Ch.140Speech (1)

The political institution of Alfheim, Elodia, is not just an audience hall. It houses various politicians including the Senate and boasts strict security as the governing center of Alfheim.

The Queen’s residence is no exception. Her quarters are established on the highest floor of Elodia with much stronger defenses than where the Senate stays.

Arwen typically stays there from evening unless she has work. Numerous caretakers manage the Queen’s residence, using magic to provide comfort.

Above all, Elodia was built right in front of the World Tree, bringing peace to one’s mind. While political institutions are usually filled with noisy schemes, Elodia remains uniquely quiet for this reason.

The mana emitted by the World Tree is sacred enough to purify even inner evil. Having the World Tree right in front means the gods are always watching.

Therefore, Elodia has the unique characteristic of being a political institution where harsh words cannot be spoken.

Though there was an argument between the Senate and the Queen in the audience hall, even that was an improvement.

“…I want to quit everything.”

However, there was one person who couldn’t find peace in her heart despite the World Tree’s mana – Queen Arwen. She sat on her spacious bed with her head down in frustration.

Tomorrow would be the day of her promised national address. Not only Alfheim’s citizens but dignitaries from around the world would attend.

Normally, when a foreign leader gives a national address, dignitaries aren’t sent unless there’s a special relationship. Usually only journalists visit to find news.

However, tomorrow’s address was somewhat different. It would be her first address since ascending to the throne, and Alfheim’s situation was chaotic.

People were curious whether she would capture public sentiment and lead the nation stably through her speech, or if it would be just another ordinary address. If the former, neighboring countries would be wary of Arwen; if the latter, they would look down on her.

For these reasons, Arwen grew increasingly anxious as the days passed. Even the World Tree’s mana couldn’t calm her mind, to the point where she couldn’t sleep properly.

Fortunately, being a sturdy elf saved her; had she been human, she would have collapsed from sleep deprivation.

‘Can I do well…’

Arwen looked at the paper in her hand as her confidence diminished day by day. It was the speech Issac had delivered in less than three days.

She should have read it once and disposed of it, but with her confidence dropping by the minute, she clutched it tightly.

Publicly known as a caring, loving, and sometimes strict and resolute queen, she was ultimately just one person. Moreover, being checked by the Senate added to her daily stress.

‘The speech is fine. Just saying it as written will be enough.’

She checked the speech once more with a troubled expression. The speech Issac had delivered in less than three days was sufficient to quell Alfheim’s current chaos.

Starting with the elves’ creation myth, it described what sacrifices their ancestors made to protect Alfheim. Especially the final part, which Arwen thought contained unparalleled wisdom.

However, she feared whether she could deliver such a speech well. Those around her reassured her, but she couldn’t tell if they were sincere or just flattering her.

Having experienced bloodshed due to people planted by the Senate in the past, she found it difficult to trust anyone within Elenoa.

‘It’s burdensome…’

She hadn’t felt it during her argument with the Senate, but the thought of speaking before her citizens felt like a heavy weight on her shoulders. Her speech would essentially determine Alfheim’s future.

She hoped it would go well, but couldn’t control her trembling heart. Part of her wanted to flee from the queen’s position, but…

‘I can’t do that. I am the Queen.’

She couldn’t run away due to her heavy responsibility as Queen. Arwen took another deep breath and shifted her gaze to the speech.

“Issac…”

Looking at the speech reminded her of the handsome man with red hair and golden eyes. The value of this speech from a world-shaking author was immeasurable.

Yet Issac had gladly accepted her request. He even guided her speech style to help her deliver a better address.

While touched by his warm kindness, she wondered how to repay him after the speech. It would be easier if he made demands, but if not, that would be another concern.

Money, fame, women, power – Issac already had everything at his young age. Arwen felt she had nothing to give him.

“Haah…”

A sigh escaped her. The speech was one problem, but the reward for Issac was another.

Even if Issac didn’t demand compensation, she had to give him something. It was proper etiquette and a necessary virtue in life.

Human hearts are fickle, and Issac might feel slighted. Having already made a big mistake, she wanted to prevent that.

“…Still, I’m glad Issac is here.”

Arwen smiled bitterly and carefully folded the speech. Then she flopped down on the bed.

Her silver-gray hair spread across the dark bedroom still shone. Her silver-gray eyes did too.

‘If Issac wasn’t here…’

Although their relationship was formed through coincidence and her mistake, Arwen considered it fortunate. While her mistake was unacceptable, forming a connection with him was a blessing in disguise.

Without Issac, she couldn’t have written a speech to quell Alfheim’s chaos, let alone suppress it. Of course, she would know the result tomorrow, but Issac’s help had been significant in getting this far.

And if the speech succeeded… her debt to Issac would grow even larger. Arwen placed both hands on her chest and slowly closed her eyes.

‘Come to think of it, Issac came to Yggdrasil today.’

