Chapter Ninety-Four: Don't Think You Can Escape Responsibility

Victoria, the Royal Hunting Grounds.

"The Supreme King?"

Caesar rode atop his horse, gripping the reins tightly, unable to suppress a laugh. "That's quite amusing. So, the Queen has been sidelined by him?"

"The Queen holds no military power," Armand replied, riding at his side. He still recalled the moment when the young Supreme King began his speech—the scene of envoys from every nation stunned, as if searching the ground for their eyeballs.

The dual monarchy of the Night Elves placed true authority in the hands of the Supreme King, while the Queen oversaw the economy and domestic affairs—a role akin to a chancellor in other nations.

Caesar listened quietly to Armand's report, his brows faintly furrowed. He had investigated the deeds of the Night Elf Queen; she was no simple woman.

Her relinquishing of military power must have been due to pressure from the Forest Elves, or perhaps other reasons.

"Will the Night Elves and Forest Elves merge?" Caesar inquired.

"Yes." Armand nodded gravely.

He had witnessed the Supreme King's address, and in his seventy years of navigating the tides of life, never had he experienced a speech more stirring than the one in the Night Elf kingdom.

"We and the Forest Elves agree that the time for healing wounds has come, that the moment to bridge the chasm dividing us has arrived, and that the opportunity to forge a new kingdom is before us."

On the palace steps, the young Supreme King's voice blazed like fire, his raised hands igniting a flame in the hearts of his audience.

"We wish to establish a nation where all elves—whether Night or Forest—may freely traverse. Hatred shall no longer dwell within us, and all shall enjoy the same inalienable rights in this land—a nation that promises everlasting peace!"

"This kingdom shall be called Summer Glory!"

During that speech, all eyes were drawn to him alone.

"...In the long days ahead, the fusion of our two kingdoms will focus on four principal initiatives..."

On the shores of the Eternal Sea, mermaids sang the young man's speech.

"First: Our two nations will forge a mutual accord to reduce military deployments in the Dark Forest, thereby quelling hatred and senseless war.

This accord will forbid aggression between us. At the same time, we shall draw upon the ancient alliance's tenets to craft a collective defense pact for both kingdoms."

"Second, we are drafting a bold new plan to integrate the knowledge and economic development of the Night Elves and Forest Elves. Progress in less developed regions will benefit us all..."

The sea breeze brushed lightly; the tea before the priestess had grown cold.

She listened to the mermaid's song, a flicker of nostalgia passing through her dark eyes.

Five centuries ago, the Elven King who wielded the golden sacred flame, his speech had inspired hearts just as profoundly.

"Gather, my kin! After this war, we shall build a new kingdom!"

His pure white cloak billowed in the wind, as bands of primal elves marched to the bloody battlefield for his dream.

Yet, in the end...

"Queen... Queen?"

The mermaid's voice brought the priestess back. She looked up; the mermaid gazed at her nervously. "Did I say something wrong?"

"No, you spoke very well." The priestess sighed softly. "I was simply thinking that our young people could never deliver such stirring speeches as he did."

The mermaid pondered. "We have the Queen; we need not worry about such things."

The priestess smiled gently, yet concern welled up within her.

Had she erred? Comfortable lives had dulled the fighting spirit of the primal elves... How many of them could face real war now?

The battle in the hunting grounds gradually subsided.

Caesar drew his sword from the body of the leopard. "The Night Elves made no response to his speech?"

"None." Armand gathered the spoils. "They remained very calm."

Caesar realized the Supreme King's authority had already begun to take root.

"Armand, this is a serious matter. In future, we may face not two small kingdoms, but a single great nation."

The fusion of Night Elves and Forest Elves was now inevitable. It might take a long time, but the once-divided race was uniting.

Caesar knew divided elves could never become strong, but united, they would become a formidable force.

"What is your opinion of the Supreme King?" Caesar asked.

Armand gave a wry smile. "I cannot see through him..."

He had witnessed the Supreme King's speech; the young king could use words to win the heartfelt respect of outsiders for the elves' honor and dignity. In this alone, he was truly formidable.

Yet, on the other hand, Armand had not had enough time to truly scrutinize him.

"You can't see through him either?" Caesar was surprised. Armand's insight into people was renowned; how could he not see through a fourteen-year-old elf?

"I haven't seen him since the speech," Armand replied.

No matter how keen he was, one speech was not enough to understand a man.

Caesar frowned slightly. "Why not try to speak with him?"

Armand shook his head. It was not unwillingness, but impossibility.

Envoys from every nation had hoped to meet the young Supreme King after the speech, but before the ceremony was over, the Supreme King received word and left the dais.

"One of his subordinates was gravely injured in the battle at Glen City, his fate uncertain. The King hurried to visit, and since then he has not met with us," Armand explained.

Caesar stroked his beard. "That shows loyalty and compassion. Who was this subordinate?"

"I don't know," Armand replied. There was no further information, but it was someone of great importance.

"It is said the Forest Elves deployed an unprecedentedly formidable lineup against monsters in Glen City, and that subordinate was at its core."

"That is indeed significant."

Caesar felt a measure of sympathy.

For two days, the Night Elf palace had been shrouded in sorrow.

"Little Prince, please, save her!"

"Waaah... You must save her!"

The cries in the sickroom were ceaseless.

"Don't worry! She will surely recover." Linley, too, wore a grave expression. "How did she get hurt?"

"...It was my fault at first. My snow pea accidentally hit her and froze her."

"No, I was to blame too—when she finally escaped, she stepped on my potato mine."

"It's my fault as well. I was too anxious; in trying to save her, I mistakenly threw a cherry bomb."

Mango, Papaya, and Apple spoke with red, tear-stained eyes. They had been weeping for days, so distraught that anyone who saw them would feel pity.

Linley was furious. "So it was you who harmed her!"

"But, Little Prince, if you hadn't thrown us onto the battlefield to learn your plant-versus-zombie game, Banana Sister wouldn't have been hurt!"

"Don't try to shirk responsibility!"