Chapter 60 – The End Process (5)
“Let’s say we meet with a representative of the Order. What should I say to make them willingly guide us to the location of the treasure and arrange for us to meet their leader?”
“That would be… a matter concerning the fate of the world…”
“The answer is to frame it as a public issue, in the name of the Elves.”
I looked at the Elf elders, exasperated that they didn’t seem to understand this obvious point. This was no longer something that could be resolved by a few individuals acting on their own.
The outside world would mobilize the nations, territories, and powers as soon as they recognized the issue. To intervene in such a large-scale matter, we naturally needed a suitable level of authority on our side.
“Are you saying we should establish diplomatic relations with humans!?”
“What’s so difficult about that? This isn’t about personal exchanges. It’s about powers aligning with one another. Is even that too much to ask?”
Seeing the elders’ astonished expressions, I gripped my head in frustration. This wasn’t going to work. If we left it up to time, it might take too long to address the issue.
Before a proper Elf alliance could form, the world would be on the brink of destruction.
“I dare say, in this gathering of all Elf clans’ elders, let’s build a unified governing body. Create an organization that encompasses all clans. It could be called a council, senate, government—whatever you wish. It doesn’t have to be grand. Just do it.”
Reluctantly stepping into the forefront, I knew that if I didn’t take charge, nothing would happen.
The elders and everyone around them whispered among themselves, but they dared not oppose me as I glared at them.
“We will call it the Great Council. According to records, there used to be meetings among clans in ancient times, and we can carry on that will.”
“Good. Then from now on, a Great Council involving the elders of all clans will commence. The opinions and actions of all Elven kind will be determined in this council. For now, let’s designate the top elders from each clan as the members. We can include the second and third-ranking elders later.”
It was decided quickly. I outlined their responsibilities and direction. A significant event that would go down in Elf history was unfolding right now in the dark, empty backyard of the Council.
“Next, let’s select representatives. Who will be the chairman?”
I was practically feeding them the words to say, and they began casting furtive glances at one another at the mention of selecting a representative.
“I nominate Elnar.”
“I suggest Arno…”
The elves who had been hesitating started voicing their suggestions one by one, despite the absurdity of it all, looking like a classroom election in elementary school with elders several hundred years old. But we had no time to waste.
“I’m busy right now, so I’ll keep it short. However, feel free to enhance the procedures and rituals later. Now, let’s decide by vote.”
I conducted a show of hands to determine who would be the most suitable chairman. The role of the representative wasn’t to wield power but to lead the meeting, gather opinions, and summarize discussions—essentially, a moderator.
“Then Elnar will be the first chairman.”
In the end, Elnar received the most votes. I didn’t stop there; I pressed on with the meeting.
“Now, let’s discuss the first item on the agenda. We need to send an envoy to the Order of Light to hatch the seed of the World Tree. Let’s discuss how we should go about this.”
Suddenly thrust into the role of representative, Elnar began conducting the meeting with a serious expression. As I guided them step by step, the organization gradually started to unify the voices of the Elf clans.
“Given the urgency of the situation, we’ve decided to allocate most of our personnel and resources from here.”
“That should suffice.”
It was an all-night meeting. While there were inevitably frustrating moments, I chose not to interfere too much, instead letting them hold discussions and come to their own conclusions.
This was the moment a unified force, representing the entirety of the scattered Elf clans, was born, growing to the scale of a small kingdom.
“Envoy Eluria, Deputy Envoy Arisa.”
An official envoy representing this Elven force had been formed, complete with official documents. We couldn’t make it grand to move quickly and discreetly, but that might have been for the best.
“If this gets out, there will be huge repercussions.”
Patrick chuckled at the Elven force formed overnight. It was essentially a development that could shake the balance of the continent.
This was solely the result of my leadership, so I averted my gaze.
“We will also move together with the Elven envoy. If I want to see whether the holy water is effective, I need to go with you.”
“Just be honest. Are you worried about your descendants?”
When I instructed my companions to move along with the Elven envoy, Patrick laughed knowingly. I couldn’t deny that.
I had initially thought we would establish a mutual support relationship, but seeing things unfold this way made me anxious like a parent watching a child step into the water.
‘Did I overextend? Who am I to…’
I still doubted myself, uneasy that my involvement might lead to negative outcomes.
“Does it matter? Look at them. They seem quite proud of a force that was created in such a rush. After all, Elves who hadn’t united for various reasons over the years have finally come together.”
Seemingly picking up on my expression, Patrick pointed at the Elves. Clearly, the Elves were feeling bewildered but also happy about the developments that occurred overnight.
“Do you think they would dare harbor negative feelings towards an ancestor who achieved such a magnificent feat so easily?”
Even Patrick acknowledged that I had accomplished something great. It was something only a High Elf returning from ancient times could achieve, something not everyone could do.
Hearing that I had been helpful wasn’t unpleasant.
“Let’s prepare to leave. I’ve given them a task, and it ultimately depends on how they choose to solve it.”
I shook my head, casting aside my wandering thoughts, and decided to focus on the tasks at hand.
The topic I had thrown into the council concerning the dispatch of the envoy was none other than where to plant the seed of the World Tree.
I believed the ability to coordinate over a shared interest was crucial for the coalition to function properly.
If we were really going to revive the seed of the World Tree, deciding where to plant it was equally important, so if they could reach a decision considering everyone’s interests, it would help them become accustomed to the council.
“—!”
“What’s all this fuss about?”
However, the commotion didn’t stop there. As preparations were underway for the envoy’s departure, the noise carried on the wind tickled my ears.
“I-Iriliana!”
Rina and Lila, who had been called away by the Elves earlier, came running towards me with urgent expressions. Given that they were involved, I quickly stood up from my chair.
“What on earth is going on?”
When I asked them for an explanation with an incredulous look, both girls were so flustered that they could only open their mouths in shock.
Ultimately, it was the wind spirit who first explained the situation to me.
“What do you mean Eluria is trying to strip naked?”
Of course, the wind spirit’s description, being childlike, wasn’t entirely accurate. Frowning at the confusing words I heard, Rina calmed herself and began to explain.
“You mentioned the outfit you wore as combat gear was meant for communion with spirits, didn’t you? It seems Eluria has taken that to heart. I told her that kind of clothing isn’t something even humans would wear, but…”
“This is madness.”
What I had thought was a shock to them instead turned into a poison for the Elves.
Dumbfounded, I rushed out of the room. In my mind, I couldn’t help but picture Eluria wearing the clothes I had worn.
“No way. It’s far too dangerous.”
If I were to be honest, I would have shouted that it was too lovely, but I had to draw a line between public and private matters. Compared to my own frail body, Eluria’s figure was far too powerful.
Even if she wore a dress that covered her entire body, that perfect form emanating allure from her curves was overwhelmingly potent.
“Oh High Elf! Will you really stop my daughter?”
“I was indeed the one who wore such attire, but I don’t want the entire Elf clan to be seen in such a strange light.”
In front of the noisy door, Elnar was anxiously pacing, looking haggard.
As I appeared, he threw himself at me, revealing the desperation of a father seeking to correct his daughter’s reckless behavior.
