Ch.137Alfheim (2)

The relationship between elves and demons is subtly complex, but it can be said that elves unilaterally dislike demons. Demons have made countless efforts to be recognized as people and didn’t care whether it was elves or other races.

Perhaps because of this, even though elves are wary and contemptuous of demons, the demons themselves don’t care. However, during the racial war, demons supported humans from behind, so it’s not like there was no connection between them.

If demons hadn’t helped the human alliance, even if elves had self-destructed, humans would have suffered numerous casualties too. There’s even research suggesting that humans were able to use magic more easily because of the demons’ participation in the war.

Thus, elves and demons have an extremely subtle relationship. Elves despise demons as descendants of devils, but demons simply shrug it off.

If the Biography of Xenon hadn’t appeared, leaving demon perception unchanged, and if Alfheim hadn’t adopted an open policy, there would be almost no conflict between the two. Even if they recognize each other’s existence, they don’t confront each other because of the risk of mutual destruction and lack of justification.

But times have changed, and the world has transformed. Demons have gained an opportunity to move toward the light, and elves have shed some of their arrogance to reach out to the world.

Although they’ve never clashed before, the conflict between these two essentially opposing existences is bound to happen someday.

“Sister. What’s going on?”

“Huh? Oh?”

I approached Cecilly, who was arguing with an elf, and called out to her. Cecilly, who had been catching her breath, opened her crimson eyes wide at my appearance.

Meanwhile, Gartz Balack, who had been standing beside her, politely bowed his head. I also silently bowed my head in response and then focused back on Cecilly.

Cecilly was wearing a jet-black dress that matched her hair color, exuding the dignity of a princess. Judging by the material and modest appearance, it seemed to be for outings, but her natural elegance elevated even simplicity to luxury.

While I was examining her attire, Cecilly glanced at Marie and Rina beside me and spoke with a tired expression.

“It’s nothing. Just a bit of a headache because of the entry procedures.”

“Entry procedures…”

At the mention of entry procedures, I turned to look at the elf who had been arguing with her. He was exceptionally handsome as expected of an elf, but had a stern and prickly impression.

He was dressed simply with an emblem on his chest that seemed to indicate his rank. He appeared to be staff assigned for entry procedures.

“I’ll say it again, please show more definitive proof. Even if you have documents, how can you prove those documents are genuine? You’re a demon, so you could easily forge magical documents.”

“Can’t you see this seal with the Queen’s approval? This is a binding seal that can’t be tampered with even by magic. Even I couldn’t do anything about it.”

“That’s why I’m asking for more definitive proof. The Queen’s seal is far from sufficient.”

I can roughly guess what’s happening. It seems the immigration officer is making up excuses to deny entry because Cecilly is a demon.

This alone is a major diplomatic discourtesy, but considering Helium’s situation, they’ve been caught in a trap. As you know, until the Biography of Xenon appeared, Helium had to stay quiet, semi-forcibly, due to harsh treatment from neighboring countries.

But not anymore. Helium has officially begun interacting with neighboring countries a few months ago and is clearly establishing their presence by simultaneously revealing strengths they’ve been hiding until now.

The problem is that they’re just at the beginning stage. Helium has hardly experienced diplomacy with other countries for hundreds of years, and even though perceptions are gradually improving, there’s no guarantee what might happen if things go wrong.

So if Cecilly mishandles this situation even slightly, she could face severe backlash. I’m not sure if the immigration officer has thought that far, but the awkward situation remains unchanged.

‘She’s not just a regular noble but a princess—is this really acceptable?’

Perhaps they’re acting this way because they don’t know how powerful Helium, or more broadly, demons are. Even during the racial war, demons supported the human alliance from behind rather than directly engaging in armed conflict with elves.

The elves’ characteristic arrogance toward humans was diluted through the racial war, but their attitude toward demons seems unchanged.

I looked back and forth between the officer and Cecilly as they engaged in a battle of nerves, then asked Cecilly:

“Sister. Can you show me that official document?”

“Why?”

“I’m curious.”

It’s unlikely, but Arwen might have issued the approval strangely. There’s always a possibility.

Cecilly handed me the document without any suspicion. The document was rolled up like a scroll, and the paper’s quality was distinctly different from ordinary paper.

When I unrolled it, there was an official document written in elegant cursive. At the very bottom was a seal proving it was from Arwen.

[I, Arwen Elidia, Queen of Alfheim, hereby declare. I approve the entry of Cecilly Drat Isillia Vin, Princess of Helium, and her guard knight Gartz Balack.]

Though brief, the text sparkled like stars, perhaps written with a special pen. It seems deeply connected to magic.

