Book 12.1: Chapter 7


    There was no need to describe how astonished a young girl, namely Lucia, who had never travelled before, felt when she saw the vi. She beheld sights shed never seen before. However, she was more adept at living in the forestpared to Troy. Despite being an elf, Troy hadnt actually been in touch with nature. The elven flower garden wasnt totally natural for that matter. Troy was an amateur in the forest.


    Lucia lived in the outskirts of the Imperial City, since her parents sries couldnt afford them a house inside the Imperial Capital As a consequence, she was equipped with skills for survival in the wilderness, such as tree climbing, fruit picking, distinguishing between edible and inedible food. In addition, Lucia, who was fond of the colour green, naturally felt the forest was especially attractive. Troy, who randomly felt proud upon seeing Lucias joy, glued himself to her. The two kids went into the forest.


    Vyvyan wasnt concerned for their safety, as mana was in abundance within the forest. She was essentially a spider in its web. She could detect every single movement within her. She knew where the two were. The two kids seemed to be doing fine in the forest. It was impossible to die from starvation in the forest. There was an abundance of animals and wild berries, so elves couldnt starve. Vyvyan couldnt do much other than be extremely jealous.


    Vyvyan really wanted to bring her son back, but she couldnt disturb their joy when she was a Queen. She decided to let Troy have a friend after hearing that he didnt see Lucia as a lover and confessed to her. That way, Troy could have a happy childhood. Moreover, the journey this time wasnt nice.


    Vyvyan received a request for help from a nearby official. There had been recent reports of humans sneaking into the elvennds and kidnapping elves. The elven militia in the vicinity were unable to control such arge space, while the soldiers of the imperial family responsible for protecting the area didnt provide assistance. Therefore, the officials asked Her Highness to deal with the trespassing humans while she was present.


    Vyvyan sighed with a frown. She then ced the document down and said, Humans havent interacted with us in decades. Why would they suddenly trespass into our forest and kidnap our elves? We only have a forest. Theyve upied two-thirds of the continent, and theyre still not satisfied? Also, it appears that humanity suddenly has free time on their hands to enjoy themselves. Does that suggest that theyve conquered thends?


    The officials looked at each other feeling dismayed upon hearing their Queens question. Vyvyan was correct. Humanity and elves hadnt interacted for decades; neither understood the other. As for what happened in humanitysnds, the officials in the area were uninformed. However, Vyvyans prediction was urate, as it waster proven.


    I understand now. Regardless of what happened in humanitysnds, they cant kidnap my people. I will take responsibility for this matter. You have done your best. I wont me you. Seeing as humans have infiltrated this area, Ill send all of my Imperial Guards and guard teams to protect the vicinity of the forest and organise patrols.


    Vyvyan stood up, and the two officials in front of her let out sighs of relief. They respected Vyvyan with all the respect they could offer. Something so serious happened in the area that they managed, yet they couldnt solve it. Instead, they had to disturb Her Highness, who was on vacation. Still, she overlooked their faults and generously spared them.


    Vyvyan walked to the door. Echte asked, Your Highness, since humans have infiltrated the area, it is not very safe anymore. If you send us out, who will protect you?


    Vyvyan revealed a casual smile. She replied, No need to worry about me, Ecthe. I can protect myself. Humanity must require several armies to capture me. A bunch of hooligans ying with fire are not a threat to me. Having said that, Ecthe, Ill send you to patrol this area. Your daughter and my son are in the forest.


    Your Highness


    Echte nkly looked at Her Highness. His gratitude and respect for her caused his eyes to well up with tears. He never thought shed prioritise the peoples safety over her own, going as far as to remember the safety of the daughter of an ordinary guard, specifically himself. Everybody said Vyvyan was the most benevolent and gentle Queen in elven history. They werent lying. That attitude of hers was why all of the Imperial Guards were willing to give everything for her.


    Yes, Your Highness! I will ensure the safety of thesends!!


    Vyvyan let out a tired sigh when she watched Echte leave. If she was on vacation alone here, shed, personally, go and investigate the case. The angered elven Queen might go and wipe out a human vige as revenge. Frankly, elves desire for war was actually quite strong. No elf could stand humanitys provocation. Humans who were caught by elves were skinned and their skin thrown back to humannds.


    Vyvyan didnt care about the safety of those viges and young girls. She was worried solely for her sons safety. The reason she had Echte go and protect Lucia, was to ensure Troys safety. The unsaid catch was that telling Echte that he was to protect his daughter would ensure he was more dedicated.


    Vyvyan began to search for her sons location. Judging from Lucia and Troys locations, the two of them were presumably on a tree; therefore, they were supposed to be safe. There were no signs of anybody intruding, so they were safe for the meantime.


    Vyvyan let out a sigh, and then called for the imperial guards in addition to the guard units captain. She gave them her orders. The interior of the forest was safe. She just had to seal all the entries and exits humans used, which would also ensure her sons safety. Of course, she could rush over as soon as there was danger.


    Thats it. Thats it. Thats it. Your Highness, you did quite well. You are very talented. You havent disappointed as Her Highnesss son.


    Lucia sat atop therge ancient tree and watched Troy struggle to climb the tree. Lucia reached her hand out with a smile. Troy was very clumsy. In fact, he was shaking. Such arge and old natural tree wasnt going to be found in the flower garden.


    Troy looked up at Lucia, who was at the top, looking as though he was going to cry. In a shaky voice, he eximed, Its so hard to climb I feel that Im going to fall. I feel that Im falling!


    You wont fall. You wont fall. Believe in yourself, Your Highness. Youre climbing steadily. Here, grab my hand, Your Highness. Grab my hand. Didnt you want to learn how to climb trees? Dont be scared. Dont be scared.


    Lucia extended her hand out and grabbed Troys shaky hand. They tightly held each others hands. Troy took in a deep breath to resolutely say, I must give Mom the flower. I must I must learn to climb trees Lucia I beg you You must teach me!


    Mm! I know. I know. Please trust me, Your Highness. As long as you trust me, we will definitely seed!


    Lucia pulled Troy up. Troy, who was flustered, waved his hands, and then tightly hugged the young girl in front of him. The girl froze and fell silent. She opened her mouth to find herself lost for words. His embrace wiped her thoughts out; she just want to hug the young boy. Her hands trembled. Her desire and rationality shed. The winds around them blew the falling leaves and whistled in an annoyingly. It was as though the wind was egging her on.


    Its all right Its all right, Your Highness. Its all right


    Lucia lifted her trembling hands up and, with her face literally on fire, gently ced them on the young boys back