Chapter 350: Half-Elves
Especially seeing the natural and familiar interaction between Kraft, Rhodes, and Serie, the last shred of doubt in Fidel's heart vanished, replaced by sudden enlightenment.
This Kraft was indeed an old acquaintance of Lord Rhodes and Lady Serie.
And judging by the situation, their relationship was far from ordinary.
In this moment, Fidel felt a sense of mockery bordering on absurdity toward those nobles who dared to make a move on Rhodes.
These fools had no idea what kind of terrifying existence they were facing.
Not only were there the God-slayer and the Elven Saint, but even a legendary hero recorded in history was their close friend!
Their petty power and schemes were like child's play before these legends who truly controlled extraordinary power. They were truly tired of living.
Collecting his thoughts, he greeted Kraft. "Hello, Lord Kraft."
Kraft returned the greeting, his gaze shifting between Fidel and Rhodes. Seeming to understand something, he said, "It seems I came at a bad time? Did I interrupt your discussion of important matters?"
"No, you came just in time," Rhodes smiled, speaking meaningfully. "There are some things you should hear as well."
In Rhodes's mind, a concept regarding the future of the elven race finally found the right moment to be proposed.
"Kraft, regarding the request you mentioned last time concerning the continuation of the elven race," Rhodes spoke slowly. "I have thought of a suitable method."
Kraft perked up. Fidel also focused his attention. Although he didn't fully know the inside story, he realized this seemed to be a major event related to the elves, and possibly even the future of the Kingdom of Ersten.
Otherwise, why would Lord Rhodes ask him to stay? Surely not just to have an audience?
Rhodes continued, "Since the current reproduction rate of elves cannot meet the attrition, seeking unions with other races is indeed necessary."
"However, creating a magic that allows different species to conceive offspring might require very long research. During this time, a more feasible direction has gradually become clear in my mind."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the two. "That is—Half-Elves."
"Half-Elves?" Kraft frowned slightly. The term was unfamiliar to him, but he could vaguely guess the meaning: a race possessing half-elven blood.
Although there were precedents of elves falling in love with other races over the long history, such love was often unequal.
Because the lifespan of elves was too long, nearly infinite. The time other races could accompany them was simply too short for elves.
Not to mention that they couldn't produce offspring together. In the end, only the elf would be left alone to guard that feeling.
In fact, if there were any other way, neither the Elven King nor Kraft would have come to ask for Rhodes's help.
At this moment, Rhodes turned his gaze to Fidel. "Among many races, humans are undoubtedly the best partner to realize this possibility."
Hearing this, Fidel leaned forward slightly, surprised.
He wasn't stupid. Through Rhodes's explanation just now, he realized immediately that the other party seemed to want to create a brand new race between humans and elves to continue the elven bloodline.
Could such a thing really be done?
"Humans," Rhodes elaborated on his reasons, "possess the most prominent reproductive ability and adaptability among all intelligent races. They are undoubtedly the best choice for intermarriage."
"Moreover, human emotions are extremely rich. Perhaps they can pass this on to the half-elf offspring, allowing the elven race to better understand emotions."
"Of course," Rhodes changed the subject, "the huge lifespan gap between the two sides is also an issue that cannot be ignored. And the lifespan of half-elves might not be nearly infinite like elves; at most, perhaps a few thousand years."
The room fell into a brief silence.
Fidel was digesting this shocking idea, while Kraft was weighing its feasibility.
"What you say does make some sense, Rhodes," Kraft spoke up.
Compared to the barriers and uncertainties that might arise from combining with other races, combining with humans was at least closer in terms of appearance and intelligence.
Perhaps the offspring could inherit the advantages of both sides, possessing both magical talent and physical fitness.
Currently, this seemed the most reasonable choice.
"Then what needs to be done, Lord Rhodes?" Fidel asked.
He doubted whether those emotionally detached elves could truly develop such feelings for humans.
Rhodes didn't answer Fidel alone but looked at both him and Kraft. "So, my idea is a two-pronged approach."
"On one hand, Kraft, you can have the Elven Kingdom gradually relax restrictions on communication with humans, encouraging both sides to establish deeper connections, thereby laying a foundation."
"On the other hand, Fidel, you should cooperate with this exchange as much as possible. You can even introduce some encouraging policies to create convenient conditions for friendly exchanges between the two races."
"When my magical research is complete and I create the magic that allows different species to conceive offspring, everything will naturally fall into place."
"I understand," Fidel answered first.
He had a premonition that he might not see the emergence of the Half-Elf race in his lifetime.
After all, he had some understanding of magic and knew that content involving Life Magic required an extremely long time to research.
Even if Rhodes was a renowned legendary hero, creating magic involving the life of two different species would inevitably take decades of research.
Otherwise, why hadn't he and Serie produced offspring over these thousand years? Was it because they hadn't thought of it?
Moreover, he also realized that this was not only an opportunity for the elves but possibly also for humanity. If he could facilitate the deep integration of the two races, the Kingdom of Ersten would gain unimaginable assistance.
Serie, who had been listening from the side, although her face remained expressionless, was clearly thinking.
Rhodes, this guy, although his ideas were sometimes wild, his vision on major issues concerning the direction of civilization was always sharp and far-sighted.
"Phew—" Kraft finally spoke. "I understand. I will inform the Elven King of this matter later. I imagine he will not refuse. At that time, I will have to trouble Your Majesty Fidel." After speaking, Kraft bowed slightly to Fidel.
After all, without Fidel's cooperation, the subsequent series of plans would be difficult to unfold.
Moreover, with the Kingdom of Ersten—the most prestigious nation among humans—taking the lead, other human nations could follow closely to deepen exchanges and connections with the Elven Kingdom.
"Please rest assured, Lord Kraft. I will naturally cooperate. Furthermore, my descendants and future emperors will also do their best to cooperate with the needs of the elven race." Fidel made his promise as well.
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