Elqueeness Chapter 10

e break of dawn the following day, I distributed the supplies that I had gathered to the Knights

I still had plenty of jeweled flowers that I could exchange for cash. When necessary, I could sell it for gold along the way to purchase any necessities I would require.

Along with the supplies, I also handed over the remaining gold that I have yet to use to Felix who seemed to be financially capable. As if they were moved by my ‘generosity,’ the Knights started to tear up as I wished every one of them luck.

Although they planned to stay in the mountain for now, they would still have to come down eventually to scout the premises.

There was also no guarantee that they wouldn’t be caught.

Knowing this, Isana was rather gloomy.

“Please do not worry about us.

As I said yesterday, there is no detailed description about us in the wanted notice

Since Elqueeness-nim provided us plentiful amounts of supply and money, there should be no problem in journeying to the capital.”

“Your number is not small, will you be alright? Felix, how much money do you have?”

Isana who still felt anxious hurriedly questioned Felix who took the role as the budget manager.

In response, Felix gave a casual but reassuring smile and took out a sizeable pouch.

“After purchasing clothes, supplies, horses, and weapons, we still have over 300 gold pieces left.

With this, even if we run into every obstacle imaginable along the way to Hereeka (Soltere Empire’s Capital), we should still have plenty of money left.”

“Is that so? Then that’s a relief. By the way, your water supp..”

“There’s no need to worry about that either. With this amount of money, we could even buy water for bathing.”

“Oh is that so…. Wait… what?”

While I was nodding along their conversation, something odd caught my ears.

Just, just now, what did you say? You’re going to buy water?

‘It’s not like this is modern Korea where the water supply is undrinkable since it is heavily polluted. Why would you need to buy water? Did they mean they’ll buy containers to store the water?’

However Felix meant what he said.

The Knights had previously the prepared water for their journey.

Noticing my confused expression, Aleck gave me a relaxed explanation.

“After the 10 year calamity, water has become rare. In the present, water can only be bought by the bottle.

The profits made from this goes to the city lord who uses it to supposedly fund the creation of a ‘solution’ to the calamity.

“H…Hold on… By now, nature should have recovered. Despite that, you guys are still buying and selling water?”

It would be understandable to use water as a merchandise during the calamity. However that very calamity has already ended.

Furthermore, the Four Spirit Kings have labored for the past few months to return the world back into equilibrium so Arkadon’s nature should have completely recovered by now.

But despite that, their world seems to have maintained the status quo… What is going on here?

Seeing me ask in a flustered tone, Felix bitterly replied.

“It’s the fault of a few nobles who desire to fill their treasury.

The powerless citizens have no choice but to abide their demands. The water that they are selling is extremely expensive…

A single bucket of water costs 5 silver.

(An average farmer makes 10 silver pieces a day) Because of the discrepancy in salary and the cost of living, people often collect rain water and try to use that to last till the next rainfall.”

Unbelievable. Just what is this Empire’s Emperor doin…. Oh wait, he’s right in front of me.

It was truly astonishing.

Even if there was a large difference between the citizens and nobles, selling water that they obviously did not make to the people in order to make a profit feels like a scam.

Not wanting to believe this, the Knights and I came down to inspect the circumstances of the village.

What we saw were numerous guards stationed by the well collecting money from the people who in return received a single pail of water.

Felix sneakily added in a few more lines.

“Not long after Elqueeness-nim was summoned, we discovered a small lake in the mountains.

It may have been made during the storms that have occurred previously. So far, no other people have noticed its existence. It’s quite lucky for us.”

I was not in the listening mood. A woman who was carried a toddler on her back clung onto the legs of the guards and begged.

“My lord. Please help us.

How can a widowed woman raising a child obtain 5 silver?

Please be merciful and let us have some water. A single mouthful is fine.

It’s already been five days without water. Even if it’s just for this child, please…”

Her golden hair has faded in color due to malnutrition and her soot covered clothes was that of a beggar’s.

The infant who was wrapped in a cloth at her waist coughed repeatedly and looked like it could die any second.

As the woman grasped onto the trousers of the guard with her thin hands, the guard made an expression as if he had stepped on crap and planted a kick aimed at the woman’s stomach.

Pow

“Ackk!!”

“God damn it. Where did this beggar wench come from? You should pay attention to who you’re talking to.

How dare you touch me who is a Knight. Are you mocking me? Huh?

If you don’t want to die with that brat of yours then screw off! There’s no water here to give to some piece of garbage like you!”

Clench. I tightly balled up my hands into a fist. However I was not in a circumstance where I could make a scene so I forcefully stopped my trembling shoulders and repressed the burning rage that built up inside.

From the impact of the kick, the woman wheezed and coughed blood.

Having no energy to even cry, the infant child could only make out a small groan.

Panicked upon seeing this, the woman ignored the pain and once again clung onto the guard’s leg.

“Please please please!! My LORD! Please show mercy just this one time! Please, my child has done no wrong so please!! Please My lord!!!”

“This wench, you still haven’t learned!?”

With eyes that seemed to shoot daggers, he prepared for another kick. Even though she knew what was going to happen, the woman relentlessly begged.

Unable to watch this any longer, I came in between the two.

“Hold it that’s enough!!”

“What arrogant wench… Huk.. Who.. who are you?”

At first, the guard glared at me with a rugged look and sent a barrage of insults.

But seeing the face that was beneath the hood,

He quickly turned pale and examined me with cautious eyes.

Unlike regular commoners, I had milky white skin and a delicate figure.

He probably suspected that I was the son (TLN: Daughter) of a noble family

It wasn’t an awful misunderstanding.

Especially in cases like this. I haughtily raised my chin and replied in an overbearing tone.

