NOVEL WEB Chapter 388
The ruler of Betelgeuse, or more like a middle manager, was someone who met with the name of Quartz, the Great Warrior of the Lizardman…
“It is an honor to meet the esteemed Great Warrior of the Lizardman. I am Eloid Rivendel, responsible for managing Betelgeuse, albeit inadequately.”
“I am Quatzel-Gar, the Lizardman Great Warrior. Seeing the spectacle of Betelgeuse in person, I feel the rumors do not fully capture its essence. Truly, it appears to be a vibrant and fierce city.”
“Hah, you flatter me.”
“I didn’t think you were capable of such words, Quartz….”
“Well, thinking back, being a Great Warrior of the Lizardman must indeed place me at a very high status…perhaps similar to that of a grand noble….”
Usually, he just gave off the vibe of a Lizardman who loves to fight. The hero party looked a tad unfamiliar with the whole situation.
“So, what brings the Great Warrior of the Lizardman to such a distant place?”
Eloid was outwardly polite, but inwardly cautious.
Well, it’s only natural. A Lizardman, especially one of such high standing, showing up in these northern parts would cause suspicion.
He might even be considering that the Lizardman could directly join the race wars.
No matter how strong Elves and Dwarves are, their combat power in equal numbers cannot compare to that of the Lizardman.
If the Lizardman were to covet Betelgeuse, the Elves and Dwarves might have to give it up.
“I’ve come here on business with the Elves of the Great Forest…but I’ve heard there have been issues restricting outsiders’ entry.”
“Ah…you’re talking about the Great Forest. Indeed, I’ve heard there are restrictions on entry due to an unfortunate incident.”
Hmm. So that rumor wasn’t just mere gossip.
What on earth happened…that Elves are going missing in the Great Forest where Yggdrasil resides?
Of course, I could find out if I wanted to, but that wouldn’t be amusing.
No spoilers allowed! Absolutely forbidden!
Anyway.
“While I was worried about such issues, it dawned on me that an Elf is managing Betelgeuse. I assumed it would be someone related to the Elf royal family.”
“Indeed… I belong to a collateral branch of the Elf royal family. I was appointed for management duties based on my administrative skills.”
“Hmm. So I was right. I would like to ask you for a favor. Would it be possible for you to write a letter for me to gain entry to the Great Forest?”
Quartz brought up his request directly, without any fluff. After all, political or diplomatic rhetoric was not his style, so it was natural to be straightforward.
“A letter for entry to the Great Forest…”
Such honesty can easily become a weakness that can be exploited by slippery politicians.
“It is a great honor to assist a Great Warrior of the Lizardman, however, regrettably, I do not have the authority to do so at this time. It might be possible if I push things a little, but that would put me in a difficult position…”
“Oh? That would be quite troublesome.”
“I genuinely want to help, but considering my position, it’s quite difficult.”
Eloid continued to express how truly unfortunate it was. Meanwhile, his inner thoughts were figuring out how to gain some advantage from this situation.
He was the embodiment of a slippery politician. Well, it’s only natural for politicians to act that way.
“Well, it looks like there’s nothing I can do now. I’ll just have to go directly to the Great Forest and explain the situation.”
Unfortunately for him, the opponent was someone beyond such calculations.
“Huh…?”
“I think I judged hastily without considering your position. You must have your own difficulties as well.”
“That….”
“So in light of this, it would be best for me to visit the Great Forest and explain the details to see if I may gain passage.”
Quartz’s reasonable argument rendered Eloid speechless.
He had hoped to take a more comfortable route by seeking help from another, but when that was unavailable, he chose to tackle it head-on. That was Quartz’s nature.
He was a counter to the schemers and plotters.
“I’m sorry to take your time when you must be busy with work. Now, I should prepare to head to the Great Forest… so I shall take my leave.”
“So….”
Eloid, appearing flustered, suspected Quartz was doing this intentionally…but sadly for him, Quartz was being completely sincere.
