NOVEL WEB Chapter 193
“How long have you been here?”
It sounded chilly at first glance, but in reality, it was just indifferent.
Elves come off as naturally polite, though this doesn’t always align with human standards of positivity.
Their indifference stems from not caring about others’ impressions or being perceptive of social cues, so Elves who don’t smile often simply won’t unless there’s a reason to.
Meanwhile, Elves who smile frequently will keep doing so unless they’re extremely angry or emotionally burdened.
They don’t put on airs to impress others.
This attitude inadvertently gave their race a reputation for arrogance.
Referring to trees as “trees” is fine, but pointing out another race’s traits can feel unpleasant when done by outsiders.
For instance, calling humans “short-lived” while critiquing their history directly isn’t exactly friendly behavior.
Such insensitivity is often labeled as such in public discourse.
Thus, Elves typically send individuals less prone to such insensitivities for diplomatic missions.
Otherwise, they delegate roles among half-elves and quarter-bloods, finding them surprisingly well-suited for the task.
“Is it almost a year now?”
Given how well he’d adapted to this environment, Carriel had taken on the role of welcoming foreigners and visitors from other lands without hesitation.
Within 100 days, he could read and write Elvish fluently, and after another 100 days, communication became seamless.
Moreover, his knack for languages allowed him to speak several tongues learned during travels, making him unparalleled in this regard.
His understanding of various cultures and customs added immense value to his role.
“So, this is your first close encounter with the Sacred Tree, huh.”
The red-haired Elf asked casually, to which Carriel replied nonchalantly.
“Well, it’s everywhere you look anyway. What’s so special?”
Its massive presence dominates the sky; no matter how far away, its scale remains undeniable.
It truly felt like a pillar holding up the heavens, blending seamlessly into the scenery.
“That’s why humans only see what’s on the surface.”
“I just don’t place much importance on reverence or awe. Respect, sure, but I don’t worship or idolize things unnecessarily.”
Especially not trees.
But he didn’t voice that part aloud.
“Arrogant human. Showing respect through reverence is basic courtesy to those who came before.”
“I’m not arrogant—I just have plenty of complaints. They stem from ambition: striving to surpass those better than me. So labeling me arrogant is inaccurate. I’m definitely not arrogant.”
“That attitude itself is arrogance.”
“You’re defining things too lazily. If you think it’s annoying to differentiate between nuances, that’s problematic. There’s a difference between ‘a’ and ‘e’.”
“As long as you understand, isn’t that enough?”
When her emerald eyes flickered with irritation, Carriel finally chuckled and closed his mouth.
But only briefly.
Perhaps boredom from walking silently for a few minutes got to him.
Carriel spoke again.
“During some festivals, we weren’t even allowed near the World Tree. Apparently, our Queen had a sudden whim.”
“How should I know her intentions? Stop prying. I genuinely don’t know.”
“Prying? That’s ridiculous.”
Carriel shrugged and followed the girl, whose head towered two above his own, effortlessly keeping pace despite the significant stride difference.
Even though moving faster made it easier to keep up, Carriel treated it more like a leisurely stroll, following without complaint.
Unlike the organized paths in Rutania, here, climbing was practically mandatory training.
Mostly uphill, with occasional tree branches and trunks acting as natural ladders… It was undoubtedly perfect mobility training.
Humans, unlike Elves, lacked innate agility!
“Learned something from squirrels, I see.”
“There’s nothing better to do when you’ve got free time.”
Moving through forest trails or riding wind currents—walking alongside beings capable of such feats wasn’t easy unless you were exceptionally agile and physically fit.
Even Carriel struggled for three months before getting accustomed to it, despite boasting steel-like endurance compared to peers.
To begin with, most buildings here are built on trees, so if you can’t climb well, even basic travel becomes an issue.
What a lack of consideration for outsiders! And there aren’t designated zones for each race either.
…Did I go too far?
“Stop.”
Just as the World Tree filled their view, she summoned water and wind spirits, turning to him.
“Humans reek even after slight movement. Despite fasting, your body still smells terrible. Even rotten wood or flowers don’t stink this much.”
