Chapter 815

Chapter 815: Emerald Forest

The gilded carriage moved steadily along the main road, its pace smooth and even, rarely jolting.

This was the main thoroughfare within the Empire. The road surface had been maintained and improved over generations by the nobility, making it very flat and unobstructed.

White lace curtains fluttered slightly behind the carriage windows. Through these curtains, one could see the scenery outside, with vast golden fields lining both sides of the road, and occasionally small stone cottages scattered among them.

Inside the carriage, two young ladies sat facing each other. One of them had delicate dragon horns and was dozing on the table, while the other flipped through a collection of recent imperial poetry books, occasionally glancing out the window.

In this book of poetry, poets depicted the changes in power within the Empire in recent years through dramatic forms. It mainly told the tragic yet beautiful love story between a brave common knight and a noble lady, interspersed with many surprising plot twists, which were widely circulated among both the common folk and the nobility.

Although there was a significant gap from reality, people could not resist enjoying such romantic stories. In an era where cultural entertainment was scarce, such poetry collections were considered classics.

People were unwilling to believe in the Empire’s complete defeat on the battlefield and preferred to think of it as a brief low point, much like a classical tragic opera.

Indeed, after flourishing for hundreds of years, sudden decline was hard to accept. Many must have found it difficult to come to terms with.

Tying back her hair, the young lady gradually closed the book and leaned against the carriage window, gazing at the tranquil and beautiful scenery outside.

The eastern wilderness of the Empire remained peaceful and tranquil as before.

—

In the Emerald Forest.

A line of elves spread their emerald translucent butterfly wings and darted through the towering trees. Their wings brushed against the summer sunlight, casting faintly changing rainbow reflections.

This was where the forest elves lived. Numerous elves were scattered across the vast forest and mountains, with sparse population, often requiring long flights to see clusters of small houses.

Compared to the ever-changing world outside, life here remained peaceful. Some elves rode on high-horned deer, patrolling this quiet world.

However, changes in the world slowly affected this place. Some patrolling elves began to carry mechanical bows, and some used three-dimensional mobility devices to shuttle through the forest at high speeds. Leather boots contained foldable short blades, and new water wheels could even be seen by many riversides.

Although there was no industrial or mechanized clamor, the elves began to accept external changes in their own aesthetic way.

“It’s been so long since I returned; the forest has changed a lot,” said Eitexi, who zipped through the tall tree shadows, leaving a swift S-shaped trail.

“Princess, you’ve indeed missed many things, but that might not be entirely bad. Princess Eitya has often complained to me that she wished she had gone east herself,” replied a young female elf flying beside Eitexi, addressing the princess just returned to the forest.

“I feel that person is having a pretty good time in the east,” despite the distance, Eitexi’s sister could still sense her younger sister’s emotions.

As twin-born elven princesses, Eitexi and Eitya showed extraordinary talent from a young age and became princesses of the elven clan decades ago.

Elven princesses were candidates for the queen, usually selected from royal bloodlines. However, more emphasis was placed on individual strength. After generations of reproduction, nearly a third of the forest elves could claim to be part of the royal bloodline, making lineage less important within the elven community.

“It was indeed a very interesting journey,” Eitexi recalled her travels across the Eastern Continent over the past decade. She had seen many famous mountains and rivers, experiencing completely different human landscapes, which left her in awe.

If not for sensing her sister’s melancholy in recent years, she wouldn’t have rushed back so urgently.

“Alright, can you now tell me about the current situation in the forest?” As they approached the central Sacred Tree Garden of the forest elves, Eitexi couldn’t help but feel curious.

“Ah, well,” sighed the elven official, then began to explain.

“First, the changes within the Empire have led the elves to retreat into the forest again.”

“Though we are strong enough, we cannot easily interfere with the Empire’s internal affairs to avoid provoking the sensitive nerves of humans, which could easily ignite hatred between the two races.”

“On the Western Continent, rapid changes are underway. Many elven scholars have brought back theories and classics from Clancia, sparking many discussions in the forest.”

“Some elves advocate embracing ideas and technology, while others believe only technology should be adopted. Still, others argue that we should follow ancient traditions and maintain a pure and natural lifestyle.”

“Debates have begun at meetings, and Her Majesty has kept a cautious stance, not making any hasty statements.”

“Moreover, several high nobles have already contacted us, seeking our stance and support. It is foreseeable that the civil war within the Empire is inevitable. This is what makes the elves anxious and hesitant, and partly why some elven nobles have started promoting new technologies to arm the elves.”

Seeing that Eitexi still looked puzzled, the elven noblewoman continued to explain.

“Those great nobles of the Empire represent not only themselves but also the shadows of the four dukes. With the weakening of the royal family, the four dukes are no longer easy targets to offend.”

Aside from the Red Dragon Duke Basca family, whose influence was waning, the other three dukes still commanded millions of subjects and vast territories. The decline of the Empire did not mean their decline; they remained powerful after the failed expeditions.

“Change and alliances, Eitexi summarized in her mind.

“Alright, alright. I am not the type of elf skilled in politics and strategy, so let’s not talk about these things. They make my head hurt,” Eitexi shook her head, her golden hair swaying in the wind.

Passing through hanging vines and blooming golden moon flowers, the blue lake, and the majestic garden surrounded by three towering sacred trees gradually appeared among the branches and leaves.

These three sacred trees reached the sky, with their crowns shrouded in mist, and below them were various-sized elven palaces, arranged neatly by the lakeside and under the trees, like graceful crescent moons.

“I’m finally back,” Eitexi slowly descended, her body enveloped by a sphere of wind, gently stepping onto the lawn by the lakeside.

“What kind of situation the elves will face, I cannot predict.”

“But at least, I hope I can fulfill my duties, protect everyone in the forest, and maintain this peaceful home.”

“Take me to meet Her Majesty. I can feel that my sister is waiting for me there. Perhaps she is already thinking about how to scold me.”

Eitexi smiled and lightly pressed her chest. Her practical dress grew and extended like flowering vines, revealing elegant gold-leaf cuffs and semi-transparent petal skirts. A small golden circlet adorned her hair.

“Welcome back, my esteemed Princess.”

As the words fell, elite guards wielding full-length swords knelt on one knee, clearing a path to the central sacred tree.

—

Don’t worry about Florasia =.=

In fact, Florasia did not have a relationship with the Crown Prince. Due to limited space, Florasia’s storyline could not be written today. (Qingskies’ writing speed is concerning)

(End of Chapter)