285. The Key to the Nine Thousand Mile Sky (1)
The morning in Guir is as chaotic as its twilight. The people of Guir live in different time zones, and just like those who perform on the stage of Guir’s dusk, those who consider Guir’s dawn as their duty are bustling about.
It’s the unique congestion of a port city. Even before the dawn breaks beyond the distant sea, countless goods are being unloaded, and merchants are busy delivering their own products. From the port’s docks to the unloading areas, it looks like a swarm of ants moving from a distance.
Above this scene, Fernandez gazes beyond the horizon. The sea at dawn shines so brightly that it almost seems colorless, gradually painting over with the calmness of sapphire.
And amidst it, a ship was approaching. Diemonica’s vision far surpasses that of an ordinary person, so the ship barely visible to his eyes now might actually be at a great distance.
However, its size and scale distort the sense of perspective. Merchant ships that should be twice as close appear smaller than that ship now. The ship’s mast becomes increasingly clear, and beneath it, majestic towers begin to appear.
From the fact that there are towers on the ship, Fernandez could infer the name of that ship. Now, it’s one of the only two remaining warships of this era.
“They’ve arrived.”
Watching the silhouette that slowly but steadily grows in size, Fernandez smiles slightly. In this operation with no clear target or purpose, it’s a joy to see at least one thing going according to plan.
Now, the patrol ships of the port have recognized the identity of the approaching ship. The naval forces of Guir, floating on the sea, are almost in a frenzy, sounding their horns.
Fernandez listens to the noise, gets up, and jumps down. It was time to start work.
The morning port becomes even more chaotic. Of course, it’s a common occurrence.
* * *
Naturally, the naval forces of Guir had prior information that the Serpent Queen’s flagship of the Elves would be docking. Robert was never one to handle matters hastily.
However, the sailors’ sudden panic was almost instinctive. It must have felt like seeing a fortress, city, or island moving on the sea. Especially when it’s cruising rapidly towards the port.
“Clear the way!! If we get caught, we’ll run aground!!”
“Look at that size… How on earth was something like that built?”
The sailors, watching the increasingly real flagship of the Guimerin Royal Family, muttered in awe. The Elf King’s flagship was something halfway between myth and legend for sailors. The strongest at sea. An overwhelming mass ratio that brooks no dissent.
“Wait, wait. Why isn’t it slowing down?”
“Uh… uh… uh??”
-Booooooom!!
It seemed as if the numerous ships docked at the harbor were screaming. Horns blared from all directions. It was more of a clamor than a warning against the rapidly approaching massive wall without slowing down.
Completely blocking the dawn sun, a shadow fell over Guir’s port as if a dark cloud had covered it. The unreality of night spreading across the sky again. In front of it, merchant ships, at risk of being crushed between the port and the flagship, screamed.
And then. As if there had been no acceleration. The flagship stopped. Without dropping anchor or pulling sails. As if by magic.
“Uh… uh…?”
The sailors and merchants, who had swallowed their saliva with expressions of having narrowly escaped death or were struggling on the ground, let out hollow groans. How on earth did it stop? Does it make sense for that massive body to brake suddenly at that speed? It was a feeling of witnessing the destruction of physical laws.
And then, laughter echoed above their heads.
“Sea folks with such small guts, how will you survive?”
Clear and hearty laughter followed. The sailors looked at the silhouette laughing with one foot on the gallery high above.
“Humans. Your way of welcoming a state guest is quite sloppy! Now, Elcir! Show them how we welcome a state guest!”
“Yes, Your Majesty!!”
After the woman’s clear voice, a loud cheer was heard. It was the shout of the Elf soldiers probably lined up on that high gallery.
And soon—
-Kwaaaaaaaang!!!
“Ahhhh!”
“Kyaaaaaaah!!”
The sound of massive cannons turned the entire port upside down. Watching the port citizens and sailors screaming and crying, the clear laughter of the Elf Serpent Queen echoed through the harbor.
“Ahahaha! This is our way of welcoming a state guest!!”
* * *
“They started firing… cannons?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. For now… we’ve spread the word to prepare for armed conflict with the privateer ships located in the Inhae…”
“Who would want to fight the Elf Golden Fleet at sea? Fine.”
