Chapter 101
Chapter 101
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 101
Chapter Title: Chapter 17: The Stage of Harmony (1)
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“Man, I’ve rarely been wrong in my predictions throughout my life, but lately, it’s happening more and more.”
First Prince Richard Alteria clicked his tongue.
He had acknowledged Martin as an extraordinary figure during his sister’s birthday celebration.
That said, he still believed Marquis Nicholas von Royce held the advantage.
After the war ended, both sides would suffer heavy losses, and he planned to exploit that opportunity to strike one of them.
But what was this?
All his predictions had gone awry.
In the worst possible way.
“House Adalbert has lost House Gustin, so their forces have diminished... but it’s not a big deal.”
“Indeed. In the short term, it could be seen as a loss, but that’s where it ends. House Gustin caused numerous issues and undermined House Adalbert’s internal unity. Now that the dragging element is gone, House Adalbert will only grow stronger.”
“That’s what I’m saying. And House Royce hasn’t taken any significant damage either. Well, to be precise, they didn’t suffer losses in this war alone.”
Richard chuckled softly as he responded to Jürgen Ferdinand’s words.
No matter what anyone said, the core of the Second Prince’s faction was Nicholas von Royce.
A figure who had dominated both the mage-dominated academic world and the capital’s political sphere for decades.
Yet that very man had kept taking losses against Martin Adalbert, who was like a grandson to him.
From the Free City of Akella to this war—every situation.
At least in this territorial conflict, they avoided battle and thus direct damage, but that was it.
Even Nicholas couldn’t prevent his prestige from declining.
“In fact, some nobles are leaving the Second Prince’s faction to join the First Princess’s. They’re all minor houses, though.”
“Even the mightiest dam can crumble from a single small hole. Besides, my dear little brother made more mistakes during the monster wave than my sister or I did. The breach is already there; now it’s just a matter of it widening. Which is why, Uncle.”
“Please speak.”
“Isn’t it unfair that only Marquis Nicholas takes the hit?”
“Are you thinking of making a move against Her Highness the First Princess?”
“Not at all. I’m confident I can beat that girl without even trying.”
“Then you’re targeting Martin Adalbert.”
A smile curled at Richard’s lips, serving as answer enough.
“I’m not planning anything immediate. We can move after the New Year.”
“The New Year is less than a month away anyway.”
“Ah, right. Now that you mention it.”
Richard’s smile deepened.
Jürgen Ferdinand couldn’t help but smile at his nephew’s demeanor.
“With the New Year, all lords must uphold the traditions of the Krasian Continent. You’re aiming for that?”
“As expected of my uncle. You catch on quick.”
“It’s been over ten years since I started dealing with you, Your Highness. How could I not? But are you sure about this? Martin Adalbert has reached the 8th circle. Honestly, unless it’s a powerhouse of 9th circle or higher, no one can confidently claim they could kill him.”
“Well, I’m not thinking of going as far as assassination. The Assassin Guild alone has some weird connection with him, so it wouldn’t work anyway. I just hope Bareahein City and its citizens get to share a little of the hardships the people of other dungeon cities have endured.”
“The research results aren’t fully out yet. Is that okay?”
“That’s exactly why. There’s no better experiment than real combat.”
“I shall carry out your orders.”
Jürgen Ferdinand bowed his head.
Satisfied with the sight, Richard glanced to his left.
The halved blue orb was emitting a brilliant light.
* * *
Though Martin had planned to depart the next day, he didn’t get his wish.
Paperwork from the war’s aftermath had piled up like a mountain, and Kurt Steinhoff refused to let him go anywhere until it was handled.
So he threw himself into the documents for three days straight.
Afterward, he set out from House Adalbert with Lorang and Lychia.
Sien and Christian handled security.
Unlike usual, Christian was joining because it was simple.
Even though Martin had reached the 8th circle, the elven village was uncharted territory for humans.
Sien at the 5th circle alone wasn’t quite enough to handle every situation.
Vincent had thus asked him to bring the most idle Christian along, and Martin agreed.
Christian himself wasn’t opposed, and the reason was straightforward.
‘Seeing an elf at least once before I die was my dying wish.’
Martin recalled Christian’s bold declaration before departure and smiled wryly.
He could certainly understand the sentiment.
The elves’ beauty was so renowned even country kids knew of it.
But they lived so reclusively that most people never saw one in their lifetime.
In any case, the group warped from Bareahein City to Trihiss City in the northwest via the warp device, then headed north.
After traveling some distance further, they finally arrived at their destination: Altair Forest.
“It’s about thirty minutes’ walk from here to the village.”
“Got it. But is it normal to have this many welcoming crowds?”
“Whew.”
Martin tossed the question with a grin.
Lorang covered his face with one hand and let out a deep sigh.