“Isn’t your treatment of a woman who has an child too barbaric?

Is it fine to kill a person just for a single pail of water? Do you think your actions are suitable to a person who is a knight?”

I learned back in Earth that a Knight is a protector of the weak. I tried to criticize his faults so that he would have some understanding of his crimes.

But the moment he heard my words, he looked at me with eyes of an adult gazing at child. Shaking his head, he replied slyly.

“Hmph, it seems that you read some fiction regarding knights but,

To think you would believe such things, you really are gullible.

Before you hurt that pretty face of yours, you should run back. A lady as beautiful as you shouldn’t protect that beggar.”

“Wh…What?”

L….Lady????

Bea…Beautiful??? (TLN: Here we go again.)

That’s no different in calling me a woman right???

As I took another unexpected blow, my thoughts immediately scattered.

Seeing me trembling while being unable to say a word, the guard looked at me curiously.

I don’t know what he was thinking but he rubbed his hands while trying to look polite.

“Hehe. To think that such a high-class person as yourself to come here alone without any guards, are you unaware how dangerous the streets are?

If you tell me your address I shall escort you.”

“You…..”

Do you want to die!! I wanted to shout at his ugly mug of a face.

But with unbelievable timing, Felix intervened so I could only hold myself back.

He grasped my hand that was itching to pitch a ball of water at extreme velocities and faced the guard.

“My my, to say that there are no attendants. My lady is not emotional to act on her own.”

Although he was not a noble by birth, he had the unique skills of a Summoner so he grew up by Isana’s side ever since he was young. There he learned the mannerism and attitude of a noble

In other words, every inch of him was elegant so he looked like a noble or someone who served a noble.

Seeing such a confident smile, the guard could only swallow his complaint and looked at me with a grin.

“So you had a party with you. I’ve heard that there have been numerous sights of mountain bands around here so you should hurry back.

Please don’t worry about the beggar wench, I’ll take care of her so that she will never take another step on this land ever again.”

“What…”

“There’s no need for you to do that. We’ll deal with the woman with our own ways. I apologize for causing you trouble.”

Once again with unbelievable timing, he gave me no chance to pent my rage.

Before he could protest, Felix bid farewell and helped the injured woman up. The guard could only watch bitterly.

As if feeling that something was regretful, the guard cast gazes at me as if he wanted something.

Ignoring his looks, Felix and I moved to an isolated location far away from the well.

Afterwards… Confirming that there was no living being around, I began to vent my bottled up rage.

SMASH–!

“ACKKKKK! Shameless buffoon! Who are you calling a lady!!”

Unable to control my anger, I lashed out at the ground with my fist and created a 1 meter radius crater.

And from that very crater sprouted out fresh spring water.

The woman who was holding her stomach while grimacing in pain from the blows stopped and stared.

Her eyes seemed to be bulging out in disbelief.

It was the same for Felix. Not knowing whether to laugh or cry, he could only stare with a shocked expression at the spring water that was instantly created.

Because he was conscientious of the woman’s eyes, he couldn’t openly admire my work and tried to make up an explanation for the water that seemed to have sprouted out of thin air.

“Hoh…. Although I heard that Elq… Ahem… -nim’s strength was the greatest, I didn’t know you could do something like this. Did you penetrate the water veins underground?

Well that’s convenient. You said you were thirsty right? Would you like to drink this?”

“Ar…Are you serious? My Lord?”

“Of course. This kind of luck does not happen every day so please help yourself and the child.”

“Thank you, Thank you my lord!”

She gave a hurried response and rushed towards the spring water. She spooned the water with her hands as if she was trying to grab it and gulped it down.

Seeing her drinking with tears streaming down, I felt rather bitter.

With a sigh I walked up to the woman.

“Slow down. At that rate you’ll get stomach problems. If you rush the intake of water it won’t be good for you body.”

“Gulp gulp. Khp. Eum…. Oop Gulp”

But even whilst nodding to show understanding, she did not slow down the intake of water.

I cannot imagine the thirst that she was suffering from.

After a while when she finally sated her thirst, she grabbed the child on her back and hurriedly tried to make him drink.

But the child seemed to have even less energy than the mother.

When the mother spooned cups of water to the child’s lips, the child did not seem to have the strength to even swallow so the water just spilled out from his mouth.

With signs of minor convulsions, the toddler looked as if it could die any moment. When she saw that the child could not drink,

The woman panicked and tried to convince the child through words.

“Ray. Drink some of this. It’s water. My Ray, you wanted to drink it right?

It’s water, here…Water. There’s so much of it. Please… my baby, just drink one mouthful…sob… baby..”

The child did not seem any older than five. Although any child of his age should be chubby and lively to the point of annoyance, his body was terribly gaunt and was made of only skin and bones.

Although Isana and the rest were also not in a good condition, it wasn’t as bad as this child.

But this was to be expected for someone who had lacked water to drink for five days.

Although I wasn’t sure of what the cause was, I suddenly felt nauseated instead. I took the child from the mother and put him in my arms.

In response, the frightened woman tried to fight back and take the child by force.

But what she saw next made her entire body lose strength from shock.

“<heal>”</heal>

Shaaaa-

As a blinding light engulfed the half-dead child, he began to feel strength as if life itself was pouring inside of him.

I had activated Elqueeness’s innate divine skill of healing.

.Not only could it save people with severe external and internal injuries from the brink of death,

Elqueeness’s skill could also help recover stamina and life force by implanting nature energy to the weak and frail child.

Seeing that the complexion of the child had turned healthy, the woman could only stare in disbelief.

Because she remained on the spot immobile, I had to feed the child the water.

