Chapter 73

■ Chapter 72. Aftermath (3) □ ᓚᘏᗢ

If one were to choose the most perfect race in this world, anyone would undoubtedly pick the elves.

From their appearance, which even the term "beautiful" falls short of describing, to their inherently superior physical abilities, and their magical abilities, which they can use as easily as breathing, thanks to the blessing of the gods.

Each individual possesses remarkable intellectual abilities due to their much longer lifespan compared to other races. Because they value "tradition" and "history" more than other races, it is inevitable that they have a vast amount of knowledge in their heads.

However, even the elves, who are nearly perfect, have significant flaws in many aspects. Valuing tradition and history means, in other words, disliking change.

Moreover, living for over 500 years makes their stubbornness stronger than others. The reason is simple.

There has been no problem with living this way so far. Since they are elves, not another race, it is natural for them to have a rigid mindset.

For these reasons, elves do not receive particularly good evaluations from other races. Among them, the race that gives the harshest evaluation to elves is humans, and the race that has a poor relationship with elves is also humans.

Many people might think that dwarves hate elves the most, but surprisingly, that is not the case.

Dwarves treat elves as talkative old fuddy-duddies, and elves think of dwarves as a noisy race, but they at least consider them as equals.

However, this is not the case with humans. Other races see humans as a race without any outstanding strengths, but elves, in particular, tend to look down on them.

If orcs hate humans, then elves treat humans like monkeys. As nearly perfect beings, elves do not feel the need to consider humans as equals.

However, after the "Racial War" broke out, the elves belatedly realized they were wrong, as the world's evaluation suggested. When a major crisis erupted during the Racial War, the elves experienced severe internal division, while humans, on the contrary, united internally and achieved remarkable growth.

Of course, there were all sorts of political scandals on the human side, but at least they did not self-destruct to the extent that the elves did.

In fact, each mistake the elves made had severe consequences. They were complacent, thinking there was no need to confront the enemy with full force, and as a result, they lost strategic strongholds. They also suffered significant losses by rushing into traps, believing in their own strength, and fought against humans for no reason.

Even worse, they imprisoned a warrior who had achieved great feats during the war for violating "laws," which only made matters worse. Naturally, humans took advantage of the warrior's absence to launch a fierce attack.

As a result, humans were in a favorable position at the end of the war, while the elves were in the opposite situation. The news of their defeat to the humans they usually ignored was enough to cause great confusion among them.

Fortunately, they realized their mistakes. And if they recognized their mistakes, it was natural that they should change.

- The old laws are no longer necessary. The world has changed.

- We must create our own laws, not those set by the gods.

After the Racial War, the first thing the elves did was to completely overhaul the upper echelons. It was a generational shift.

In Alvenheim, the capital of the elves, the "Senate" governed, where elders from each ethnic group were selected. However, after the generational shift, the system changed.

They established a "King" as the supreme ruler above the Senate.

However, to prevent the King from making mistakes like the Senate during crises, many restrictions were placed on the King, and it was specified that the King could not rule above the law.

Did the Senate, which had governed Alvenheim for a long time, disappear? Not at all.

Although they were on the brink of defeat during the Racial War, it is undeniable that they were responsible for the current existence of Alvenheim. Many of the established generation were still in place, leading to significant resistance.

This caused a severe split, almost leading to a major crisis, but fortunately, it was resolved. After that, the direction was set to create a King while maintaining the Senate.

As a result, Alvenheim began to be governed by the Senate and the King, who checked each other. The problem was that the King, who now ruled over Alvenheim, was open-minded, while the Senate still clung to outdated laws.

Therefore, it would not be an exaggeration to say that Alvenheim currently shows a stark generational divide, a clear difference compared to humans, whose short lifespans lead to frequent generational shifts.

While a long lifespan may seem good, it also has a significant drawback, as the elves can become stagnant, even turning into oil.

Fortunately, the Senate has realized its mistakes and, so far, has only caused minor issues without causing major problems. When Alvenheim began to actively engage with other nations after the Racial War, they were displeased but did not refuse.

