Chapter 329

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

In the blink of an eye, the carriage had already passed through the thick city gate and entered the city.

Compared to the open and bustling Maple Harbor, Maple City had a different architectural style.

The buildings inside the city were not tall, mostly only six or seven stories high, in stark contrast to the towering structures of Maple Harbor.

Most of the buildings were primarily white in color, adorned with pointed arches, pointed arch doorways, and large stained glass windows. When the sunlight shone on the colored glass, it created a kaleidoscope of colors.

Occasionally, one could see elegant and grand cathedral-style buildings on street corners, which appeared quite sacred and pure against the backdrop of white walls and stained glass windows.

However, the Maple Principality had a belief in deities, which seemed at odds with their love of wealth and their extreme commercial development.

But upon further reflection, it likely boiled down to the age-old advice: “After eating a satisfying meal, it’s wise to take a moment for gratitude.”

Compared to the bustling Maple Harbor, Maple City was relatively less crowded, but it still had a steady flow of people.

The carriage meandered its way through the city, leaving the main road to enter a quieter area. It was stopped by a squad of soldiers at a checkpoint.

“This is the embassy district ahead, unauthorized persons are not allowed!” spoke a soldier captain clad in armor. His proud demeanor and attire bore the emblem of the Old Maple Cross.

Raymond descended from the carriage and began negotiating with him.

“…Returning the kidnapped elves…”

“If there’s any delay, you won’t be able to bear this responsibility…”

He pointed to the carriage behind him.

Ji Chen could only faintly hear Raymond say a few words before seeing the soldier captain turn his head. Through the drawn curtains, he caught a glimpse of the young elf. The soldier’s expression changed from arrogance to doubt, and then to apology.

After careful examination of their entry permits and credentials, the soldier nodded.

He walked over to the carriage and made a respectful gesture. “Respected guests, I apologize sincerely. I will now clear the way for you.”

Ji Chen remained expressionless, merely nodding slightly and maintaining a dignified posture.

Amidst a salute from the soldiers, the two carriages gradually moved away.

“Boss, this guy is too arrogant. He didn’t even say a word. We are soldiers guarding the embassy district, not like those guarding the city gates.”

“You better keep your mouth shut!” the soldier captain reprimanded. “Didn’t you see the second carriage with the elf inside? If we really delay them and offend the elves, the higher-ups will hold us responsible.”

“Maybe our bonuses for the year will be deducted!”

Hearing this, the soldier’s expression changed slightly, and he kept silent.

When it came to matters concerning elves, even the Maple Principality had to take them seriously, especially now when the elves were at the height of their power, and the Elven Empire was flourishing.

The strength of their nation had given the elves a prominent position, and all kingdoms, duchies, and races of the lawful alignment, at the very least, held great respect for the elves in public.

They were afraid that one day, these highly proud pointed-eared individuals might come looking for trouble.

After entering the so-called embassy district, Ji Chen and Raymond saw vast estates, each surrounded by diverse walls, and flags representing different factions were displayed on the gates.

Red Dragon Flag, White Tower Flag, Sword and Shield Flag…

Some were kingdoms, some were duchies, and some were powerful races.

Among these flags, he saw one that was exceptionally large.

On it were two standing trees, one gold and one silver.

—This is the Double Sacred Tree Flag of the Elven Empire.

Ji Chen’s gaze slightly narrowed.

They had reached their destination.

Perhaps due to their national power, this Elven estate was exceptionally spacious, ten times larger than the neighboring kingdoms and duchies. A tall wall made up of intertwined tree trunks and vines formed a barrier that blocked any intrusive view from the outside.

In front of the gate, similarly made up of branches and vines, a fully armed guard of elves stood watch, observing them closely as they approached.

When Ji Chen saw the appearance of these elven soldiers, he couldn’t help but be stunned. His body stiffened, and he could hardly believe what he was seeing. Furrowing his brow, he asked, “Are these elves?”

Raymond, seeing Ji Chen’s expression, also paused for a moment. “Yes, that’s right. Is there a problem?”

Ji Chen fell silent.

How should he put it? In his impression, elves were not only known for their unparalleled archery and formidable magical abilities but also for their exceptionally beautiful elven ladies. Even the male elves in various strange books were often depicted as delicate and cute elf boys.

But the scene before his eyes shattered his illusions like a power hammer, scattering them to the ground.

Standing before him was a group of burly, tall, muscular individuals, each with a height of nearly two meters, broad-shouldered and sturdy. They had long, pointed ears that were almost parallel to the ground. Their muscles, like bronze, seemed as if they were about to burst out of their clothing. Veins in their arms crisscrossed like tree roots.

Their expressions were resolute, like coiled tigers ready to pounce.

Were these really fucking elves? If someone were to say they were a group of incredibly burly dudes, like trolls or some green-skinned orcs, Ji Chen would fully believe it..