Chapter 270: Tears of the Elf Queen
Chapter 270: Tears of the Elf Queen
〈Record〉
The world of the Hall Plain is one where you must live with the word ‘death’ as a constant companion. Even fledglings know that death is a frequent occurrence here. And as you live in this place, everyone, whether they like it or not, will have faced the death of an acquaintance or a stranger.
The author of this report also lost a comrade during an expedition a few years ago—a comrade I had been with since our Rite of Passage. The last thing he said before he died was a single phrase. “How empty.” With those words, he shed a few tears and finally closed his eyes for good. I have since pondered deeply on the words he spoke and the tears he shed.
There is a term, ‘revolving lantern’. Its literal meaning is a lantern made so that the scenes in its pictures change as it spins. Because it spins so quickly, the term is also used to describe things that change rapidly or the swift passage of time. In other words, it can be said to describe something flashing by in fleeting glimpses.
People often say, either in their daily lives or before death, “Life is like a revolving lantern,” or “My life flashed before my eyes like a revolving lantern.” Perhaps when my friend said it was all for nothing, he was looking back on his entire life in that fleeting moment before he succumbed to the poison.
Perhaps the Users reading this record will criticize this author for being overly sentimental. They would be right. After all, I wrote at the beginning of this record that one must become familiar with death in the Hall Plain. The true subject I wish to address in this record can be defined as ‘tears.’
Everyone has likely heard of the potion that once became a huge topic of discussion: the ‘Angel’s Tear.’ Right after the secret of the User Shop was revealed, a lucky User preemptively bought it using a fortune in Gold Points and gained a staggering six stat points. Cases of being able to raise stats were rare to begin with, so the fact that they could raise them by six points, and freely at that, was said to have drawn immense envy.
Since then, a frenzy to obtain ‘tears’ has swept through the Users, who were blinded by the prospect of raising their stats, and this trend continues to this day. To be sure, human tears are likely worthless, but the tears of other beings might hold similar effects.
Not long ago, we repelled the allied forces from other continents who had gathered around the Southern Continent. In the process, we captured a significant number of Users as prisoners, among whom were many elves allied with the south. In the post-war processing, most of the elves were reduced to slavery, and Users turned the frenzy that began with the ‘Angel’s Tear’ toward the elves.
Given the similar precedent, this author also thought the possibility with elves was quite high. Well, as a result, there have been no reported cases of elven tears showing any effect so far. I would like to point out the problem with the methods Users are employing to obtain these tears.
Of course, considering the characteristics of elves, it is difficult to call them a race that shows tears easily. Their emotions typically remain extremely level. However, elves can also be classified as beings with distinct personalities. To see them hung up in the plaza and gang-raped in turns, or to see the attempts to extract tears through excessive violence, is simply dumbfounding. (Of course, if it was out of a pure desire for revenge for losing a comrade to an elf, that would be another matter.)
Emotion is a profoundly subtle thing, a topic on which even I find it difficult to pass judgment. Still, why do I feel there is a certain difference between the tears my friend shed as he died and the tears the elves shed while enduring acts too unspeakable to mention?
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly, but perhaps it’s a difference in the ‘sincerity’ or ‘emotion’ contained within the tears. I believe it is a distant hope to expect the same efficacy as the ‘Angel’s Tear’ from tears laced with the coercion of forced (sexual) assault. In short, if the tears of an elf could contain their own genuine, unadulterated emotions, arising solely from within themselves, then perhaps one might have reason to anticipate an effect.
Of course, this is merely my personal opinion. It is the freedom of the Users who own elves to kill their slaves after reading this record, but I hope they will not point their swords at this author, even if they see no effect.
PS. Elves are also known to have their own ranks. One thing this author is curious about is whether the tears of elves might also differ according to rank. If so, if one could capture the true emotions of the Elf Queen, who stands at the pinnacle of the noble elves, this author is truly curious as to what effect those tears might hold.
—Excerpt from ‘A Study on the Current Frenzy in the Hall Plain, Tears,’ by the renowned Northern Continent explorer Yang Gideok (seventh-year User).
