“…Have the responses from the Empire and Margrave Reiner arrived yet?”
 
“No, those two replies have not come in yet.”
 
“I see, then we have no choice but to wait until they do…”
 
Elias looked down with a sullen expression.
 
A few days later, Renalute’s powerful nobles were assembled for a large conference. The details of the ongoing abductions and kidnappings within the country were explained by Elias. The common sentiment among the enraged nobles was fury towards Barst. Amidst the angry outbursts from all sides, one noble spoke up.
 
“Your Majesty, may I … Read the rest

The Dark Clouds Over Renalute
 

 
“We have another report of a missing person today. Most likely a slave-related abduction or kidnapping.”
 
“Again…? Zack, what’s the latest on the movements of the shadows?!”
 
An angry roar echoed through Elias’ private chambers. His expression was stern, twisted in anguish. About a year had passed since Raycis was born. Liesel had become queen, supported by Elias and Eltia respectively.
 
The country had become more lively than before, but reports of events casting a shadow over Renalute had started to emerge. There were many reports of missing dark elves, … Read the rest

Liesel-Tamouska
 

 
Liesel-Tamouska’s father had a weak position within the Tamouska family, and their living conditions were only slightly better than commoners. An event occurred that would completely change this situation. A letter arrived from her grandfather Norris, the most powerful figure in the Tamouska clan, ordering Liesel to become a candidate for King Elias’s queen.
 
When told that she was chosen because she is the youngest in the clan, Liesel was outraged at how cruel it was. However, her parents were overjoyed. Even as a candidate, she would become the king’s concubine. As parents wishing for their daughter’s happiness, … Read the rest

Eltia Riverton
 

“Finally, we’ve reached a new chapter…”
 
Eltia muttered to herself while sitting in a chair in her room. Her expression was not the usual cold, dismissive one, but rather gentle and kind. However, there seemed to be a hint of sadness in her eyes.
 
At that moment, a soldier outside informed her that Elias wished to see her, as he was concerned about her condition. Composing herself, she replied in her usual manner.
 
“Understood. Please allow His Majesty to enter.”
 
Soon after Eltia’s response, the room’s sliding door opened and Elias entered. Eltia … Read the rest

Reed Goes to Farah’s Room
 

“…Sorry for dropping by so suddenly.”
 
“No, I was actually hoping to talk to you as well…”
 
After confessing our feelings for each other in the courtyard, there’s an indescribably awkward atmosphere between Farah and me. I’m currently in Farah’s room.
 
Just a little while ago, I was with Father, but I wanted to discuss the future with Farah, so I asked if it was okay to visit her room. After getting her approval, I immediately headed to Farah’s room.
 
Once allowed inside, I took a seat as Farah prompted, … Read the rest

The Love Evangelist and The Knight Who Shouts His Love in Foreign Lands
 

 
“Hey, Reubens. Are you really okay with how things are going?”
 
“What is it, Nels. Coming out of the blue with…”
 
Reubens had a perplexed look on his face from the sudden question by his colleague. He was currently waiting in front of the castle’s main hall with a few other knights for their lord Reiner and his group to come out. It was then that the knight standing next to him, his childhood friend along with Diana, spoke to him in a nonchalant way.
 
The … Read the rest

As I exited the palace, Diana came along as my escort. While the guesthouse is nearby, the round trip would still take some time. On the way, Diana sighed and muttered,
 
“Haa…the atmosphere between Lord Reed and Princess Farah was so enviable just now.”
 
“Heh…wh-what are you suddenly saying!? You have Reuben, don’t you Diana?”
 
Caught off guard by her comment about the earlier scene, I blurted out Reuben’s name without thinking. Diana’s expression then unusually darkened to a “gloomy” look. It felt like I had brought up something I shouldn’t have.
 
“Reuben is…too shy. He … Read the rest

Reed and Farah
 

 
We had come to the main palace’s drawing room. It was the place we were guided to when we first arrived here.
 
Yesterday was eventful to say the least, and in the end, Father scolded me thoroughly. Afterwards, I laid down on my bed and immediately fell into a deep slumber as if losing consciousness.
 
When I came to, it was the next morning, and Diana woke me up. She had also been scolded by Father yesterday, but she already seemed to have moved on and was cheerful as usual.
 
As I … Read the rest

Zack and Capella

“Capella, I’m afraid I must trouble you, but I have a request.”

“Understood. Leave it to me.”

After finishing their discussion with Reiner and Reed, Zack and Capella moved to the reception hall’s office room. Now, the two were seated across from each other at a desk, conversing. Eventually, Zack muttered with a somewhat frustrated expression.

“Still…Reed is not to be trifled with. To have you swear fealty to him in that situation.”

“While the loyalty pledged there may cause some hindrance to future missions, I don’t believe it will have a major impact.”

Zack silently nodded … Read the rest

“…So that’s why Barst did not invade Renalute during the war.”
 
“Precisely. Even with the dark elves’ superior intelligence and combat abilities, if Barst did not attack, they could not leverage those strengths. If Renalute’s armies tried to invade, Barst could endlessly field expendable slave soldiers. Not to mention, assassinations can be prepared for if known in advance. Renalute simply had an unfavorable match-up against Barst.”
 
Hearing the explanation, I was struck again by the realization of what kind of world this was. Thanks to my previous world’s memories, I thought I sort of understood war. But actually hearing about … Read the rest