asked, “So when do you plan to set off to rescue Lady Ailia?”

“I’m not very familiar with the Elven side, so we can’t rush this matter.”

“If you need help, I should be able to assist some. I have a few acquaintances among the Elves that I can talk to.”

Hank’s words surprised the Shadow once again, who then said, “I will consider your offer in my future plans.”

“Thank you!”

“No need to thank me; more hands mean more strength. Alright, let’s leave it at this for today. I’ll be heading out. If needed, I will contact you again.”

After saying that, the Shadow stood up and walked out.

When Hank followed him downstairs, the Shadow had already settled the bill and left.

Hank stood looking at the tavern’s door, somewhat dazed.

“Hank?”

Teresa approached, worry etched on her face.

“Teresa, I’m fine. You don’t need to worry about me. That sir just wanted to ask me about some things.”

Hank waved his hand.

After explaining to Teresa, Hank joined his fellow mercenaries, immersing himself in the tavern’s lively atmosphere.

Seeing the cheerful crowd, Teresa shook her head.

Perhaps I was overthinking it!

After leaving the Mercenary Tavern, the Shadow didn’t linger in Bruz City. He set off west, preparing to find Arthur.

This was something he needed to discuss with Arthur.

The Elven Race was a “strange” place for him.

He couldn’t act alone there; he needed support.

In plain terms, he was going to ask Arthur for money.

As the saying goes, money can make the devil push a millstone.

Surely the Elves couldn’t be an exception.

And he was doing this for Arthur, although technically it went beyond their initial arrangement.

Within the continent, he could handle things, but now with ties overseas and connections to the Elven Race, it exceeded his capabilities.

Though he didn’t want to admit it, it was already beyond his capacity.

Moreover, this matter might impact his future work.

Based on the information Arthur had shared with him, the future world was going to be very exciting.

So on this trip, he could also take care of some additional matters.

This required Arthur’s permission and support.