He fully believed Eloid would not be able to help him.
Having met the administrator of Betelgeuse through the name of the Great Warrior of the Lizardman, he wondered if he could manage something for the Great Forest as well…?
Whether that was true or not remained uncertain.
That judgment, to politicians like Eloid, felt like a subtle poke to their weakness.
“Ahem! Even so, taking a letter from someone like me, an elf from the royal family, will go more smoothly than talking about this in a restricted area of the Great Forest. Although I have my own position, since you are in a difficult situation… I will do my utmost to assist you.”
Hearing that, Quartz genuinely smiled with joy.
“Thank you. I shall not forget this favor.”
“Ah, that’s not necessary. No need to call it a favor…”
“Favors, tenfold. Grudges, a hundredfold. We Lizardmen have been taught by the Creator Dragon God to repay both favors and grudges thoroughly. So one day, if you find yourself in need of my assistance, don’t hesitate to call upon me. I will help to the best of my abilities.”
Thus, Quartz was able to secure a letter from the slippery elf politician.
He owed the elf politician a favor, but surely asking for too much for just writing a letter would not be the case. Right?
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
That’s what I thought.
“I’m sorry for coming unexpectedly!”
Around lunchtime the next day, Eloid approached the hero party with a serious expression.
No, to be precise, he was looking for Quartz.
“Hmm? What’s going on? Could it be that you needed my help within just a day?”
“Th-that’s… well… it’s embarrassing, but it appears so.”
Eloid spoke with the humility uncharacteristic of an arrogant elf.
“It seems an issue has arisen that I cannot resolve on my own.”
“An issue the manager of Betelgeuse cannot handle alone?”
“Yes.”
Eloid said with a serious face.
“Do you know about the Trophy of Glory?”
“Trophy of Glory?”
The item mentioned by Eloid was one of Betelgeuse’s most important treasures.
The Trophy of Glory, a symbol of victory in the race wars to dominate Betelgeuse.
The Goddess of Life… it carries my blessing, offering various advantages to the winner and serves as proof of having secured Betelgeuse.
That was what was spilling from Eloid’s mouth.
“I’ve heard of it….”
“Concerning that Trophy of Glory, there has been a slight issue… um… I wish to discuss it in private with just you.”
Eloid glanced around at the others.
Was there something he only wanted to share with the Great Warrior of the Lizardman, Quartz?
“These are all trustworthy individuals. They are formidable adventurers as well. So, please trust me and share.”
“Hmm… Alright. I will trust you, being vouched for by the Great Warrior.”
Eloid cleared his throat and spoke quietly.
“It’s quite embarrassing, but… the Trophy of Glory has been… stolen.”
“Hmm? Stolen? The Trophy of Glory?”
The words coming from Eloid’s mouth were shocking on multiple levels.
What is the Trophy of Glory? It is a symbol of the one who rules Betelgeuse, blessed by the Goddess of Life.
It should have been a well-guarded item, yet it has gone missing.
Unbelievable!
“Yes. It had been thoroughly and strictly managed, but… yesterday, it simply vanished.”
“Simply vanished, you say….”
Eloid continued, his forehead glistening with cold sweat.
“This is certainly not the act of ordinary folk. There are almost none who can deceive the senses of us Elves. Perhaps… whatever is causing the Elves to go missing in the Great Forest has also reached out for Betelgeuse.”
“The cause of the elf disappearances in the Great Forest…?”
“Yes. I do not know what it is, but… if it can evade both our Elf senses and the eyes of the spirits… it must be significant.”
Hmm…. If it could fool Elf senses and the eyes of spirits, that’s no ordinary business.
“So please, I ask of you. Great Warrior.”
“Even if you ask for help… how should I go about it…?”
Quartz looked like he was contemplating for a moment, but he soon nodded.
“Once a favor is received, it must be repaid. I shall help in any way I can, although I cannot guarantee the outcome.”
Thus, the incident of the Trophy of Glory’s theft began.