Unlike a few minutes ago, the toddler seemed much healthier and greedily gulped down whatever I gave him.

Seeing that her child was once again healthy, the woman was so emotionally hit that she knelt down and began to cry.

Her expression of gratitude did not seem to ask who I was and just what I did. She was just thankful.

At least that is what I initially had thought

Thinking that she hadn’t noticed, I sighed inwardly in relief. But in that very instant, I froze from the following words.

“Ahhhhh… To think that I would meet El-Wee-En’s priest. I am truly thankful. Lord Priest, thank you, thank you.

I will never forget this favor till the day I die….”

“…Huh?”

El-Wee-En’s priest?

Because I did not expect to hear El-Wee-En’s names in a place like this, I could only make a flustered expression.

I could understand the fact that she would think of me as a priest since I had healing powers… But why did she mention El-Wee-En?

El-Wee-En has absolutely no relation to this and is currently the God of Punishment.

It was Felix who once again soothed my confusion.

“Hmmm Certainly… El-Wee-En’s priest travels around the globe and heals those who are in need in the oddest locations..

Priests who serve the temples generally do not heal others for free so that’s probably the source of the misunderstanding

Furthermore.. Elqueeness-nim showed rather absurd amount of power just now…”

“What are you trying to say Felix?”

“Oops did you overhear? So as I was saying… El-Wee-En’s priests make pilgrimages across the nation as a healer sometimes.

Furthermore the power of El-Wee-En’s priests is extremely strong so they are able to cure even the most severe of illnesses.

That’s probably why this woman misunderstood.”

As Felix whispered in a voice that was inaudible to others, I made a difficult expression.

I had never expected that El-Wee-En who seemed to do nothing but bring forth punishment could have priests that had healing powers… How ironic.

“Although he is the God of Punishment, he is not someone who does not have any sympathy.

By promoting virtue, evil is suppressed.

To follow this ideology, his priests work without pay to heal the sickly.

However their numbers are so small that I have only heard of them. It seems that this woman is also knowledgeable about them.”

“Is… Is that so…”

Seeing the woman who was still kneeling and saying prayers of thanks,

It was hard to tell her that I was not El-Wee-En’s priest so I just gave her a simple smile.

With that, the woman completely saw me as El-We-En’s priest,

Her gratitude seemed to have been further renewed and reinforced. She now started to bow to me and made a request that made me rather helpless.

“Please tell me your name Lord Priest. This child will definitely repay your mercy.

Please tell us your name so that this child could come find you to repay the favor.”

“M..My name? So… that’s….. umm..”

I did not expect such a outcome so I could only let out a few stuttered words.

Even Felix did not seem to have a solution so he stared at me with a troubled expression.

I wasn’t in a position to tell her my real name. Even if I were to make up a name on the spot, it would be a problem if the child really did come and search for. It was quite worrisome.

Seeing the woman’s determined face, I was certain that her child in the future could do much more in the future then just search for me in order to repay the favor.

I was not even registered as El-Wee-en’s priest so the child might roam the entire world to search for me.

Because of that, I was placed in a difficult position.

“Yes, I m El-Wee-En’s priest. I have left the temple as a wanderer to roam the world. Even I am not sure when I’ll be back.

As El-Wee-En’s priest, it is my duty to help those that are in trouble, please do not worry about repaying any kind of favors.”

“No, I cannot do that! You saved my child who was at his death bed. You are our savior.

So please tell me your name to let us repay this favor.”

Facing such sincere words, all my excuses died away.

Her expression seemed to threaten that she will commit suicide if I did not tell her my name.

After standing there silently and pondering what to do, I realized I had no other way out.

“If that’s the case then I too have no choice. My friends call me El. I am someone who abandoned his residence and is a wanderer.

If you’re child wishes to see me, come find the Emperor of Soltere.”

“Hu… Huh? The Imperial Emperor??”

For the first time, the woman actually seemed frightened. Seeing this, Felix seemed to have his own thoughts.

He took off his necklace and fastened it onto the neck of the child.

He gave bright smile to the woman who seemed to be suspicious and gave a sincere explanation.

“When you come looking for us, show the Knights this necklace. Then they will escort the child to the Emperor.

The person before you is a high ranking individual among God El-Wee-En’s priests and is currently the Soltere Empire’s Emperor, Isana Lance Solt’s closest aids.”

“ !! ”

“If you are frightened then there is no need to come find us. It is fine to sell that necklace to make money for a living.”

Holding onto the possession of the Traitor Emperor’s closest aid is the same thing as having one foot in the grave.

Felix was trying to scare the woman into giving up and was implying that he would not blame her.

But in the next instant, her face hardened and gazed at Felix with an adamant expression.

“We were people who were fated to die. I will definitely repay this favor. It is an honor for this humble wench to meet such dignified people as yourselves.”

“You are braver and more honorable than a hundred Knights.

El-nim will definitely remember you for your courage and dignity

I pray that your child will safely be able to find us.”

Hey Hey. Aren’t you overestimating me? This child still has several years ahead of him before he can find me… How am I supposed to remember him!

Although I was flustered inside, I couldn’t disrupt the atmosphere by refusing.

As she saw me give an awkward expression, the woman seemed deeply moved and started to shout.

“I am grateful that you have given us a chance to repay the favor my lord. This child’s name is called Ray.

As a commoner he does not have a family name his father was a powerful mercenary during his lifetime so he should become capable as an adult.

Whether you decide to keep him as your slave or sell him, please do as you wish.

The child will happily follow your request.”

…Ugh. It looks like it’ll be a real problem if I don’t remember him.

With a sigh, I secretly implanted my aura within the necklace around the child’s neck.

