Ch.72Aftermath (3)

If asked to name the most perfect race in this world, anyone would name the “Elves.”

Starting with their appearance, which the word “beautiful” fails to adequately describe, to their naturally superior physiques. And then there’s their magical abilities, which they can use as easily as breathing, blessed by the gods.

Through their lifespan, vastly longer than other races, each individual possesses remarkable intellectual capabilities. Because they value “tradition” and “history” more than other races, they naturally accumulate more knowledge.

However, no matter how close to perfection elves may be, they carry significant flaws in various aspects. Valuing tradition and history means, in other words, they dislike change.

Moreover, since each person lives well over 500 years, they tend to be more stubborn than others. The reason is simple.

They’ve lived this way until now without any problems. Being elves, not some other race, this fossilized way of thinking is only natural.

[The race most suited to ‘Pride.’ Yet paradoxically, they possess abilities most befitting of pride.]

[They praise themselves as descendants of gods, but in the end, they are merely mortals.]

[Someday that arrogance will become a blade that pierces their own necks.]

For these reasons, elves don’t receive particularly good evaluations from other races. Especially among them, humans give elves the harshest assessment, and relations between the two races are poor.

Many might think dwarves would hate elves the most, but surprisingly, that’s not the case.

Dwarves treat elves as talkative old fogies, and elves consider dwarves a noisy race, but at least they view each other as “equals.”

But humans are different. Other races also view humans as a race without outstanding strengths. Yet elves tend to look down on them particularly strongly.

If beastkin hate humans, elves treat them like monkeys. As nearly perfect beings, elves see no need to consider humans, who have few notable qualities, as equals.

However, as public opinion predicted, arrogance would strangle them, and after the “Race War” broke out, elves belatedly realized their mistake.

[Humans can never understand elves, and elves can never understand humans. Because the two races are perfect opposites.]

[Humans crave development because they have nothing; elves settle for the status quo because they had everything from the beginning. How can two races running on parallel tracks coexist in the same world?]

As the assessment above suggests, when a major crisis erupted during the Race War, elves suffered serious internal divisions, while humans, conversely, united internally and achieved remarkable growth.

Of course, humans also had their share of political controversies, but at least they didn’t self-destruct like the elves.

In fact, each mistake the elves made caused tremendous damage. They lost strategic strongholds because they underestimated their opponents, thinking there was no need to face them with full force.

Additionally, they charged into obvious traps trusting in their own power, or engaged in battles they had no reason to fight simply because their opponents were human, and so on.

They even committed the atrocity of imprisoning a warrior who had achieved great military accomplishments during the war simply because they violated “laws.” Naturally, humans launched fierce attacks during that warrior’s absence.

Thanks to this, humans maintained an advantageous position even at the end of the war, while elves were in the completely opposite situation. The news that they had been defeated by humans, whom they had always looked down upon, was enough to cause great confusion among them.

Fortunately, they recognized their own mistakes. And once mistakes are recognized, change naturally follows.

-The old laws are no longer needed. The world has changed.

-We must create our own laws, not follow those set by the gods.

After the Race War, the first thing elves did was completely overhaul their leadership. It was a generational change.

Alfheim was governed by elders elected from each tribe in a political institution called the “Senate.” However, after the generational change, the method changed.

They placed a “king” as the supreme ruler above them.

However, they placed many restrictions to prevent the king from making blunders in times of crisis like the Senate had, and while they revised the laws, they specified that the king could not reign above the law.

Then did the Senate, which had governed Alfheim for a long time, simply disappear? Not at all.

Although they nearly lost the Race War, it’s undeniable that Alfheim exists today thanks to them. Especially since many from the older generation were still present, there was significant resistance.

This caused severe division that almost escalated into a major incident, but fortunately, it was well contained. Afterward, they settled on creating a king while maintaining the Senate.

As a result, Alfheim began to be governed by the Senate and the king checking each other. The problem is that while the king who reigns over Alfheim is open-minded, the Senate still insists on outdated laws.

Therefore, it’s no exaggeration to say that Alfheim currently displays the ultimate example of a generational gap. This is a clear difference compared to humans, whose shorter lifespans lead to frequent generational changes.

Having a long lifespan might seem good, but it carries the major drawback of potentially becoming stagnant water that turns into oil, as with elves.

Fortunately, the Senate also recognized their mistakes, and so far, there have only been minor disagreements without major problems. Even when Alfheim began actively engaging with other countries after the Race War, the Senate, though displeased, did not refuse.

Thus, about 300 years have passed since the Race War. It’s a very long time even for elves, not just humans, and the wounds from the Race War seemed to be gradually healing.

