Chapter 80

The corridor leading to the audience chamber was, as expected, short.

The palace was built on a tree. It was impossible to have long corridors.

Still, there was enough time to have a conversation with Gunther along the way.

"Have you met the Elven Queen before, Lord Gunther?"

"Hmm," Gunther nodded briefly.

"What impression did you have of her?"

"Personally, I can't like her, but objectively, she's not a bad girl. She is beloved by the Elven people, and her governance of the country is thorough. However, she has a tendency to be somewhat out of touch with the world."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Elves are dedicated to protecting the World Tree at the center of this forest. When it comes to anything else, their perspective narrows. Essentially, everything revolves around the World Tree. And, to be frank, she has a very strong sense of pride. She won't bend to humans, and she also resists seeking help from demons."

"In other words, she's very stubborn. In a way, she's quite similar to me," Gunther chuckled and continued.

"However, from the letter I received the other day, it seems she has high hopes for you, Lord Ike."

"High hopes?"

"Lord Ike is known for taming dwarves and treating humans equally. Even a girl as out of touch with the world as her must have heard of your reputation."

"Taming dwarves is an exaggeration. I just have their cooperation."

"Your modesty is also well-known."

Gunther chuckled and stopped speaking.

"Well, let's stop talking about the Elven Queen's rumors. She may be out of touch with the world, but her hearing is exceptionally good. She might have overheard our conversation."

I didn't say it was impossible.

The Elven ears weren't for show.

Their hearing was probably the best among all the demi-humans.

There was no point in discussing it further.

We would meet the Elven Queen in a few dozen seconds.

It would be best to judge her then.

The Demon King's army wasn't fighting a charity war.

If the Elven Queen was of no use, there was no need to form an alliance.

Conversely, if she was a threat to the Demon King's army, we might have to fight her.

War and politics were like that.

Just confirming this would make the meeting worthwhile.

With that thought, I waited for the Elven girl to open the door to the audience chamber.

When the door opened, dazzling light flooded in.

It seemed the audience chamber was an open space.

Sunlight poured in abundantly.

Under that light, the Elven Queen stood. She was beautiful, bathed in sunlight.

Whether it was fortunate or unfortunate, I had been blessed with opportunities to meet beautiful women, but the Elven Queen stood out among them.

The woman, enveloped in sunlight, was almost godlike in her beauty.

With golden hair and a statue-like presence, she stood there.

Her presence was so overwhelming that I almost forgot to breathe.

The Elven Queen, who had been sitting on a throne made of greenwood, called out to us.

"Welcome, messenger of the Demon King's army."

"..."

Her voice, unexpectedly gentle, didn't match her appearance. Her chest also moved, a sign that she was breathing.

It seemed she wasn't a statue created by a god or a magical creature. Relieved by this, I bowed respectfully.

She was, after all, the queen of a country. It would be impolite to be rude.

"It's an honor to meet you. I am Ike, the commander of the 8th Legion of the Demon King's army."

"I've heard much about you. You are said to be a heretical presence within the Demon King's army."

"I don't know what others are saying, but I am aware that I am perceived that way."

At this, the queen chuckled and covered her mouth.

It seemed she had a sense of humor.

"No, I apologize. Laughing during a meeting is impolite, isn't it?"

"No, please don't worry about it."

After I said this, the Elven Queen began with a word of thanks.

"I hear that you saved my people from the white beasts earlier. As their queen, I would like to express my gratitude."

"It was my duty."

I replied, but Gunther only snorted.

Perhaps because he had seen Ferret, he continued, "I will also thank Lord Gunther, though reluctantly."

It seemed he was doing it grudgingly.

I didn't know what had happened in the past, but I didn't want a fight to break out here, so I decided to get to the main topic.

"Saving the beasts was just a side effect. I have no intention of using the rescue of the elves as a bargaining chip for an alliance. I believe an alliance is only formed when our interests align."

"I see, you are a straightforward person. So, you are saying that if we form an alliance with the Demon King's army, you expect something in return?"

"Yes, I understand that this is a very impolite request..."

"No, it's only natural. We don't expect to protect this forest for free. We will provide something in return."

"For example?"

What I wanted was the Elven warrior corps, but the queen's response was unexpected. It was completely out of the blue.

"I will offer myself to you. You may do as you please with me."

"..."

I was speechless at such a statement.

For a moment, I thought it was a joke, but she seemed serious.

"I may be immodest in saying this, but my appearance is superior to others. You may use me as a source of comfort. —No, as an immortal king, you probably don't have such feelings. Then, you may use me as an experimental subject. It has long been said that the flesh and blood of noble elves are the best magical materials."

"I see... Indeed."

I had heard that the blood of noble elves was used as a kind of elixir.

It was also said that their tears could become rare gems.

For a demon mage, these materials might be highly sought after.

If the witch Sefiro were here, she would have accepted the offer without hesitation, but unfortunately, I didn't have the qualities of a mad alchemist.

I politely declined, and she looked disappointed and continued.

"...So, what you want, Lord Ike, is the Elven warrior corps, isn't it?"

It seemed the Elven Queen had understood that.

Still, her refusal suggested that elves were not particularly fond of war.

These were not the times to say such things, but it was Gunther, not I, who explained.

"Queen Ferret of the elves. I understand your feelings, but these are not such times. Living in peace is admirable, but there's no guarantee that the other side won't attack just because we don't bear arms."

"...I understand that very well."

King Gunther of the dwarves continued, as if advising her.

"Elves and dwarves are like oil and water, but we share a love for peace. Yet, the dwarf kingdom was destroyed. Ferret, I can't like you, but I don't want you to follow the same path as my kingdom. That's all I can say."

With that, Gunther pursed his lips.

His expression suggested he had no more to say.

Ferret looked at Gunther's expression for a moment, then turned to me. She seemed to have made a decision.

"...Lord Ike, to be honest, I don't trust demons."

She began and continued.

"I don't trust dwarves either. Of course, I don't trust humans either."

However, she continued.

"I know this dwarf king is stubborn, obstinate, and prejudiced. I will trust you, Lord Ike, because he trusts you so much."

"Are you saying you will form an alliance with the Demon King's army?"

Ferret nodded.

Ferret, who bowed slightly, was still beautiful, but I didn't let myself be distracted. Instead, I decided to discuss the details of the alliance with her.