Chapter 66

After all preparations were complete, I requested an audience with the Head Elder.

It was to introduce military support for Marcella into Medelin.

Humans are cunning, but at the same time, foolish.

‘This must be the limit of a short-lived race.’

This was the thought that crossed Head Elder Ariel’s mind while observing Alan Medoff, the Empire’s diplomat.

Until a few days ago, the Head Elder had inwardly marveled at him since he was the mastermind behind the creation of heroin—a truly blessed substance.

However, this time, Alan Medoff had finally shown his true colors.

“Head Elder. I’ve been reflecting, and I have a proposition.”

“Heroin?”

“Yes, heroin. What if I build a production facility in Medelin and produce the drug here? Installing a magic array would be beneficial, and appointing a brilliant elf as the distributor would be a good idea too. However…”

“Would it be slower to produce heroin directly in Medelin?”

“Ah, it’s just as you say, Head Elder.”

Alan Medoff’s suggestion to build a production facility in Medelin was presumptuous.

How dare a human seek to establish a base within the World Tree’s territory?

Though Alan had been in Medelin for two weeks to discuss heroin, permanently residing there was a different matter. Initially, the Head Elder intended to reprimand him, but…

‘Upon reflection, there’s no harm in this.’

Hosting a heroin production facility would benefit the Head Elder as well.

Faster circulation of heroin?

That would indeed be welcome. Every time the heroin stock dwindled, it felt as though her heart was breaking.

Watching the young ones collect heroin often made her feel wronged—if it could be produced here, such pain would vanish.

There was another advantage.

‘This way, we can naturally secure the method of producing heroin!’

If Alan manufactured heroin right in the heart of Medelin, the production method would naturally fall into their hands—no need for coercion or bribery. An elf couldn’t possibly be unable to create a drug humans could produce.

Perhaps ten years? Twenty years at most?

‘Then we won’t have to spend exorbitant sums buying heroin! We can make higher quality heroin ourselves.’

There was no better windfall, especially given the financial concerns. Of course, one mustn’t show it.

“Alan Medoff. What’s your purpose in making such a sudden proposal? Wasn’t your original goal to return to the Empire after achieving diplomatic success? I don’t understand why you’re trying to create an excuse to keep visiting Medelin.”

“Heh, it’s that…”

“Speak frankly, human.”

“Well, although I can’t quite explain it… I felt it might be alright to stay a bit longer in Medelin. Given that the Elders also desire heroin, wouldn’t it make sense for our interests to align? …Heh heh.”

What an answer. The continuous laughter was suspicious.

‘Ah, I see.’

From Alan Medoff’s behavior, the Head Elder understood his likely aim.

Perhaps he aimed to become a permanent envoy residing in Medelin under the pretense of heroin.

That would be far more prestigious than being a mere official for the Empire. Or, he might even wish to acquire an elven companion—excessively ambitious.

Such human greed had its own merits.

“Fine. What exactly is your intent, Alan Medoff?”

“To construct the facility, we’ll need the Empire’s technicians and laborers to enter Medelin. I hope the Head Elder will grant us permission. The workforce is already on standby at the border.”

“A truly audacious demand.”

“If you don’t approve, the heroin supply will be disrupted.”

“Are you saying you won’t sell it? I already know you covet wealth.”

“…”

Alan Medoff’s inability to continue speaking suggested he’d been seen through.

Having seized the upper hand, the Head Elder made her demand, asking for five kilograms of free heroin in return for allowing human access.

Though she negotiated down to four kilograms with Alan, the Head Elder had still secured free heroin.

‘This is what negotiation is about.’

Getting as much as possible while giving as little as possible.

Head Elder Ariel took another hit of heroin to encourage herself.

The drowsiness and intoxication set in simultaneously.

Though she had no desire to do anything, it felt as if she could accomplish anything. This was the greatness of heroin.

Granting relaxation, confidence, exhilaration, and tranquility all at once—it was a substance well-suited for the elven leader, the Head Elder.

‘Soon, I might be able to use it freely…’

The Head Elder smiled contentedly and summoned the Council of Elders.

She submitted the proposal of “human entry into Medelin for the establishment of a heroin production facility.” Although seven of the elders were absent, likely from heroin-induced effects, the proposal moved forward.

“Four kilograms free? It’s good, but…”

“No, no. We shouldn’t be too greedy. The Head Elder made an excellent judgment call. We won’t have to worry about heroin running out, and there’s no need to restrict usage for the young elves.”