They weren’t visible, but presences emanated from all over the forest.
“...Everyone, come out.”
Flash!
No sooner had Lorang spoken than the elves revealed themselves.
Over twenty, men and women alike, all armed with various weapons.
True to their reputation as the race of beauty, they were all handsome or stunning.
“Real elves... Mmph!”
Christian, spotting the elven women, tried to cheer but Sien swiftly clamped his mouth shut.
“What are you doing, embarrassing us? Be quiet!”
“Mmph! S-sorry... can’t breathe.”
“We’re the first humans to visit an elven village in centuries. And we represent House Adalbert, so don’t show any strange behavior.”
“I-I’ll keep that in mind.”
Sien warned him with a fierce glare.
Christian, pale-faced, barely managed a reply.
‘What kind of physical prowess...’
Even without mana, to be overpowered so utterly.
Christian was stunned inwardly.
Martin ignored the commotion behind him.
He examined the elves with an intrigued expression.
That didn’t mean he hid his curiosity.
Nor did they.
“That human’s Martin Adalbert, right? Didn’t expect a human whose looks hold up even compared to our kin.”
“That’s not what’s surprising. Elder Armand said he reached the 8th circle just recently, and he’s only eighteen.”
“Eighteen? That’s basically a child by our standards. How could he reach a level rivaling the elders?”
“No wonder humans hail him as the greatest genius in continental history.”
Regardless of gender, they buzzed with talk of Martin.
They probably thought they were whispering quietly, but it was an illusion.
Lorang’s face darkened further, and Lychia burst into laughter.
Martin shrugged and spoke up.
“I heard elves hate humans, but it doesn’t seem that way.”
“Didn’t I tell you? We don’t hate you as a person.”
“Agreed. We’re not so shameless as to despise our benefactor.”
No sooner had Lorang finished than a graceful voice pierced his ears.
Swish.
The elves, who had been gazing at Martin with wonder, grew serious.
They swiftly parted, opening a path for one person.
Step, step.
An elven woman approached, accepting the courtesy as her due.
“Ah.”
Sien lit up with genuine joy upon seeing her face.
Christian beside her looked utterly entranced, dazed.
All the elven women they’d seen were beautiful, but this one was on another level.
Martin, who had been watching quietly, smiled and opened his mouth.
“Long time no see?”
“Humans might feel that way, but elves are different.”
“Fair enough. Still, I didn’t know you hadn’t returned home yet, Solen.”
At her name, Solen nodded in satisfaction.
She continued.
“My condition wasn’t good for a while, so I was resting. I’d nearly recovered and was about to head back when I heard you were coming.”
“Somehow I feel bad. You’ve been away from home so long, and now it’s delayed because of me.”
“No need to think that way. You and Sien are my benefactors. Isn’t it only right to greet you? I’ll guide you to the village myself.”
Lorang started to protest at Solen’s words.
But when she met his gaze with calm eyes, he bowed his head in the end.
Even if their homelands differed, she was elven royalty.
He couldn’t refuse when such a noble figure showed clear intent.
“Have you been well, Sien?”
“I’ve been well... sort of.”
“Hmm. You spoke naturally back then, so why not today?”
“Well, this is the elven forest, and you’re...”
“I won’t let something like that trouble my benefactor. Speak comfortably, please.”
“Phew. Good. Honestly, I prefer it that way too. You’ve been well?”
“Of course. By the way, do you know who the one beside you is? I don’t recognize him.”
“I’m from House Adalbert... Gah!”
“Christian Haverz, the next elder of House Adalbert. He’s a famous adventurer.”
“I see. Pleased to meet you.”
“It’s an honor to meet you.”
Regaining his senses after Sien’s jab, Christian finally greeted her.
Solen smiled faintly at the sight.
“Follow me, everyone. There’s much I need to explain about this forest.”
Solen and Martin led the way, followed by Sien and Christian.
True to her word of much to share, Solen chattered nonstop on the way to the village.
The three responded in their own ways, and after about thirty minutes, they reached Altair Village.
“...It’s really beautiful.”
“I’ve traveled to many places, but this is the most stunning village I’ve ever seen.”
Sien and Christian both marveled.
Large holes were hollowed into massive trees everywhere, and the elves lived within them.
What was wondrous was that the trees remained alive and vibrant despite the openings.
Beautiful flowers bloomed in abundance.
They truly understood what a picturesque scene meant.
At the same time, Martin felt a sense of wonder.
‘To see scenery like this in winter.’
But then—
Flinch!
His body shuddered involuntarily.
Yet the mana within him showed no reaction.
‘As expected...’
Martin smiled.
He’d worried what if things deviated from his expectations, but it was just needless anxiety.
‘I can wrap up the final stage easily too.’
This time, he would definitely bring the elves and dwarves into the north’s embrace.