The next time we meet, I hoped that I could recognize him through that necklace.

ards, the woman expressed her sincere gratitude before returning after Felix supplied her with money and water.

Seeing her background grow faint as the distance grew, I worriedly turned around to face Felix

“Isn’t this dangerous? Even though I as the instigator am at fault for this commotion, what if she talks?

“The risk isn’t as serious as you might suspect. Her kind of people holds strongly to their beliefs more than anything. They won’t so easily be tempted to betray their benefactors for tangible rewards. Even if she does turn us over, who would believe her?

When I told her that Elqueeness-nim was a High-Priest serving under the Emperor, it wasn’t just to make up an identity for you. It is simply illogical for someone of that level of rank to belong on the Emperor’s side who is currently being pursued by the entire Empire as a traitor.

If she tells the guards what I told her, adding on to her sickly appearance, they’ll name her a fraud and chase her off.

“I see”

While I acted without a plan, Felix seemed to have already thought through every possibility.

Felix’s superior mental abilities make him more suitable to the position of the Spirit King than I.

Although I felt rather embarrassed when I compared myself to Felix, I also felt relieved.

With his wit and caution, I felt confident that he will be able pull through when we separate.

Seeing his trustworthy expression, I spark of curiosity hit me.

“Now that I think about it Felix, do you have no intention to contract a Spirit of Water? Rather than purchasing your drinking supply at villages and increasing your chances of being captured, it should be safer if you had a Water Spirit to provide it for you.

“What? Make a contract with a Spirit of Water? Hmm… This… I am already contracted to Spirits of the Wind so it won’t be possible for me to contract Spirits of the Water.

“It may be a problem to contract Water Spirits while you are a Fire Summoner, but Wind and Water coexist in harmony and neutrality. As long as your affinity for the element is adequate and you have the mana supply to fuel the summoning, it should be possible.

As a Wind Summoner, you are contracted to Wind Spirits. Although the power of your Spirits is low, the fact that you were able to summon during the sanction proves your skill as a Summoner. With that kind of natural talent, you should be able to simultaneously control Spirits of two elements.”

“H…Huh? Are you telling the truth?”

Most Summoners, regardless of their level usually contracted one of the four elements.

Controlling two Spirit Elements was like learning swordplay and magic at the same time.

However there are exceptions to everything.

As long as the nature of the Elements does not conflict, a person is able to control multiple elements as long as their affinity for them is sufficient.

Adding onto Felix’s unusual amount of power, once I the Spirit King of Water is added into the equation, summoning even the highest class of Spirits is possible.

With my help, Un-Dee-Nae and even Sea-Cue-El could be summoned.

Hearing my words, Felix’s face instantly became filled with excitement. It was as if he had gained everything he had desired in the world.

“If I could do that then I would love to. Just like how Magicians aim to train in the Higher Circles of Magic, Contractors like me aim to summon the Superior Grade Spirits.”

“Then would you like to try it? Succeeding here will pave the way for you to contract Intermediate level Spirits of the Wind.

However, you won’t be able to summon Superior Grade Wind Spirits since the burden on your body will be too great.”

“It does not matter! Please I beg you Elqueeness-nim!”

Breathing heavily, he could not seem to contain his excitement as his eyes glinted with powerful brilliance.

Seeing this, I smiled awkwardly. Behaving like this out in the open will certainly draw attention so I teleported with Felix to the same very place that I was summoned by Isana.

After I had Felix whose eyes were literally shining sit next to the lake, I closed my eyes and prepared my mind for a spell.

As I diffused my aura into the molecules of water, I made him memorize the Summoning Incantation for the Superior Grade Spirit Sea-Cue-El

At first, he seemed to have a hard time withstanding my ice-cold aura, but as time went by, his complexion improved and with both accuracy and precision, he chanted the incantation.

[At Nature’s Genesis

The One To Receive my Mana

The One Who Reigns Over the Vast and Boundless Seas

Sea-Cue-El

Hear My Call

Answer My Wishes as I Summon Thee]

Swoooosh

Perhaps it was because of my aid or because of Felix’s unbelievable talent, the Summoning went faster than I had expected.

The moment the last words left his lips, Aura swirled around violently as if it was storm.

In the very eye of the hurricane, a single form emerged.

With the rapid consumption of Mana, Felix turned pale but his eyes seemed glued as if he was in a trance.

With a powerful and sleek body, a captivating and proud mane which reeked the very essence of arrogance, the storm condensed into the form of a wolf.

Unable to believe his own very eyes, Felix seemed as if he could have a hard attack at any second.

However Sea-Cue-El paid him no mind and without so much a glance, he lowered his head and paid his respects to me who was his master.

-Honorable Ruler of Water, I greet you. I who govern the seas, Sea-Cue-El is honored to be in your presence.

Although his shape, aura, and voice were identical, he was not the same Sea-Cue-El as the one that I usually carried around.

But he was still one of the Spirits I had created so I could not hide my joy and greeted him with a smile.

Unlike the talkative Naiads and the bashful Un-Dee-Naes, Sea-Cue-El seemed rather taciturn and radiated power.

After paying his respects, he glanced coldly at the human that had summoned him.

-Are you the one who had summoned me?

“Y…Yes I am Lord Spirit!”

-INSOLENT, How dare you talk like that in front of my King!

As my contractor, you are obligated to serve him as your liege

Do not talk with honorifics; we are both servants of the great King.

I have already examined you and have determined that you are more than worthy to have summoned me. Will you make a contract?

“O…Of Course Lord Sp.. I mean Sea-Cue-El. My name is ‘Felix D’ Hammer.’ I consent to the contract of the Superior Grade Spirit…”

-Very well, the contract has been completed. Felix, as my contractor I will abide your wishes and carry out your intentions. That I vow as the being that you have summoned.