[The Biography of Xenon, which causes a stir every time it appears. This time, a love story between the Elven Queen and a human?]

[It’s an impossible story, but I’m curious since it’s fiction. However, there’s a hiatus notice…]

[Breaking news! The manuscript of the Biography of Xenon has been stolen! Investigation reveals suspects are elves and beastkin…]

Until a certain work appeared that began to create another rift within Alfheim.

******

Yggdrasil.

The capital of Alfheim, where “civilization” was first established and where all knowledge in this world exists.

It’s a city that scholars must visit at least once before they die, containing historically and culturally precious resources.

In particular, the divine tree, the “World Tree,” which is said to have been directly managed by the gods, can rightfully be called the crystallization of history. The World Tree and Yggdrasil have the same meaning, but they are referred to differently to distinguish between them.

In any case, the World Tree was the driving force that allowed the first civilization to begin, and according to mythology, the gods directly educated the elves. Following this mythology, elves have established higher education institutions within Yggdrasil to nurture talent.

Besides this, the World Tree is used as a temple. Looking at what’s recorded in mythology, this is only natural.

Then where are the political institutions located? They are located right in front of the World Tree, as they cannot conduct politics inside the World Tree that the gods directly nurtured.

The name of this institution established to govern Alfheim is “Elodia.”

If the World Tree is politically the most beautiful place in Alfheim, Elodia is politically the dirtiest place.

“Your Majesty the Queen. Please reconsider. Such insults are beyond what we can endure any longer.”

An elf is bowing respectfully, earnestly pleading to someone. Although elves age more slowly than other races, judging by the wrinkles and aged voice, this is clearly an elderly elf.

Beside the elf stand two more elves, a man and a woman of similar age, but unlike the elderly elf, they belong to the younger generation. Unlike the elderly elf who appears almost elderly, they look middle-aged and their inherent beauty remains unfaded.

If there’s a commonality, it’s that all three wear expressions full of discontent. That discontent is all directed at one person.

“I said I was fine with it. I don’t understand why you’re telling me this.”

A clear, loving voice echoes throughout the space. At that voice, the elderly elf slowly raises their bowed head.

An elf sitting on a high throne looks down majestically.

With silver-gray hair that almost touches her shoulders and silver-gray eyes that exude mysteriousness, she has an appearance that seems both gentle and firm.

With her porcelain-like skin and youthful appearance, she looks like a young girl.

Her name is Arwen Elidia, with beauty that stands out even among elves.

She is the Queen of the Elves who has ruled Alfheim for 100 years and is currently in conflict with the “Senate.”

“But Your Majesty. This is an insult not just to Your Majesty but to all elves. How can we elves endure such insults?”

The elderly elf, presumed to be the leader, protests vehemently once more. As if in agreement, the male and female elves standing on either side exchange words.

“We feel the same way. Not only did they designate an elf as a servant of the devil, and a high-ranking one at that, but they also bestowed the insult of ‘Pride.'”

“No matter how much it’s just a novel, given that this book is spreading worldwide, we cannot remain silent. Above all, they even touched upon Your Majesty. A love between a human and Your Majesty? I absolutely cannot understand this.”

The subject they are protesting to Arwen about is related to the novel that has taken the world by storm, the Biography of Xenon. As the Biography of Xenon is widely spread throughout the world, elves naturally had to encounter it.

At first, they too enjoyed reading it, finding it entertaining. However, after the appearance of the “Seven Deadly Sins,” the atmosphere began to change strangely, and with the release of the new volume, there has been much talk.

Strictly speaking, the Senate and the older generation showed intense reactions, while others didn’t care much. Rather, the new generation, having thoroughly studied history, watched with interest from various perspectives.

The fact that elves had the title of “Pride” was received with bitterness. The love story between the Elven Queen and a human was met with expectation and anxiety.

But not the Senate. They expressed anger almost at the level of fury, claiming that the entire elven race was being insulted.

“Sigh…”

When Arwen let out a deep sigh, even the Senate, who had been strongly protesting, closed their mouths. Having observed Arwen for hundreds of years, they had no choice but to quiet down.

Because when Arwen sighs in front of everyone, it means she’s that angry. Indeed, her fine brow is slightly furrowed, showing her displeasure.

Following this, Arwen examined the Senate one by one with her silver-gray eyes. Their faces are still full of discontent.

“…Are you really going to get this angry over a mere book?”

Arwen responded to the Senate with a voice that felt chilly. The loving warmth had completely disappeared, leaving only coldness.

