"Everyone, pick up the pace! Her Majesty is about to awaken!"
The elves surged forward in anxious waves, rushing toward the Mother Tree, their hearts burning with anticipation for the Queen's return. Kurose Akira followed closely behind Fuli and Flora, arriving near the base of the sacred tree.
He swept his gaze across the surroundings—and couldn't help but be stunned.
Outside the barrier surrounding the Mother Tree, elves were packed together in dense ranks, their numbers reaching at least several hundred thousand.
He had always assumed the Elf Queen would awaken within the palace of the Elf Kingdom. He never imagined that her slumber—and awakening—would take place inside the Mother Tree itself.
"Master~ Look, there are so many beautiful elves here~"
Alice was currently in her doll form—a tiny, exquisitely cute plush figure—tucked safely into Akira's pocket. She poked her head out, wide, sparkling eyes curiously surveying the surroundings, brimming with excitement at everything she saw.
"Of course," Akira chuckled softly. "This is the moment their queen awakens."
In this world, leaders revered by an entire race—figures like the Elf Queen—were exceedingly rare.
Perhaps the only comparable existence was the Pope of the Solar Theocracy.
As Akira pondered this, he noticed several hundred elves stepping forward from the crowd.
These elves were clearly different from ordinary ones. Their features were more refined, their beauty striking. Draped in luxurious ceremonial attire, they hadn't yet reached the status of elders, but there was no doubt—they were high elves, elites among their people.
Cradled in their arms were silvery-white silks symbolizing holiness. They carefully laid them out at one end of the Mother Tree, forming what looked like a pristine, snow-white path.
Soon after, another several hundred elves appeared, each holding an enormous leaf from an elven tree. They stood in perfect formation along both sides of the white path.
The two elven princesses and nearly a hundred elders also arrived, taking their places within the sacred grounds. They stood quietly, solemnly awaiting the descent of the Elf Queen.
And then—
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Time itself seemed to freeze.
Akira glanced around. Aside from his own group, there were no outsiders here—only elves. The secrecy surrounding the Queen's awakening ceremony had clearly been airtight.
If not for the relationship between the three Beiya women, he would never have been allowed anywhere near this place.
As these thoughts passed through his mind, the Mother Tree suddenly trembled.
Rustle… rustle…
The sound of wind stirring leaves rippled through the air. Akira instinctively lifted his head—
And froze.
The branches of the Mother Tree were extending outward at a breathtaking speed.
What—?
Before he could process it, the branches interwove seamlessly, forming a magnificent throne in midair. Emerald-green vines unfurled in every direction, descending slowly like steps…
In mere moments, a majestic forest palace manifested at the roots of the Mother Tree.
The sight was overwhelming. Awe seized the heart.
Alice's soft voice whispered by his ear."Master… everyone's kneeling."
Akira snapped back to his senses.
All around him, elves were sinking to their knees, bowing deeply in reverence and submission to the Queen who was about to descend.
At that very instant, the Mother Tree erupted in radiant light, as if responding to their devotion.
At the same time, a sound like chiming silver bells echoed through the sky—an ethereal, feminine voice, as though the heavens themselves were singing. It infused the solemn atmosphere with mystery and divinity.
Then—
A peerless figure slowly descended from the sky.
Holy light radiated from her entire being, instantly capturing Akira's gaze.
She wore a snow-white gown, voluminous yet light, pure beyond compare. Her long silver hair cascaded down like a waterfall, swaying gently in the wind.
Her exquisite face bore two sapphire-blue eyes, brilliant as stars, clear and radiant. Her features were flawless, perfectly balanced, exuding nobility and sanctity. Her bearing was proud yet gentle—commanding reverence while inspiring closeness.
A queen of grace, benevolence, and kindness.
A true matriarch of her people.
Every subtle expression of the Elf Queen was mesmerizing. Every movement drew the soul in.
She was the very embodiment of purity itself—so holy, so untainted, that one could only admire her from afar, never daring to harbor even the slightest profane thought.
And yet—
Akira noticed something else.
Brilliant starlight shimmered around her, like countless stars scattered across her form, lending her an even more mysterious allure.
…Was that a unique visual effect?
The Elf Queen gently alighted upon the throne woven from the Mother Tree itself. As she took her seat, the entire forest seemed to hold its breath.
Then, all elves cried out in unison:
"We welcome Her Majesty the Queen!"
"Rise~"
Her voice flowed like a babbling stream—gentle, soothing, and irresistibly enchanting. It spread throughout the elven forest, calming the heart and refreshing the soul.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Hundreds of thousands of elves stood as one.
The sight left Akira speechless.
And then—
He realized something astonishing.
He could actually view the Elf Queen's status panel.
[Elf Queen (Mythical)]Level: 96 (96,000 / 96,000) (Lacking Radiant Crystal)Race: ElfStrength: ? / Agility: ? / Mana: ? / Constitution: ?Growth: 15 (All attributes +15 per level)Skills: (Expand)Traits: [Holy] [Pure Love] [Mercy] [?] [?] [?] [?]
Although much of her information was concealed, compared to Idice—whose panel was nothing but question marks—this was already more than enough to shock him.
Especially those seven traits.
And that terrifying Level 96.
