The orcs' retreat definitely bought us some time as they regrouped, but we didn't have much.
We planned on meeting the Elf King later today.
In the meantime, we decided to visit our parents again—and then stop by the Flower Tavern, since it was on our way to Loris Bridge.
It was quickly becoming my favorite place to eat—mostly for the music.
Before we even made it there, people started recognizing us—well, mostly Talos—as soon as we entered Apple City. Some even stopped us to talk.
Word had clearly spread, and honestly, I couldn't blame them. The people of Apple City had every reason to be proud—we were their own, after all.
We reunited with our parents, who were proud as ever, then set off for the Flower Tavern.
As we approached, a few attendants came out to meet us and take our horses.
"Thank you," I said, pleasantly surprised. That must've been a new service.
When we stepped inside, the tavern was nearly full.
"Hey, it's Talos!" someone shouted.
Cheers erupted through the tavern as we made our way in.
Our fame had really blossomed after defending the Beastarian Kingdom—but for some reason, I still didn't feel worthy of all the praise.
Alva, however, was basking in every second of it.
"Talos Party! Come have a seat!" Earl, the barkeep, called out as he kicked four people out to make room for us.
I felt bad—but what was done was done. So we took the seats.
As we settled in, my ears caught the familiar flute tune Luka began playing—it drifted through the tavern like an old memory.
I glanced over and smiled; he met my eyes and nodded in quiet acknowledgment.
"You really went and did it, eh?" Earl said with a laugh. "I knew you had it in ya."
"Yep," Talos replied. "But we've got more to do. We're meeting the Elf King today."
"Oh, really? Well, keep doing great things. You're always welcome here. Same orders as usual?"
"Yes," we said in unison. The moment our food arrived, we dug in.
As we ate, people of all ages—older people and young aspiring adventurers—came up to ask about the battle with the orcs.
When I say us, again, it was mostly Talos getting bombarded with questions, barely able to enjoy his food. Alva got his fair share, while Uri and I were left alone—which, honestly, was fine.
Though… maybe one or two questions wouldn't have hurt.
But I digress.
As we were finishing up and getting ready to leave, someone called out, "Where are you going next?"
"The Elf Kingdom," Talos answered.
"Are the orcs gonna come for us?" another asked.
"No," Talos said firmly. "We'll make sure of it."
Everyone cheered as we stepped out of the tavern.
We made our way to the Elf Kingdom—after, of course, dealing with Alva and his usual post-ale hurling.
As we entered the kingdom, people immediately began recognizing us. I could feel the stares—most aimed at Alva—accompanied by hushed whispers.
This time, though, the looks weren't because he was a half-elf, but because they knew him: the fearless Alva and company who defeated the Haron Party.
Instead of shrinking into his shell like before, he carried himself with pride, practically glowing under the attention.
Now that we were here, I realized we didn't actually know where the castle was.
Luckily, Alva remembered hearing about its location and led us to an unmarked path just off the main road—a route we definitely would've missed without his guidance.
It was a narrow dirt path that wound its way beneath a dense canopy, where sunlight filtered warmly through the vibrant undergrowth.
I began to understand why the path was unmarked—maybe to preserve its beauty.
As we continued, the trees arched overhead, with draped vines illuminated by drifting golden-glowing insects.
It was more than beautiful—it felt… enchanted.
Eventually, the forest opened up, and the sight before us stole our breath: grandiose structures built around cascading waterfalls and glowing foliage—bridges and towers adorned with intricate carvings and hanging greenery.
Streams wove through the elegant architecture, filling the air with the soft sound of rushing water and creating a serene, almost sacred atmosphere beneath the towering spires.
At the heart of it all stood a grand white stone castle, rising from a lush hillside. Manicured gardens and winding cobblestone paths surrounded it, lined with blooming flowers. Its tall spires caught the sunlight, gleaming with a radiance that made it seem both regal and opulent.
Before we could take in the view for too long, two elven knights approached on well-groomed horses.
"May I ask what business you have here?" one of them said.
"Uh, yes. We're here to speak with the king," Talos replied, pulling out the note from King Brar. "It's urgent—the orcs are coming."
The knights exchanged glances.
"You can stow your horses here. Come right this way," one said, turning their horses toward the castle.
