Chapter 94

“Well, I guess I really shouldn’t hold you to it.” Adrian huff laugh. Whether he meant those words, he would leave it up to them to figure out.

He did see the merit. He had gained the attention of the royal family, and with the elves openly interested in him, the nobles wouldn’t try to do too much to him, though they would still try to do something.

Although it seemed like the royal family was leaving tomorrow, from Lord Jayson's and the princess's words, he had a feeling that things weren’t over yet.

If he were a lord intent on gaining favor from the royal family, with a mind solely focused on rising through the ranks and cozying up to them, then this would be a boon.

Pity he wasn’t.

“Again, I apologize.” Sir Sylwen said. “Whatever it is you’ve gotten into, I hope you survive it, Lord Harrow.”

With the change in his gift, he could certainly survive longer. And now… others could as well.

“Those seem like ominous words.”

“They are not. And speaking of related matters…” Sir Sylwen slightly tilted his head. “We actually came here to inform you of something that might concern you.”

“And what’s that?”

“Somewhere deep within the south, I don’t know what you humans call it, but there is a mountain range called the Therin Mountains, and inside them lies another elven kingdom, the Rosetherin Kingdom.”

Adrian didn’t expect such words. The area beyond Hillside was, simply put, out of human reach, so there was little knowledge of it aside from rumors of elves, clans, and barbarians.

“Unlike our Silvyan kingdom, the Rosetherin is more secluded. And unlike Silvyan, they don’t have much contact or an alliance with humans, save… for the clans and tribes around them.”

Adrian lightly frowned, wondering where this was headed. He knew of the clans and barbarians only through Lord Bronsone’s words.

“The Rosetherin elves don’t like humans around the mountains, and have hence decided to fend them off.”

Adrian blinked, and it took a moment for him to understand the implications. “You mean the clans will surge out and into the Sunhaven Kingdom’s territories in the south?”

He had heard about this from Lord Bronsone of course, but before he doubted it, now with the words coming from an elf, he could truly believe it now.

It really is why Lord Bronsone frequently faced barbarians from time to time. Not in huge numbers, a few dozen at most but enough to be a nuisance to his territory.

He told them of Lord Bronsone’s situation, and Sir Sylwen nodded.

“As elves, we often exchange messages once a year, even if the distance between our kingdoms is vast.”

‘How do they do that? Birds?’ Adrian couldn’t help but think in interjection.

“And this time, a message sent to us stated that they will increase their efforts. Some humans clans have banded together, you see, so it will be a large-scale conflict. If the elves win, I can see a large number of people pouring into this friend of yours territory. If the humans win, then he doesn’t have to worry about it.”

Adrian thought of the capabilities of the elves he had seen and pondered. If the humans weren’t trained or lacked the advantage of numbers, he could easily see a team of trained elves beating untrained clansmen, even if they numbered over two dozen.

What the elf was saying became clear.

“I don’t know what will happen, but I hope this information allows you to prepare.”

Adrian nodded. This time, he was indeed thankful. If Lord Bronsone’s territory were overwhelmed, then as the closest territory to him, save for the Viscount of Thornwall, who also guarded the border, Adrian would have to send a force to assist him.

“And how long ago did the elves of Therin decide to make the area more… exclusive to them?”

“About two decades ago, I believe, and they have been slowly doing so ever since.”

Adrian was stunned. Once again, he realized just how vast the difference in time perception was between the two races. Lyris chuckled at his expression.

“Unlike you humans, we elves can truly… take things slow.”

“…So you can.” Adrian muttered, a faint sense of envy rising within him. If he could live for hundreds of years, he wouldn’t have to worry about his plans falling short with that much time at his disposal.

“Thank you for the warning, Sir Sylwen.”

“It’s no problem. We only ask that in the event the conflict between your people escalates and elves become involved… if they don’t directly attack you and only target the clans, I hope you won’t hold enmity toward them.”

“So long as we don’t clash directly, I promise there will be no conflict between us. However, I don’t know how the kingdom would react. By your words, it seems the Sunhaven Kingdom and Rosetherin don’t have friendly relations.”

“No, they do not, unfortunately. One of the bigger reason has to do with the distance between the two kingdoms.”

“And, of course, because of the Rosetherin elves themselves...” Lyris added, continuing for Sir Sylwen.

“What do you mean, friend Lyris?” Adrian asked.

