Novel Full Chapter 193 : Chapter 193
Chapter 193. I’m the Only One Who’s Going to Know the Good Stuff (2)
Basically, there is no hierarchy of command among the Elven elders.
Everyone is equal.
However.
When political factions are formed, a leader who can act as a focal point naturally emerges.
This, too, is an unavoidable part of politics.
And the one who could be called the representative of the orthodox elders is this man.
Kantaros, the representative of the Red Leaf clan.
Blond hair and reddish-brown eyes.
This man, with the appearance of a handsome middle-aged man befitting an Elf, is the head of the orthodox faction.
The fact that the other orthodox elders fell silent and paid attention as soon as he opened his mouth showed how firmly he had control over the faction.
He spoke in a calm voice.
“As everyone agrees, Elves must be like Elves. That is the value of our orthodox faction and everyone’s assertion.”
“That is true.”
“Of course.”
“I agree.”
The protection of tradition.
This is the value of the orthodox faction.
No one could deny this.
Having established a consensus on the broader framework, Kantaros spoke to the other elders.
“In the more than 10,000-year history of the Elven race, there has never been a case of learning aura. Is it possible to coexist with spirits? Is it impossible? Those are secondary issues.”
“Uhm. That is.”
“It’s not wrong. But.”
“K-hmmm.”
Some of the elders showed disappointment.
They had secretly hoped to use this opportunity to send their clan’s children to Patrick to learn Aura Blessing.
While tradition is important, the lack of practical military power was also a regrettable fact.
As long as they could maintain communication with spirits, they had no aversion to learning Aura Blessing itself.
Kantaros looked at those who were disappointed and said.
“Those who would abandon the pride of the Elven race and choose vulgar practical benefits are not fit for this place. It would be better to join the reformists.”
At that, those who were disappointed blushed and avoided Kantaros’ gaze.
In fact, it was practically impossible to switch affiliations to the reformists now.
The rift of conflict that had built up over time was that deep.
If they were seasoned human politicians.
[Hohoho. Weren’t we all trying to do what’s best for each other?]
[Hahaha. Of course.]
[Let’s forget the past and do well from now on.]
[Certainly.]
They might have been able to switch affiliations with a smile like this, but the Elves did not have the gall for that.
Kantaros used the justification of legitimacy to swiftly bind the splintering faction together.
And he spoke to the elders.
“Everyone, keep a tight rein on your clans. Especially ensure the young ones do not get any foolish ideas.”
“Yes. Understood.”
“I will insist that the human called Double Dragon leaves Evergreen as soon as possible. Please lend your support to that as well.”
“Of course.”
“The very presence of a human in our territory is unpleasant in the first place.”
“Anyway, what a humiliation this is because of those reformist bastards.”
Thus, the orthodox elders grumbled a few more words, decided on their future course of action, and dispersed.
And Kantaros, left alone, leaned back in his chair and sighed.
“It’s not easy. Not easy at all.”
Muttering with a tired expression, he spoke quietly.
“How much longer must I endure?”
Kantaros, as if speaking to someone in the empty room.
Then, surprisingly, the space behind him shimmered, and someone appeared and answered.
“It will be soon.”
The figure, dressed entirely in black with their face also covered by a hood, had been in this place all along.
But the Elven elders had not noticed his presence at all.
Kantaros spoke to him, the owner of astonishing stealth skills.
“I cannot guarantee how long I can suppress the clan. The worse the World Tree’s condition gets, the more the anxious reformists will try to do something reckless.”
“There isn’t much time left. You just have to hold out until then.”
“So, when is that, I ask?”
To Kantaros’ question, tinged with irritation, the other person remained silent for a moment before speaking.
“Kantaros of the Red Leaf clan.”
“……”
“You have already made your choice. Do you think you can turn back now?”
“I do not think so.”
“Then, for now, just believe and wait.”
“……”
“You don’t have any other choice anyway, do you?”
At the other person’s sneering words, Kantaros’ expression crumpled.
But though his expression contorted, he couldn’t even offer a single word of excuse because what the other person said was true.
The other person spoke to the silent Kantaros.
“When the time comes, you will be saved. Along with your clan….”
