As we stepped into the kingdom, every elf's gaze fixated on us.
"Is that... Princess?"
"She's returned."
"She's brought a human with her."
"She's got a human. What's happening?"
"And... a male at that...?"
"What's a human male doing here?"
They were staring at me for some reason. I supposed having a human, especially a male, was an extremely rare sight for the elves here.
"The kingdom looks prosperous, huh? I guess my mother is making things happen?" Artemis asked.
"Well, yes," Aegis replied. "The Queen has been trading extensively with the beast people using our metals, which has accelerated our prosperity, even though we remain isolated."
So that's how they were achieving prosperity. The Kingdom of Elves was tightly closed off from the world, even to the inhabitants of the Great Forest. Their success stemmed from trading metals with the beast people, renowned for their astute business acumen.
The elves' metal was renowned for its exceptional quality in weapon craftsmanship, capable of warding off almost any magical assault. I couldn't fathom why the beast people traded their goods for these metals, though. Perhaps there was a deeper strategic or economic reason, or maybe I was simply overthinking it.
But for now, let's set that aside.
"It's been ten years since you left the country. Since then, the Queen has been working tirelessly for your return, Princess," Aegis said, her voice filled with admiration.
Artemis has been away from the kingdom for 10 years now, huh? I wonder what she was up to in those 7 years before entering the academy.
"By the way, Princess," Aegis suddenly whispered, her tone filled with curiosity. Though she tried to keep it quiet, I could still hear her clearly. "Why is a human male with you?"
"Ah..." Artemis glanced at me, a hint of color rising to her cheeks. "Well, that's something I'll explain when we meet my mother."
"Hmm..." Aegis cast a brief, appraising glance in my direction before continuing on her way.
After a lengthy trek, we finally arrived at what could only be described as the kingdom's castle, or rather, the residence of the Queen herself. It wasn't your typical castle; instead, it resembled a colossal modern tree house nestled within the grandest tree in the vicinity. If my hunch was correct, this majestic structure could be named after Yggdrasil.
"This is where the Queen resides. It's Yggdrasil," Artemis informed me.
Wait, it's actually named Yggdrasil? Well, I suppose some names here draw inspiration from Norse mythology, or perhaps myths in general. It makes sense, especially considering Artemis's name, which echoes that of the goddess of chastity...
There were guards near the entrance, all of them elves. As their eyes fell on me, they initially tensed up, but upon spotting Aegis and particularly Artemis, they relaxed their stance, though their expressions showed confusion.
"I'm fine. I've been studying at Milham Academy for the last three years, and after completing my four-year education there, I plan to become one of the magic knights."
"For what reason?"
"It seems like a more effective way for me to locate kidnapped elves. The Magic Knights have access to an advanced system that detects suspicious activities in Milham, so becoming one seems like a good idea."
"I see." For the first time, a smile graced the Queen's lips. "I'm glad you're back, Artemis."
"Yes," Artemis replied warmly, "I'm happy to see you doing well too."
"Am I still as beautiful as ever?"
"Yes, Mother. You haven't changed at all. You're still as stunning as ever."
"Oh, Artemis, my dear!" The Queen's voice erupted with joy as she sprang from her chair, rushing towards her daughter. She embraced Artemis tightly, her generous bosom pressing against her daughter's frame. "I've missed you so much!"
"M-Mother, please, not in front of him!" Artemis protested, cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
"Hmm?" Finally, the Queen's gaze turned to me, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Why is a demon here? No, you're not a demon, are you? You're of mixed blood."
"W-What? Um, Mother, I've brought him here. He's Leon," Artemis interjected, attempting to diffuse the tension while her mother continued to hold her close.
"Leon? The one mentioned in your letter?" Her gaze flickered momentarily to Artemis before settling on me.
I bowed respectfully. "It's an honor to meet you, Your Majesty. I am Leon."
"Do you not carry a surname?" the Queen inquired, her tone gentle yet probing.
"I do not," I admitted. "I was raised in an orphanage, so I have only a given name."
"Hmm..." The Queen's piercing eyes locked onto mine. "Does the word 'Eclair' hold any significance for you? Does it stir any memories?"
Eclair. That's... my sister's last name. There seems to be significance to that name. The Queen didn't appear hostile towards me, so her question was likely out of curiosity. I wanted to learn more about that name.
Perhaps I could gain insight into Lilith by asking the Queen, who had lived for countless millennia. However, what if she tries to kill me the moment I mention it? She couldn't actually kill me, and I'd probably be the one to kill her, but that would mean losing Artemis. I didn't want that. Well, if she holds a grudge against those with names like that, then so be it.
I'll just have to flee for my life if necessary.
"Recently, I discovered I have a sister," I revealed. "And her name carries the Eclair lineage. It's likely I bear that name too."
The Queen's eyes widened in surprise. "I see," she murmured thoughtfully. "Come with me," she instructed, releasing her daughter and leading us towards a secluded chamber.
It appeared she wouldn't harm me solely because of my connection to the Eclair name. Perhaps within these walls, she held the answers to my true lineage.