She had already received reports about the incident at immigration. There was a commotion because an immigration officer refused entry to a dignitary from another country – Cecilly.

Fortunately, Supervisor Kayre handled the situation well, preventing it from escalating, but an official protest from Helium would arrive soon. The thought gave her a headache, but considering the current situation, it was relatively manageable.

Arwen was briefly imagining what Issac might be doing now when she suddenly remembered the white-haired woman she had seen at the lodging. If Cecilly was a secret lover, Marie was officially engaged.

They were even in such a deep relationship that they did those things at the lodging. Unfortunately (?) for the well-mannered Arwen, she didn’t see the scene directly, but something tickled her heart.

Should she call it slightly regretful, or uncomfortable?

For Arwen, who hadn’t had anyone she could call a “friend” in over 100 years, it was an unfamiliar emotion.

“… …”

Arwen slowly opened her closed eyes. Her silver-gray eyes shone like stars.

Rather than wallowing like this, it would be better to practice to deliver a better speech. Just as she was about to get up from the bed and head to the full-length mirror…

Woong-

“Hm?”

A faint mana wave was detected. Someone had unlocked the barrier set on her bedroom.

Normally, passing through the barrier without permission would trigger an alarm, but there was no reaction. That meant…

“Cyris?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

It meant someone Arwen had personally given the barrier code to. Arwen tilted her head at Cyris who appeared from the darkness.

Usually, Cyris’s visit meant either something had happened within the Dark Elf community or Issac had sent a message.

Recently, the Dark Elves were unsettled because of Rain, so there shouldn’t be any news to deliver. That left only Issac.

“Did Issac send you?”

“Yes, that’s right. Issac has something he wants to tell Your Majesty.”

“Something he wants to tell me?”

“Here’s a letter.”

Cyris handed over a letter, or rather a note, that she was holding. It was folded in a unique way.

Arwen’s eyes widened at the unfamiliar folding method, but she accepted it without any suspicion. She was curious about what Issac wanted to say.

When she finally unfolded the note, a single line caught her eye.

[If you’re nervous about tomorrow’s speech, look at the back.]

Look at the back? Arwen blinked and obediently looked at the back.

And written there was:

[Fighting, Your Majesty!]

A brief message of encouragement.

“…Pfft.”

Arwen let out a small laugh.

It might seem trivial, but the strength contained in it was not small at all.

She looked at the contents of the note with warm eyes and then folded it neatly. Not knowing how to fold it properly, she had to fold it roughly.

Then, preciously holding the note in her hand, she asked Cyris about Issac’s recent situation.

“Do you know what Issac is doing now?”

“He’s currently sharing a room with his fiancée.”

“…Is that so?”

When she heard that Issac was sharing a room with Marie, Arwen’s expression stiffened slightly.

There was no problem with him being with his fiancée, but, how should I put it…

“…I see.”

It just felt uncomfortable.

*****

The long-awaited day of the national address dawned. Despite having to wake up early tomorrow, I was troubled by Marie who kept clinging to me, but fortunately, I was able to wake up on schedule.

However, that was just me; our pretty girlfriend, who was sleeping soundly next to me without a stitch of clothing, was not. Perhaps due to last night’s vigorous exercise as usual, she showed no signs of waking up.

“Wake up, Marie. It’s morning.”

“Mmm… 5 more minutes…”

“You need to get up now.”

“Give me a kiss…”

What is she, Sleeping Beauty? I smiled helplessly at Marie’s whining and complied with her request.

Marie also smiled happily when I gently kissed her and sluggishly got up from the bed. The blanket precariously covered her chest, but she still exuded sensuality no less than Cecilly.

I almost pounced on her but barely restrained myself. Then we both quickly washed up, got dressed, and went downstairs.

As expected, Cecilly, Rina, and their knight escorts were waiting when we came down. It seemed we were a bit late because I had to help Marie wash up.

“Sorry we’re a bit late… Rina?”

“Uh, yes?”

“What’s wrong with your face? Are you sick?”

However, Rina’s condition seemed a bit off. She looked exhausted, as if she hadn’t slept well.

Her inherent beauty wasn’t diminished, but her fatigue was still noticeable.

“Ah, no. I’m fine. Yes… perfectly fine…”

“You don’t look fine…”

“M-more importantly, let’s eat first. We only have about an hour left until the speech, so we’re tight on time.”

When I expressed concern, Rina waved her hands and quickly changed the subject. As she alternately looked at Marie and me, her face turned red, which seemed unusual.

I wondered if she had heard us because the room wasn’t soundproof, but I had heard from the innkeeper that the room was thoroughly protected, including soundproofing. Thanks to that, there were no complaints even when we were a bit noisy.

Then why was Rina reacting like this? I looked curiously at Rina, who couldn’t even meet my eyes, but let it go.

She probably doesn’t have that kind of preference anyway, so she might just be overreacting.

