Ning Busan was exceptionally attentive. “Rest assured, Elvin's brothers and sisters are my brothers and sisters. Once we reach the human world, I will make sure they are well taken care of.”
Olivia raised an eyebrow, looking at him with deep skepticism. “You?”
“I am a mage from the Dawn Empire, and also the Commander of the Dawn Empire's four major legions,” Ning Busan said. “Once the Elven Clan arrives in the Dawn Empire, they will surely experience the warmth of home.”
Even though Ning Busan spoke these words with utter sincerity, Olivia remained wary of him.
Isabella offered a sweet smile. “Mother, Ning Busan is actually a Divine Envoy chosen by the God of Light.”
Olivia's expression softened instantly. “Since he is a human chosen by the God of Light, he can naturally be trusted.”
A vein throbbed on Ning Busan's forehead.
He had almost forgotten that among the elves, mentioning the God of Light was the most effective trick.
Ning Busan said tentatively, “I have a sincere wish in coming to the Elven Valley this time, and that is to personally visit the Elven King.”
“I would like to express the respect and friendship of humanity on behalf of the Dawn Empire. I wonder if you could introduce me?”
Isabella said expectantly, “The Elven King is a legend who embodies both beauty and wisdom. If we could meet him, this trip would have no regrets!”
Olivia said tactfully, “That might not be very convenient.”
Elvin coughed lightly. “Even I, the crown prince, am rarely summoned. You two can forget about it.”
“Is that so...” Isabella smiled apologetically. “We were being presumptuous.”
Ning Busan thought for a moment and asked again, “Can Isabella and I participate in the Elven Clan's Spirit Blessing Festival?”
“Of course.” Olivia pinched Isabella's cheek. “The Elven Mother Tree embraces all. As long as visitors harbor goodwill, they can feel its warmth and acceptance.”
Ning Busan chuckled.
That was indeed something to look forward to.
...
Greenwild Royal Court.
On a throne carved from ancient wood, the Elven King sat sideways, resting his cheek on his hand. His silver hair fell loose, cascading all the way to the floor, making him look as if he were asleep.
Lislene bowed respectfully. “Your Majesty—”
The Elven King opened his eyes, revealing a beautiful pair of emerald-green eyes that looked like jade wiped clean of dust.
He spoke softly, his voice as elegant and smooth as plucking strings. “Has the identity of those two humans been confirmed?”
Lislene said, “We haven't found any issues so far. They are just two humans. Regardless of whether they have other motives, they cannot cause any trouble in the Elven Valley. I can handle it; you don't need to worry.”
The Elven King asked again, “Has the list of elves to be sent out of the Elven Valley been finalized?”
“It has been finalized. Combining the children and young elves, there are seventy thousand in total,” Lislene said. “The remaining forty thousand adult elves have already contracted the plague and can only stay in the Elven Valley.”
The Elven King asked, “What is the status of the plague?”
“All the adult elves have begun to show symptoms of the plague. The severe cases, like Prince Silvin, have been locked in the confinement rooms,” Lislene said.
“During the Spirit Blessing Festival in seven days, let those children say a proper farewell to the Mother Tree.” The Elven King smiled bitterly. “There will be no chance to meet again in the future, and the Elven Valley will cease to exist.”
Lislene clenched her fists. “As long as the Elven Clan's bloodline remains in the world, there is hope for rebuilding the Elven Valley.”
The Elven King said softly, “Lislene, you should leave the Elven Valley as well.”
Lislene's eyes welled with tears. “No, I want to stay by your side.”
“Everything was our own choice. We brought this situation upon ourselves. The mistakes we made should not be borne by you.” The Elven King let out a soft laugh.
“Be good, and leave with Elvin. The future of the Elven Clan is in your hands. This is an order.”
Lislene bit her lip, her voice trembling. “Understood.”
“Go now. I wish to rest.”
“Yes.”
After Lislene left, dark beads of blood seeped from the corner of the Elven King's mouth, his expression filled with immense pain.
Pitch-black lines spread rapidly across his skin, faintly emitting a putrid stench around them.
A palm-sized sprite emerged from Salos's hair.
He possessed the exact same face as the Elven King, looking like a miniature version of him.
The sprite fluttered his wings, flying in front of the Elven King, and asked with concern, “Salos, have you already been corrupted to this extent?”
“Even without the plague, my life is nearing its end,” the Elven King murmured. “It is a pity that even in death, I still haven't found a way to save the Elven Clan.”
The sprite wiped away his tears. “It's not your fault. You've already done well enough.”
The Elven King stretched out his hand, looking at his palm which had been eroded by the plague until only decayed bone remained. He gave a self-deprecating smile.
“Holding on for six thousand years... it has indeed been long enough...”
...
Back at Elvin's house, three heads huddled in a circle, whispering in conspiracy.
Isabella asked in confusion, “If there really is a plague in the Elven Clan, why would the Elven King hide it?”
“Obviously, the Elven King cannot solve the plague,” Ning Busan said. “Revealing the truth would only cause panic.”
Elvin said, “There is another reason. The Elven Clan will never abandon their companions. If everyone knew the truth, they would definitely refuse to leave.”
“The King is hiding everything just to send the uninfected elves out of the Elven Valley, preserving the Elven Clan's bloodline.”
“Even if I went to confront him face-to-face right now, he wouldn't necessarily tell me the truth.”
Isabella asked, “Then what should we do now?”
Ning Busan said, “Only by finding the source of the plague can we solve the problem.”
Isabella said, “But you can't even enter the confinement rooms, and you can't get in touch with the infected elves at all. How are you going to investigate?”
Ning Busan said, “What is the essence of the plague? Dark element. So we only need to look for where the dark element is most concentrated in the Elven Valley.”
Elvin shook his head. “I'm afraid that won't work. If there were dark element in the Elven Valley, it would be like ink on a blank sheet of paper—extremely obvious. It would be impossible not to notice.”
Ning Busan smiled half-heartedly. “But what if this blank sheet of paper had already been dyed gray long ago?”
Elvin frowned. “What do you mean by that?”
Ning Busan said, “Don't forget, the Elven King and the elders of the Elven Clan worship other deities now. If they really want to cover something up, they will definitely do it very discreetly.”
Elvin asked, “What are your plans?”
Ning Busan began delegating tasks. “Tonight, I will use the authority of Hell to search for the place with the most concentrated dark element, and investigate the situation in the Elven Valley while I'm at it.”
“Elvin, you go to the confinement rooms again. Find a way to see Silvin and see if you can pry more information out of him.”
Having said that, Ning Busan looked at Isabella and fell silent.
Isabella grew anxious. “What about me? What can I do?”
“Your task is the most difficult,” Ning Busan said slowly, emphasizing each word. “Go see the Elven Mother Tree, and ask her what kind of entity the deity worshipped by the Elven King actually is.”
Isabella pointed at herself, asking in disbelief, “Why do you think the Elven Mother Tree would pay any attention to me?”
“It doesn't hurt to try,” Ning Busan chuckled. “The Mother Tree has a very good temper. If your attitude is pious enough, she will be able to feel your sincerity.”
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