She was practically an invincible existence in this world.
There were probably fewer than ten beings alive who could truly stand against the Elf Queen.
"My people~"
Her captivating voice echoed once more, warm as a spring breeze brushing across the face. With a慈爱 gaze, she looked upon her kin and continued:
"Tell me of all that has transpired during my slumber."
"By your command, Your Majesty!"
The elven princesses and elders stepped forward one after another, reporting on events within the kingdom.
Fortunately, the Elf Kingdom had remained peaceful during her sleep. There were no major conflicts—only minor, everyday matters.
Even with outsiders present, nothing needed to be concealed.
Soon, all routine affairs were reported.
And then—
The most critical matter.
An elder with long green hair stepped forward and bowed.
"Your Majesty, regarding Princess Beiya Lela giving birth to two female infants… the council has been unable to reach a verdict. We humbly ask for Your Majesty's judgment."
When the Elf Queen heard this, a faint flicker crossed her eyes.
"Bring her forth."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Moments later, Beiya Lela—bound in silver chains—was brought before the Queen.
"Your Majesty."
She knelt on one knee, her posture devout.
The Elf Queen looked at her, warmth shining in her eyes.
"Is this true?"
"Yes," Beiya Lela answered softly, nodding.
The Queen then turned to the green-haired elder.
"What was the council's ruling?"
"According to clan law, Beiya Lela should be exiled from the elven race. However, given her status as a princess, the council proposes imprisonment in the Dark Prison for one hundred years."
"And you?"The Queen turned her gaze toward the two elven princesses.
Her tone was not one of consultation—but understanding.
"I believe such a judgment is unjust," Yuluci stepped forward as agreed, defending Beiya Lela. "Princess Lela's pregnancy was not the result of union with an outsider. Even now, we still do not know the cause."
"Yuluci, you—!"
The elders erupted in murmurs of disbelief.
They hadn't expected her to truly stand up for Beiya Lela—to abandon judgment in favor of defense.
"Yes."
At that moment, Elena stepped forward as well.
"Your Majesty, I also believe Princess Beiya Lela should not suffer such severe punishment. She is innocent."
Two elven princesses defending Beiya Lela.
The crowd exploded into uproar.
"So she didn't violate clan law?"
"But the fact remains—she gave birth to two daughters!"
"This has never happened in elven history! If not through an outsider, how else could she have conceived?"
"Don't forget—we are born of the Mother Tree. Other possibilities may exist!"
"..."
Voices clashed. Chaos spread.
"Silence!"
The elders immediately stepped in to restore order.
An elderly elder then addressed the Queen solemnly.
"Your Majesty, whether Princess Lela's children were born of an outsider cannot be determined. But the birth itself is an undeniable fact. Even if imprisonment is waived, punishment must still be imposed—otherwise, our ten-thousand-year-old laws cannot stand."
"Indeed!"
"The laws must not bend for one person!"
"Please reconsider, Your Majesty!"
Several elders pressed the issue.
But as soon as they spoke, elves supporting Beiya Lela began to protest loudly.
The chaos surged again—
Until the Elf Queen slowly rose from her throne.
Instant silence.
She walked gracefully toward Beiya Lela, her sapphire eyes deep as the ocean, filled with wisdom that seemed to see through all things.
"Beiya Lela," she asked gently, "what are your daughters' names?"
Beiya Lela answered softly,"Beiya Fuli and Beiya Flora, Your Majesty."
"Good~"
The Queen nodded.
Then, her voice rang out across the forest.
"From this day forward, Beiya Lela is no longer a princess of the elven race. By my authority as Queen, I strip her of that title."
A gasp swept through the crowd.
Compared to a hundred years in the Dark Prison, this was lenient.
Yet for Beiya Lela, it was still a heavy punishment.
But the Queen was not finished.
"Furthermore," she continued, "I decree that Beiya Fuli and Beiya Flora shall assume the roles of elven princesses. However, due to their young age, their mother will assist in governance until they are capable of bearing the responsibility alone. Should they fail to fulfill their duties upon reaching adulthood, I will appoint more suitable successors."
The second decree landed like a boulder thrown into a calm lake.
Shockwaves rippled through the assembly.
No one had imagined such a decision.
Stripping the mother of her title—And elevating her daughters in her stead?
Shocking.
Yet… acceptable.
"Wonderful! Mother is finally free!"
Fuli and Flora cheered, faces radiant with joy.
At the same time, the elves voiced their unwavering support.
"Long live the Queen!"
"Your Majesty… is this truly—"Elder Oriwen hesitated, doubt flashing in her eyes.
"Oriwen," the Queen said calmly, her voice gentle yet absolute. "Do you object to my judgment?"
The elder immediately fell silent.
From Akira's perspective, it was a brilliant decision—one that satisfied nearly everyone. Aside from a few stubborn elders, the elven race clearly accepted the outcome.
As these thoughts crossed his mind, a system notification suddenly appeared before his eyes.
[The Greedy Elf! (Completed)][Forced Trait Acquired — Fallen!]
[Fallen]:Those holy, beautiful things… if you were to destroy them, wouldn't that feel amazing?(You demon!)
[Follow-up Quest Unlocked: The Elf Queen seems to have something to say…]
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