After Ryan and the others left, the group dispersed. Tyrion gave Teclis a knowing look, which Teclis understood immediately. The brothers, who now wielded significant control over the politics of the High Elves, excused themselves from the Phoenix King's presence. Finubar was somewhat surprised, as he had expected Teclis, who was responsible for liaising with the human forces, to share his thoughts with him.
However, Finubar quickly realized that no matter what opinion was expressed, his role was limited to nodding in agreement. The humans were brought by Teclis, and the war was under Tyrion's command. He had already delegated full authority to them, leaving him with little to say beyond agreeing.
With that in mind, Finubar lost interest in conversing further with the Teclis brothers. He knew that if it weren't for their steadfast support, holding up the Phoenix Court like two pillars, he might already have been dead. So, he did not detain them and instead saw them off.
Ten minutes later, in the picturesque courtyard of the royal garden, filled with cypress, wild laurel, and bougainvillea, Finubar sat with White Lion Guard Captain Korhil, playing a game of military chess. The Phoenix Court, located beside the inner sea of Lothern, was tranquil. High Elves were just beginning to wake up to the soft sounds of island life and birds chirping, enjoying their morning fruit juice while watching the ships come and go—truly a beautiful moment.
As usual, Finubar was once again defeated by Korhil. The White Lion Guard Captain, a military nobleman and elite general, easily bested the former seafarer-turned-king.
"Did our War Leader mention how he plans to use those two ironclad ships?" Finubar tried to start a conversation as he gently placed a chess piece. "Don't underestimate human ingenuity and power."
"No, my lord," Korhil replied casually. "The War Leader and the others will handle everything for you. Since Teclis brought them, and they're on our special roster, it means they're competent."
"They will handle everything, hmm?" Finubar nodded calmly, placing another chess piece on the board. "Well, I look forward to it. Tyrion has never let me down."
"Yes, they won't disappoint you."
In a similar scene, Tyrion and Teclis were also seated in a courtyard, this one located in the Palace of the Emerald Sea, discussing the day's events.
"Brother, it seems our king and the Knight King had much to discuss today. I imagine he's very grateful to you for bringing him a kindred spirit from the far reaches of the Old World," Tyrion said, his figure glowing like the midday sun, standing against the sunlight as if he were the embodiment of Ulthuan itself. His impossibly handsome face gleamed in the light, his golden hair cascading over his shoulders. Tyrion's words carried a subtle implication. "Perhaps they'll become pen pals. After all, humans rarely get the chance to enter the Phoenix Court a second time in their lives."
"Do you think Finubar and Ryan will become friends?" Teclis, seated with a crystal teapot in hand, took a sip of tea. He grimaced as the hot liquid burned his tongue and placed the cup down.
"Finubar may want to be friends with Ryan, but Ryan and Fugen will be more eager to befriend us," Tyrion replied. As he turned, Teclis noticed the young Elven maiden serving them blush deeply. After setting down the tea, she fidgeted nervously, her fingers twisting at her waist as if she wanted to say something. But when she looked up and saw Tyrion's warm, sunny smile, her face turned as red as an apple, and she rushed away, hiding her face.
It's always like this, Teclis thought to himself.
Tyrion, fully aware of his own charm, was not surprised. He nonchalantly continued, "What do you think, brother? It's best if they are only friends with us."
"Don't underestimate Ryan and Fugen, my thick-headed brother," Teclis said irritably. "These two are the best humanity has to offer, in both intelligence and power. Don't forget, they have a True God as their father. I've already told you this."
"Just like us?" Tyrion nodded, showing he didn't fully dismiss the humans. He could sense danger from both Ryan and Fugen. At his age, the War Leader no longer underestimated anyone. "They also have divine blood. But who are their parents? The human god Charlemagne? Or perhaps the famously handsome Sun God Petra?"
"No idea," Teclis shook his head. "When are you planning to convene the War Council?"
"We'll need to wait for all the princes and nobles to arrive," Tyrion replied. "Ulthuan needs time. The Ten Kingdoms need time. It's not easy to gather all the Elven princes and their armies, and we need time to discuss the logistics, troop distribution, and battle plans."
"Elves may never run out of time, but I doubt the Witch King and that Undead Pirate Count will give us much," Teclis remarked.
