Chapter 12: The Treeman
In the tranquil surroundings, Airael’s words stood out sharply, drawing everyone’s attention back to their naive queen.
Even though she had yet to take the throne, as the queen elevated by Linis, she was certainly not someone the elves could ignore.
Especially since she held the Staff of Eternity, a weapon only Your Majesty could wield.
Krul spoke up, “Your Majesty, while I too wish to find reliable allies for our Elven Race, I must be frank—our kind may not have any allies to find.”
“What about the races from the sea?”
Airael asked urgently.
Hearing this, the elves finally understood the context of Airael’s earlier statement.
This time, it was Linis who answered Airael’s query.
She stood up, turned to face Airael, and said, “Your Majesty, while the sea races won’t easily allow humans to traverse their lands, that’s about it. They only cause some annoyance to humans to make their presence known. Perhaps after receiving a toll, they’ll retreat willingly. So, the sea races are unlikely to ally with us elves to wage war against humans.”
“Fine! Then you all continue your discussions.”
Airael said, feeling quite dejected.
It seemed she had underestimated the situation.
Linis nodded, turning back to her place to continue leading the meeting.
However, as she turned, a glimmer of determination flashed in her eyes.
Maybe the Elven Race wasn’t completely without allies.
After an entire morning, the meeting finally concluded.
The elves settled on a plan to deal with the human army.
The entire plan centered on one key point.
That was to avoid having the Elven homeland embroiled in this war and keep the human army at bay across the sea.
If the human army long remained without establishing a base in Elven territory, they would be like rootless drifters on the ocean, perhaps deciding to withdraw of their own accord.
As the various lords dispersed, Airael prepared to leave the assembly and return to the Avalon Royal Palace when Linis called out to her, “Your Majesty, please wait!”
“Linis, what is it?”
Airael stopped and looked at her with curiosity.
Linis approached with a serious expression and said, “Your Majesty, I hope to impose upon you. For the sake of our Elven Race, I wish for you to accept a task.”
Airael couldn’t help but swallow nervously.
She sensed the weight of Linis’s request.
This meant whatever Linis was about to ask was significant.
Consequently, she anxiously inquired, “A task? What task?”
It wasn’t that she wished to refuse; after all, she was tied to the Elven Race now, and serving them would only bolster her own prestige, greatly beneficial to herself.
What she feared was failing at this mission.
She was quite aware of her own abilities.
Having just learned the Fireball Technique, a basic spell, it wouldn’t amount to much impact.
Noticing Airael’s unease, Linis’s expression softened. “Your Majesty, this task will not be too difficult for you, and the dangers are minimal.”
Hearing this, Airael relaxed a bit.
“Linis, what is it you want me to do?”
“Your Majesty should have heard of the Treemen these days.”
Airael nodded.
Recently, her history teacher had spoken about this ancient race.
However, the Treemen hadn’t shown themselves in ages.
Suddenly remembering, Airael looked up at Linis in surprise.
She recalled her history teacher mentioning that once upon a time, the Treemen had a great relationship with the Elven Race, guarding the Tree of Life together.
Yet, as the Elven Race grew stronger and pursued conquest, their relationship soured.
Some elves naturally regarded the Treemen as their vassals.
Due to this strain, the two races ended up in conflict at one point.
Although they eventually reconciled, the Treemen had not appeared before the elves since then. If not for documented history, the races across the continent would have dismissed them as mere legend.
Linis gazed at Airael with admiration in her eyes.
Indeed, their Majesty was quite intelligent.
In fact, if Airael hadn’t suddenly mentioned the search for an ally, Linis wouldn’t have thought of the Treemen.
For years, the Elves had been fighting solo.
Moreover, their relationship had been quite stiff due to past grievances.
Unless stability was sought, Linis wouldn’t have asked Airael to undertake such a task.
“Exactly, I hope Your Majesty can go find the Treemen, and in your name, request them to honor their old covenant.”
“Covenant?”
Airael looked puzzled.
“Yes, while the relationship between the elves and Treemen has been strained, they have always been allies. As long as Your Majesty personally shows enough sincerity, I believe the Treemen will set aside past grievances and assist our Elven Race against the humans.”
Upon hearing this, Airael instantly felt a surge of excitement.
If that were the case, the Elven Race would no longer be alone, and their chances of success would skyrocket.
However, it didn’t take long for Airael to realize another problem.
The Treemen had been in seclusion for so long; where would she even find them?
“But where should I look for them?” Airael asked aloud.
“Your Majesty, do you remember the place where we first met?”
Airael nodded.
“That is where the Tree of Life is located, and you should be able to find the Treemen there.”
Airael was a bit surprised and asked, “Am I going alone?”
“Of course not! Hela, Celia, and Aurora will accompany you, taking care of you while ensuring your safety. Meanwhile, I will arrange a squad of fifty palace guards to accompany you as well.”
Airael looked at Linis with a smile and promised, “Linis, I will find the Treemen.”
With that, her safety was secured.
After all, the journey wouldn’t be without peril.
Without further ado, that very afternoon, Airael set out from the Elven Royal City, accompanied by a group of people.
Naturally, all her lessons were pushed aside for this.
Riding atop the unicorn Linis had prepared for her, Airael marveled at the familiar scenery around her.
She had traveled this path once before.
The place where the Elven Race lived was so beautiful that even after seeing it once, she could appreciate it a second time.
Towering, straight trees, lush green grass, clear waters, and splendid wildflowers blooming everywhere…
This was like a paradise on Earth.
She thought to herself that if such a place became well-known in her previous life, tourists would surely flock to it.
Although occasionally, some annoying magical beasts might appear to disrupt this beauty.
However, today, just like that day, she had no need to worry about her safety.
That day it was Linis protecting her, and today, besides Hela and the others, there was a fifty-member Elven palace guard.
These were the finest soldiers of the Elven Race, well trained, perfectly synchronized in their movements.
Being guarded by such an impressive force gave Airael a sense of security that equaled her time with Linis.
Though Linis was remarkably powerful, she was just one person and couldn’t cover every angle.
