"It's exactly like that! I'm not lying or making up stories!" I declared loudly, standing before everyone.
I found myself in a cramped room, measuring about 3x5 meters, the walls made of weathered wood that had clearly seen many years of decay. After reaching Glafelden, the first thing I did was head straight to the Kelam Malam headquarters. I startled everyone by slamming the door open with a loud bang.
Igresti sprang up from the couch, startled, while Jaester, who had been preparing breakfast, froze mid-action. Nina and Diana, the two female members, greeted me warmly. As for Grussel, I wasn't sure what he was doing, so I pounded on his door repeatedly. The old bastard looked so surprised to see me that he immediately slapped me across the face for waking him up.
A few minutes later, Grussel dragged me and all the hunters into the meeting room. Their expressions were all different, but I could sense a flicker of happiness when they saw me again.
I recounted everything that had happened, from being accidentally carried by a merchant's cart to meeting Prince Keylan, the Third Prince of the Western Elvian Kingdom. Of course, I omitted the part where I was held captive underground by a mysterious group. I was afraid it would make them worry more, especially Dimas, who would probably become excessively anxious.
The only lie in my story was when I claimed to have learned Esze techniques while I was there. I told that lie to explain the long delay in my return.
At first, they thought I was just making things up. Dimas, who had seen Prince Keylan in person, served as a witness to my tale, although he couldn't entirely confirm everything I said. I also made sure to show them the viglet given to me by Prince Keylan to bolster my fib.
"Well then, I believe you, Anggi!" Grussel said with a cough. "Your story is quite intriguing. After all these years, I finally understand how the Elvian live in their forests. Well, it's not really surprising. They never open up to us. We know nothing about them except for their long ears."
"Sounds like a very interesting place."
"Houses in the giant trees, huh? Hmm... if only I could see it!"
Both Nina and Diana seemed quite impressed with the city of Ruvia that I described. I had to admit, it was such a beautiful place that its image stayed with me even now. Even for the people of this world, accustomed as they were to magic and monsters, the sight was still a marvel.
"But... can that Elvian prince be trusted? He already knows your real identity, doesn't he?" Grussel shot me a sharp look.
"What do you mean by that, Boss?"
"I've told you before, right? Haier-Elvian have a greater ability to control Esze than anyone else. Right now, you may not be able to do anything. But your talent is real. There will be many who want to use your power. Are you sure he isn't one of them? Besides, don't you find it suspicious that he's been so nice to you?"
Wait a minute! Why is this old bastard suddenly acting all concerned? Normally, he's as indifferent as can be, only caring about his work. His savage face didn't match the look of concern in his eyes at all. Honestly, I wanted to laugh out loud, but the atmosphere in the room had grown heavy and serious.
"I-I'm sure. He doesn't have any intentions of exploiting me," I stammered, trying to assure him.
If I were to be suspicious, it was possible that Prince Keylan had some hidden agenda in getting close to me. Maybe he wanted to recruit me to help him become the heir to the throne by bypassing his two older brothers.
Oh my god! Why am I thinking like this?
Clearly, that's impossible. I had only known him for a short time and didn't truly understand his nature. But it didn't seem like the kind of person who would offer a warm smile every day would have such ambitions. My gut told me that he was genuinely sincere.
"But that's up to you," Grussel said, shrugging. The old man then stood up from his chair and walked toward the door. His back looked imposing as he moved. "It's good to see you again. Next time, don't make us worry, idiot!"
As his figure disappeared from the doorway, I kept my gaze fixed ahead. I couldn't believe Grussel had just said such sweet words. Normally, all I hear from him are shouts and curses. Perhaps this was the first time I'd ever heard words filled with concern from his mouth. Strangely, I felt a little warmth inside.
I always thought he was heartless. How wrong I was. People who appear harsh on the outside might have a soft side within. From that day on, I began to see Grussel in a slightly better light.
Today, I also learned an important lesson—never underestimate the feelings and care that others show, even if it's only a fleeting gesture.