*
It wasn't my first time seeing an elf, but it was my first time facing an Elf Queen at such a close distance. I slowly observed the elf, whose pointed ears were perked up. When I saw her milky-white, full breasts revealed between the blankets and her jade-like naked form, I instinctively held my breath.
Margarita truly didn't seem broken at all; she possessed an overflowing grace and an unapproachable charm. She was incomparably more noble, delicate, and beautiful than the common elves I remembered from the first playthrough.
Soon, her shimmering silver hair settled down. And it was the moment I met her light blue eyes, revealed from between the strands of her hair.
“Master!”
“……”
“Hee, Master, you’ve changed your appearance again. Master~. Why do you keep testing Mar~? Mar will nev-er fall for a trick like that again.”
Margarita tilted her head for a moment. But she soon smiled brightly and shook her head, then gracefully stepped down from the bed. Then, with her chest and stomach facing the floor, she began to ‘crawl’ toward me, moving her hands and feet one by one.
Watching that shocking sight, I reflexively activated the Third Eye.
〈Resident Status〉
1. Name: Margarita Dalant Vitrais
2. Class: Elf Queen (Tribe, Elf Queen, Master)
3. Nation: Elven Forest
4. Clan: -
5. True Name · Nationality: Elf Queen Whose Wings Were Severed · Yggdrasil
6. Sex: Female (788)
7. Height · Weight: 171.8 cm · 48.7 kg
8. Alignment: Obscene · Submissive
[Strength 14(-76)] [Durability 2(-76)] [Agility 28(-72)] [Stamina 12(-70)] [Magic Power 4(-92)] [Luck 0(-98)]
(For nearly 300 years, she has suffered immense physical and mental torment. Although she was a queen of noble and strong character, she ultimately succumbed to the wicked mage’s continuous brainwashing and training. Her original psyche has already collapsed, and she has lost all semblance of her past self as the Elf Queen and a hero.)
(Margarita’s current state, having fallen to the wicked mage, can be described in one phrase as ‘broken,’ both inside and out. It has been a long time since she lost her original reason, and she is now in a state of being ‘re-made’ to suit the mage’s tastes.)
(Margarita is currently exceeding her allotted lifespan. Although her life is being forcibly extended by a large-scale ancient magic barrier and some effort by the mage who does not wish for her death, it is ultimately nothing more than a temporary measure. Margarita’s body is alive, but she is in a contradictory state of being no different from dead.)
(It has been confirmed that the ancient magic extending Margarita’s life has been severed. The actions that have forcibly sustained her life until now will return as poison. In 3 hours, the moment her physical stats reach 0, the Elf Queen will face an extremely painful death.)
(As her body is already dead, using a bottle of Elixir cannot resolve the ‘contradiction’ of her current physical state. However, if the severed magic power is reconnected, a slight extension of her lifespan will be possible.)
What in the world had she endured to produce such an overwhelming flood of information? I groaned involuntarily as messages instantly filled the air. Letting out a low sigh, I lowered my gaze and saw Margarita’s slender back; she had crawled up to me without my noticing. She should have had twelve pairs of wings, but not a single pair was visible, as though they had all been torn away.
So, she’s going to die soon.
“Woof woof! Welcome, Master. Woof woof!”
“What…?”
As her shocking words and actions continued, Margarita stopped crawling right in front of me. She looked up at me with a beaming smile and wagged her hips from side to side. She looked just like a puppy wagging its tail, happy to see its owner.
“Hoho… Mavolo de Ailight…? That fucking son of a bitch…!”
“Huuu… Huuuu…!”
Suddenly, a terrifying killing intent began to erupt from both sides. Ko Yeonju, who usually refrained from swearing in front of me, and Yoojung, who was growling even while vomiting. Both were genuinely enraged by Mavolo’s actions that had shattered a woman. That was how wretched, how tragic, Margarita was before my eyes, to the point it was unbelievable that she was the Elf Queen.
As if sensing the killing intent that instantly filled the room, Margarita cried out, “Hic.” Then she threw her arms around my legs and whimpered with tear-filled eyes.