Robert sighed deeply and bowed his head. He was the one who invited the Elf Queen and warned the entire port about her docking. He was also the one who had to control the shock and backlash of the citizens.
No matter how much it was Guir, it was impossible for no words to come out. Robert’s authority wouldn’t be tarnished by just this. But the biggest problem wasn’t that.
“The whole world will know.”
“I’m sorry.”
“What do you have to apologize for?”
Robert stopped Fernandez, who was bowing his head awkwardly. Even if Guir’s information control was perfect, this is fundamentally a trade city. The scenes witnessed by merchants from various countries couldn’t be erased. Now, everyone would be aware of the Elf Golden Fleet’s docking at Guir.
“I just… thought it would be nice to take you with a few speedboats.”
“I… I also wrote that in the letter.”
“I didn’t know the Elf Queen’s speedboat would be a flagship.”
“…Right.”
Why does that woman love firing cannons so much? And why is she so desperate to show off her flagship? To Fernandez, it was an unsolvable riddle. Wasn’t the flagship itself the Elves’ territory?
“What are they doing now after firing the cannons?”
“They’re doing normal trade of goods but…”
“But?”
“That… that…”
Iron Side, who was whispering to Robert, continued with a cold sweat.
“They’re laying out crimson silk on the ground and holding a ceremony. Saying it’s the way to welcome a distinguished guest…”
“Ah, please.”
Robert looked at Fernandez with earnest eyes. Under that silent pressure, Fernandez nodded with difficulty and stood up.
“I’ll go see.”
“May the Lord’s blessing be with you.”
“I hope so.”
* * *
The meeting with the Elf Queen was conducted very swiftly. From Guir’s perspective, the citizens’ unrest…
I really wanted to stop all this fanning nonsense, but from the elf’s perspective, it was still a matter of hosting a distinguished guest.
Fernandez walked down a long path lined with crimson silk. He couldn’t bring himself to lift his head. Countless citizens were pointing at him, murmuring and whispering. Though their gazes were more reverent than mocking, he wished there was no one around at all.
“Your Excellency, I’m so embarrassed.”
“Me too, Kirhas.”
Kirhas stretched her tail long, trying to cover her face as she walked. Unbothered by their shame, the elf envoy kept smiling and chattering away.
“I can’t even remember how long it’s been! During the last battle with the Malerun Royal Family, I was right behind you, leading the warship!”
“You were the captain?”
“Yes! Rahav Fin Maclaren! I have the honor of commanding Her Majesty’s 15th warship, the ‘Eternal Glory’!”
I didn’t even care about that. Fernandez clicked his tongue, wishing this moment would pass quickly. As they walked up the stairs from the port to the flagship, a sudden cannon blast echoed.
It was the elves’ exaggerated salute. The citizens of Guimerin screamed, covering their ears. Fernandez felt like holding his breath. If possible, he wanted a quick and clean end.
“Can you please stop that noise?”
“That’s out of the question! As humble as I’ve heard! But Her Majesty has ordered us to show you the most dignified etiquette possible!”
“Damn it, Leia…”
It felt like Leia’s mischievous smile flashed through his mind. No, this was downright malicious. Fernandez vowed to confront her firmly as he boarded the flagship.
* * *
“I heard you’re marrying a noble from the Empire.”
That was the first thing Fernandez heard as soon as he entered the audience chamber. Behind him, Abel quietly giggled. She poked his back and whispered.
“I think I know why that girl was so mischievous.”
“I am innocent.”
“No, you are far from innocent. I barely resisted the urge to burn down the Papacy.”
Well, I’m an ancient dragon who’s lived for centuries, so I could endure it. Abel laughed playfully. Fernandez ignored her and stepped forward to the queen’s throne.
The grand hall, once used as Malerun’s audience chamber, had shrunk remarkably. The lavish decorations and tools used to extract elf souls had all been removed. In their place, only a few simple luxuries remained, barely reminding one of the queen’s dignity.
Noticing his gaze, Leia chuckled.
“Do you like the new decor? I prefer a less formal setting, so I drastically reduced this unnecessarily large hall.”
