Chapter 55: Chapter55-Happy Cooperation

Following Elowen into the palace, John kept his eyes downcast, refraining from looking around.

Perhaps at this moment, the Elf Queen was watching him from behind a curtain, or perhaps she wasn't, but John didn't want to leave a bad impression.

They reached the center of the palace, where a long staircase led up to the throne.

"Your Majesty, I have brought the man. He is John."

"I understand. You may leave now, Elowen."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Elowen nodded slightly, cast a glance at John, then turned and left with resolute steps.

It wasn't until Elowen had completely exited the palace and closed the door that the Elf Queen finally spoke.

"John, you intruded into elven territory merely to seek aid?"

"Seeking aid was just an excuse. Although the goblins are aggressive, Calia can still withstand their assault without reinforcements."

"Elowen trusted you so much, and you've betrayed his trust. If you're not here to seek help, then you may leave. The elves do not welcome outsiders."

"Your Majesty, I cannot leave. I have a compelling reason to stay."

Hearing this, the Queen frowned slightly. As a lofty figure, John's attitude somewhat displeased her.

"What is this compelling reason? Speak, and let me hear it."

"My friends and I wish to venture into the Whispering Forest to find opportunities to grow stronger. Before that, we need to stay in the Deep Forest."

"You absolutely cannot go to the Whispering Forest!"

The Queen's firm stance genuinely surprised John.

Although the elves were a neutral force, he believed they yearned for peace.

However, the Queen's attitude seemed more akin to that of a malevolent force.

"Your Majesty, we can remain in the Deep Forest under the supervision of the elves. Like you, I am someone who is steadfast once I've made a decision. You cannot change my mind, but I can attempt to change yours.

If you allow us to stay in the Deep Forest, we can clear the area of monsters or explore dungeons and labyrinths.

As long as it's not a certain death situation, we are willing to do anything to earn an opportunity. Since the conflict between humans and elves was not caused by me, I shouldn't bear the consequences, don't you think?"

"You're eloquent; no wonder Elowen was persuaded by you. He has always been somewhat stubborn. It seems you are indeed quite capable."

"Your Majesty flatters me. I merely stated the facts, which is not a great feat. But you, managing the vast elven kingdom so meticulously, are superior even to the elven rulers of the past."

"...I can tolerate your presence for ten days. That is my limit and the limit of all elves. After ten days, regardless of the outcome, you must leave."

"Twenty days, and I will offer a priceless treasure."

"I sincerely apologize for the treatment you received earlier. It was my arrogance that caused you to be treated unfairly. I am truly sorry."

Elowen sighed deeply and bowed low to Exiled Immortal and the others.

Hearing this, Exiled Immortal was taken aback.

What was this? An apology just like that?

What about all the words I had prepared?

It felt like punching a pillow—having strength but nowhere to use it.

"Alright, let bygones be bygones. There's no point in dwelling on it. Anyway, thank you for putting in a good word for me earlier, Elowen."

John smiled, patting Elowen on the shoulder. Elowen forced a small smile in return, and the two exchanged a glance of mutual understanding.

"I guess we've gotten to know each other through conflict, haven't we? By the way, Elowen, why do you elves harbor such hostility towards us humans?"

"To be honest, I'm not entirely sure. It seems that a former elven ruler once trusted humans too much, was deceived, and even lost their life because of it.

Whether this is true or not, I don't really know. For now, you will have to stay in a more remote area.

But I believe that once my kin spend some time with you, they will realize you are not bad people."

"Of course we're not bad people! Have you ever seen bad guys as handsome and valiant as us?"

Elowen: "..."

Claiming to be handsome and valiant in front of elves, known for their beauty, made Elowen feel that this young man was not very humble.

"Anyway, thank you for bringing me back, Elowen. We might need your help in the coming days, so I hope you won't mind lending a hand."

"Don't worry. As long as it's within my ability, I won't refuse. It's just..."

Elowen lowered his head, hesitating for a long time without saying anything.

"Oh, come on, just say it! What's the matter?"

"It's just that I came here to ask for your help with something. Recently, many powerful monsters have appeared in the forest, especially a behemoth beast occupying the elven habitat.

It occasionally preys on our kin. So, if possible, I would like to ask for your help. With your strength, only you can confront the behemoth. Of course, we will offer compensation."

Hearing this, John's eyes lit up.

"Compensation isn't necessary, but I do need the behemoth's corpse."

"No problem! As long as you can slay the behemoth, I believe the Queen won't mind giving you the corpse."

"Then it's settled. I can share the meat with you, but we will have the final say over the rest of the remains. Is that agreeable?"

"Fair enough. So... happy cooperation?"

"Happy cooperation."