“M-Master. I’m sorry. Please don’t hit me. Mar faithfully did everything you told her to. Look! I ate half the unicorn meat, and I licked up all the water. I ate all the candy you gave me too. So please don’t punish me. Sob… I’m sorry…”
Mavolo was clearly a madman and a pervert. He had fed an elf the flesh of a unicorn. The water likely referred to human blood, and the candy… perhaps it was some product of Mavolo’s research that forcibly extended her life. Its ingredients were probably drawn mainly from the countless things scattered around this place.
I gently pushed away Margarita, who was hugging my leg and rubbing her head against it. Then, I bent one knee to meet her gaze and spoke, infusing my voice with magic power so she could hear me clearly.
“I am not your master. Are you Margarita, known as one of the heroes who saved the Hall Plain in the past, and the Elf Queen?”
“Ung…? Ah, yes! Mar was once called that without knowing her place! I’m sorry for acting so arrogantly back then, Master.”
“…Elf Queen. Mavolo de Ailight, who once restrained you, is now dead. You can rest assured now.”
“……”
As I spoke each word clearly and with emphasis, Margarita’s expression changed slightly. Her bright expression vanished, and her eyes widened. But her pupils remained hazy. Our gazes met and tangled in mid-air, and soon her beautiful lips slowly parted.
“Ah…”
“Her mind is…”
“Oh, come on~. I told you I won’t fall for it, Master!”
But it was only for a moment. Margarita giggled and then broke into a deep smile. Then, with a seductive expression, she flopped onto her back on the floor and looked at me with a coy face.
“Master, you really still seem to want to test me.”
“……”
“Don’t worry. In that case, Mar will prove her obedience to Master herself. You see~, even today, Mar vigorously pleasured herself while thinking of Master. I’ll show you the proof.”
As soon as she finished speaking, Margarita’s hand groped at her private parts. Her index finger soon delved inside the flower and pulled out a thin, long, conical object. Its surface was coated in sticky fluid, but it glowed with a faint light. It was a unicorn’s horn.
“…Tsk.”
“Soohyun. From what I can see… I think it’s already over.”
As I quietly clicked my tongue, I heard Ko Yeonju’s somber voice from my side. She was right. The grace and elegance of a queen, which had remained when she first got out of bed, had vanished as if melted away. Now, before my eyes, there was only an irredeemable elf craving desire like a decadent prostitute. She couldn't be saved, nor could she be made a comrade in this state.
In that case…
After pondering Margarita’s fate for a moment, I sighed inwardly and took a step forward.
“Hnng. Master. You know, for some reason, Mar’s body has been feeling cold since a while ago. I’m getting out of breath, and I keep feeling sleepy. Please hurry and make Master hot.”
“You are the Elf Queen.”
“Yes! Mar is Master’s pet b*tch, always ready to serve!”
Margarita answered reflexively, as if she had been trained. And the moment I heard those words, I was finally able to make a decision.
Now that I had made up my mind, I needed to act quickly. I didn't know if it would work, but if there was even a sliver of a chance, I wanted to bet on it. It was all or nothing, anyway. Besides, she was fated to die soon. Rather than forcibly extending her life or leaving her to face a painful death, I thought it would be better to end it cleanly here.
“You’re really going to make me this embarrassed. Hehe. But I’m glad you came. Then please, this Mar’s lewd ho…”
“Enough.”
Panting as she spread her own thighs, Margarita immediately stopped at my command. I calmly helped her sit up. Then, I bent my knee once more to meet her gaze and reached out my hand toward her heart. I could feel the soft flesh of her breast against the top of my fingers, but I paid it no mind. In that state, I slowly awakened the Eternal Flame sleeping within my own heart.
“Hehe, Master. You’re so gentle today.”
“…Yes.”
“I like this side of you too, Master, but a little more… no, you can be much more rough.”
“……”
If I could, I wanted to make her shut her mouth. I calmly drew out my power and projected it into Margarita. I could feel a searing energy slowly consuming her from the inside. This was not an act of destruction. The result—hastening her death—was the same, but I prayed to Eternal Flame more intensely than ever before. I asked it to burn away all the malicious things that had consumed her from within. And, though I didn't know if it was possible, I hoped it would burn away all the bad memories too.
“Ah, it’s warm… Master, what is this…?”