“A virtue of a ruler.”
“You could call it a realistic perspective. After gathering all the people of the Malerun Royal Family, this flagship became a bit cramped to accommodate both races. By reducing my own space as the monarch, I managed to make room for five or six more households.”
Leia laughed cheerfully, looking at Fernandez. She then plopped down from her throne and trudged down the steps. Standing right in front of him, she tilted her head slightly and looked him straight in the eye.
“Isn’t it customary to send an invitation when there’s wedding news?”
“The engagement’s off.”
“…Huh? Was there something wrong with the bride?”
“The marriage itself was part of a political deal, and now it’s served its purpose. If anything, the flaw was in me, Queen Leia.”
“You have no flaws, except for that nasty temper of yours.”
Leia spoke firmly and then giggled. She glanced at the Wild Princes and ministers lined up around her, then bowed her head slightly and whispered to Fernandez.
“Is the invitation you gave me something that requires privacy?”
“No. This will be an official request.”
“Whose? The Church’s?”
“No. My request. As Fernandez Sernerd, I wish to return the friendship you showed me in the past as a ‘favor.'”
“Friendship! Fair enough. Your goodwill was a blessing to our entire race! Don’t worry, Fernandez. We never forget a favor.”
Neither do you. Leia slightly bowed her head to Abel, who was standing behind Fernandez, smiling softly. Abel, who embodied the spirits of two goddesses, was the closest being to the elves’ god in the material world.
“And if it’s an official matter, it’s fine to discuss it with the ministers. We should have a meal.”
“A meal…?”
The usual etiquette when a king receives an envoy is to hold a banquet after the discussions. Of course, depending on the matter, discussions could last for days. But it’s not customary to hold a banquet first for an envoy who comes with an important matter.
Yet Leia laughed and said,
“I declared that I would become the queen of both races and form a fair cabinet from all peoples. The Guimerin Royal Family and the Malerun Royal Family. Do you know what I tried first to unite the people who were divided and in conflict?”
“The intention is noble… but I’m not sure.”
“It was sharing a meal together!”
Leia clapped her hands proudly. The ministers, as if accustomed to this, bowed and stepped back. Soon, the doors to the audience chamber opened, and servants entered carrying a large table and plates full of food.
“Those who are wary do not share a meal, and those who share a meal do not remain wary. That’s how a single race is formed. At the Serpent Queen’s banquet, there is no distinction between race or species!”
“Praise Her Majesty’s glory!”
“Yes! Gather all the ministers! Whether it’s a meeting, a discussion, or a favor. We’ll share it together afterward.”
Fernandez thought this was a trait of Leia’s people, who had to wander without a flagship. After losing Guimerin’s flagship in Infermur, she must have had to strengthen her bond with the fleet commanders to maintain the royal authority.
That habit must have solidified into a tradition even after the unification of the two races. It’s an excellent policy. By absorbing the Malerun king’s subjects and uniting the representatives of the two conflicting races under her authority, she created a strong foundation.
Though she may seem just a cheerful and strong woman, Leia is remarkably skilled in politics. It must be a survival instinct, a sense of balance. At no other time has the authority of the Serpent King within the race been so low.
Guimerin died trying to kill a goddess, and Malerun died pursuing immortality by devouring his own kind. Their people have no reason to show the same religious respect to their king as in the past.
In the midst of this, she had to unite the divided elf people. Moreover, she was the daughter of the god-killer Guimerin and a half-elf. The method she chose to solidify her royal authority was ‘inclusion.’
‘Remarkably wise.’
-I expect a considerable harvest.
Leia’s royal palace, which preserved Guimerin’s sea charts and Malerun’s secret library intact, undoubtedly possessed superior intelligence at sea.
And even if there’s no harvest, sharing strategies with the strongest warlord in the North Sea will surely help when we must prevent the end.
Though we don’t know what kind of end will come, now is the moment when the best force is needed.
![[TS] Obsessed Gamer: The Ultimate Return](https://i3.wp.com/novelhitam.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TS-Obsessed-Gamer-The-Ultimate-Return2.png?resize=85,105 "[TS] Obsessed Gamer: The Ultimate Return")
