Chapter 156: The Elves's Discussion

Chapter 156: The Elves's Discussion



King Thandor sat in his office, listening to his advisors as they updated him on the security of the Great Forest of Arendel. The atmosphere in the room was serious, but he remained calm as his advisors spoke.

One of the advisors stepped forward, frustration clear in his voice. "The humans trained our soldiers in their modern warfare, but why did they fall so easily against a single demon? We're talking about demons as if they're something ordinary now. No human can match a demon in combat, and it seems their training didn't prepare our forces for that."

Another advisor, an older elf with a thoughtful expression, shook his head. "You're forgetting something. These humans brought down a Flame Dragon. No one has ever dared challenge such a creature, let alone defeat it. The demon that broke into our armory was stronger than anything they expected."

The room fell quiet for a moment. King Thandor looked at the reports in front of him, taking in their words. The humans had indeed proven their strength, but the demon that attacked them was clearly more dangerous than anything they had faced before.

"You have witnessed how those humans defeated the Flame Dragon right? Their flying metal beast raining hellfire from the skies and bringing down the Flame Dragon to earth with ease. I will excuse myself for saying as this could be offending to Her Royal Highness but even her magic was not enough to defeat the Flame Dragon."

Princess Elara, who had been quietly standing near the window, turned sharply at the mention of her magic. Her eyes narrowed, but she kept her voice steady as she spoke.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"You're right to mention it, advisor. My magic wasn't enough against the Flame Dragon, nor would it have been against this demon. But that doesn't mean we should dismiss our efforts or the training we've received from the humans."

The room shifted its focus to her. The advisors, caught off guard by her direct response, waited as she continued.

"We can't rely on the past alone," Elara said firmly. "Yes, the humans have proven themselves capable of great things, but we need to adapt. If this demon is stronger than expected, we need to adjust our strategy. Our soldiers aren't weak. The training helped, but we need to be smarter about how we handle these threats. Strength alone won't be enough."

King Thandor watched his daughter closely, appreciating her calm reasoning in the face of growing concerns. He gestured for her to continue.

"Now the question we should be discussing is why that demon stole all our modern weapons?" Elara asked and all advisors were exchanging glances as if prompting the other to give her answer but no one had an idea.

"You've always had a strong will, Elara. I won't deny the logic of your argument, even if the path is difficult. If you believe that this is the best way forward, then you have my support." The advisors looked between each other, some nodding reluctantly.

Elara gave a brief bow to her father. "Thank you, Father. I will prepare to meet with Vincent Stryder as soon as possible."

"Of course, in order for this to work, we will need to make sure Vincent Stryder will agree to cooperate with us, which he already did, but we are not talking about words and contracts alone...We need guarantee."

"If it comes to it... I will marry Vincent Stryder," Elara announced. The room suddenly erupted in shock. The advisors exchanged stunned glances, and even King Thandor sat up straighter, his calm demeanor momentarily shaken by his daughter's declaration.

"What are you talking about? This is ridiculous. Not even in our history where our kind marry another race, especially humans!" one of the senior advisors exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief. The other advisors murmured their agreement, the tension in the room rising as they tried to process what Elara had just said.

King Thandor held up his hand to silence the room. The murmurs died down, but the air was thick with the weight of Elara's proposition. He looked at his daughter, studying her carefully. "Elara, do you understand the gravity of what you're suggesting?" His tone was calmer, but there was an edge to it. "This is more than just an alliance. You are talking about a union between two worlds that have been historically divided."

Elara met her father's gaze, her own expression unwavering. "I do, Father. But times have changed. The threat we face from the Demon King's forces is unlike anything we've ever seen before. We cannot afford to cling to old traditions when survival is at stake."

An advisor, still clearly rattled, shook his head. "But marriage to a human? The people will not accept this. Our allies will question our integrity, our standing—"

"I am not concerned with the opinions of those who would let us fall without offering their own aid," Elara interrupted. "If Vincent Stryder can offer us the support we need, and if this marriage can cement that support, then I am willing to make that sacrifice."

King Thandor rubbed his temples, clearly deep in thought. "This... this is not a decision that can be made lightly, Elara. You understand that such a union would have far-reaching consequences, beyond just securing our alliance with the humans. It will change everything-

for you, for our people."

Elara nodded, unflinching. "I understand that, Father. And I am prepared to take on that responsibility. If marrying Vincent Stryder will ensure the safety of our kingdom and strengthen our position against the demons, then I will do it."

As they were discussing, a junior officer entered the room. "Excuse my intrusion but we have received a message from Shadow Company..."