Chapter 137: In Alvenheim (2)
Chapter 137: In Alvenheim (2)
The relationship between elves and demons is subtly complex, but it can be said that elves unilaterally dislike demons. Demons have made countless efforts to be recognized as human beings and have not discriminated against elves or any other race.
As a result, even though elves are wary of and disdain demons, demons themselves do not pay much attention to it. However, during the race war, demons did keep an eye on humans, so there was some contact between them.
If demons had not helped the human alliance, the elves’ self-destruction would have caused great damage to humans as well. There are research results suggesting that the reason humans were able to use magic easily was also due to the demons’ interference.
Thus, the relationship between elves and demons is subtle. Elves despise demons, who are descendants of devils, but demons simply overlook it. If Xenon’s Biography had not appeared and the perception of demons remained the same, and if Alvenheim had not pursued an open policy, the conflicts between the two would have been minimal. The reason they did not confront each other, despite being wary of each other’s existence, is due to the risk of mutual annihilation and the lack of justification.
However, as time passed and the world changed, the opportunity arose for the demons to move towards the light, and the elves reached out their hands, shedding their arrogance.
Although they have never clashed before, the conflict between these two polar opposites is a situation that could potentially occur someday.
“Noona, what’s going on?”
“Hmm? Oh.”
I approached Cecily, who was engaged in a confrontation with an elf, and called out to her. Cecily, who had been catching her breath, widened her red eyes at my appearance.
Gartz, who had been standing beside her all this time, politely nodded his head in greeting. I also returned the gesture by nodding my head in silence and refocused on Cecily.
Cecily, dressed in a pitch-black dress that complemented her hair color, exuded an aura befitting a princess. The material and delicate appearance of the dress gave the impression of being suitable for going out, but even ordinary clothing was elevated to an air of luxury when paired with her.
While I observed her attire, Cecily glanced at Marie and Rina next to me and then expressed her fatigue.
“It’s nothing major. I just have a slight headache due to the immigration procedures.”
“Immigration procedures...”
Upon hearing the mention of immigration procedures, I turned my head to look at the elf with whom she had been clashing. He had a handsome appearance befitting an elf, but there was a firm and sharp impression about him.
He was dressed plainly, but there was a symbol on his chest that seemed to indicate his rank. It seemed that he was one of the personnel assigned for the immigration procedures.
“Let me reiterate, please provide more concrete evidence. Even if you have a document, how will you prove its authenticity? Being a demon, you could easily forge such a trivial magical document.”
“Can’t you see the stamp of the queen’s approval? This seal is an enchanted insignia that cannot be replicated even with magic. It’s something I wouldn’t be able to accomplish no matter what.”
“Therefore, I request more solid proof. The queen’s seal alone is far from sufficient.”
I could gather a rough idea of the situation. It seems that the immigration officer is refusing entry by finding faults due to the suspicion that Cecily is a demon.
This alone would be a significant diplomatic offense, but considering the situation in Helium, it can be seen as an external pressure. As you know, Helium had to quietly endure harsh treatment from neighboring countries until the events related to Xenon’s Biography unfolded.
But that’s not the case anymore. Helium has started actively engaging with neighboring countries for several months, unveiling their hidden strengths all at once to firmly establish their presence.
The problem here is that it’s still in the early stages. Helium has had little diplomatic experience with other countries for centuries, and their perception is only gradually improving. It cannot be guaranteed what might happen if something goes wrong.
Therefore, if Cecily handles the situation even slightly incorrectly, she could face severe consequences. I’m not sure if the immigration officer has thought that far, but the situation remains difficult.
‘Can a princess, not even an ordinary noble, be treated like this?’
Perhaps because they may not know how powerful the demons, especially Helium, are, they act that way. Even during the racial war, the demons supported the human alliance from behind and did not engage in direct armed conflict with the elves.
The typical arrogance of the elves towards humans has been diluted through the racial war, but their perspective towards demons remains unchanged.
I alternated between observing the immigration officer and Cecily, then asked Cecily.
“Noona, can you show me that official document?”
“Why?”
“Just curious.”
It’s unlikely, but Arwen might have approved it strangely. There might be a possibility.
Cecily handed me the official document without any suspicion at my request. The official document was rolled up like a scroll, and the texture of the paper was noticeably different from ordinary ones.
After carefully unrolling the rolled-up paper, I found a neatly written official document. At the bottom, there was a stamp proving it was from Queen Arwen.