Thus, about 300 years have passed since the Racial War. For both humans and elves, this is a very long time, and the wounds from the Racial War seemed to be gradually healing.

Until a certain work began to create another rift within Alvenheim.

* * *

Yggdrasil.

The city where the first "civilization" was established and the capital of Alvenheim, where all the world's knowledge exists.

A city that scholars must visit at least once before they die, containing historically and culturally invaluable resources.

Especially, the World Tree, managed directly by the gods, can be considered a repository of history. Yggdrasil and the World Tree have the same meaning but are distinguished by different terms.

The World Tree was the driving force behind the start of the first civilization, and according to mythology, the gods directly educated the elves. Following this mythology, the elves have established a higher education institution within Yggdrasil to cultivate talent.

In addition, the World Tree is used as a temple. This is a natural phenomenon, as recorded in mythology.

Where is the political institution located? It is situated right in front of the World Tree, as it is considered inappropriate to conduct politics within the World Tree, which the gods directly nurtured.

The name of this institution, established to govern Alvenheim, is "Eloedia."

If the World Tree is the most beautiful place in Alvenheim politically, then Eloedia is the most dirty place politically.

"Your Majesty, please reconsider. This insult is something we can no longer endure."

An elf is bowing deeply and earnestly pleading with someone. From the wrinkles and the elderly voice, it is clear that this is a very old elf.

Beside the elf are two other elves of a similar age, but they appear younger, around middle age, with their natural beauty still intact.

The common point among the three is that they all have faces full of dissatisfaction, all directed at one person.

"I said it is fine. However, I do not understand why you are saying such things to me."

A clear and benevolent voice echoes in the space. The old elf, who had bowed his head, slowly raised it.

An elf was sitting on a high throne, looking down regally.

With silver-gray hair that reached her shoulders and equally silver-gray eyes, she exuded a mysterious aura. Her appearance was gentle yet firm.

Her alabaster skin and youthful appearance made her look like a young girl.

Her name is Arwen Eledia, the queen of the elves who has ruled Alvenheim for the past 100 years and is currently in conflict with the "Senate."

"Your Majesty, this is not only an insult to you but to all elves. Why must we elves endure such an insult?"

The elderly elf, presumed to be the leader, protested strongly again. The two elves standing beside him echoed his sentiments.

"We feel the same. Not only did they designate an elf as a high-ranking demon, but they also labeled us with the insult of 'pride.'"

"Even if it is just a novel, with its spread across the world, we cannot remain silent. Most importantly, they have even insulted Your Majesty. The love story between a human and Your Majesty is something I cannot understand at all."

The topic they are protesting to Arwen is the novel that has swept the world, the "Chronicles of Zyon." Since the "Chronicles of Zyon" are widely spread, the elves naturally came into contact with it.

At first, they read it for fun, enjoying it. However, the atmosphere changed strangely after the appearance of the "Seven Deadly Sins," and the latest volume caused a lot of talk.

Specifically, the established generation, including the Senate, showed a strong reaction, while others did not pay much attention. On the contrary, the new generation, who had thoroughly studied history, found it interesting from various perspectives.

The elves felt bitter about being labeled with "pride," and the love story between the elf queen and a human was met with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

However, the Senate was not like that. They expressed their anger, saying that the novel was insulting the entire elf race.

"Hmm..."

When Arwen sighed deeply, the Senate, who had been strongly protesting, closed their mouths. Having observed Arwen for hundreds of years, they knew they had to be quiet.

Because Arwen sighing in front of everyone meant she was very angry. Indeed, her delicate brows were slightly furrowed, showing her displeasure.

Arwen then looked at each member of the Senate with her silver-gray eyes. Their faces were still full of dissatisfaction.

"Is it really necessary to get so angry over just a book?"

Arwen replied to the Senate with a cold tone, devoid of any benevolence.

"And what have you learned from history? Did you not suffer a humiliating defeat in the Racial War due to your arrogance? It is truly amusing that you still deny history."