Leaving his words behind, the masked person vanished again as if seeping into the air.
Left alone, Kantaros squeezed his eyes shut and let out a long sigh.
‘It’s inevitable. It’s inevitable.’
***
At first, there were 50 Elves who learned Aura Blessing from Patrick.
But through their word of mouth, other Elven warriors also came to Patrick seeking his teachings on Aura Blessing.
Patrick performed Qi Guiding and Harmonizing on each of them, infusing them with the Supreme Purity Heart Law’s cultivation method.
Qi Guiding and Harmonizing was not an easy task, and he could only manage about 70 people a day at most, but he still sweated profusely and tended to the Elves’ aura.
The other reformist Elves were greatly moved by Patrick’s appearance.
‘Ah, to willingly help us even while struggling so much.’
‘I thought most humans were a race that harms others for their own gain, faithful to their desires…. But there are humans like him too.’
‘He is the benefactor of our clan. To think I would regain my spirit.’
The reformist Elves, moved by regaining their lost spirits, swore to Patrick, staking their clan and their own names, that they would repay his grace.
And seeing the actions of these reformist Elves, the moderate Elves who had been watching the situation also came to Patrick.
They came and carefully asked Patrick.
“Is it true that if we learn this Aura Blessing, we will not be disconnected from the spirits?”
“Of course. Do you wish to learn?”
At Patrick’s words, the Elf who had asked hesitated and said.
“I must ascertain the chieftain’s will. We are not with the reformists.”
“Ah, let’s stop with the complicated political talk. I don’t care about any of that.”
Patrick Schneider.
A man for whom lying has become a habit.
But to the Elves who had no way of knowing this, Patrick spoke with a bright smile.
“If you just want to learn, then learn. I will teach you.”
“You don’t care about our faction?”
“I am just a martial artist.”
“Ah.”
The young men of the neutral Elven faction were greatly impressed by Patrick’s benevolent smile.
‘Ah…. Truly a benevolent human.’
No, he’s not.
‘Who said humans were cunning? Isn’t it I who is more cunning, worrying about factions and watching the situation?’
No. That’s not it.
‘Not all humans may be benevolent. But this Double Dragon is a truly good human. He is a person to be trusted.’
At this point, tears just well up.
Anyway, the warriors of the moderate faction clans also came to Patrick and learned the Supreme Purity Heart Law.
Patrick performed Qi Guiding and Harmonizing on each of them, and in the process, he did not stop even while sweating profusely.
Such an appearance of Patrick gave the Elven race an even greater impression.
“Lord Patrick. Is there anything I can do to help?”
Elione, with a pitiful expression, asked from the side, but Patrick spoke with a benevolent smile.
“Unfortunately, this is something only I can do.”
To be more precise, he had to monopolize it himself.
If he taught them the concept of acupoints and the method of circulation, the Elves might be able to operate the Supreme Purity Heart Law on their own, even if it took some time. But.
‘No way. No. Kekeke. I’m the only one who’s going to know the good stuff.’
He’s this kind of person.
Well, since martial arts are secrets that are extremely guarded against being leaked to the outside, his actions are not wrong. But still.
“Please don’t worry about my struggles. For the future of the Elven race, I… cough cough….”
“Lord Patrick!”
“Cough cough. It’s alright. I just pushed myself a little. Please don’t worry too much.”
“Lord Patrick… like this….”
“Oh… please stop for today.”
“The benefactor’s body is the most important.”
“Everyone behind, please go back. Immediately!”
Elione and the Elven warriors who thought of Patrick as a benefactor hastily cleared the surroundings.
Seeing this, Patrick covered his blood-stained mouth with his hand and thought.
‘Kekeke. How about that? This is the Twin Dragon Sect’s secret martial art, Deliberately Coughing Up Blood to Look Pitiful.’
If Master were here, he would have foamed at the mouth and collapsed.
Anyway, the effect of Patrick’s show was immense.
How immense, you ask?
***
Fifteen days later.
“Patrick! Patrick! Patrick!”
“Patrick! Patrick! Patrick!”
“Patrick! Patrick! Patrick!”
Hundreds of Elven warriors were chanting someone’s name in one voice.
Where their gazes reached.
