ocean-life Book 4: Chapter 7-1: Lies
Book 4: Chapter 7-1: Lies
Book 4: Chapter 7-1: Lies
Please, this way.
I guided one of the Four Dukes of the Empire, Voldeck, to the reception room. This place, being the former base of the Empire, had elegant rooms prepared for when important guests arrived.
Please, have a seat without any hesitation.
I politely suggested he take a seat, maintaining a friendly demeanor on the outside.
I appreciate your kind words.
Voldeck returned my smile and took a seat. His attendant stood behind him, hands clasped behind his back, constantly watching us. Neither Voldeck nor his attendant wore armor, and they had no weapons on them.
If I wished, I could kill them both at any moment. Yet they remained relaxed.
To be honest, I was surprised. The Empire viewed elves as uncivilized savages. The very fact that we were sitting here for negotiations, trusting that we could communicate, was abnormal.
I apologize deeply for this inconvenience, Elf Chief. The jurisdiction of Duke Florandy and mine are different, and I was completely unaware of his actions.
While I was lost in thought, Voldeck bowed his head.CHeCk for new stories on no/v/el/bin(.)c0m
We won't hold it against you, since there haven't been any casualties on our side. However, in the recent battle, we did end up killing a considerable number of your soldiers. Do you have any thoughts about that?
The Empire probably had more than just their interests at heart in this conflict with Erucy. Emotions were likely involved. In our pursuit of victory, we had killed too many.
It's a matter of deep-seated resentment, I suppose. Many of my comrades from my officer training days have died. Well, it's mutual. We've killed plenty of elves ourselves. Although it was inevitable, we also destroyed the fire fox Village. Let's not dwell on that. The lower ranks are one thing, but us leaders arguing here won't lead to any progress.
I appreciate that sentiment. There are few opportunities like this, so I was hoping for a constructive conversation.
I've always wondered. How did the troublesome fire foxes managed to be accepted by the elves? If it were just for the Wind Magic Stones, the conflict wouldnt have escalated so much. The fact that we're still fighting is because the elves accepted the fire foxes, you understand, right?
While he was questioning the two, he clearly had some other intention. I glared at Voldeck.
But seeing you two, I understand why now. Accepting beautiful young women like you, how could one resist? Well, both of you, do you ever feel guilty about using your beauty to gain acceptance among the elves? Do you realize you're causing trouble for the entire village by being there?
Kuu and Yukino were visibly shaken, and they looked at me with worried expressions. My inner frustration reached its peak.
These two are my wife and sister. Any insult to them is an insult to me, the Chief of Erucy.
I apologize deeply.
Both of you can leave now. And Kuu, make sure you never speak of what you heard here to anyone.
Yes Cyril-kun.
Kuu's voice trembled, and Yukino gripped the hem of Kuu's clothing, her face on the verge of tears. Although Kuu and Yukino might have contemplated this before, hearing it directly from a human of the Empire made it more painful.
Was that intentional? Did you want to anger me?
I realized I had returned to my usual tone rather than using formal language. But I didn't mind. He was the one who had been disrespectful first.
Not at all. I was just curious. I never thought they were your family. Out of curiosity, I have one more question. Do you ever feel guilty about risking the entire village for personal emotions as the Chief of the Elves?
I had asked myself that question repeatedly. And the answer had long been clear.
We accepted them because we needed their abilities for Erucy's development. In fact, Erucy has prospered thanks to their abilities, and it will continue to do so. I am prepared to bear minor troubles for that. That's all.
Minor troubles, you say.