Chapter 69: Bestowed with such a status?
The four-winged Faery Duck soared across the lush canopy of Celebi Forest City, its graceful wings shimmering in the sunlight. Perched atop its soft feathered back was a large carriage adorned in natural wood and glowing glyphs, cradling Elton, Zoro, Ramiro, and their escort of Fanged Elves.
Excitement buzzed in the air. The wind carried the scent of wild herbs and blooming flowers, and the soft hum of nature's energy vibrated beneath their feet.
With a gentle descent, the Faery Duck landed atop a vast moss-covered platform. Shayleaf was the first to hop off, her vine-wrapped shoes barely making a sound as she rushed to Elton and grabbed his arm with wide-eyed glee.
"Brother Elton! Come, come!" she chirped, practically dragging him forward. "This is Aethelwood Mere! One of the most sacred and beautiful lakes in all of Celebi! Look, look! See those fish there? Those are large-finned Green Tree Koi! They're delicious, loyal, and even possess minor water abilities! And that glimmer over there? That's the natural quartz bloom that glows at night! Oh! And—"
Amberleaf quickly interjected, flipping her long hair with a smirk. "Ahem. Don't leave out the fact that this lake is also a producer of Nature leaf gemstones know for their beautiful while also being an alchemy ingredient for certain weapons."
Shirleaf sighed, leading Zoro and Ramiro along with the other Fanged Elves at a slower pace while subtly keeping an eye on the 2 chaotic girls. "Don't let them get you into trouble, Elton."
They explored more of the hidden locales, with the Faery Duck ferrying them between serene districts suspended in the high trees, built with beautiful natural architecture. Even the long-time residents of Celebi City were caught in the moment's wonder.
Elton paused atop a high branch, gazing across a vista of sparkling waterfalls and floating blossom fields. "This place is truly a beautiful place," he said with awe.
Ramiro leaned on a railing, eyes soft. "Yes. It's so beautiful… and the nature here feels alive. So comforting."
Zoro simply nodded, arms crossed but eyes wide.
Shirleaf smiled, her hands clasped behind her back. "I'm glad that you love and appreciate the magical beauty of our homeland."
"Yes! I told you it was incredible, Brother Elton!" Shayleaf beamed, still gripping his arm tightly.
Amberleaf scoffed, holding her chin high. "Kufufufu. I'm glad you humans can appreciate this homeland of mine. You can serve this royal me if you so desire."
After seeing the more tranquil side of Celebi, Shirleaf motioned everyone back onto the Faery Duck. "It's time to see a different part of our city. Hold on tight."
They glided toward a livelier region nestled within a colossal branch that held elegant buildings and luxurious homes, still interwoven with nature's embrace. When they landed, officers and citizens alike bowed respectfully, clearly recognizing the visitors.
Two governing officials stepped forward, eyes widening at the sight of the humans.
"Which one of you is Sir Solman?" one of them asked hesitantly.
Elton blinked. "That would be me. My surname is Solman. Is there a problem?"
Shayleaf bristled. "There can't be any problems! Elton hasn't done anything wrong!"
Amberleaf placed a hand on her hip. "Hmph. Settle down, Shayleaf. These officials wouldn't dare misbehave in front of me."
The officials quickly panicked, bowing low. "No, no, no! Sir Solman is someone we would never dare to offend! Please, follow us. We wish to offer you a grand tour of this honored district."
The group exchanged confused glances. For them to speak so highly of Elton was very strange given he hasn't really been out and about until now plus he was a human.
The gentle hum of magic stirred the air as Elton, Zoro, Ramiro, Shayleaf, Shirleaf, Amberleaf, and their entourage of six Fanged Elves plus two royal guards strolled through the lush, elevated walkways of Celebi Forest City. The tour, now accompanied by several governing officials and officers of the district, had grown into something far more public than expected.
Civilians gathered to witness the spectacle. At first glance, the trio of humans were largely ignored overshadowed by the radiant presence of the Fanged Elf nobility. Excited citizens cheered and praised the royal Elves, offering gifts and gestures of goodwill, seemingly blind to the humans in their midst.