When she delivered this heavy fact, the Senate's expressions twisted. For them, the Racial War was more than just a humiliation.

In other words, Arwen was as good as cursing them in front of everyone. The Senate had no words to respond, despite their anger.

However, the Senate was not to be underestimated. They knew that losing their temper here would give her an excuse.

"...That is true. However, Your Majesty, please consider the global influence of the Chronicles of Zyon. Changing the perception of demons alone is something we cannot ignore, and it could change the way people view us elves."

"I agree. If the author portrays us in a bad light, no one knows what could happen."

So, they maintained their composure and calmly expressed their intentions. In essence, they wanted one thing.

To officially allow the search for the author of the Chronicles of Zyon. If so, they would handle it themselves.

"..."

Arwen looked at the Senate with slightly narrowed brows. She was more exasperated than angry at their obvious intentions.

Anyone could predict what would happen if they found the author. They would threaten or worse to prevent any negative portrayal of elves.

While elves pride themselves as the chosen race of the gods, the Senate is particularly extreme in this regard, with a pervasive sense of superiority.

Under normal circumstances, it would be strange if she did not have a headache, but Arwen is different. There is a reason she has been the queen for over 100 years.

"Hmm. Are you afraid of just a book? Truly fascinating. To be afraid of a book written by a mere human while priding yourselves as the chosen race of the gods. How amusing."

"..."

"Why not write your own book if you are so afraid? Write a more interesting book than the Chronicles of Zyon. I do not understand why you are protesting to me."

This is because she has the ability to counter the arguments of her opponents. Unlike previous kings of Alvenheim, who could not withstand the Senate's checks, Arwen was different.

She had the political talent to easily deflect the Senate's politically savvy attacks and even counterattack. She had the mental fortitude to withstand countless pressures.

Naturally, from the Senate's perspective, Arwen, who could do this, was not just annoying but a thorn in their side. They tried to find a weakness, but could not find an opportunity to exploit.

"First, I understand your thoughts. However, now is not the right time. The author is currently resting, and if we seek him out, it could make our situation worse."

"When have we ever cared about such perceptions? We are the elves chosen by the gods."

"That is true. Although we made significant mistakes during the Racial War, it was our mistake, not that humans were superior."

The Senate, unwilling to back down, made Arwen frown.

They believed they had made mistakes during the Racial War, but they refused to acknowledge that humans were superior.

Of course, it is true that the elves' self-destruction made humans advantageous, but it is absolutely wrong to belittle humans.

Arwen, seeing the Senate's behavior, which exemplified the old guard, barely suppressed another sigh. Continuing this pointless battle was not good for her.

"Enough! How long do you plan to waste valuable time on such a book? You have many things to do, don't you?"

"However..."

"Enough. Retreat now. I also have much to think about."

When the queen's roar echoed, the Senate had no choice but to retreat. Pushing further could have adverse effects.

The elderly elf, who was the representative, bowed deeply and said,

"...Understood. Please listen to our words."

"That is not a concern. I have not been ignoring it either."

"Thank you. We will take our leave now."

The long battle ended, and the Senate moved out of the audience chamber. Just before leaving, they did not forget to shoot Arwen a fierce glare.

"Hmm..."

Arwen let out a sigh she had been holding back after the Senate left. She then used magic to confirm that no one was around and muttered under her breath.

"Damn old fuddy-duddies."

These were not words one would expect from a queen. Rather, they were coarse curses that suited a ruffian.

Moreover, her youthful appearance added an undeniable sense of dissonance. If the Senate saw this, they would be shocked.

Regardless, Arwen, chin in hand, grumbled like a child.

"Why are they making such a fuss? I don't understand."

Snap!

Arwen casually snapped her fingers, and a book appeared in mid-air. It was a spatial teleportation spell, which only a human archmage could perform.

As an elf who could use magic as easily as breathing, she could cast it without incantation.

Arwen then carefully picked up the book that appeared in mid-air. The title "Chronicles of Zyon" was prominently displayed on the cover.

"It's just interesting, that's all."