"I'd love for them to come here and fight. It would save us a lot of trouble," Tyrion laughed. "Let them come. I'd prefer to finish it all in one go."
"And then you'll return to Avelorn?" Teclis asked dryly.
"If things get resolved, why not? Heroes only appear when people need them," Tyrion said enthusiastically as he took a sip from his crystal teacup. "Mint, jasmine, and peach."
"Heroes are never easy to deal with—those two are both heroes and kings," Teclis replied, his tone resigned. "But you aren't, my hot-blooded fool of a brother. You're a hero, not a king."
"My blockheaded brother, one day I hope to be both," Tyrion said, a hint of pride still showing on his face. "Finubar and Ryan hit it off, but they are fundamentally different. Regardless, I must admit, reclaiming Karak Eight Peaks from greenskins and Skaven was no small feat. The Knight King personally led his army."
"We should keep him busy," Teclis suggested. "It's clear he's restless. Didn't you think he and Finubar talked too much today? And their conversation was… intriguing."
"Maybe send him to IYris to find a princess?" Tyrion mused. "The Phoenix King could use a new consort for his court?"
"Not a great idea," Teclis disagreed. "You know Aisalyon wouldn't approve, and Finubar already has several female courtiers."
"Then I'll ask the Everqueen to send an Isha priestess for a grand ceremonial sacrifice. As the spiritual leader of Ulthuan, Finubar can hardly refuse such a legitimate request, especially if it's from the Everqueen herself. He'll have plenty of work to keep him occupied."
"That could work," Teclis agreed. "Let's split up and get to work."
"What are you planning to do?" Tyrion raised an eyebrow. "Is it… Lileath?"
"Yes, she has a new prophecy," Teclis said quietly. "Just like the Everqueen chose you, Lileath has chosen Ryan."
"Of all people, she chose a monkey—er, human!" Tyrion's voice grew louder, but he quickly realized this was a chance to forge an alliance with Ryan and his Old Guard. "Fine. Also, see what he thinks about Finubar."
"Will do!" The brothers split up to carry out their plans.
Meanwhile, on the streets of Lothern, the High Elf noble Arsenar the Scholar led Ryan, Suria, and Fugen along the main avenue. The noble moved gracefully at the head of the group, his demeanor warm and harmless, speaking with impeccable courtesy. "King Ryan, Queen Suria, Lord Fugen, you will be staying at the Belmond Villa Hotel. This is a special arrangement by the Phoenix King himself. Please, you must honor it."
"The Belmond Villa Hotel?" Suria asked, intrigued. "Could you tell us more?"
"Of course," Arsenar adjusted his gold-framed glasses. "The Belmond Villa Hotel is an establishment with a 1,919-year history. It's located in the hillside district of Lothern's outer city, with terraced grounds that allow guests to enjoy the fragrance of rose bushes, lemon trees, and orange groves. There are also Cathayan hibiscus flowers and an 810-year-old wisteria vine that forms a fragrant purple carpet when in bloom.
"The hotel offers all the modern amenities and includes private pools and villas. I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay," the Elf said confidently. "The Phoenix King has reserved two villas for you. They are just a 30-minute walk from the foreign district."
"'We'?" Suria picked up on the subtle implication.
"Yes, both of you," Arsenar nodded. "Each villa can accommodate six people. Please select your attendants so I can inform the court."
"And what about the army?" Suria asked, already suspecting the answer.
"Arrangements will be made for them separately. You needn't worry," Arsenar assured them. "Follow me. We mustn't delay, or the front desk will close. Oh, and one more thing—here in Lothern, everyone works a maximum of six hours per day and no more than 35 hours per week. Please refrain from disturbing them outside of working hours unless it's urgent. Working past 9 p.m. is
illegal unless absolutely necessary."
"Can we refuse this offer?" Suria asked with a polite smile.
"This is an act of goodwill from the Asur. Are you sure you want to decline?" Arsenar's smile remained, though there was a clear threat in his words. "It would mean starting the process over again. I would have to inform Phoenix King Finubar, and the War Council would need to reconvene, with the Phoenix King issuing new orders and arrangements. During that time, you and your army would have no place to stay. Is that acceptable?"
"... Fine, let's go with it," Suria sighed inwardly, recognizing the implicit threat.
"Very well. I'll make the necessary arrangements," Arsenar said with a courteous bow.