Splash-

With a brief answer, Sea-Cue-El turned around like a Nine-Tailed Fox and collapsed into a stream of water that smashed into Felix.

As the water enveloped Felix, a Mark of Water emerged on his forehead next to the already existing Mark of Wind. These marks were proof that identified him as a contractor.

With a dazed expression, he wiped off the water with his sleeves while looking as if he was dreaming.

“D…. Did I really make a contract with Sea-Cue-El just now Elqueeness-nim??”

“Hmph, if you can’t believe it yourself, why don’t you try calling him?”

“Huh? Ah yes you’re right! Uh….. Sea-Cue El?”

-Did you call?

The usual intellect that Felix showed seemed to have disappeared without a trace as he backtracked clumsily from the shock.

It was truly wasteful to have seen this amusing event by myself. Although I was enjoying myself considerably, I also felt worried. It is dangerous for a human to repeatedly summon a powerful Spirit such as Sea-Cue-El. He should have hit the rock bottom in terms of mana supply by now.

And as expected, the mana consumption from the contract seemed to have drained him completely and his face was milk white with a hint of blue.

Concerned, I ordered Sea-Cue-El to cut off the link and chanted a healing spell.

“For now you should practice summoning Un-Dee-Naes and Naiads so that you could get comfortable with the burden.

“I… I just can’t believe it. I…. I became a Superior Level Summoner whose number can be counted on two hands… This is all thanks to you Elqueeness-nim.”

Voice trembling with uncontrollable emotions, Felix’s eyes was glistening with drops of tears.

He had originally been introduced to the palace because of his talent as a summoner.

However, as someone who could only control the Lower-Grade Spirits adding onto his past as a commoner, he had lived much of his early life facing scorn and looks of disdain by his fellow palace counterparts.

The reason why he was chosen to serve Isana despite the fact that majority of the palace residents looked upon him with mockery was because Archduke Yura had deemed him worthless. He had sent him to Isana because he saw that it was a chance to turn the young Emperor into a laughingstock.

Although Isana valued him and enjoyed interacting with the Sylphs he had summoned,

Felix lived his everyday life filled with frustration and feelings of powerlessness due to the fact that he had no method to aid his lord.

He often tortured himself with feelings of inferiority and had even felt sorry for the Slyphs that the person who they were contracted to was so useless.

As if he was in front of a holy father, he remained there kneeling while he confessed his feelings and thoughts.

Unlike the usual Felix I knew, the one before me at this moment seemed as frail as the glass of a fine wine cup.

I gently petted his head as an adult would do to a child.

“? E..Elqueeness-nim?”

“The need for strength, the need for ability, and the need to be needed. Those emotions are not limited to the human race alone. No matter the person, race, or Spirit, the desire for greater power is universal for all living beings. Especially if there is an existence that you desire to protect.

Your Sylphs will also understand. There is no need to live in torment any longer.”

“B… But.”

“The only thing you need to do is acknowledge them as your friend.

See them not as subordinates to order but as friends who live by your side. Knowing the personality of the Sylphs, I am sure that they will empathize with you.

After all, you’re not the kind of person who excludes the weak, are you?”

“O… Of not, I would never do that!”

Bewildered, he replied with a strong rebuttal. Seeing that he had finally returned to his usual active self, I smiled and nodded my head.

“Haha, yes. Then that’s fine. Rather than keeping Lower-Grade Spirits for combat, it is more meaningful to keep them by your side as emotional support.

Although these Spirits are numerous and their powers are not great, they are the closest beings there is to nature itself.”

“El..Elqueeness-nim…”

The power and authority a Superior Contractor can obtain in any country transcends imagination.

But once a person reaches that peak, people will regard that person only as an object of fear and admiration. Those who truly wish to be his friend will cease to exist.

That is why I believe that it is harder to find better company than the intimacy of the Lower-Grade Spirits.

Despite the common misconceptions, the abilities of a Lower-Grade Spirit is nothing to laugh at.

Felix probably has only used them for reconnaissance so he seemed to be unaware of the battle potential of his Spirits.

The blades of a Sylph contain enough force and sharpness to slice down thick branches of trees.

Because they are so often looked down upon, spirits like the Sylphs often could not express their thoughts or emotion to their contractors.

Without cooperation, a Summoner could only use his own abilities and his precision of control to manipulate the power of the Spirits.

If Summoners would act together with the mutual aid of the Spirits, they would find that the amount of potential that they could draw out would far surpass their abilities in the past.

I refrained myself from telling this to Felix because I did not wish him to suffer from regret.

With a shrug of my shoulders, I calmly examined Felix who was brimming with happiness.

Now Isana has gained another reliable member in his party.

With Felix added in, the plan of reclaiming the palace will occur more smoothly.

When I had relayed the events of the village to Isana after our return, I was answered by a look of shock.

Although he knew that water was being treated as merchandise,

He had little idea of the level of exploitation that the commoners were living under.

At this moment, Isana was seething with pure and unfathomable rage.

He shouted angrily that he could not tolerate this abuse and was determined to execute the guards for their crimes. Seeing this, the Knights felt cold sweat all of their bodies.

Isana was the kind of person who lost reason along with his temper.

Unable to restrain Isana, the people who were fervently trying to ease his anger looked at me with eyes pleading for help. I was after all the only person here who was his equal or perhaps even his superior.

“That’s enough. You’ll end up being discovered like that

This is a problem you can deal with when you become the Emperor. If you can’t fix that obstinacy, the ones who will suffer the most are the people around you.”