From the date written above the seal and the magically written context, this is clearly Arwen’s approval. With this alone, there’s absolutely no reason for Cecilly to be denied entry.

With an expression of complete incomprehension, I asked the officer:

“Why can’t you trust a document directly issued by Ar… I mean, the Queen?”

“It’s not that I don’t trust it, but something more definitive is needed besides this.”

“Isn’t this alone sufficient?”

“No. This is the first time in Alfheim’s history that demons are entering, so it can’t be helped.”

I’ve never seen someone so narrow-minded. I somewhat understand how Middle Eastern people feel when entering the United States.

Other races might be the same, but demons, who could potentially transform into devils, are always objects of caution. But in the case of elves, it’s a bit extreme.

Moreover, elves pride themselves on being chosen by the gods, so they can’t help but dislike demons, the descendants of devils. It’s similar to white people discriminating against black people.

Anyway, such discrimination isn’t right. I asked the officer in a voice that conveyed my complete lack of understanding:

“What will you do if this is really an official document approved by the Queen? Are you prepared to take responsibility?”

“I’ve already requested confirmation from superiors. If you just wait, entry won’t be a problem. The Queen herself will confirm it.”

“How long will it take?”

“I don’t know. Since it’s the first time demons are entering, it might take a while. At least two days.”

Wow… I’m impressed. Refusing entry by saying instructions haven’t come down from superiors. Isn’t this too inflexible?

I knew elves were stubborn due to their characteristic pride, but I didn’t know it was this bad. This is why they imprisoned Icare during the racial war.

Cecilly seemed equally frustrated and confronted the officer with an expression that said this was absurd:

“Can you take responsibility for this situation? This is a serious diplomatic discourtesy. Can’t you imagine what might happen if this reaches the Queen’s ears?”

“It doesn’t matter. I’ve watched 400 springs pass and realized that a 1% probability is not a small figure. It’s my duty to block even that tiny gap.”

They say an ignorant person with conviction is scary, and this is exactly that. This officer perfectly embodies the typical stereotype of elves.

Moreover, having lived over 400 years, he must be from the generation that experienced the racial war. There’s no way his view of demons could be good.

But this is clearly a wrong measure. I quietly asked the officer in a tone that questioned his sincerity:

“Excuse me. You said you block tiny gaps, but when you block even tiny gaps, you lose flexibility. If you keep doing that, someday the internal pressure will be too much and it’ll go boom!”

“That’s not your concern. Go to another officer for entry procedures.”

“I think it is my concern. Because of your misguided judgment, you might cause great harm to all of Alfheim—are you really okay with that?”

“What are you talking about? I’m just…”

“Definitive proof or whatever—she has an approval document and you’re ignoring it? Aren’t you completely disregarding the Queen? Are you above the Queen? This is overstepping your authority, overstepping!”

As I showed the document and pointed out each issue, the officer’s face hardened coldly. The atmosphere also felt heavy, but I didn’t back down.

What man could stand by when his woman faces such discrimination? If one could endure it, that would make him more pathetic.

“What if Princess Cecilly returns and formally protests? It would inevitably become an occasion to tarnish Alfheim and the elven race. Even though Helium has only recently begun diplomacy, this is a national disgrace. And you would be the elf who made a decisive contribution to that disgrace. Elves value pride and honor as much as life, but you’d be stripping all that away as an immigration officer.”

“…”

“You said you want to block gaps, right? That belief is good. It’s not bad to prepare for contingencies. But the document Princess Cecilly showed you is a kind of certainty that blocks even those contingencies. Yet you still deny entry? It just seems like you dislike demons, with no other reason.”

My direct approach seemed effective as the officer’s face turned red and blue. People tend to get angry when others expose their true feelings.

We might end up being denied entry at this rate, but it doesn’t matter. We can ask Cyris or Arwen to help us sneak in. Getting caught during illegal entry is a big deal, but once you safely arrive in the country, you’re unlikely to get caught.

“…You say interesting things. Do I appear to be denying entry due to personal feelings?”

“Given the circumstances, it can only appear that way.”

“Ha! Well, you’re human, so you can say that. Humans have always been a race of greed and foolishness. That’s why, unlike us who are flawless, you cause many problems.”

The officer, whose temper seems to have snapped, finally resorts to discriminatory remarks. I’ve never experienced racial discrimination in my previous life, but here I’m experiencing racial discrimination.

Still, it doesn’t particularly bother me. Perhaps because the influence of my previous life is deeply rooted, I’m more sensitive to racial discrimination than species discrimination. I could just think, “Well, that’s how elves are,” and move on.

“…You. It would be better if you took back those words.”