“Come again next time~”

After finishing our meal, we headed to the grand plaza with the innkeeper’s farewell. The grand plaza was where the speech would be held, and I heard there was a tree in the center that had stood firmly for hundreds of years, though not as old as the World Tree.

On the way there, I looked around. Perhaps because of the national address, people were starting to gather. They were probably trying to secure spots to see Arwen better.

After walking for a while, we arrived at the grand plaza where the speech would begin. A platform like an altar was set up in the center of the plaza, with a large tree standing behind it.

Though not as large as the World Tree, it was certainly a massive tree. It would take dozens of adult men holding hands to barely encircle its thickness.

“Where do we sit?”

“We sit over there. I heard the front is reserved for the Senate and noble families.”

Rina skillfully showed us to our seats. Being experienced in such matters, we followed her without saying anything.

The distance between the seats for the Senate and Alfheim’s nobles and those for foreign dignitaries was far enough to avoid any discomfort. Moreover, nobles from other countries who had visited were also appearing one after another.

This indicated how important Arwen’s speech was. I was worried whether she could shake off the pressure and deliver the speech well.

I secretly called Cyris yesterday to deliver a note, but I wasn’t sure if that would be enough encouragement.

“Isn’t that woman a demon?”

“You’re right. A demon attending the speech…”

“Hmm…”

As time passed and more people gathered, attention focused on Cecilly. Especially the elves sitting in the front rows, presumably the Senate and Alfheim’s nobles, gave very sharp glances.

Even I, who was just beside her, felt it, so how would the person in question feel? I glanced at Cecilly with concern.

“Achoo! Ugh.”

“… …”

She was suffering from allergies regardless of the stares. She seemed better than yesterday, but the symptoms persisted.

Moreover, her nose had turned red like a strawberry, which, combined with her cute sneezing sound, showed a rather blank aspect. It was a moment to confirm another charming side of Cecilly.

“I wish they’d start soon…”

“Sniff!”

Cecilly’s voice had become nasal as her nose was blocked, and I couldn’t help but laugh. When I burst into laughter, Cecilly looked at me with narrowed eyes.

“Are you laughing at me? Are you laughing at me right now?”

“Kuhehe… Aack!”

In the end, my thigh got pinched. I screamed in pain as my flesh was twisted.

While I was clutching my thigh and trembling, Cecilly turned her head away with a “Hmph!” I thought I should apologize later.

Buzz- Buzz- Buzz-

Just before the speech was about to begin, an enormous crowd had gathered. Looking forward, there were elves; looking back, there were elves; and to the left and right, everywhere was filled with elves.

Only those sitting in the VIP seats were of races other than elves. While I was looking around with an unfamiliar feeling, someone’s words caught my ear.

“Isn’t that the Queen?”

At those words, numerous gazes moved toward the platform. Mine did too.

“It’s the Queen.”

“It’s the Queen.”

“Hey! Be quiet!”

The Queen of Alfheim, Arwen, had appeared. She was wearing the tight silver dress I had seen before and was slowly walking to the center of the platform.

There was no explicit call for silence, but as soon as Arwen appeared, the noisy surroundings instantly became quiet. As a result, only the sound of Arwen’s footsteps could be heard in the vast plaza.

Tak- Tak- Tak-

Arwen walked one step at a time toward the center with a solemn demeanor. The cheerful girl’s atmosphere had completely disappeared, and she was displaying dignity befitting a national leader.

Because of this, I wondered if she was the Arwen I knew, but her silver-gray hair confirmed it was her. As the speech was about to begin, I quietly closed my mouth and entered viewing mode.

Tak-

Finally, Arwen, standing in the center of the platform, slowly turned to face the crowd. Her tight dress accentuated her proud hips.

In fact, this was one of the reasons I came to see the speech. I was curious about how Arwen would deliver her speech, but I couldn’t forget the hip line I had seen last time.

I think this reward is sufficient. I focused my gaze on Arwen’s face with its laurel wreath and the hip line below.

Some might think it’s a bit perverse, but since this is the first and last time I can openly(?) appreciate it, I intend to enjoy it fully.

“…Everyone has gathered.”

As I was appreciating Arwen’s beautiful face and figure, her lips opened, signaling the start of the speech.

She must have used a voice amplification spell because even without a microphone, the entire plaza was filled with Arwen’s voice.

“Before I begin my speech, there is something I want to tell you.”

She paused for a moment and looked at the audience again. Then her eyes met mine directly.

With my red hair being uncommon, it wouldn’t be difficult for her to find me. As soon as our eyes met, I silently raised my hand and clenched my fist.

It was a wordless sign of encouragement.

Fortunately, drawing strength from that encouragement, Arwen erased her stiff expression and smiled gently. Then she addressed the audience:

“I, Arwen Elidia, Queen of Alfheim…”

The words she uttered were…

“Am of mixed blood.”

A kind of confession.