========================================================
Hundreds of kilometers away from the city of Glafelden, stood a city several times larger. Massive stone walls, towering several meters high, surrounded the city with unwavering strength, some sections being as thick as eight meters. Guard posts were built every few hundred meters on top of the walls, where dozens of soldiers could be seen patrolling the area. The Wall of Lurich was known as the city's most impenetrable defense. This was the First Wall of Lurich, the capital of the Lurivia Kingdom.
Inside the First Wall, there were residential areas for common folk, all meticulously organized. Every house was designed exactly the same as the others, in terms of size, design, color, and facilities. Each house was adorned with a tree, adding to the beauty of the surroundings. At first glance, this area resembled modern suburban housing. The market and key buildings were similarly well-organized. The entire city was laid out with ivory-colored brick roads, making the streets gleam as they reflected the scorching midday sun.
The sounds of life in this city were much louder than those in Glafelden. The streets were packed with crowds of people rushing to and fro. Horse-drawn carriages were weaving through the main roads. With so many carriages, traffic jams had become common, especially at intersections. This was something you wouldn't find in a rural village or a smaller city.
Further into the city, tall buildings started to appear. The city had a clear layout, with District 1 designated for administrative and government buildings, District 2 for offices and bureaus, and so on, with District 9 as the industrial area at the farthest end of the city. The buildings and factories here were grand and multi-storied, something rare in those days. For anyone who was visiting for the first time, the grandeur of Lurich would be truly awe-inspiring.
At the very heart of the city stood a palace. It had seven towers, each standing a hundred meters tall. The main building was five stories high, with a dome-shaped roof covered in bright blue stones. This royal palace was the most prominent structure, even visible from a distance.
From the highest window of one of the towers, a man looked out over the city below. His gaze was firm and somewhat intimidating, his stature commanding like a knight. People immediately lowered their heads in fear when meeting his eyes. Even someone like Grussel couldn't do anything in his presence. This was the Crown Prince of the Lurivia Kingdom, Alucard il Lurivia.
His sharp senses detected the presence of a guard outside the room, preparing to knock.
"Come in!"
Alucard, already aware, invited the guard inside before he could even knock. Moments later, the guard entered, his face showing a mixture of awe and fear. He stepped forward cautiously, trying to avoid the intimidating aura emanating from Alucard.
"Your Majesty! There's a letter from Lord Flamenco from the city of Ruvia," the guard said, his voice trembling.
"Hmm... what does that Long-Eared one want now?" Alucard mused.
After handing over the letter, the guard bowed his head and exited the room. Alucard remained, sitting in his chair, gazing at the dark purple envelope. The color was a military code indicating that the contents of the letter were very important. The envelope wasn't made of ordinary paper but rather specially enchanted paper, imbued with Esze. If anyone unworthy tried to open the envelope, it would ignite by itself, destroying all the information inside. A clever trick to prevent leaks.
Alucard bit the tip of his finger until it bled slightly, then dripped a drop of his blood onto the envelope. The purple color of the envelope faded and turned white. Only then could he tear it open like any ordinary letter.
The letter was from an Elvian named Flamenco, whom Alucard had employed as an exclusive spy in Elvian territory. The prince believed that war between humans and Elvians could break out at any time, and having spies there would give him an advantage. It had cost more than a hundred gold coins and the threat of executing Flamenco's entire family to make him betray his own people.
As he read the letter, Alucard's face grew serious. He read it over again.
Greetings, Your Majesty!
This time, I am not sending the usual information. But I believe the news I bring will catch your attention.
About two weeks ago, the city of Ruvia was thrown into an uproar over the escape of a small infiltrator. This infiltrator, named Anggi from Glafelden, was a
Haier-Elvian.
As a person of great knowledge, you surely understand what this means. The Half-Elvian race has resurfaced after hundreds of years. This Haier-Elvian could fulfill your ambitions to conquer the entire Blue Continent. But what you should know, the First and Third Princes of the Elvian have already begun moving to capture her.
Alucard smiled slyly. A smile full of cunning and great ambition. Anyone who saw his expression would think he was planning something sinister.
"A Haier-Elvian, huh? Hmm... it seems like my dream is about to come true."