[I, Queen Arwen Elidia of Alvenheim, hereby approve the entry of Princess Cecily Drat Eisilia Vin of Helium and her escort knight, Gartz Balak.]
Although it was a brief content, the letters written with a special pen sparkled like stars. It seems to be deeply related to magic.
The date written on the stamp, as well as the context that seemed to be written with magic, clearly indicated Arwen’s approval. With this alone, there is no way Cecily would be denied entry.
With a puzzled expression, I asked the immigration officer, as I couldn’t understand it at all.
“Umm... No, it’s an official document directly issued by the Queen. Why can’t you believe it?”
“It’s not that I don’t believe it, but I need something more certain than this.”
“Isn’t this one thing enough?”
“No. The entry of a demon is unprecedented in the history of Alvenheim, so it’s an inevitable procedure.”
If even after saying all this, you still refuse to humble yourself, then I truly have to give you credit. Stubbornness truly can be strong.
I heard from Cyndi that Elves, as strong-willed as they are, often reluctantly concede when their pride is touched.
“Is that all you have to say?”
“Yes.”
“Then just leave now. None of you are allowed to enter.”
But here, there was an elf who overcame stubbornness with pride. Although I didn’t know about anything else, the rigid person in front of me seemed truly hopeless.
Just as I was about to retreat, an unfamiliar voice came from another direction.
“Hahaha. I came just in case, and here you are, doing this.”
“Huh?”
It wasn’t the elegant and noble tone unique to Elves, but rather a casual tone filled with levity. I turned my head towards the direction where the voice came from.
When I turned my head, there was an elf man approaching me with a bright, cheerful smile on his face. His graceful and light footsteps were somewhat unique. His hair was a bright emerald green color, reminiscent of grass, and he boasted an enchanting beauty befitting an elf. On the surface, he seemed like a person exuding positive energy, but...
“K-Keir, Keir-nim...!”
Judging by the officer’s reaction, something seemed off. As soon as the elf called Keir appeared, the officer’s expression filled with fear.
(TL note: His name translates the same as Kair from xenon’s saga, so I will be changing it to Keir for clarity unless it’s stated otherwise.)
Passing by me, Keir approached the officer and grabbed his shoulder. As he grabbed the shoulder, the officer’s complexion turned pale blue. Still wearing his cheerful smile, Keir spoke, his voice as soft as his footsteps.
“I requested it several times. The Princess of Helium will be visiting soon. So, I said that both she and her escort should be allowed entry.”
“H-However, the demons...”
“The descendants of devils? Time bombs that could explode at any moment? Is that really important right now? They’re honored guests who have come to witness our Queen’s speech. Guests. Understand?”
“I... I apologize.”
“Don’t apologize, explain yourself. The princess has the approval letter, and I even requested their entry. So why did you deny them entry? Just tell me once.”
Although his demeanor was gentle, it only made the atmosphere more terrifying. Even I, watching from the side, felt that way, so how must the officer feel?
The atmosphere continued as if something was about to happen, and the officer, whose complexion turned pale, swallowed hard before quietly speaking up.
“...I couldn’t help it.”
“Can you say that again?”
“It was an unavoidable situation, in order to prepare for the worst-case scenario.”
An immigration officer who upheld their beliefs until the end. I couldn’t decide whether to admire their determination or lament their stubbornness beyond imagination.
“I couldn’t help it...”
And upon hearing that response, Keir sighed and patted the officer’s shoulder. Then, with a faint smile, he spoke softly.
“Well, I guess I can’t help it either.”
After saying those words, Keir carefully removed the emblem attached to the officer’s chest.
Thud!
He kicked the officer’s abdomen forcefully. The impact was so powerful that he was sent flying and crashed into the wall, unable to even utter a cry of pain.
If being slammed into the wall like that, I wonder just how strong the kick was. I can guarantee that if I were hit with that kick, I would either be instantly killed or seriously injured.
Even though the officer is an elf with a naturally sturdy body, he would still need to recuperate for a few days.
When everyone was left dumbfounded by the sudden turn of events, Keir, wearing a calm expression, pinned the officer’s badge to his own chest and looked at me.
Finally, he smiled kindly and asked me.
“Since the immigration officer is absent, I’ll take care of the process on their behalf. How far did we discuss?”
“We haven’t talked about anything yet.”
“Hahaha. Let’s leave that behind for now. I would like to see some proof of identity or an approval document. The princess there as well.”
Indeed, even among elves, there had to be eccentric individuals.
Translators note:
4/5
novelzi