“How can I sit still while being aware of such inhuman acts? During the time it takes for me to reclaim the Throne how many more people will die of thirst? Are you telling me to be indifferent while god knows how many people die?”

“You have no power to save them. Perhaps you could save tens or maybe hundreds but it’s not just those hundreds that are suffering. You cannot save them all with only your power.

Don’t think of anything reckless and stay still. And also, do you see me as a spare? Do I look that worthless to you?

Just cool your head and think for a while!”

“Huh?”

I feel like these humans seem to be forgetting to often that there was a Spirit King right in front of them.

I thought that while solving this problem, I might as well open their eyes to reality.

The solution that I had thought of was….

Shaaaaaaa

“Huk… I… It’s rain!!”

“How is that possible, there was not a single cloud in the skys… El… Elqueeness-nim?”

Now do you understand you fools!

All I needed was a few rain clouds. That was enough to soak the entire area.

However the agitated humans did not seem to understand the source of the sudden downpour and stared at each other stupidly as if they were hoping that the answer would be written on their faces.

However one of the few intelligent life forms in this room, Felix seemed to have finally understood.

“I see! If Elqueeness-nim calls the rain than there is no need for the people to purchase the water.

To think that there was such a simple solution, I did not even think about such a method.”

Finally understanding, the other Knights showed expressions of shock.

Isana looked like he had been hit by thunder.

Don’t tell me you had no idea right? I’m sure you are aware of….

“I had no idea such a thing was possible. Although I know you are a Spirit King…. It is truly marvelous.”

‘Nevermind.’

As if embarrassed, his face turned read and talked as if he was making excuses.

To summarize his words, he was clueless. With a smirk, I scattered the rain clouds.

Under the watchful eyes of the people, I began to explain the plan I had laid out.

“The water that I as the Spirit King of Water can reign over is endless. Every molecule of water, the vast seas and boundless oceans are like the fingers and limbs of my very body. Calling rain to the entire continent is nothing difficult.

From now on, I will bring down rain once every three days from 12:00-13:00 to the entire Soltere Empire.

So Aleck, please spread the rumor of this plan. Make sure that every citizen has the potential to receive this news.”

“W… Will you really do that?”

“It doesn’t matter. If anyone asks, just say that God has answered someone’s wishes. There is no need to worry about that.”

Nature, regardless of the dimension or world, was the territory of the Spirit Kings. No matter what I did, my actions would become Nature itself and there would be no repercussions.

Furthermore, no matter what I did, the Gods would never complain.

“If rain falls once every three days, than the quantity would need to be enough so that the people can last three days.

But with that amount of water, wouldn’t the villages flood?”

“I could have the Naiads take care of that. If I need to, I could ask the Spirit King of Earth to drain the water into the earth.”

Of course, I would honestly rather not bother Tromwell.

But with my answer, the Knights seemed to have also found their own confidence while Felix looked like he was slyly planning something.

“Then would it be fine for us to control the details of the information that we are planning to spread?”

“…? Do as you wish. But remember that you need to make sure that all people can have access to it immedeatly.

Since you control Spirits of Wind, spreading the information should be enough faster.”

“Yes I understand Elqueeness-nim…Hehehe…”

Just what is he thinking that would make him wear such a sinister smile?

This is Dellphit, I’ve been busy with Thanksgiving and Finals but I am now back on track. I’ll try to make up for all the chapters I neglected and here’s the first chapter of the week!

Although I should have placed restrictions on the liberties regarding the rumor, I had already given Felix approval to move freely. I could do nothing but regret since the river had been crossed.

After saying our adieus to the Knights, I hiked down the mountains with Isana who carried a small satchel containing necessary supplies.

The time that I had promised was drawing near so I created some rain gear for Isana so that he could have some protection for the soon to come storm. Once I finished the preparations, I channeled my energy and spread thick clouds throughout the entire continent.

Shawwwww-

Soon, a storm so powerful that blinded our sight came smashing down.

Seeing that everything has gone according to what I had envisioned, I smiled with satisfaction. However, because I was focusing on the environment, I neglected Isana.

It was only now after I had confirmed my success that I had noticed his bitter expression

“Isana, what’s wrong? Don’t be sad about separating from your Knights. They are capable of fending for themselves so trust their promise when they swore that they would welcome you back at the capital with a fanfare.”

“That’s not it…”

“Then what is it? Are you planning to meet your cousin with those half-dead eyes? How will you procure his help if he doesn’t feel any confidence in you? Cheer up, everything will be fine.”

“Forgive me Elqueness.”

“Forgive you for what?”

Seeing my confused eyes, Isana seemed to be more embarrassed as his skin turned crimson from the shame.

“I fall too short on my duties as Emperor. I wasn’t even aware of your abilities unlike Felix.

I even boasted that I would not need your help yet…. Here I am, having you solve all my problems. How can I keep my place as Emperor when I can’t even keep my promises? Whenever I look back, the only word I can use to describe myself is ‘Pathetic.’”

“Cut that crap! Felix is just quicker with his mind. Most of the Knights didn’t catch onto my plan either.

Furthermore, you can’t call something like this as help.

Just think about it as having a friend that’s skilled in a particular area.”

“That’s….. How can I dare to consider a Spirit King who exist on the same realm as the Gods my friend?”

This brat….

If that’s what you think than don’t talk to me like I’m your friend! If you hold me in the same esteem as deities, at least use some honorifics.

Aren’t you being rather hypocritical?

Although I felt irritation when I heard his words, I could not bring myself to become angry.

“So is that what you think. From the day I met you and even till now, I have always thought of you as a friend. I hadn’t realize that the feeling was only one-sided, truly disappointing.”

“What?”

