Chapter 81

In the palace, where the great trees form a shape as if leaning against each other, and the surroundings are covered by clear water, there exists the most solemn and harmonious with nature presence in the city called the Hanging Gardens.

At its center, a sigh of beauty escaped from the throne, where a growl was heard. It seemed like a mere breath, yet it also sounded like a voice leaking out emotions.

"…Well, is that woman still behaving herself? Tell me, Variann."

The voice came from the lips of Fin Largias, the master of the palace and the guardian of the throne. It was a low, raspy voice, as if stomping on the bottom of the earth. Elves are known for their beauty, but this old elf's face was covered with wrinkles and scars, as if he had inflicted them upon himself.

"Hmm. Princess, I mean, Eldis, was as usual in the tower," Variann replied, bowing his head. In reality, it was not as he had reported. The princess had stopped merely wasting time in the tower, and it was a wonderful change that he wanted to celebrate from the bottom of his heart.

However, one of the certain issues, the princess's will, had been resolved. But there was another problem: the old elf sitting on the throne, surveying everyone with unfathomable eyes.

Fin Largias.

"It's fine, isn't it, Fin? If she's behaving, there shouldn't be a problem," said the bureaucrat, who had supported Largias and placed Fin in his position. He had probably envisioned a life of ease, manipulating Fin from behind the scenes.

But now, he was nothing more than a puppet, merely gauging Fin's mood. Variann slightly twisted his lips.

"Hmm… How far?"

The raspy voice echoed in the room. It seemed irritated, yet it was a flat tone, devoid of any emotion.

Caught off guard by the incomprehensible words, the bureaucrat blurted out a hasty reply. Largias's face, covered with scars and wrinkles, twisted.

"So, how serious are you? Surely, it's not a voice from the depths of your heart. If you are such an incompetent, it would be better for you to die here."

The bureaucrat, who had stepped forward, let out a small scream and retreated significantly.

Perhaps finding the scene amusing, a dry laugh, like the sound of wood being struck, escaped. Largias's laughter permeated the spacious room.

"I've told you enough to rot your ears. The days when you could live peacefully and secure your future are over. Monsters are overflowing, and we elves cannot turn our backs on the chaos of the world."

The elves serving Fin, lined up around, remained silent.

Indeed, many monsters have been spotted in the nearby forests recently, and the conflicts between human nations could potentially involve the Hanging Gardens. However, many elves, including Variann, were skeptical of Fin's words.

How much of it was the truth? How much was a lie to expose traitors? Largias, the old elf, was inscrutable.

Initially, he had spoken grandly, like a fool, and was carried by the surrounding elves. Once he had killed his own brother to seize the title and power of Fin, he began to manipulate Gazaria's leadership as if his nature had changed.

It was impossible to tell how much of Largias's essence was genuine and how much was a facade. This uncertainty only deepened the fear in the hearts of the elves, including Variann.

Even those who had served generations of Fins had never encountered such a person.

"The fact that the forest's bounty was available yesterday does not guarantee it will be in our hands today. That woman, Eldis, is dangerous. There are still many who cannot read the times and continue to worship her."

Largias, lounging on the throne, spoke as if reciting lines.

No one dared to defy or could defy the words he uttered in that thunderous, low voice.

"Plants and trees must be rid of the insects that wither them, one by one. For Gazaria, for us elves to survive and thrive, this must be done."

Variann could not understand his words.

Largias said it was for the survival of the elves, but it did not make sense. Elves have built their cities deep in the forests since ancient times, living in harmony with the spirits. We have never been swayed by wars or faced great disasters. While it is true that monsters wander the surrounding forests, none have ever attacked Gazaria.

For Variann, who led the elf battalions, these days were somewhat lacking in excitement, but peace was not a bad thing.

On the contrary, Variann felt that Largias's actions were inviting disaster.

Suddenly allying with human nations and suppressing the humans of the Emblem Faith, with whom we once had an alliance—what was the meaning of this?

His peculiar nature, having once left the forest and befriended humans, was evident. He did not seem fit to be a Fin. He was thoroughly tainted by humans.

Elves have their own customs and traditions. It is because we have upheld them and lived under the protection of the spirits that we have peace today. Breaking them would lead to nothing but destruction.

It must be the princess. Yes, Variann whispered in his heart. The great Fin who had built centuries of peace, and his only daughter, the beloved child of the spirit, is the only one who can govern Gazaria.

"Variann."

Suddenly, a drawn-out, creeping voice was thrown at him, making Variann's spine shiver.

He was so astonished that he thought his inner thoughts had been heard. Opening his eyes wide, he raised his face to respond.

There, the old elf's face was deeply smiling.

"Continue to monitor that woman. If there are any signs of unrest, let it happen. If you wish, you can dance with her as well."

Was it a joke or the truth? It was impossible to tell.

With a slight response, Variann could only bow his head low, hiding his expression.