“…The young ones are scary. We can’t stop them.”

“Would heroin manufactured in Medelin taste better?”

The event of bringing hundreds of humans into Medelin.

Had it been two months prior, it would’ve been unimaginable, but now everyone welcomed it.

When some elders voiced concerns about keeping vigilant, the matter was quickly resolved thanks to Marcela, the warrior representing the Great Forest.

“I’ll personally lead the way. I’ll thoroughly monitor the humans while guiding them to Medelin, ensuring they don’t misbehave.”

With Marcela, who guarded Medelin against humans, leading the way, there was assurance.

The Council of Elders eagerly awaited the arrival of humans, eagerly anticipating the day they could smoke Medelin-manufactured heroin.

Finally, the day came.

‘So, this moment has arrived.’

Currently in front of Marcela stood the troops dispatched by the Emperor of the Britannia Empire.

The number was around one hundred fifty.

This was the labor force Alan Medoff had deceitfully introduced to the Great Forest under the pretense of building a heroin production facility.

Even by Marcela’s standards, these were considerable elites.

In the lead was Sir Grant, the Viscount with whom she had crossed swords four years ago.

One of the Empire’s Masters. Although she had the upper hand during their fight, she let him live.

Not only was he alone, but he was leading a group of top-tier experts.

Knights from the Imperial Royal Guard, military officers from the Army’s special reconnaissance division, and highly skilled court magicians.

‘The Empire has made its decision.’

The amount of force being brought into Medelin was alarming. The elves under Marcela’s command wore troubled expressions.

Had it been the Marcela of old, this would’ve been unimaginable… No, there was no time for such thoughts.

Truthfully, it wasn’t only Marcela who was tense. The Imperial troops facing the forest’s greatest warrior were equally on edge.

This standoff continued awkwardly for a while.

“Move, humans. From now on, you follow my orders.”

“Great Warrior, might we—”

“Are you concerned about traps? I apologize, but most of the warriors who once resisted the Empire alongside me are now addicted to heroin. They’re probably smoking it right now. You simply need to help me take control of Medelin. Isn’t that the deal?”

“Of course, that’s what we were ordered. …So, Alan really pulled it off, did he?”

Viscount Grant’s expression was visibly complicated. He may have appeared like a typical skeleton, but…

Perhaps the operation was so important that it caused tension. Or maybe even from the Empire’s perspective, this whole matter progressed too swiftly.

At that moment, thoughts crossed her mind that perhaps Alan Medoff wasn’t just a diplomat and businessman but a much more powerful figure.

‘Anyway, there’s no turning back now.’

Marcela led the Imperial troops toward Medelin.

It wasn’t a direct, brash invasion through the Great Forest. The forest was so vast that even Marcela wouldn’t dare claim total familiarity with its terrain. Using the magical arrays installed at key locations, she efficiently transported the humans.

Guiding.

Introducing.

Or leading.

Call it what you may, it wasn’t entirely false.

When they encountered elves residing outside Medelin, she even reassured them, “You can relax. These humans have come with the Head Elder’s permission, so there won’t be conflict with the Empire anymore. You can sheathe your swords.”

“If that’s what Lady Marcela says, it must be true.”

The elves were so innocent they didn’t even seem to doubt.

Marcela’s heart bore a mix of guilt and a renewed sense of purpose.

‘I must protect them.’

The elves who hadn’t yet fallen to heroin… Despite their relatively weaker lineage and abilities, they were far more numerous in sheer numbers among the common elves.

It wouldn’t be easy.

Relating with the Empire, resistance from her own race, and the empire’s consul, Alan Medoff, probably orchestrating events in Medelin right now.

The latter was her greatest concern.

‘Still, I must succeed, even if my name goes down in history as scandalous.’

Marcela had already arrived at a small mill near Medelin.

Alan Medoff greeted her.

“Marcella, we can act now.”

“No. To minimize combat, we must act carefully.”

“I’ve done my homework. All the watchers guarding Medelin are addicts, and I’ve gathered the Council of Elders in one place… Under the guise of apologizing for some minor offense.”

“…”

“By now, they’re expecting free heroin and pipes.”

While Marcela guided the Imperial army, Alan Medoff had cleverly gathered the leadership in one spot for a swift takeover.

Indeed, he was a formidable human. He even carried a club, clearly intending to participate in the forthcoming chaos.

“Fine. Let’s end it quickly.”

Soon, Marcela’s guided force entered Medelin.

The elven guardians, indulging in hits of heroin, stared blankly at their arrival.

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