“Do you think all humans are the same? Not just in body and nature, but in experience, character, and culture?”

Adrian immediately understood and nodded as Sir Sylwen took over speaking once again.

“The Rosetherin elves are more… in human terms, radical. A little extreme. And as I said before, more secluded, not just because of the geography, but by choice as well.”

Adrian could figure out that much. The Therin Mountain Range was vast, unless the elves possessed massive numbers, pushing away human clans and tribes seemed more like a petty act than repelling actual invaders, unless the human clans’ numbers had increased so much that they had begun intruding on elven territory.

“In the small chance that fate allows you to meet a Rosetherin elf in the south, Lord Harrow, then…” Sir Sylwen retrieved something from behind his back and presented him with a ring. At its top was the shape of a flower, set with a green jewel in the center.

It certainly didn’t look suitable for wearing in combat.

“This is my ring, a token of friendship. Show it to the Rosetherin elves, and they will know that you are a friend of the Silvyan kingdom elves.”

Adrian didn’t take the ring immediately and looked at the elves with a raised brow. “Why give me this?”

“Because we are indeed friends, at least, that’s what I’d like to think. And I feel I’ve said this before… I want you to live, Lord Harrow. So live.”

Was the elf implying that if he encountered a Rosetherin elf, he might die? How good were they as fighters? Or was this just a ploy to tie him closer to the elves?

When he didn’t answer after a few moments, Lyris spoke up.

“Don’t you want to be friendly with the Rosetherin elves? With their attitude, if they recognize you as an ally, they will truly consider you as an ally and… possibly more.” Lyris’s lips curled.

“What does friend Lyris mean by that?”

“Figure it out. Isn’t that what humans like to do?”

“But as you said, humans differ in character and culture.”

“But all are essentially the same in nature, aren’t you?”

Sir Sylwen chuckled at their exchange, a conversation that could almost be considered banter, making Adrian realize he still needed to make a choice. He released a breath and took the ring.

“Thank you, Sir Sylwen. I feel as though you’ve done so much for me, yet I have done nothing for you.”

“It does feel that way.” Sir Sylwen confirmed, a glint of amusement in his eyes. “But of course, all my choices are my own. Whether you respond in kind is your choice. And oh, it’s better for you not to show that to anyone, Lord Harrow.” The elf pointed at the ring Adrian was now trying on.

“Lest it cause you some… social trouble again.”

“Thank you for the reminder. And I will refrain from asking how many humans have received this… friendship ring.”

Sir Sylwen chuckled as he stood up, Lyris following his lead. “Better indeed that you don’t. It’s been nice meeting you, Lord Harrow, and again, I apologize for the sudden intrusion.”

“We’ve already gone past that.” Adrian waved his hand dismissively.

The two elves headed to the window before turning back to face him one last time.

“Maybe in a few decades we’ll meet again, Lord Harrow. I am curious as to what changes will have happened by then.” Sir Sylwen said meaningfully.

“Or perhaps you’d be full of wrinkles then, with white hair.” It was Lyris who spoke this time, her lips curling into a grin.

Adrian only laughed wryly, and soon he had his room to himself… with Rabbit, of course, trying to climb onto his bed.

“No, you easily cozied up to the enemy. Stay there.” he told the rabbit as he lay down, mentally exhausted.

‘The future…’ he thought, before slowly plunging deep into slumber.

----

Adrian, along with many other lords, went to watch the royal family depart. Many lords were leaving that very day as well, including Adrian himself.

The sight of the royal family leaving, contrasted with the regret-filled faces of some of the lords, made Adrian almost break into a wide smile.

Then came a strange moment. It was brief, but significant enough for gossip to take root, one of the twin princes, Adrian still couldn’t figure out which one, rode past on his fine horse, draped in fine clothes, and slowed when he spotted Adrian.

Judging by the prince’s expression, his full attention was locked on Adrian before he nudged his horse back toward the main party.

That moment was fleeting, lasting only a few seconds, but it was enough for people to notice.

Questions and whispers immediately began to circulate about what that meant. Adrian was asking himself the exact same thing, he had no idea what that was about, but he pushed it to the back of his mind for now.

Because soon, he too would leave.

He would return to the comfort and familiarity of his own village, his own people, and his own castle, where there were no crowds of squabbling lords.

Now, he was this close to going to it.