Ensuring Rex's visit was a secret, Queen Shanaela dispersed everyone inside the castle.
Guards and workers alike were told to take the day off.
Since the banquet of celebrations was held today, it was not suspicious of her to give them a break for the day—which was crucial in maintaining the belief that nothing, was happening. It was expected that some insisted on staying, but she managed to ward them off.
Now, there was nobody inside besides her and Rex.
It was the first time Rex visited the Elven Kingdom himself.
Other than the Dark Elves and Tigermen, he had never been to any other allied kingdoms.
Compared to the tone of his castle, the Elven castle greeted Rex with a refreshing, breath of air—saturated with the fragrance of blossoming, magical flora adorning both walls and floor, adding nature's colors to one's vision.
In a moment, the two arrived at an expansive chamber.
Following Queen Shanaela closely behind to walk through a bridge—with crystal-clear ponds that glistened with a magical light underneath, Rex was not focused on the surroundings, but instead, focused on a wondrous contraption on the other side of the walls.
Its intricate runes and root-like veins intertwining were akin to a mesmerizing dance.
At the center of it was a bright blue gem containing the secret of the world.
It glowed with otherworldly brilliance, casting a spellbinding hue upon the entire room.
"Here we are," Queen Shanaela stopped before the contraption, expecting Rex to be wearing the kind of face he was wearing now. "Officially, this is called Records of the Ancient Tree—a treasure made by our ancestors to record all significant events throughout history. It contains all knowledge of the past,"
Upon hearing this, a word slipped out of Rex's mouth, "Beautiful..."
Subconsciously, he pointed at the Records of the Ancient Tree and asked, "Can I touch it?"
"Of course, be my guest, but be gentle," Queen Shanaela nodded.
Knowing that it was as fragile as it was old, Rex approached the artifact with reverence—and came close to gently laying his hand on it. His eyes then flickered, using the System's feature to check the details of this wondrous object.
...
<Records of the Ancient Tree>
Artifact Rank: Legendary (Tenth-rank)
Durability: 11/100
Rune Slots: 5/5 (Max: 5)
Description: An artifact wrought by Elven elders—serves as a repository of history's tapestry. Imbued with ancient runes, it safeguards the annals of time, capturing every moment that fits inside of it by the regulator. Its sole duty is to preserve the legacy of history for eternity.
Abilities:
-> Memory Projection: Allows users to store memories or information, and also allows access to recorded historical events with perfect clarity.
-> Divine Protection: Grants immunity to tampering or corruption, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the recorded history.
...
Overall, the description of the artifact was well within expectations.
From the description—Rex gleaned intriguing details: the rank below Origin was Legendary. Additionally, he noted a concerning revelation—the artifact's durability was significantly low from its original state.
Considering that it was made to record events, it should be designed to last forever.
So the damage done to it must not be from the hands of time.
"Is it damaged?" Rex asked.
"Your Majesty noticed?" Queen Shanaela sighed, her heart felt like breaking at this matter. "It is a powerful artifact that could record anything, and everything—the only antique one in the ancient era. We, Elves are the only ones who were developing things other than tools for war.
Many high-rank individuals came to record their memories before their death—as a legacy of some sort—thus, the Vampires decided to dismantle it,"
Rex raised an eyebrow at the revelation.
"Dismantle it? How?"
More importantly—since he now knows a little bit about achieving the tenth-rank realm, as a Werewolf that is—He reckoned that the cost to learn about the full process of this—from the System wouldn't be as expensive because of this.
He could bargain with the System and probably would be able to lessen the cost.
"What about Awakened? Do you know how the Awakened reach the tenth-rank realm?"
Upon hearing this, Queen Shanaela shook her head.
Then again, Rex only asked without expecting anything as the Ancient Humans were the sole sovereign of the ancient era. Naturally, they were too arrogant to share anything—and would also not mention their power nonchalantly.
It was natural for Queen Shanaela to not know anything about the Awakened.
Knowing that Rex was gathering information, Queen Shanaela also added something.
"I don't know about the Awakened, but I do know a thing or two about the Second Breath. I'm sure Your Majesty also came for that information. For that, I will send an envoy, to explain the details about the second breath to your residence," She added.
Rex smiled when he heard this, he liked it when someone caught on quickly.
It saved him the time to ask.
"Okay, this visit has been resourceful, Queen Shanaela," Rex nodded, pivoting his body back.
Being able to help was a pleasure for her as she bowed out of politeness.
Since he gained what he wanted from coming here—Rex decided that it was time to leave as Calidora should be arriving at the castle, and it was best, that his actual self was back before she created any trouble with the others.
However, before he could leave, Rex recalled something, "Oh- I almost forgot,"
"I'm sure you are aware of my state with the rumors circling around, and for that, I decided to choose you." He continued, prompting a puzzled look on Queen Shanaela's face. "I know how hard-working you are as I am now enjoying your hard work, which is why I chose you,"
"I'm undeserving of such words, but what am I chosen for?" Queen Shanaela asked.
Despite the praise, she felt nervous because of Rex's words.
She couldn't help but feel that way.
Rex inched closer with steady steps, making her look down to the floor out of nervousness.
Her body tensed when he laid his hand on her shoulder.
'Is he going to turn me into a Werewolf? No, right? I'm the Elven Queen, he wouldn't go there'
From the way he was saying it, Queen Shanaela was stressing out.
Even if Rex really did want to turn her—then there was nothing she could do to stop it, aside from pleading with him not to do it. But, contrary to her expectation—Rex's aim was not that at all, "I want you to continue acting as a pacifier between the kingdoms under my empire,"
"Make efforts in keeping peace between the kingdoms until Empress is back," He added.
Upon hearing this, a wind of relief brushed inside Queen Shanaela's heart.
Bowing deeper, she nodded her head, "I will try my hardest,"
Just like that, Rex left the Elven Kingdom with enough resources to plan ahead for now.
———
Meanwhile, back to Dargena Capital City.
Amidst hushed whispers, and awe-filled gazes—crimson royal carriages serpentined through bustling streets. It was thick with blood energy that fluttered against the backdrop of the sky that was already dark.
Judging from the lavish decorations, the carriages must be bearing an important figure.
Upon reaching the entrance of the castle, the carriages stopped.
Swiftly—four Royal Vampire Guards came out of the shadows eerily, carrying buckets.
A surprising spectacle happened that left an indelible mark upon the hearts of all who beheld it as the Royal Vampire Guards threw the content of the buckets which turned out to be none other than blood, splattering on the ground.
Only when the ground was soaked that the door to the carriage was opened.
It revealed Caldiora, smiling as she walked out.
"Hmm, home sweet home..."