Cecilly spoke in a low voice, apparently displeased that the officer had made discriminatory remarks toward me. Not just her, but Gartz’s expression also hardened, and Marie and Rina were no different.

I don’t know what criteria they used to select that elf as an immigration officer, but he has already crossed the line. I didn’t even provoke him, just pointed out facts, but he dug his own grave.

It seems we might have to wait a while for entry. I faced the officer who was looking at me with a cold gaze.

Due to his height, our eye levels were almost equal.

“Well… I suppose that could be true. Humans commit numerous wrongs due to greed, selfishness, and foolishness.”

“If you know that, then why…”

“That’s why our potential for development is superior to any other race. Humans may commit wrongs, but we recognize and correct them. People develop the moment they recognize and correct their mistakes. But being flawless…”

I smiled slightly and gave a sharp retort to the arrogant race before me.

“That sounds like a race with absolutely no potential for development, truly without dreams or hope. Just as someone said.”

“…”

“If you truly want to be flawless, start by recognizing where things went wrong and thinking about how to fix them. The moment you fall into arrogance and think only you are right, all that remains is self-destruction. Having experienced the racial war, I believe you understand what I mean.”

If he doesn’t bend his pride even after I’ve said this much, then I really have to acknowledge him. His stubbornness is indeed strong.

Cindy told me that since elves have strong pride, they often reluctantly permit things when their pride is hurt. He can’t refuse now because his pride would be hurt if he did.

“…Is that all you have to say?”

“Yes.”

“Then get out of here. You are all denied entry.”

So here’s an elf whose stubbornness overcame his pride. I don’t know about others, but the old-fashioned elf before me seemed truly hopeless.

Just as we were about to reluctantly withdraw, an unfamiliar voice came from another direction.

“Hahaha. I came just in case, and you’re really doing this.”

“Huh?”

It was a speech pattern with a hint of frivolity, unlike the elegant and refined manner typical of elves. Without anyone taking the lead, we all turned our heads toward the voice.

When we turned, an elven man was approaching us, with a grinning face and light, graceful steps that were somewhat unique.

His hair color was a bright lime green reminiscent of grass, and he boasted the refined beauty characteristic of elves.

On the surface, he seemed like a person radiating positive energy, but…

“L-Lord Kayre…!”

Judging by the officer’s reaction, something seemed amiss. As soon as the elf called Kayre appeared, the officer’s expression turned fearful.

Meanwhile, the elven man, Kayre, who had approached us, passed by me and approached the officer, grabbing his shoulder. The officer’s complexion turned pale blue.

Then, Kayre, still with a grinning face, spoke to the officer. His gentle voice, like his gait, was impressive.

“I’ve repeatedly told you. The Princess of Helium will be visiting soon. So just let her and her guard knight pass through immigration.”

“B-but demons are…”

“Descendants of devils? A ticking time bomb? Is that what matters now? She’s a distinguished guest coming to hear our Queen’s speech. A distinguished guest. Hmm?”

“…I’m sorry.”

“Don’t just apologize, tell me the reason. The Princess has an approval document, and I even instructed you to let her through. So why did you deny entry? Tell me just once.”

Though gentle, it felt all the more terrifying because of that. Even I, watching from the side, felt that way—how much more so for the officer.

As the atmosphere continued to feel like something might explode at any moment, the officer, whose complexion had turned pale, swallowed hard and quietly opened his mouth.

“…I had no choice.”

“Would you say that again?”

“To prepare for contingencies… I had no choice.”

The officer maintains his conviction to the end. I’m not sure whether to call it admirable or say his stubbornness is beyond imagination.

“No choice, huh…”

After hearing that answer, Kayre sighed and patted the officer’s shoulder. Then, with a smile, he said quietly:

“Then I have no choice either.”

With those words, Kayre carefully removed the emblem attached to the officer’s chest and then…

WHAM!

He forcefully kicked the officer’s abdomen. With such tremendous leg power that the officer couldn’t even scream in agony, he flew far away and crashed into the wall.

If he crashed into the wall, how strongly must he have been kicked? I guarantee that if I were hit by that kick, I’d either die instantly or be severely injured.

Even an elf, with their naturally sturdy body, would need days to recover.

Just as everyone was dumbfounded by the sudden incident, Kayre attached the officer’s badge to his own chest with a relaxed expression and looked at me.

Then, with the kindest smile in the world, he asked me:

“Due to the absence of the immigration officer, I’ll handle the procedure instead. Where were we in our conversation?”

“…We haven’t talked about anything yet.”

“Hahaha. Let’s skip that, and I’d like to see proof of identity or an approval document. The Princess over there too.”

Indeed, even among elves, there are eccentrics.