Chapter 135 - 37

The Elven Kingdom is a kingdom whose entire territory is forest. Therefore large trees are easy to find even in the city where the residents live. Among the large trees, the one that stood out the most was the giant tree right next to the Elven Kingdom Royal Castle. The giant tree is like an umbrella for a royal castle. This tree is known as the world tree. Due to the existence of the world tree, the Elven kingdom could be safe until now. The world tree spreads illusions and creates a natural barrier throughout the territory of the Elven Kingdom including the surrounding forest. Only the elves know how to get past those barriers and illusions. That's why it was very dangerous for people from outside to enter by force. They could be trapped inside the illusion created by the world tree. Outsiders would have a hard time getting into the Elven Kingdom's territory if they weren't guided by an elf and obtained the kingdom's entry permit.

The elves live side by side with nature, therefore their houses are made entirely of wood. Even so, their house still looks beautiful and comfortable.

In a hall not far from the world tree, stood a large semicircular gate. It was a teleportation gate that connected the Elven Kingdom with the outside world. On the right and left of the gate, there are places like large bowls that are used to place magic or spirit stones as the power source of the teleportation gate.

Suddenly the semi-circular gate glowed and a dimensional portal formed in its center. From the portal, Carkas appeared along with several elves. After that, Merlick, the academy's teachers, and students one by one appeared from there. The last person to emerge from the portal was King Gustave.

"Wow!!"

"Very beautiful!"

"The air here is so refreshing!"

The students were amazed by the scenery and atmosphere of the Elven Kingdom. They could see beautiful flowers and lush trees filling their view. Teachers also have the same feeling as their students. Because this was the first time they had come to the Elven Kingdom except for Kalya.

Kalya walked slowly and looked around. Although a lot had changed, she could still recognize the place. A feeling of nostalgia slowly filled her heart as she recalled her childhood memories. She unconsciously shed tears. She didn't know that someone was staring at her right now because she was deep in her fond memories. The one who saw her was Ziel. If Kalya saw him now, she would notice that Ziel's expression softened.

"Are you avoiding her on purpose?" Lilith slowly approached him and whispered.

"No..." Ziel answered it curtly and was silent for a while. After that, he continued his words.

"I just want to give her some freedom." Ziel has his reasons for doing that. What he said to Lilith was only one of several reasons.

"What do you mean?" Lilith was confused by Ziel's answer and asked him further. But Ziel just kept quiet and ignored her question. He also no longer pays attention to Kalya. Ziel shrouded the entire Elven Kingdom with his senses to check the kingdom's current situation. He suddenly stopped while examining the world tree. He looked at the bottom of the giant tree.

"I found you." Ziel muttered softly and retracted his senses. He didn't want that person to notice and become more alert or run away.

"What did you find?" Lilith heard what Ziel said before. She knew Ziel was looking for something so she didn't bother him. But after hearing Ziel's words, Lilith became curious.

"People of your race." Ziel answered her honestly.

"Eh? He's still in the kingdom? I think he's gone somewhere else." Lilith suddenly recalled the meeting at the divine temple with the other four divine race people. It was called the divine temple because it was used as the meeting place for the five main gods of the divine race. The meeting was held just before Lilith had her battle against Ziel. What Lilith remembered was that all the missions the silver statue was doing should have been completed by now.

"You know him?" Ziel raised his eyebrows after hearing Lilith's words. Ziel remembered that Lilith had said that the divine races who took part in the meeting at the temple didn't know each other.

"No, no! I knew that he was in this kingdom because I heard about it in a meeting with the other main gods in the temple. Other than that, I don't know anything at all." Lilith quickly explained to Ziel because she knew what he was thinking right now.

"I see. So this person should have left but is still here. Looks like there's been a mission change when you weren't there." Ziel nodded and realized something from Lilith's explanation before.

"Yes, it seems so. So, what are you going to do? Are you going to kill him right away?" Lilith smiled bitterly and wondered what Ziel would do next.

"I can't do that. That world tree is very sensitive. Its power is not to be underestimated either. It can create a strong barrier to cover the entire territory of the kingdom. How strongly do you think that tree is? Besides, this tree seems to be under that person's influence. So, if I wanted to kill that person I would most likely end up destroying this world tree." Ziel felt a strange movement from the world tree when his senses checked the inside of the tree. The tree seemed to be protecting something. If Ziel attacks people from the divine race the world tree will likely attack him too. Inevitably Ziel must fight back against the tree and destroy it.

"You talk like you know the world tree well?" Lilith heard Ziel like he was talking about an old friend.

"I've been to this place before. But it's been a long time." Ziel muttered under his breath so only Lilith could hear him.

Lilith froze when she heard Ziel's words. But after remembering Ziel's mysterious origins, she could only accept it. While they were chatting, a beautiful silver-haired elf girl who was wearing a knight's armor that matched her hair color approached them.

"You're back, Carkas?" The silver-haired elf greeted Carkas first then checked the people from the academy and was surprised to see Kalya. She walked over to her and knelt with one leg in front of her.

"Long time no see, Princess Cattleya! I'm glad to see you again!" The silver-haired elf paid her respects to Kalya. She couldn't hide her happy feelings from those around her.

