Perhaps because they resembled humans in appearance, they regarded elves as thorns in their sides and deliberately incited orcs to cause conflict. It was for this very reason that the Patal tribe, renowned for their combat prowess, had been stationed in the old orc territories. Because of that, Gedenheid did not particularly shy away from invading the elven forest.
"If they join forces, the Patal tribe alone will be unable to hold out. But while the Patal tribe buys time, reinforcements will continue to arrive; there is nothing to worry about." He silently attempted to communicate with the liches under his command. It was to deploy all the supply troops marching toward the northern end into the elven forest.
The elven village was quite far. The Chief Elder walked ahead while the party cautiously followed behind. What was astounding was that a path opened on its own as soon as the Chief Elder took the lead. The forest was so dense that the party had assumed there was no path, and they could not hide their astonishment.
"To think such a thing could exist... As expected of the forest race." "I can truly appreciate the saying that one cannot escape the forest without an elf's guidance." After chatting and walking for about an hour, the Chief Elder came to a halt.
"This is the village of the Luminous tribe." Bewilderment was written on the faces of the party. It was because there was nothing resembling a village no matter how hard they looked. Every direction was filled with giant trees. The lush leaves were so thick that even the sky was hidden. They looked around ceaselessly, but could see nothing.
"Where is the village?" The Chief Elder smiled faintly and raised his hand. Immediately, the tree trunk standing right beside them slowly opened, revealing several elves. They swept their gazes over the party with wary eyes and approached the Chief Elder. Surprisingly, it seemed the inside of the tree trunk served as the elves' dwelling.
"You called for us?" "See to it that these people are given a place to rest and food." After giving the order, the Chief Elder looked at Shrekheimer.
"Then will you follow me? Let us discuss the details." "Would you wait a moment?" Shrekheimer first looked at Daemon. As the de facto leader of the party, he naturally had to participate in the talks. Unexpectedly, Daemon shook his head.
"My head aches terribly. So handle the alliance yourself, Grand Prelate. Hmm, it would be best to take Kasim and Crancia with you."
Shrekheimer was momentarily taken aback, but instinctively realized it would be wise to comply with Daemon's words. Because of the incident earlier, Daemon's feelings toward the elves were less than favorable. Since an unintended dispute could arise, it seemed preferable in many respects for him to step aside. Shrekheimer silently nodded.
"If it is acceptable, I shall do so." "I am fine." Daemon, having nodded, looked at Catroi. "How about you play with me?" "Damned bastard, do you think I'd play with the likes of you?"
The elves looked extremely startled by Catroi's sudden torrent of curses. The Chief Elder's expression was especially a sight to behold. He looked at Catroi with eyes that seemed to doubt whether he was truly a dragon. Regardless of the elves' gazes, Daemon grabbed Catroi's arm and walked toward a part of the forest.
"Let's go together." Yuliana quickly followed after them. The Chief Elder watched their backs for a moment before turning around. "Let us go to my dwelling for now." "Very well."
At Shrekheimer's signal, Kasim and Crancia followed. They approached a massive tree trunk some distance away, following the Chief Elder. Just as before, the tree trunk opened, and the Chief Elder, Shrekheimer, Kasim, and Crancia disappeared inside. Several elves approached the remaining party. Among them, Illumina was visible. She was looking at Michel with a strange gaze. After hesitating briefly, Illumina opened her mouth.
"Please follow me." The party said nothing and followed Illumina.
Unexpectedly, Olivier was waiting in the Chief Elder's dwelling. His eyes were filled with hostility as before, so Kasim and Crancia forcibly averted their gazes from him. Naturally, they could not help but feel a slight surge of anger at the unwarranted cold treatment. 'Damn it. When has he even seen us to hate us like this?' Whether he knew what they were thinking or not, the Chief Elder, seated in his place, stared intently at Shrekheimer.
"So, do you think there is a chance of victory?" "I cannot say for certain, but if the elves' strength is added, the chances will undoubtedly rise. We intend to approach this war staking the fate of our race." "That goes without saying. If we lose, the fate of us elves will also be sealed."
The Chief Elder's expression darkened. To be frank, the Luminous tribe was in a dire situation. Their territory and population had been continuously decreasing due to constant conflicts with the Patal tribe. If the situation persisted, the very survival of the tribe would be in jeopardy, making the unexpected alliance proposal from the humans incredibly welcome. However, as he could not reveal the full extent of their predicament, the Chief Elder listened to Shrekheimer without showing his feelings.
"I have already come vested with full authority from His Excellency Count Perstein, the supreme commander of the crusading army. He has presented the condition that in return for the alliance, he will protect the elven territory."
From the elves' perspective, it was the most tantalizing condition. They desperately needed territory to tend the forest, and Shrekheimer was well aware of this. Moreover, from Count Perstein's standpoint, it was hardly an excessive demand. As expected, Chief Elder Schneider showed deep interest.
"Is that so?" "Yes. Once the elven territory is determined, human entry into it will be strictly controlled." Hearing the condition Shrekheimer presented, Chief Elder Schneider nodded in satisfaction.
