At the heart of the Elven Continent, in an isolated region where trees blanketed the sky and allowed only a few stray rays of light to slip through the canopy, stood a castle made of white marble, inlaid with vivid green accents. Before it stretched a vast open area, where only a select few were permitted to tread.
That was the castle of the Elves' Ruler.
Inside the castle
A beautiful elf with long golden hair cascading down to her knees sat upon her throne with absolute elegance. Her garments exuded nobility; shades of white, green, and gold lent her a natural charm. Her voluptuous, well-defined body, blessed with divine curves, contrasted with her emerald-green eyes, which shone intensely within the hall.
She adjusted herself gracefully on the throne as her mind drifted through secrets so intimate she would never allow others to know them.
– I have a strange feeling about the coming days – she murmured, her attention shifting to the ceiling, where a richly detailed glass opening allowed light to pour in.
– I feel uneasy… yet I can't identify why.
Her green eyes gleamed brighter than ever, as if perceiving something beyond the reach of others.
– Indeed, there is something in the air… but perhaps it's nothing more than imagination – a female voice said calmly from behind the throne. – Isn't that right, Ilythra?
The figure was wrapped in a veil and white garments; only her blue eyes were visible. She was trying to soothe the Elven Queen. Within them lay wisdom, serenity, and an almost overwhelming gentleness.
Curiously, to those who crossed the hall to pay homage to the empress, only Ilythra was visible upon the throne. The other figure seemed nonexistent, like a ghost.
Ilythra turned her gaze toward the presence behind her, awaiting her words.
– Haa… – she sighed.
– Perhaps that's all it is, but even so… let us remain vigilant. Before long, they will arrive together with that girl – she said, turning her attention forward again with a serene smile.
– What do you think of her? Do you believe she's ready, Vaenys… Fairy of Neutrality?
The figure behind the throne smiled playfully, recalling a certain girl.
– She was always full of energy, that's undeniable.
– She always had potential, and now, more than ever, she must have blossomed greatly.
– I can hardly wait to see her again… little Elizabeth.
She spoke excitedly, leaning against the elf's throne.
Now without the veil, she revealed herself as a woman of divine beauty, capable of rivaling the Elven Queen herself. Her long hair, dark gray with bluish streaks, flowed past her shoulders. Her bangs covered her entire forehead, and her face seemed a flawless work of art: pale, unblemished skin and blue eyes that sparkled like sapphires.
She was the Elven Queen's contracted fairy — Vaenys, the Fairy of Neutrality.
Resting her head against the throne, she continued:
– When she arrives, we'll see whether she's already qualified.
– We'll also need to assess her will. It's not as though we're going to force her to assume a role that should have been her mother's.
– She has no such obligation.
Her words grew colder. The subject was clearly sensitive to both of them; their expressions now sharp and serious.
– Yes… you're right.
– That free-spirited sister of mine disappeared and left all the problems and responsibilities to her own daughter, without even offering an explanation.
Ilythra adjusted herself once more on the throne as an irritating memory surfaced in her mind.
– "I don't feel like it!"
– "I don't want to get involved in your boring affairs."
– "I'm going off on my own—don't follow me!"
A vein bulged at Ilythra's temple as she recalled those words from her irresponsible sister. Her lips twisted in anger.
– Damn brat… – she muttered, sinking back into the throne.
Vaenys merely sighed at the outburst.
– Is that appropriate language for a queen?
– Conduct yourself as one.
– All right, all right! – Ilythra raised her hands in surrender.
– I just got irritated remembering that woman.
She clenched her fists.
– Because of her, Elizabeth and I faced so many troubles.
– She should have been the empress! But she chose to flee her responsibilities, leaving everything to me… and to Eliza.
– And that was when Eliza was barely at the beginning of adulthood, completely inexperienced.
– They wanted to place a girl who hadn't even lived two decades upon the throne, to shoulder duties that were meant for her mother.
She sighed, resigned.
– So that she could have time to live and gain experience, I took the throne in her stead… until she was ready to return.
– That's why we entrusted her to that woman's care.
Ilythra ran a hand across her forehead, recalling someone specific.
Vaenys narrowed her eyes.
– The headmistress of the Human Empire's Academy… Freya Avelon – she murmured thoughtfully.
– That woman is powerful. You made the right choice.
– Despite being shrouded in mystery… and there being something peculiar about her species.
She turned her gaze back to Ilythra.
– You do know she isn't human, right?
Ilythra nodded.
– A witch.
– And not only her.
– Ravina is one as well.
She began tapping a finger against the throne, recalling ancient elven knowledge.
– Indeed.
– Their race is legendary and ancient… as ancient as that of the fairies.
– Nowadays, only elves and dragons are aware of their existence — and even then, only a privileged few among those races.
Before Ilythra could respond, a high-ranking elf knelt before her.
– Your Majesty, I bring news!
– Speak – Ilythra ordered, resuming her majestic bearing.
– The students from the human academy have just arrived at the coastal port.
– They are likely disembarking at this very moment.
Ilythra nodded.
– Is the Royal Balloon already waiting for them?
– Yes, Your Majesty.
– It is prepared to take them to the heart of the kingdom.
– Excellent.
– You are dismissed.
Back at the coast of the Elven Continent
– Wow, this place is beautiful!
The students gazed around with sparkling eyes, brimming with enthusiasm.
– And they're all so beautiful too… how unfair – one of them grumbled, pointing out the elves' beauty.
Enchanted, the students took in every detail of their new surroundings.
– All right, students! Get organized so we can proceed to the next transport!
Elizabeth called out, standing beside the instructors. From that point onward, she would take the lead — after all, this was her homeland.
Evo was the last to disembark. Unlike the others, his attention was drawn elsewhere. He took a deep breath, filling his lungs. A light, refreshing air entered his nostrils, causing an unexpected effect.
– What's wrong with this air? – he murmured, intrigued.
– My body feels lighter… even the fatigue and headache that had been bothering me for days are gone.
– Could it be because of Natural Energy?
He watched the energy mingling with mana.
He scratched his head, thinking he might be overreacting. But the effects were far too clear to ignore.
– Does this energy work like a sedative?
– That can't be possible… right?