“And what did you learn from history? Didn’t you suffer humiliation in the Race War due to your arrogance? It’s truly amusing that you still try to deny history.”

When she delivered this heavy fact, the Senate’s expressions crumpled mercilessly. For them, the Race War was worse than humiliation.

In other words, Arwen had essentially insulted them severely to their faces, just short of cursing. From the Senate’s perspective, they couldn’t argue back despite their anger.

But the Senate was not to be underestimated. They knew well that getting angry here would only provide ammunition against them.

“…That’s correct. However, Your Majesty, please consider the influence the Biography of Xenon is currently exerting worldwide. Just changing the perception of demons alone is something that cannot be ignored, and if this continues, the view toward us elves might also change.”

“I agree. If the author makes unfavorable descriptions about us, no one knows what might happen.”

So they maintained their composure and articulated their opinions calmly. Though they spoke like this, their essential point was just one:

Officially permit them to find the author of the Biography of Xenon. Then they would handle it themselves.

“… …”

Arwen looked at the Senate with her brow slightly narrowed. She was beyond angry at their obvious intentions; she was dumbfounded.

Anyone could predict what would happen if they found the author. They would threaten the author to ensure no unfavorable descriptions of elves appeared, or worse.

Although elves pride themselves as the race chosen by the gods, the Senate is particularly extreme. They are fundamentally pervaded by supremacism.

Normally, such opposition might cause enough stress to make one ill, but not Arwen. There’s one reason she has been able to maintain her position as queen for over 100 years.

“Oh? Are you afraid of a mere book? How interesting. You claim to be the race chosen by the gods, yet you fear a book written by mere humans. How amusing.”

“… …”

“If you’re so afraid, why don’t you write books yourselves? You could write books more interesting than the Biography of Xenon, so I don’t understand why you’re protesting to me.”

It’s because she has the ability to counter her opponents’ arguments. Until now, the kings of Alfheim couldn’t withstand the Senate’s opposition, but Arwen was different.

Political talent that allows her to easily deflect the attacks of the politically seasoned Senate and even counterattack. Mental strength that enables her to firmly withstand numerous pressures.

Naturally, from the Senate’s perspective, such an Arwen is not just uncomfortable but a thorn in their side. They’ve been trying to find a weakness, but they haven’t been able to break through.

“First of all, I understand your thoughts. However, I want you to know that the timing is not good right now. Currently, the author is on a break, so if we search for them unnecessarily, the view toward us might worsen.”

“When have we ever had to care about such views? We are elves, chosen by the gods.”

“That’s right. Although we made major mistakes during the Race War, those were our mistakes, not because humans were superior.”

The Senate showed no intention of backing down. Arwen could only furrow her brow at their pleas.

They considered their failures in the Race War as mistakes on their part, never acknowledging that humans might be superior to them.

Of course, it’s true that humans gained an advantage because elves self-destructed, but that doesn’t mean humans should be underestimated.

Arwen forcibly suppressed another sigh that was about to escape at the Senate’s textbook example of old-fashioned behavior. Engaging in this kind of wasteful argument was not good for her.

“Enough! How long do you intend to waste precious time on such a book? Don’t you have many things to do?”

“But…”

“That’s enough. Withdraw now. I, like you, have much to think about.”

When the queen’s roar erupted, even the Senate had to withdraw. If they pushed further, it could backfire.

The elderly elf, who had been the representative, bowed respectfully and greeted her.

“…Understood. Please listen to our words.”

“You need not worry about that. I wasn’t ignoring it either.”

“Thank you. Then we shall withdraw now.”

After the long battle ended, the Senate moved outside the audience chamber. They didn’t forget to shoot sharp glances at Arwen until they left.

“Sigh…”

Once the Senate had all left, Arwen let out the sigh she had been holding back. Then, after confirming with magic that no one was around, she grumbled quietly.

“Fucking old bastards.”

These were definitely not words that should come from a queen’s mouth. Rather, they were crude curses more suited to a thug.

Moreover, her relatively youthful appearance created an undeniable dissonance. If the Senate saw this, wouldn’t they be shocked?

Regardless, Arwen rested her chin on her hand and grumbled like a child.

“Why are they making such a fuss? I don’t understand.”

Snap!

As Arwen casually snapped her fingers, a book materialized in the air. It was a spatial movement magic that only human archmages could perform.

As an elf who could use magic as easily as breathing, she could perform it without incantation.

Then Arwen carefully took the book that had materialized in the air with both hands. The title “Biography of Xenon” was prominently displayed on the cover.

“It’s just entertaining.”