Since the outcome of the war hung in the balance, Shrekheimer persuaded Chief Elder Schneider in an earnest tone. "Think about it. Five hundred years ago, when humans prospered in Truvenia, while there may have been minor disputes between humans and elves, surely there were no large-scale territorial invasions? At the very least, humans are a race that knows how to respect elves. Please help ensure that humans can continue to respect elves for all time."
"But are not all humans so? As far as I know, while there are many good humans, there is no lack of wicked ones either."
"Have no worries on that score. If there are humans who invade elven territory, they will be dealt with strictly by the law."
Olivier, who had been watching the negotiation process with a displeased expression, cut in. "Humans who violate the forest will be executed solely by elven means. It has been so until now, and will continue to be so. And there is one thing I am curious about. I wonder if you, an undead, are truly qualified to represent humanity."
In an instant, the room fell silent. The atmosphere had turned extremely cold due to Olivier's rude remark. Chief Elder Schneider looked at Olivier with a gaze that seemed to rebuke him.
"Enough, Commander. This negotiation is something we are far more desperate for. Surely you are not unaware of our tribe's plight of being continuously pushed back by the orcs?"
Only then did Olivier seem to realize the situation, and his face stiffened. "B-but..."
"Humans are not the enemy. Therefore, I ask that you regard them as members of the allied forces." Having finished speaking, Schneider looked at the party with an awkward expression. "Commander Olivier has his reasons for being this way, so I beg your understanding. Had it not been for that past incident, the Commander would not harbor such hostility toward humans."
A strange look flickered in Shrekheimer's eyes. "May I know of this incident?" After hesitating briefly, the Chief Elder soon revealed the truth.
"Commander Olivier had a younger sister named Laina. They were very close siblings. As you know, we elves do not marry. Therefore, the bond between siblings is truly profound. However..."
As the words that followed flowed out, the party's complexions gradually stiffened. "The Commander's sister was harmed by humans who came from Arcadia. Laina was violated by them and became with child. According to elven law, a child born between different races is not recognized as a member of the tribe, so Laina had to send the child away. In the end, Laina could not overcome her grief and passed away not long ago. It is precisely because of this that Commander Olivier hates humans."
"..."
The party kept silent. To think such a thing had happened in the past.
Crancia, who had been hesitating, cautiously opened her mouth. "Regarding that incident, I apologize on behalf of humanity, and I promise that the perpetrators will surely be punished later."
Olivier, who had been listening, spoke coldly. "There is no need. They have already been executed according to elven law..." Looking into Olivier's eyes laden with hostility, Crancia let out a long sigh.
She was firmly resolved to tighten control over the crusaders' soldiers. If by any chance the soldiers were to make mistakes bewitched by elven beauty, the repercussions would be beyond imagination. A short while later, it was Chief Elder Schneider who broke the silence.
"But how do you intend to transport your troops? As far as I know, the sea routes between the two continents have been completely blocked by the Dragon Lord's magic..."
Surprise flickered in Shrekheimer's eyes. "You knew?" "We elves are a race sensitive to mana. How could we not know of something that disrupts harmony?"
Shrekheimer carefully explained the plan he had prepared. "We intend to use the Dark Portal located beyond the elven forest. If we utilize it, Arcadia's great army can cross over with ease. As far as I know, the orcs' main forces are deployed on the eastern coast. Therefore, if we strike at the orcs' rear through the portal, our chances of winning the war will increase significantly."
As expected, the Chief Elder was startled. "You mean to use the Dark Portal? Such an absurd..."
"It is a sufficiently viable theory. One among our party, Daemon, is a Master of the Ninth Circle. Therefore, he is more than capable of modifying the Dark Portal."
Olivier, who had been listening, cut in. "Out of the question. How can you guarantee that they will not use the Dark Portal to forge a connection to the Demon Realm? Although there are a few humans among them, they are mostly composed of dark sorcerers, Death Knights, and liches. I cannot trust them..."
Before he could finish, the Chief Elder coldly cut Olivier off. A fierce light of rage blazed in his eyes. "I trust them. Let me warn you—do not commit any further rudeness toward them. Commander Olivier. Do you understand?"
"..."
Olivier quietly closed his mouth. He had never once seen the Chief Elder explode in anger like this. The Chief Elder, who had shot him a sharp glance, turned his head toward Shrekheimer.
"I may not know about others, but if it is your word, Shrekheimer, I can trust it. Now then, would you explain your plan?" Glancing at the silently watching Olivier, Shrekheimer continued.
"The Dark Portal is in a half-destroyed state. Because of that, the path leading to the Demon Realm has been completely severed. However, since it is not entirely destroyed, I believe opening a spatial gate to Arcadia is not at all impossible."
Chief Elder Schneider asked again with a somewhat skeptical gaze. "Are you certain?" "Yes. I already roughly assessed the condition of the Dark Portal five hundred years ago."
"Hmm." The Chief Elder assumed a grave expression. During the Second Dark War, the elven race had suffered tremendous damage at the hands of the undead. They had still not recovered the population they had lost at that time. Of course, the conflicts with the orcs had also taken their toll, but the most serious damage had been inflicted then. Therefore, from the tribe's standpoint, it was difficult to readily accept the idea of reviving the Dark Portal.