“Enough talk. If you’ve got complaints, hurry up and clean me already.”
This wasn’t the first time.
Their sweat smells like grass, but ours… No, wait.
Still, I’ve improved significantly.
Living off fruits and herbs has given my body a fruity aroma, but apparently, we humans still carry that unique scent—they notice it, though I don’t.
With her help, he freshened up once more, then noticed subtle changes in the surroundings.
White stone structures began appearing prominently, some resembling artistic masterpieces showcasing impressive aesthetic appeal.
Not mere constructions but defensive towers designed to protect during crises—truly remarkable works combining functionality and artistry.
The problem? After a thousand years, construction progress in the High Elf district barely surpassed halfway completion.
A flaw rooted in the Elves’ complacent nature over time—by human standards, at least.
Carriel subtly praised these sights to Remira, his guide, leaving her satisfied.
Why do they derive pride and fulfillment from praising ancestors and their race rather than individuals?
Isn’t it basically strangers?
If it were my parents, maybe, but otherwise…
Strange folk indeed.
In this aspect, humans and Elves might not differ much.
Or maybe Remira’s young age explains it?
By Elf standards, she’s roughly my age.
Then why does Geofrey, who looks like a young girl, retain such a youthful appearance despite presumably having special traits tied to bloodline and mental maturity?
“This is your second official audience with Her Majesty, right?”
“Second official one, first unofficial.”
“Is that so?”
Oddly, hardly anyone crossed their path.
People appeared from afar but vanished upon approach, no matter how closely searched.
Another peculiarity: clothing exposure drastically decreased.
Simple fabrics evolved into refined materials processed into elegant garments closer to ceremonial robes or priestly vestments.
Though slightly simpler, some resembled walking wardrobes, draped in layers—seven, perhaps? At this point, it seemed like clothes walking by themselves.
“We’re approaching the central area.”
“So you knew where we were heading all along?”
The first meeting involved fewer greeters than expected.
A large turnout would signify respect toward me, but investing so much effort for a kid reflects poorly on their dignity.
I’m neither a diplomat nor a special envoy after all.
Strangely fascinating is how buildings here form a maze-like structure.
Following paths inevitably leads to confusion.
Even leaping around wouldn’t bypass unseen barriers hindering perception.
Ascending spiraling roads, crossing long straight bridges, descending slopes…
“Why design such inefficient and unnatural layouts?”
“To encourage thought and reflection while walking. Also, to prevent outsiders from freely rushing about.”
“…So you’re summarizing complex reasons into simple answers?”
“You’d understand if I explained every detail—it’d take days.”
“…Tch.”
Attempting surprise attacks to seize control internally seems unwise.
…Even if I manage easily, others would surely get lost here.
‘We’re heading to the same place, yet the route feels completely different.’
Could structures shift depending on perspective, like mythical labyrinth features?
Otherwise, it makes no sense.
Moments later, they arrived at the Queen’s palace.
“…?”
Why stop? This feels confusing.
====
The current Elf Queen ascended to her position unexpectedly after the Demon King invasion, reigning for less than twenty years.
Elf kings serve primarily as mediators and advisors, neither more nor less powerful.
True power resides with the council members.
Additionally, decisions require unanimous consent among fourteen council members, meaning even one dissenting vote derails everything.
…And ancient issues persist unresolved, scratching old wounds every time discussed.
Thus, administrative inefficiency and sluggish decision-making plague them due to chronic systemic flaws.
Arguing for nearly a century over reducing the council size by half exemplifies absurdity.
Power dynamics prove universal across races, it seems.
“This isn’t an official audience, so we’ll keep it casual.”
Preparing for the initial audience took a full day.
Preparations alone required three extra days.
My quick wit expedited the process; otherwise, preparation periods lasting a month weren’t uncommon.
‘Peak inefficiency.’
Inside the Queen’s palace contrasts starkly with the exterior—relatively straightforward layout.
The grand central hall dazzles with opulence and brightness, surprising even upon revisiting.
Sunlight penetrates walls effortlessly, mingling with white flowers covering half the space, filling the air with fragrance.
Walking further inward revealed slightly less extravagant corridors.
Who’d have guessed corridors could feel refreshing?