"Long time no see Laurel. You don't have to act so politely! I'm also glad to see you again!" Kalya helped the silver-haired elf stand up and hugged her tightly. The silver-haired elf girl wearing knight armor was named Laurel Candyce. She is also one of Kalya's childhood friends besides Carkas.

"How are you, Princess? Are you okay? Where have you been all this time?" Laurel quickly began to interrogate her.

"You have to ask one by one. I'm fine. I live in the human region and work as a teacher at the academy." Kalya smiled gently and also couldn't hide her happiness at meeting her childhood friend. His eyes were wet from holding back the tears that were about to spill.

"Ah, you'll have to tell me about that later. Right now I'm taking you to your accommodations." Laurel suddenly remembered her purpose in coming there.

"OK." Kalya nodded slightly and spoke to Merlick and King Gustave.

"Carkas, I will take over from here. Her Majesty the Queen asks you to come back and report to her immediately." Laurel said commandingly to Carkas. This made Carkas frown but dare not say anything.

"I understand. Let's go!" Carkas clicked his tongue and left the place. He briefly glanced at Kalya before returning to the Royal Castle with the other elves.

"Let's go, Laurel!" Kalya grabbed Laurel's hand and walked to lead the academy people to their accommodation. On the way, Kalya glanced at Ziel who was still ignoring her until now. This gave off a very uncomfortable feeling in her heart even though she had a happy look on her face. The fear of losing that had disappeared from her heart slowly began to resurface.

Along the way, the students and teachers were amazed by the architecture in the Elven Kingdom. In contrast to the Dwarven Kingdom which had a modern and elegant style, the style used in the Elven Kingdom was classic and simple. They made their houses only with wood that they got from dead or fallen trees in the forest. They would only cut down trees if they have to do it. The elves value the nature around them.

Kalya saw some elves waving at her. She was happy that they still remembered her even though she had been away from the Elven Kingdom for a very long time. They finally arrived at their destination. The people from the academy were taken to where the huge treehouses lined up. Each of the houses was like a 3-story inn.

"You will stay here for a while. The boys in the left building, the girls in the middle building, the teachers, Mr. Merlick and King Gustave will stay in the right." Laurel explained the division of accommodation for them. She separates between men and women to avoid unnecessary incidents.

"Thank you very much, Laurel." Merlick knew a lot of people from the Elven Kingdom. Apart from Carkas he also knows Laurel.

"You don't have to be polite, Mr. Merlick. You are an old acquaintance of the previous Queen as well as the current Queen. Of course, you and your students should receive the best service possible. Also, the Queen wanted to meet you today. But considering you've only just arrived, the Queen will be holding a banquet tonight to celebrate your visit as well as the return of Princess Cattleya." Laurel smiled a little. The male students and teachers were fascinated by her. Although she is not as beautiful as Kalya, she has her unique charm especially her silver hair that looks like Princess Aishia. What a perfect match for an elf.

"I see, we will prepare for the banquet tonight." Merlick smiled and glanced at King Gustave. He asked for his consent. King Gustave gave Merlick a small nod.

"Okay, I'll take the female students to have a look at the accommodation building. As for the boys, you can do it yourself." Laurel smiled seductively at the male students. The students froze at her smile, especially Hikaru and Sintaro who had just seen another elf girl besides Kalya.

Ziel walked towards the building on the left and inevitably had to run into Kalya. Kalya was about to say something when Ziel was about to pass her. But apparently, he was silent and didn't even look at her at all. Kalya froze in place, she couldn't say anything until Ziel disappeared into the building where the male students would be staying. Kalya felt her chest hurt a lot and she couldn't hold back her tears.

"Princess, what happened? Why are you crying?" Laurel realizes what happened to Kalya and asks worriedly.

"Ah, it's okay. I just remembered when I was still living in this kingdom. It brings good and bad memories." Kalya wipes her tears and changes the topic.

"Yes. I understand how you feel." Laurel smiled bitterly and understood what Kalya's words meant.

"Laurel, there's a lot I want to ask you. Can we talk alone somewhere?" Kalya got rid of the complicated feelings in her for a while. Right now she wanted to know the situation of the Elven Kingdom after she left.

"Okay. But after I finished accompanying the female students to see the building where they lived." Laurel nodded approving Kalya's request. She felt that she already knew what Kalya was going to ask her later.

"I see. Then let's take a look at this building." Kalya took Laurel's hand towards the central building where the female students were waiting for them.

***

In a room within the castle of the Elven Kingdom, an elf girl with a face similar to Kalya was sitting on a throne. She was Kalya's older sister as well as the current Elf Queen, Jasmine Venetia. In front of her, an elf was kneeling. He was Carkas, Kalya's childhood friend.

"Have you met her?" Queen Jasmine said in a sweet voice that could make any man who heard it go crazy.

"I've met her! She's still the same as before! No, she's even prettier now!" Carkas spoke excitedly. He showed a completely different attitude compared to when he was in front of the people from the academy. Queen Jasmine frowned when she heard Carkas praising Kalya.

"Stop your bullshit!" Queen Jasmine spoke coldly to him.

"I apologize Your Majesty! So when can I make her mine?" Carkas suddenly raised his head and looked at Queen Jasmine.

"Wait a little longer, we'll run it according to plan. After that, she will be completely yours." Queen Jasmine spoke nonchalantly.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Carkas smirked evilly.. Currently, his face shows greed and lust for Kalya.