“……”
“It’s so warm… and cozy… It’s just like…”
“…Like?”
“Just like the forest……………………. Huh…?”
The moment Eternal Flame finally consumed her entire body and blazed hotly, Margarita’s eyes flew wide open. I didn’t miss that fleeting moment. Supporting the back of her neck, I whispered in her ear.
“Margarita Dalant Vitrais. Head of the Elven Forest, the noblest elf born with the blessing of the World Tree, Yggdrasil.”
“Uh… uh… uh…?”
“In the past, you were one of the heroes who saved the Hall Plain. Although I did not grow up seeing it, I personally respect your achievements, which are still recorded and spoken of to this day.”
“Uh… un…”
Margarita’s life had already run its course. But Mavolo had been forcibly extending it. However, forcibly defying the laws of nature is a flawed method 99% of the time. Trying to cultivate an elf’s pure body through heretical methods—it was no wonder the information ‘contradiction’ had appeared.
Maintaining that state, some time passed. During that time, only a quiet silence flowed through the room, occasionally broken by Margarita’s pained groans echoing in the air.
Fwoosh, fwoosh.
Finally, as if her insides had been completely purified, a clear flame began to emerge from the outside of her body. Even 300 years of accumulated malice was useless before the power of Eternal Flame. And ironically, as everything that had sustained Margarita’s life disappeared, a reaction slowly began to appear.
Srr… Srr…
A bright light emanated from her entire body. Golden dust began to scatter from the tips of her toes. Like that, she was undergoing the process of annihilation, as if slowly returning to her original state. Mavolo had used ‘Destruction’ to kill as painfully as possible, but I planned to use ‘Purification’ to make it as peaceful as possible for Margarita. And…
“Ah… Ugh… Ah…”
Still no reaction… I’m not sure, but still…
Margarita’s entire body was scattering golden dust, slowly wearing away. But even if her body was forcibly purified, it seemed difficult to restore a mind that had been broken for so long in an instant. She was still making pained noises with a dazed expression. I was lost in thought for a moment, then whispered in her ear once more.
“Your fiancé, the hero Lloyd, has already passed from this world.”
“Ah…?”
“I pray that you may fulfill in heaven the dream you could not achieve in life…”
“……”
Remember, please.
Perhaps she really was remembering right now. I knew of no User who had succeeded based on the record I read, but I couldn't be 100% certain that the record was correct.
Meanwhile, the speed at which Margarita’s body was disappearing was accelerating. From her feet, legs, and arms to her torso. Amidst the brilliant swirling golden dust, all that remained was the part of her body above her chest. But even that was already passing her neck.
‘Is it over?’ I sighed and stood up. My body felt stiff from using Eternal Flame again, but still…
“Llo…y…d…?”
It was then. Just as I was about to leave, feeling a lingering sense of disappointment, a faint voice quietly flowed into my ear. Startled, I turned my half-turned body back around and saw the light covering Margarita up to her nose. But perhaps it was a final moment of clarity, as her pupils, which had been consistently hazy, seemed to have regained their light for a moment, becoming clear. And at the same time.
Drip…
From Margarita’s right eye, a single tear trickled down.
Tap, tap… Roll…
The single teardrop soon gathered into a round shape, then fell to the floor and rolled with a soft clatter.
It was the Tears of the Elf Queen.
WHOOSH! Srr… Srr…
Soon after, Eternal Flame flared up once more, and the golden dust scattered widely around like a dance. Margarita was no longer visible. The Elf Queen, who had suffered for over 300 years, met her true end in the castle’s dungeon.
That old man was right.
After staring blankly at the scene for a while, I calmly picked up the things that had fallen to the ground. In my right hand, the unicorn’s horn. In my left, the Tears of the Elf Queen. The object in my left palm felt hard and solid. I did not know whether it was because of Eternal Flame, but the hand holding the tear felt strangely hot.
When I turned around, I saw two women standing with solemn faces. I walked past them and said in a low voice.
“Let’s go up… Ah.”
As I was about to go up the stairs, a thought struck me, and I turned back toward the bed. There, a white divine beast lay in the same miserable state.
I should take that too.