“We’ve arrived.”
By human standards, incredibly ornate doors greeted them.
The white door shimmered with golden floral patterns, crafted from unknown materials—certainly not gemstones or metal alloys.
Curious about its composition, Carriel speculated it must be unique to Elves.
Previously, the audience chamber door loomed six times larger and stood perpetually open, offering no time for contemplation. This time, waiting idly beside the door prompted deeper thoughts.
Soon enough, the door opened, revealing an intimate tearoom or parlor under Remira’s guidance.
Surrounded by white and blue flowers, the space welcomed Carriel warmly.
A woman dressed in pristine white arose gracefully from an ivory chair, exuding elegance unmatched among any Elf he’d seen thus far—an indisputable beauty no one dared deny.
Her azure hair and eyes complemented lips painted a soft green hue, curving into a radiant smile as she greeted Carriel joyfully.
“Welcome, descendant of radiance. We met not too long ago, didn’t we?”
“…”
Um, is a year “not too long ago” for Her Majesty? Maybe time feels differently for her…
No need to vocalize such trivialities.
Simply,
“Your Majesty appears even more radiant since last we met. Your charm brightens my heart like flower fragrances. Have you remained well?”
“Oh my. Such sincerity is rare. Your words feel like a gentle rain refreshing my heart.”
“What kind words.”
Admiring beauty brings joy—a truly exhilarating experience.
Whether it’s a blessing or male sorrow depends on perspective.
Useful like a knife cutting flesh, but adaptable in different contexts.
“Your mind still harbors serpentine thoughts.”
“But I train them well—they’ve become quite adorable.”
Watching this exchange, the red-haired Elf, Remira, raised an eyebrow skeptically at Carriel.
“Shall we cut to the chase? Humans don’t enjoy extended pleasantries.”
“Does this concern the World Tree? Or do you require skills from the snake I nurture?”
“Yes. Though I hesitated sharing this with you, caution dictated otherwise.”
Carriel demonstrated imperial etiquette briefly before speaking.
“If Your Majesty requires assistance, I am eager to help. Should my earnestness regarding your beauty be clearly conveyed, please feel free to share your request.”
“Oh my. Had Ruelde been half as charming, I might’ve chosen him as my husband. Now I feel regret.”
“Even now, it’s never too late.”
“Is that so?”
Unable to bear it, Remira interjected sternly.
“Your Majesty.”
“Oh my. Remira, worried I was serious? Don’t misunderstand—this is merely a jest.”
Carriel feigned surprise.
“Oh, but I was sincere.”
“I know.”
Her playful grin seemed mischievous, but Carriel reciprocated with equal humor.
“Well, that adds to your charm.”
“Hmm hmm hmm.”
Seeing their banter, Remira rolled her eyes again.
“Let’s move on to business…”
Suddenly thunder struck.
“Evidence suggests half the council colluded with external forces. The exact faction remains unclear, but I seek your counsel, Carriel. What would be the wisest course of action?”
“Is it wise to consult an outsider like me on internal matters?”
“Oh my. Aren’t you betrothed to Geoffrey? Doesn’t that make us siblings?”
“…Wasn’t Geoffrey the last remaining family member?”
“Was he? I wasn’t aware. Technically, through distant ties, Geoffrey and I share familial bonds.”
“…”
“…”
Smirking broadly,
Grinning slyly,
Remira inexplicably felt uneasy, trapped in prickly anxiety.
“Though marrying me might bring greater happiness, perhaps pureblood concerns prevent it?”
“It might work if you were as impressive as Ruelde.”
She wasn’t joking.
“Y-Your Majesty?”
“Oh my. Remira, reacting awkwardly to jokes isn’t ideal for a guardian knight. Speaking of which, Carriel, how about Remira instead?”
“From Geoffrey to Your Majesty and now her?”
“Dear me. Isn’t that a bit greedy?”
“I’ll curb my greed if you stop making things casual.”
“Should I?”
…….
What exactly is happening here?
Initially expecting a brief greeting and guided tour to the World Tree, how did things escalate to this?
Rarely did Remira feel beads of cold sweat trickling down her spine.
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