But among the crowd were a few sharp-eyed individuals. Those connected to higher circles had heard whispers—rumors not yet made public—about a human of interest currently traveling with Fanged Elf royalty. Though uncertain which of the three it could be, some decided not to take chances. With polite bows and respectful tones, they greeted Elton, Ramiro, and Zoro equally.
Elton and Ramiro responded graciously, their manners shining through. Zoro, as always, gave only a curt nod. Ironically, this stoic behavior made some assume he was the rumored human of importance because of his reserved demeanor being taken for noble arrogance.
A small number of elites, who truly understood the implications, remained quiet. Their gazes lingered on Elton, torn between awe and uncertainty. None dared to speak openly for now.
Once the group had completed their tour of the district's hallmark buildings and scenic landmarks, it was time to move on. The district's leader, Noble Archon Rocky Leverstem, personally offered his thanks, presenting Elton with an honorary official badge.
The air around them seemed to still. A few allowed to witness the event blinked in disbelief before wordlessly committing the sight to memory—rumors would fly tonight.
The party mounted the Faery Duck again, Shirleaf commanding it with a graceful whistle. They soared to another district, resting on another massive branch, adorned with intricate buildings and living architecture. And again, the pattern repeated.
Welcomes, Smiles, Celebrations, and Free gifts.
And gradually, more eyes began to find the humans among the group.
Zoro grunted in irritation as yet another smiling citizen approached him, asking for a future favor or offering unsolicited flattery.
"What the hell is going on with these bastards forcing themselves to come up to me? Some are even asking for favors in case things go badly."
Ramiro chuckled, clearly entertained. "But doesn't it feel nice? You're being treated like the hero you are, aren't you? Hahahaha!"
"Oi, why don't you pipe down…" Zoro shot back, then glanced at Elton, narrowing his eyes. "Oi, Elton. Why do I feel like this involves you somehow? And why are you being so reserved compared to your usual self?"
Elton gave a wry smile and glanced at Shayleaf, who clung happily to his arm, simply listening.
"Well… I think it's probably in my best interest not to draw too much attention to myself given the already tough circumstances."
Shayleaf tilted her head, curiosity lighting up her eyes. "What could be the issue, Brother Elton?"
Amberleaf scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Obviously, it's the officials wanting to help such beautiful royals as us, right? Kufufu. Elton, don't worry. This royal me will not let anything unwarranted happen! You can kneel on one knee and k-k-kiss my hand now… if you want to, of course."
Elton gave her a bitter smile, then turned his gaze toward Ramiro, who conveniently spun away, suddenly fascinated by the exotic flora nearby.
Even Zoro coughed awkwardly and muttered, "You know what? What are friends for? I think it's fine dealing with random people who are generally nice. Ah, right Elton… just do what you do."
Elton groaned, half in amusement, half in annoyance, as he was once again dragged around by the two excited Elven girls.
Later, much like Archon Rocky in the previous district, the Archon here—clad in rich green robes and an aura of dignified nobility—stepped forward and presented Elton with yet another honorary badge.
This time, Shirleaf's brow furrowed. She mumbled under her breath, "Seriously? Another one? Are you perhaps a secret celebrity among Nobles, Elton?"
"Absolutely not," Elton replied in a quick and sharp manner.
Elton and his group flew to two more districts similar to the previous ones. And just like before, each visit turned into an odd spectacle. With every honorary badge handed to Elton by local Archons, the suspicion within their group intensified. It no longer felt like mere coincidence. Shirleaf narrowed her eyes more than once, mumbling about how things were starting to get strange.
Tired of the repeated circus, Shirleaf made a sudden decision. She guided the group higher up the World Tree, to a more prestigious and refined area— The district of Oak Town. It was an entire town governed by none other than the Grand Justiciar Royalin-Oak himself. The moment word spread that multiple royals and nobles were arriving, Oak Town was thrown into organized chaos. Officials, minor nobles, and upper-class civilians flooded the area to offer greetings and curry favor.
The so-called tour morphed into a chaotic meet-and-greet.