“Well, I’m probably just some extra luggage that your carrying around like your satchel. It’s inevitable if that’s what you believe.”

“That’s absolutely false Elqueeness! How can I consider you as luggage? There’s no way that can be true! The person who is useless is me and you’re the one who is truly capable! To me, you are not extra baggage!”

With a baffled expression, he shouted in protest. Seeing him, I almost could not control my laughter

Cute kid (TLN: This is not anything romantic)

When I was still Kan-Hee-Hoon, I had a friend in my class named Park Hyo Sun

He often invited male students and set up a blind date with some girls… Most of the time

His motive was purely for his own amusement as he often set up guys with guys and laughed from the side line while watching their perplexed expression.

This in return had earned him much resentment from the school and he was ultimately ostracized.

However, he honestly did not care.

Regardless of the perverted nature of his pranks, many of the male students often looked forward in being invited to his dates.

The reason was that the people he had chosen were all considered handsome so being chosen is basically proof of your aesthetic figure.

One of my lifelong regrets and pains was that I was never invited.

Well, now it’s all in the past.

Swallowing back my amusement, I gazed into his eyes.

“So you consider me as a friend than correct?”

“Absolutely! Elqueeness, as long as you’re fine with it I would love to be your friend!!”

“Hmm then it’s simple. Since our feelings are now mutual F r i e n d, don’t hesitate to ask me for help.”

“That’s…. All right.”

It seems that he has not yet fully accepted it as I sensed a hint of unwillingness in his voice.

I felt rather bad since I had taken advantage of his immaturity and oppressed him into this.

Well, that’s fine too.

Fortunately, Isana’s once bitter expression seemed to have loosened up

It seemed that his hesitation to acknowledge me as his friend has gone down.

With a tranquil expression, I gazed at the storm, eyeing the droplets of liquid that came down fiercely and was slamming onto the ground.

Suddenly, my peaceful thoughts was interrupted when I thought back to Felix’s last words to me before we had left.

He definitely said that he wanted to have free reign over the contents of the rumor. Why do I keep having this ominous feeling? What is that guy plotting?

I would have preferred it if he had kept my identity hidden but thinking about their characters, there is no way that they would even consider my preferences.

Feeling powerless, I could do nothing but despair and hope for the best.

The ‘rumor’ that Felix mentioned took its form as a maelstrom when it finally hit us one week later in a small village along the path to Marquis Ka-Well

“Have you heard the rumors? The ones regarding the storm that’s been coming down every three days. The rumors claim that the cause of it is the Emperor pleading to the Gods!”

“Yeah! I’ve heard that too. Crying tears as he watched the sufferings of his people, he prayed in hope of some relief! That vicious regent Archduke Yura framed him!

He is the son of the Sagacious Emperor! How can Isana-nim possibly sell out his country? I refuse to believe that is true!”

“Although people aren’t saying anything, most people probably know already. How can they not? The Information Guild’s Master personally approved the authenticity of this rumor.”

“Even while facing that cruel oppression, to think that he still was thinking about his people…. I cannot imagine the mercy in his heart!

I am truly ashamed of myself who had scoffed at him at his coronation because of his age…. I’m so embarrassed I can’t walk the streets with my head held up!”

In a small table in the corner, grown men were successfully downing consecutive classes of wine. This was normal in a tavern such as this but after hearing the topic of their conversation, our faces turned ashen white.

I had never expected that Felix would sell the information to the Information Guilds.

Although they had no military might, these Guilds were among the most powerful forces existing in this world because they were so scattered across the continent and was relied on by other influential organizations. I had to admit that selling the information to the Guilds was a masterstroke and wanted to applaud them.

But when I thought about the profits that they would be swimming in and the 300 gold pieces I had given them which was probably collecting dust in someone’s pockets, I could only gnash my teeth and repress my fury.

It seemed that Felix has converted from the Soltere Empire’s Dark God and abandoned the Empire’s national religion.

What was truly laughable was that the God that Isana prayed to was none other than El-Wee-En

But despite my beliefs, the people responded extremely favorably to the news.

“The Priests of El-Wee-En’s Temple has long since aided the poor with a merciful heart.

As the one leading these Priests, how could the God El-Wee-En with all that mercy and kindness, possibly ignore the pitiable pleas of the Emperor.”

“That’s right! I too one received treatment from El-Wee-En’s priests for free!

These kinds of people who are free from impurities are rare in today’s world.”

…….. Wait. Wait a moment, hold your horses!

Merciful? Kind? That guy??? You’re all being fooled, this is a scam!

Since when did El-Wee-En look after poor but virtuous people with mercy and generosity?

It is a relief that my hood covered my face or my distorted expression would have drawn unwanted attention.

Hearing the conversation around the tavern and seeing my hardening complexion, Isana who was just a second ago enjoying his meal, became anxious and whispered closely to my ear.

“Fortunately it doesn’t seem like Aleck has been captured.

They should be able to reach to capital at this rate right? To have approached the Information Guilds… that was too risky… They’re really daring.”

Although their personal information was not detailed in the wanted list, there is no way that an organization such as the Information Guild wouldn’t discover their Aleck’s identity.

But I didn’t congratulate them. Rather than feeling happiness from their success, I only felt disdain. I already knew what method Felix and Aleck used to shut the mouth of the Guild Master.

‘They definitely sold me out. Spirit King Elqueeness’s first summoner in history- Isana. They sold our information to shut their mouths!’

The continent’s first Elqueeness’s Contracter.

The information was something that the information guild would hold a fanfare and receive with open arms while kicking all other minor problems under the carpet.

Felix had contracted with the Superior Grade spirit-Sea-Cue-El with my help. With that alone, Felix would be considered a first degree customer and would be able to take such risky moves.

