Chương 174: Chapter 157. A Request From A Forest

John Ericsson's Point Of View" Well, that is certainly interesting."" I know! The flavor is amazing!" Warrick had finished reading the letter that Zack had brought into the room. While Warrick read the quite long letter, I served Zack some ice cream while we waited. Warrick finished reading as Zack was busy enjoying his ice cream. Warrick put the letter down and began to think for a moment. Zack finished his bowl as well and began to wait for Warrick's decision.

After a few minutes passed, Warrick seemed to put his thoughts together and began to fill us all in on the contents of the letter." This official request is for information regarding the skirmish John had with the Elves."" You let them know that the Elves used Magic to appear like they were Dark Elves?"" Yes, I assume that's why they wrote back so quickly. For the past 50 years, there hasn't been much contact aside from an occasional transaction of things like salt for animal hides.

Or a message to me about actions their Army were going to take for training exercises. I didn't think they would answer so fast. But the most interesting thing isn't that."" Well, what is it then?" To my words, Warrick pointed at me." They want "Marquess Drake" to personally visit them and explain what he saw and experienced while fighting the Elves." I was surprised to hear what the Dark Elves asked of me." Why would they need me? I explained everything that happened from start to finish to you.

Where are the Dark Elves even located? Can I even make it there in a timely manner?" To my questions, Warrick thought before answering." I told them everything you told me and vouched for you in the name of being a King as well as the Dark Gods. As for where they are, they're around a 6-week trip South of Paradise. They live in the place called the Shadow Forest. However, if you were to ask an Elf or Dark Elf, they'd call the Shadow Forest, Darkheim."" Why would they call the Shadow Forest that?""

Mostly, it's a cultural thing, Dark Elves and Elves refer to any gathering of each other as either "Darkheim" for the Dark Elves, or "Alfheim" for Elves. The only reason we refer to the Country that the Elves inhabit "Alfheim" is because there was a vote around 1000 years ago. I'm sure the Dark Elves would love to also have a vote, but their homeland was conquered in their battle with the Elves around 3000 years ago.

The Demon King at the time, who's name escapes me, allowed the Dark Elves to inhabit the Shadow Forest as they follow the Dark Gods as we Demons do."" 18th Demon King, Ranos Sinblade. Also known as The Gladiator."" Thank you, Zack." To Warrick's explanation, Zack answered one of the questions I had. However, I had more questions to ask after I thanked him." Why not just visit me then?""

Well, this is a Request from their King, so to have a King visit a Marquess would make it seem like Diablos is "better" Than the Dark Elves of the Shadow Forest. I'd imagine that's why they want you to visit them. Also, for the sake of our relations with the Dark Elves. I'd prefer if you went."" Understood." Everyone in the room was surprised at how fast I agreed after my initial reaction to the request." What? If my King asks something of me, I should do it, right?""

I would've settled on "Father-In-Law" to be honest."" I feel like that would be awkward to explain to the Dark Elves." Warrick seemed to understand I'd do it since he asked me to." Will everything at Paradise be okay if you leave for 12 weeks?" If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it. Aqua asked a question that I was currently working towards an answer in my own head." I think it's doable.

It might ruffle a few feathers though, but I should get by with giving someone I trust the powers of a Proxy Lord until I return. I already have someone picked out. And to make sure nothing untoward is done, I think I know who to make her Advisor as well." I don't really want to go away from Paradise. Considering that Paradise is in a very unstable position currently. But I do have good people running the upper and middle management of most of the important things happening there.

If Sarah, Anna and I leave, I can leave Emily to handle the paperwork and I can give her temporary power to make necessary business decisions regarding milk and other commerce as a Proxy Lord. And I'll counterbalance it with Ruby being her Official Advisor, so the Demons don't complain about a Human having too much power in my absence. That should work." It seems you've worked it out in your head." Aqua smiled at me as I finished making final adjustments to certain things that I was planning.

With that done, I moved to another question I had." Warrick, should I use this as a chance to see how feasible it would be to make roads?"" There aren't any cities or towns in the way between the Shadow Forest and Paradise, so it is doable. I doubt many Nobles would pay attention to your travels."" Do you think you can put a gag order on my travels for the time. I'd rather no one, except the people in this room and the few people I tell in Paradise, to know where I'm going."" That can be done.