“Hahaha. Hello again today. Yes. It’s your friendly neighborhood Patrick Schneider.”
“Lord Patrick! Thanks to you, my younger brother has regained his spirit.”
“Lord Patrick! I heard you like Elven wine, so I brought some. It’s a family wine that my mother brewed herself when I was born.”
“This is silk that my younger sister wove herself. Please accept it.”
A few young men stood between the fiercely rushing Elven supporters and Patrick.
Appearing with black sunglasses they had gotten from somewhere, they formed a wall in front of the Elves and protected Patrick.
“Now, now, step back. Step back.”
“I told you not to give the gifts directly but to leave them at the designated place, didn’t I?”
“Ahem, don’t rush in. Keep your places.”
“Let’s clear a path. We need to get through.”
Through the crowd, Patrick passed with a good-natured smile, and the Elves who happened to meet his eyes cheered wildly.
Watching this scene from afar, Matthew said.
“So this is brainwashing.”
He couldn’t help but think, so this is how a pseudo-religion is born.
His companions next to him had similar thoughts.
“According to the literature, Elves were known as a race that cannot be brainwashed….”
“Look at reality. That literature is wrong.”
“It’s proof that correct logic is not always found in books.”
“Poor Elves.”
Well, it’s not that they don’t understand.
From the Elves’ perspective, Patrick would be a benefactor who brought about innovative change.
Especially in the case of the Elves who had lost and regained their spirits, they would believe Patrick even if he said the sun rises in the west tomorrow.
To them, Patrick was a benefactor, a good person, and a pioneer who had opened a new horizon.
“Haaa.”
The harmony between humans and the Elven race is a good thing.
It’s definitely a good thing, but.
‘Of all people, him….’
A somehow pleased voice was heard next to the pitying Isabella.
“The Elves certainly know how to judge people. To recognize the Young Master’s greatness so well.”
“……”
“I am very pleased.”
Isabella looked at April with pitying eyes.
Right. There was her.
The original believer of the Patrick Schneider cult.
She was nodding as if this situation was only natural.
A rare feeling of pleasure appeared on her usually emotionless face.
And Patrick went to his usual designated spot and sat down.
“Alright, shall we start today as well? The person with a reservation, please come.”
He was about to perform Qi Guiding and Harmonizing on the Elven warriors today as well. But.
“Stop!”
Suddenly, Elven Knights appeared and put a stop to Patrick’s actions.
“Why are they here?”
“What’s going on?”
They passed through the murmuring Elves and approached Patrick. And said.
“Patrick Schneider.”
“Yes. Why do you call me?”
Patrick answered obediently and stepped forward.
Then, the other person looked at Patrick with an overtly hostile gaze and said.
“I command you in the name of the Council of Elders. Stop what you are doing right now and leave Evergreen.”
“Huh? Right now?”
“That’s right. If you do not leave right now, we will respond with force.”
As they said this, the Elven Knights took out the bows from their backs and nocked their arrows.
Patrick didn’t even snort at the sight. However.
“What do you mean by that?”
There was a person who interjected, raising her beautiful eyes.
It was Elione.
She took a step forward in front of Patrick and spoke. Then, the other person said, as if troubled.
“Elione. This is not for you to interfere in.”
“Yurahis, I am also an Elven Knight. Are you saying I have no right?”
“Then, are you, an Elven Knight, officially raising an objection to the decision of the Council of Elders? To take that human’s side?”
“I have not heard that the Council of Elders made such a decision. What is going on?”
Then, the Elf named Yurahis took out a scroll-like order from his bosom and showed it, saying.
“Look. It is an official order.”
Elione took the order and confirmed it, then frowned.
“The date on the order is today.”
“That is correct.”
“Today is not a day for a Council of Elders meeting, is it?”
“It was an emergency meeting. And the expulsion of that human was decided with a majority vote. There are no procedural problems.”
Hearing Yurahis’ words, Elione quickly grasped the situation.
“So, only the elders of the orthodox faction gathered for an emergency meeting and unilaterally passed the motion. Is that it?”
“……”
“Do you think such a railroaded passage will be allowed? Even humans don’t do such cheap tricks.”
Uh…. they do.