Furthermore, if Isana did happen to re-obtain the throne, than the rewards the Information Guild would receive would be tempting.

Taking all of this into consideration, there is no reason for them to ignore Felix

I finally understood the reckless enthusiasm of the Knights when I was summoned. It was as if they had caught a phoenix with bare hands!

“What’s wrong El? You look displeased.”

“No, it’s nothing. But it looks like the rumor has spread quite far.

It may have already reached the ears of my cousin. The negotiation might be easier now.”

“Yes… But what will we do now? To reach him, we have to go through two checkpoints… We don’t have a pass or any kind of identification…”

“Don’t worry. If the situation calls for it, we could fly or swim through the waterway.”

With my confident answer, Isana’s eyes that was filled with worry showed relief and refocused.

The restaurant we were dining in was an inn located in the corner of a village. It was also the plainest and the shabbiest place we could find.

Although we could sell a jeweled flower and go to any High-Class-Hotels, it wasn’t ideal to draw any unwanted attention.

The people who were relaxing in the inn were mostly middle aged men dressed as farmers or mercenaries who were drinking without a care of other people’s eyes.

In a place like this, youths like us would stand out but our faces were completely covered with hoods and our voices were kept at whisper.

Then suddenly, the Inn owner’s daughter who was prided as the Jewel of the Inn made her rounds. However she was busy serving other customers so we were mostly ignored.

“Whistle~~ Amy. You’ve gotten prettier! If that brat Mike were to see you he would shed tears of joy!”

“Hahaha~ That poor guy. How many years has he been chasing after her. Isn’t it time for you to accept him?”

With an annoyed expression, a brown haired girl who was carrying trays of food answered with a glare.

Her age seemed to be around 16. With a cute face that was slightly decorated with small freckles, she seemed to give off a lively and comely feel.

Although it wasn’t milky white, her skin was tan and healthy

Slender frame and well balanced body structure. She was someone who gave off that charisma that could turn heads.

As if flustered, she moved aggressively to the man who shouted out. In an irritated voice, she bitingly rebutted his words.

“Are you asking me to accept someone like Mike? Even if he came in a dozen I would still refuse!

I have my own hopes and dreams you know!”

“Kukuku. Here you go again. Quit it Amy. Are you expecting some young master from a noble family to take away a commoner wench like you?

Just go to Mike while he’s willing to chase you to death.”

“What child dreams of a Prince on a White Horse in this time period? Mike should be more than satisfactory for you.”

“What? I’ve been to lax with you uncles…”

“Khahaha~! Alcohol tastes great today! Hey owner! Another glass of beer!”

It seemed like this level of verbal warfare is not something that has happened once or twice. Seeing reaction of the customers, they seemed to have completely adopted to this sort of commotion

On the other hand, the young girl named Amy wasn’t able to contain her anger and beated her chest. But what’s the use?

Taking a joke as a joke is a skill in life that requires certain amount of wisdom.

Eyeing them sheepishly, Isana seemed quite curious about something.

“By the way El… What does beer taste like? That’s also alcohol right?”

“Yes you’re right. Why? Do you want a try?”

“N..No, it’s not that. I was just wondering. Felix said in that past beer was absolutely delicious.”

Since he didn’t have the courage to express his desires, he idly tried to change the topic.

Seeing his face filled with embarrassment, I had an urge to laugh.

Mercenaries that were seated near us seemed to have heard our conversation. With laughter filled with valor, they raised their glasses and shouted loudly.

“Hey, are you a geek that has yet to taste alcohol? If you don’t know this taste than you’re not an adult!”

“Hahaha. He probably just came of age. Do you want to try? The taste is fantastic!”

These people, are they trying to give alcohol to a meek minor?

Before Isana could succumb to pressure, I shook my head in refusal.

“It’s fine. This guy is weak to alcohol. I’m grateful for your offer.”

“Ho~ What’s this? Has his guardian angel made an appearance? Don’t be like that, why don’t you try it like a big boy? Tolerance is something that grows as you drink.”

“Definitely! Someone who can’t drink alcohol can’t be called a man. Haha!”

What kind of groundless bull crap are they sprouting out from those empty heads?

Although their words were without malice, I was unable to find the right words to make a comeback. Then suddenly, a savior appeared.

It was the young lady who was engaging in a verbal battle against a few mercenaries. Now she switched her target.

“That’s enough Uncle Jack. You can’t coerce someone who’s weak to alcohol like that. That’s assault!

“Hey Amy~ Are you taking out your anger on us? This isn’t coercion, its advice!

“Hahaha~ Our Amy seems to be in a terrible mood! You should be more thoughtful about your health.”

At his words, all the men who were sitting at his table burst out into laughter.

For a small worn-out tavern, there was a surprisingly large amount of people. The people here looked to be regulars who frequented this place.

Thankfully, the eyes that were aimed at us scattered. With that, I was able to release my breath in relief.

“I don’t know about your drinking capacity but you should try not to drink alcohol right now if you can.

We don’t want any accidents that’ll delay our plans.”

“I’m sorry. I seemed to have a needless problem.”

With a apologetic expression, he nodded in agreement and concentrated once again on his meal.

But at this moment, a guy who seemed to be rather curious approached. Isana was once again forced to halt his hand.

“Hey you, you guys seem new here? Are you in a middle of a journey?”

Because our faces were hidden beneath hoods, we should have seemed rather unpleasant however, he did not seem to care and enthusiastically stated his question.

I nodded yes in response.

Majority of the inhabitants of this tavern were in their 40’s. However, this guy seemed to be in the middle 20s. Compared to the rest, he carried a much youthful appearance.

W