Thankfully, the Oak Twins, Luno-Oak and Dino-Oak, arrived to restore some order, leveraging their grandfather's authority to disperse the crowd. Soon after, their father—Olive-Oak, heir to Royalin-Oak—made his appearance. With a warm, charismatic smile, he invited the group to the Oak Town Pavilion, a lavish center for the noble, the wealthy, and the knighted elite.
Shirleaf and the rest accepted without hesitation. Elton followed along, still unsure why so much attention was being directed at him.
Once at the Pavilion, formal preparations began. Elton, Ramiro, and Zoro were handed noble elven garbs appropriate for the occasion. Servants helped them dress, though Zoro was quick to protest leaving his weapons behind.
"You really can't lighten up a bit at all, can you?" Ramiro said, adjusting his collar.
Zoro shot him a flat look. "My katanas are extensions of my body. So is this scarf."
Ramiro rolled his eyes. "Drama queen."
When they stepped out, the sight waiting for them was borderline overwhelming. Shayleaf's eyes sparkled as she dashed over to Elton.
"Wooow! Brother Elton is so handsome!! Our Elven aesthetics truly suit you!"
Amberleaf nodded with exaggerated regality. "Yes yes! Oh human Elton! You were born to wear our elven garbs! My Royal self gives it a 5 out of 5! T-that's how someone who should stand beside me should look! D-don't you think so?"
Elton forced a polite smile, already overwhelmed by the excessive praise.
Compliments flew in from all sides. The Oak twins, Amberleaf, Shayleaf, Shirleaf, and even some of the others in their entourage all joined in with their own remarks. Elton and Ramiro gave compliments in return, though Zoro simply offered a quiet grunt of acknowledgment.
But as the banquet carried on, the atmosphere shifted.
It started with curious stares. Then came pointing and right after there were whispers. By now, people were arriving from other districts just to catch a glimpse of one of the humans. It wasn't long before Elton, Ramiro, and Zoro were the center of attention once again.
Shirleaf leaned close, eyes narrowed. "Uhh… Elton? Are you seriously sure you're not some secret celebrity? Like… when exactly would you have become one?"
Elton gave a bitter sigh, no longer able to deny the possibility. "I have no idea. This is getting out of hand."
Then, the room fell into hushed murmurs as a man walked forward with purpose. He had rich, dark brown skin and an aura of casual authority. He wasn't a Fanged Elf. In fact, he wasn't even an elf. His lean build, clawed hands, and furry ears marked him as one of the Armagas, a race that bordered the Elven Kingdom in the Celebi Armaga Kingdom.
He approached Elton directly, a broad smile on his face.
"Are you perhaps Sir Solman?" he asked politely, extending his hand.
Elton blinked in confusion but responded with calm composure. "Ah, yes. My name is Elton Solman. And you are…?"
The man shook his hand with a firm grip, his smile growing. "Raggamortus Magrovit of the Armagas! It's a pleasure to meet you, Margrave Solman! Ah, that's the equivalent of a Grand Justiciar for elves and many other races, by the way. Heh. Please take care of me from now on, sir."
Silence.
Every single person froze.
Elton was speechless. Shayleaf, oddly enough, jumped up and clapped, shouting, "Wooo! Brother Elton is a Margrave now!!"
Everyone else? Shocked stiff.
Even Amberleaf stopped mid-sip of her fancy tea, eyes wide.
Elton stammered, trying to correct Raggamortus. "Wait, sir, I think there's been a mistake—"
But Raggamortus only laughed and waved his hand. "Nonsense! Celebrate! Relax! You'll reach Gold Tier soon enough, Margrave!"
With that, he turned and strolled off, content to enjoy the rest of the banquet after dropping that political bombshell.
Whether true or not, the rumors exploded.
People rushed to verify the title. Others began treating Elton with even more reverence. The discomfort among his group grew, and Zoro could be seen grinding his teeth while mumbling about wanting to go home.
Eventually, Olive-Oak approached Elton with a calm expression, requesting a private word. Shayleaf immediately clung to Elton's arm, declaring she would not let him go alone.
He was escorted into a private chamber.
There, sitting with calm yet intense eyes, was none other than Royalin-Oak himself.
And just as Elton tried to process that, a side door opened…
Out stepped Aeloria.