The Belmond Villa Hotel was the epitome of luxury. With 45 rooms and 8 independent villas, the hotel's two finest villas had been reserved for Ryan and his party. Each villa occupied around 400 to 500 square meters and featured the signature pointed architectural style of the High Elves. Nestled among lush gardens and orange groves, they offered a tranquil escape with stunning views of Lothern.
Beneath the villa complex lay a famous floating garden designed by High Elf artist Noemi-Tali. Covering 5,500 square meters, the garden housed over 400 species of plants from around the world, remaining lush and vibrant throughout the year.
Once they had completed the check-in process, Arsenar informed them that he, too, was staying at the hotel. "If you need anything, or if you wish to explore, feel free to call on me. I strongly advise bringing me along whenever you go out."
With blue skies, gentle breezes, and the tranquil atmosphere of Lothern, the two-story villas opened their doors to Ryan and his companions. Fugen took one of the phoenix brooches from Ryan, greeted him, and went to his own villa with his companions, including the Wood Elf princess Carona, Vice-Captain Pirazzo, and Ryan's brother-in-law Julius.
As for Ryan's villa, he had only brought Suria and Olica to stay with him, though their mounts—Ryan's gryphon and pureblood elf steeds—counted as several more. Olica, after changing into an Elven maid's uniform, blended in seamlessly with the other High Elves. It seemed she had received specialized training; her accent, manners, and gestures were indistinguishable from those of her Asur counterparts. She told Ryan and Suria to wait outside while she tidied up the rooms and set up protective wards. Ryan trusted her judgment and stood by Suria, holding hands by the swimming pool, gazing out over the lush garden.
The view of Lothern was breathtaking. The hotel's garden below was immaculately manicured, with a single willow tree in the center swaying gently in the breeze. Neatly trimmed hedges and flower beds outlined intricate patterns, while purple wisteria and climbing roses covered the arched trellises. Ryan gently squeezed Suria's hand and whispered in her ear, "Is it beautiful, my love?"
"It's truly stunning," Suria said, mesmerized by the dreamlike beauty of Lothern. "I've imagined this so many times, but I never thought I'd actually get the chance to come to Ulthuan."
"My silly wife, we have many more years ahead of us," Ryan chuckled softly, pulling her closer. "For now, let's enjoy exploring Lothern together. We can go shopping, and whatever you want, I'll buy it for you."
"Aren't you and Fugen here on a mission?" Suria asked, blushing but still concerned about their responsibilities.
"Of course, but that mission requires time, discretion, and leaving no traces. It's too obvious to start investigating the moment we arrive," Ryan said with a smirk. "Let's take a few days to enjoy ourselves, explore the city, and learn the layout of Lothern's outer districts. The High Elves won't be in a rush. They have plenty of time and will take weeks just to gather the Elven princes for a single meeting."
"Alright." Suria nodded, before hesitating with a blush. "So… you'll stay with me for these few days?"
"Of course." Ryan kissed her lightly on the lips. "I'll be with you the whole time."
"And Olica too, right?" Suria teased. "Lucky I came along; otherwise, Olica would have had you all to herself. No hogging, Ryan! It's not fair."
Ryan chuckled. "Could you handle it all by yourself?"
"Whether I can or not is one thing, but whether I want to share is another," Suria pouted. "I'm not too keen on sharing. You and that Dark Elf always team up against me."
"Hahaha, let's explore our villa and enjoy this place together first," Ryan laughed, pulling Suria along as they returned to the villa.
As soon as they opened the door, Ryan and Suria's eyes widened in shock.
"Wha—?!"
"Hey, Ryan! Suria! You're back~~" The High Elven Moon Goddess, Lileath, sat comfortably on the sofa in the living room, fanning herself cheerfully.
Meanwhile, Olica, Ryan's Dark Elf maid, was bound and suspended from the ceiling by ropes tied in a complex manner, her hands and feet secured like a marionette. She struggled and squirmed, her mouth gagged as tears welled up in her eyes. She swung helplessly back and forth, making muffled sounds. "Mmmmph! Mmm!"
"Lileath!" Ryan exclaimed.
"Lady!" Suria gasped.
---
Author's note: Updated! Please vote, everyone! The High Elf plot is incredibly difficult to write—it's making me pull my hair out!
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