Will you need anything else? Guards for instance?"" No, I think Paradise can handle it, I'll take a few people I trust."" Just make sure they behave." I nodded to Warrick's words. With that the logistics are out of the way. Now for the other question." Is there anything else I should know? Anything about the Elves or Humans?"" From what we can tell, the Elves have done nothing, but they seem to be preparing for something."" Preparing for war or something along those lines?""

All we have observed is that they're currently buying up certain long-lasting crops. That, and they seem to be bringing all of their big military names to their capital city for something."" And what is Diablos doing?"" To the outside? We're living like usual.

Inside, I've sent word to the Northern and Western Borders since those are the most likely places to be attacked, I've also sent "Emergency Logistical Support" at the Official Requests of Chief Helen of the Northern Border and Chief Sharp of the Western Border."" I'm assuming this "Support" includes around a thousand experienced Soldiers to make sure the cargo is delivered safely?"" You'd be correct. They're Soldiers from the Royal Army reserves that are usually on leave unless needed.

On paper however, they're all still living civilian lives."" Anything on the Humans?" After Warrick explained what he's doing in response to the Elves, the next place to ask about is Promethia. The Humans and Elves are kind of like allies when it comes to being against Diablos after all. Warrick brought out a stack of papers from his desk and began to speak."

If you're asking me if I think we currently need to worry about Promethia joining up with Alfheim when they inevitably attack us, I don't believe we need to worry about that."" What makes you say that?" I questioned Warrick since I was genuinely curious about it." For one, there's been no meetings between any Humans and Elves that our Spies have observed. Also, none of the actions of Promethia tell me they're trying to include themselves in an upcoming battle. In fact, they're actions are more centered on...."

Everyone looked at Warrick and wondered why he trailed off. Aqua and I seemed to have an idea. I was the first to bring it up as it seemed Aqua didn't want to." They're focusing on the nurturing and growth of the Hero and the Hero's Party, aren't they?" Warrick had a difficult look on his face, but he answered my question." Yes, they are. So far, it seems that they have that Magic Swordsman lad along with their individual teachers overseeing them and teaching them more experienced tricks.""

Good for them, hopefully they can accomplish great things for Promethia. If they come back here however, I'll do what you need me to."" Are you really sure? I mean, I know you've moved forward, bu-"" Warrick." I interrupted Warrick as I'm sure he'd want to bring up that The Hero Party and I were from the same world." We may be from the same world, but my main concern is My Family. Sarah and Anna are what matter to me now."

Warrick Seemed concerned at first, but eventually, he accepted my explanation of how I feel on the subject. I don't particularly want to kill anyone, but if it's them or Sarah and Anna, I already know how I'd answer. While Warrick paused at my answer, Aqua was smiling at my words. I guess she's happy that I care so much about Sarah and Anna." If that's everything, I guess we should move on to the more boring matters."" You mean the reports on Paradise's improvement? We can begin in a moment.

Zack, Crest, you both can return to your Duties."" Oh! Before I leave!" Zack stopped before leaving and turned around to speak." Is it about wanting more vegetables and pickles?"" How'd you know?"" High level Paladins can read minds."" Really!?" Zack was surprised at my words. I smiled at him." No, Warrick told me, don't worry, I'll bring double the pickles next time for Gabby."" Thank you, she's begun to go crazy ever since we ran out."" Sorry I didn't bring more with me.

It slipped my mind with all of the dairy dishes. As an apology-" I reached for the rest of the cheese that was left over, about 3 good chunks of cheddar with about 4 inches of mozzarella and parmesan were left." Bring her these, you can serve it with crackers or bread, you can melt them with heat to put on meats or veggies, it'll be tasty."" Thank you very much!" Zack smiled at me as I handed him the cheese.

I'll ignore the sad look on Warrick's face as I hand the blocks of cheese he's been eyeing ever since he tried them to Zack. I guess I'll need to deliver him a special package of cheese? The meeting continued for around 2 hours before I returned home and explained the news to Sarah and Anna.