As we followed the cobblestone path, I couldn't help but feel too ordinary to be here. I tried my best not to do anything that might disturb the peace—or defile the beauty—of this place.
We entered through the grand doors into a courtyard where crystal-clear water cascaded from gentle waterfalls into a turquoise pool surrounded by stone pillars and arches.
Rose petals drifted across the glowing surface, radiating tranquility.
An indoor waterfall. Even with the King's Blessing, I still felt inadequate being here.
This place was for rich people.
The knights led us through tall hallways and up marble stairs until they stopped before massive double doors. One knocked in a distinct pattern.
"Come in," came a calm voice from within.
The doors opened into a chamber flooded with golden sunlight streaming through towering stained-glass windows, spilling across an enormous carpet. Stone statues of elven angels lined the walls between gilded artwork, while crystal chandeliers shimmered above.
The Elf King stood beside his throne, hands clasped behind his back, gazing out the window.
"Your Highness, a party has arrived with a message from King Brar—it's about the orcs," one of the knights announced.
"The orcs, you say?" the king replied, turning around.
He was tall and slender, his pale frame wrapped in flowing emerald-green robes adorned with gold embroidery and natural leaf patterns. His long blond hair shimmered in the light, and his sharp green eyes and tall pointed ears gave him a different, quieter demeanor than King Brar.
As he approached, he studied each of our faces one by one before noticing the letter in Talos's hand.
"Hmm." He took it and started reading.
When he finished, his gaze lingered on us. "You received a King's Blessing, huh?" he said with a small smile before turning back to the window.
"So the day has finally come. Good. The people must know."
"Numia," he called to one knight, "prepare the citizens for a gathering in Luxia City."
"Yegrid, assemble the knights and the council. Meet back here in one hour."
"Yes, King Wey," they answered, bowing before exiting.
Once they left, the king faced us again. "Ah, yes—introductions. Talos Party, I am King Wey. A pleasure. Though a rather unfortunate time to meet."
"The pleasure is ours, Your Highness," Talos said.
"You may go ahead to Luxia City's main square and await the gathering. Then, return here at once."
"Thank you, Your Highness," Alva said.
"No," King Wey replied with a serious look. "Thank you."
We nodded and headed back toward Luxia City.
By the time we arrived, people had already begun gathering in the main square. Within twenty minutes, the place was packed—an ocean of elves filling every inch of space.
Then, a thunderous yet graceful harp began to play from above.
We looked up to see King Wey standing on a balcony. The crowd erupted in applause.
He acknowledged it with a small nod, then raised his hand for silence.
"Men and women of the Elf Kingdom," he began, his voice carrying effortlessly over the square.
"Today, I have an important message for you."
He paused.
"I understand your frustration over the castle's silence in response to the orcs' absence at the end-of-season crown exchange. I asked for patience then, and I ask no longer. The moment for action has come."
The crowd broke into cheers.
"The orcs are coming. When exactly, we do not know—but when they do, we will be ready. Thanks to the Talos Party. They helped combat the orcs' assault on the Beastarians, and now they're here to help us. We owe them our thanks."
He gestured toward where we stood below in the crowd
The people around us cheered. Talos smiled humbly, Alva struck a proud pose, and Uri and I tried to disappear into our clothes.
I still wasn't used to all this praise—especially from a crowd this size.
It was a bit overwhelming.
He paused again, his tone shifting.
"Yes, the orcs hold our crown, upsetting the balance of Runeveil. But in doing so, they've done us a favor."
The crowd quieted, listening intently.
"They've given us the opportunity to show the world who the elves really are."
Murmurs rippled through the square.
"They think we are weak? We'll show them strength.
They think we are complacent? We'll show them action.
They think we are defeated? We will show them victory."
The cheers exploded into a deafening roar.
"The time for waiting is over!" King Wey declared. "Now, my fellow elves, is the time for action! Let us show them what we're truly capable of!"
The roar became thunder.
His words were so stirring, it made me want to go out and fight even though I already was going to in the first place.
When the speech ended, a few people stopped us to offer thanks or shake our hands, but we hurried back toward the castle.
In the throne room, the knights and council were already assembled.
King Wey greeted us with a calm smile.
"Welcome, Talos Party," he said. "We have much to discuss."