Chương 179: Chapter 162. Dark Forest's Entrance

We've finally arrived at the Shadow Forest... Or I guess I should call it "Darkheim" from now on? So as to avoid stepping on any toes. My Wives and I have been able to control ourselves till the end of this journey thankfully. Never before have I thought that 2 weeks was such a long period of time before. I pretend like this is the end, but in all honesty, I think we're going to need to hold back until we finish our job here in the Dark Elves' territory." How are we supposed to enter the forest?"

Sarah asked a question I was wondering myself." Warrick never mentioned anything about how to let the Dark Elves know we arrived."" Well, what are we supposed to do then?" I answered Sarah's question to the best of my knowledge, Anna responded with her own question. I look at the deep dark forest in contrast with the bright light of the sun beaming down on the thick large trees that I can only imagine was the cause for the darkness.

I observed that the trees were the size of city buildings that would fill the skyline of a developed country in my world. It was quite the sight to be honest. After a few moments, I decided on the only course of action we could do." I guess we just head in and keep look for anything that points to a civilization of some kind?"" Not a very good plan if I say so myself. However, it's the best one we have, My Love."" Yeah. Here's hoping it works."

With my words, we departed for the forest after hiding our carriages in some bushes that were opposite to the forest. I left 2 guards to look after the animals and the carriages themselves. Before long, we were all fully blocked from the sun and our eyes had adjusted to the darkness of the forest, it was like entering a cave. I was shocked at just how much the light was blocked from the foliage of the forest." Halt! Who goes there!?"

While we made our way deeper into the forest, we heard a voice call out to us from the dark." I am Marquess Matthew Drake! The Dark Elf King requested to meet me with this letter sent to the King of Diablos, King Warrick Dreadnaught!" I held up the letter in the dark and waited to see what the reaction of the voice would be." 1 of us will come and inspect the letter! If you try anything, you'll have our full fury to deal with!" Pressure! Grip!

I quickly held Sarah's hand as I felt her bloodlust begin to leak at the threat of the voice." As you wish!" I reply to the words we all heard. And in a few moments, a cloaked figure appeared in front of us. I presented the letter to the figure, and I saw 2 bright-yellow eyes from the darkness of the hood the person was wearing. They were staring with interest at the letter in my hand. The figure took it and we waited patiently for the figure to finish reading.

Once they were done, they handed the letter back to me and the hooded figure turned around and began to speak into the darkness." It's legitimate! Light it up for our Guests!" With the words from the male-sounding voice, the forest lit up." Wow!" It was like streetlights back in my world. Only the colors weren't just blue, orange or white. It was a full spectrum of colors. Reds, blues, pinks, yellows, greens. It was almost like a light show, except the colors didn't move.

I looked at the source of the light and I noticed the light was coming from what looked like seashells attached to the top of the trees all around us. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon." You were so surprised by the lights. That face you made was quite cute, Darling." poke... poke... Anna poked my cheek as she spoke to me." It reminds me of my old home. When the sun would set, we had long poles with fixtures that would light up the streets of the town I lived in.

It was quite a common sight back there, now I just realized I rarely see it now."" That sounds like something nice. Maybe we should try to install a system like that into Paradise?" Sarah imagined the streets of Paradise lit up at night, I could tell from the sparkle in the purple of her eyes that she liked the idea." I suppose some kind of Magic can be used for it, but I think the candle system from Blackstone might make more sense? Maybe if we ask Aqua to try and figure it out..."

I mumbled the last thought I had." Well, my Great-Grandmother is the one who made the candle system, so maybe her Granddaughter could be the one to improve it?"" If anyone could figure it out, I guess it would be Aqua. If she could figure out how to grab and bring me here, anything is possible. You never told me your family was responsible for the candle system back in Blackstone though."" Well, it's considered a failure currently.

Since Blackstone is currently the only city in Diablos to have it fully functional."" Too much money and too much work on your Great-Grandmother?" I answered why I thought it was deemed a failure. Sarah nodded her head to my words." That is the kicker about improving the life of citizens, it always costs money, but you don't always have it when you need it. Hopefully, we won't have that problem in the future for Paradise." I guess when it comes to improving the lives of the citizens, even Kings will have problems?

Though I guess it's a good thing that the King of Diablos at the time wanted to improve the lives of his citizens somewhat. Since he was around for so long, I wonder if he was Warrick's direct predecessor? Maybe I'll ask about him the next time I report to Warrick? I'd imagine that would be soon since I'd need to relay any information the King of the Dark Elves gives me." We'll be arriving at the Gates soon." The figure addressed us to let us know we'll be arriving soon. I had a question though."

Are we going to where the King is?" To my question, the Dark Elf took a minute before answering." To be completely honest with you, Human. No, we aren't taking you to the King. We'd like to question you first." Grip! Grip! Again, I squeeze Sarah's hand, though this time, I also have to hold Anna back as well." Because I'm a Human?" I asked the Dark Elf for what I felt was the simplest answer for why I would need to be questioned. The figure was quick in their answer this time." That, as well as your mana.""

My Mana?" Shocked I couldn't help but repeat what he said." Yes, your mana, it's touched by a Deity we do not know of."" I'm a High Paladin."" I've gathered that much from the Holy Mana flowing from your body. However, we need to know if the God whose Favor you've obtained is one we must watch for. The history of our people and the Gods are a deep and painful tale. Our safety is the main concern we have when dealing with outsiders... I apologize, but we cannot bend on this.

even if you are a Marquess from Diablos."" I've no grudge towards the Dark Elves! That would be the Light Gods that the Church of the Light Gods worship!" Angela spoke to me through our connection. From using Divine Contact and visiting her a few times since we spoke with the Water Goddess, Angela told me that I met the needed requirements for her to contact me like with my Summons. The only thing is that our meetings and talks have been limited due to our schedules.

I already figured as much that she had no real issue with the Elves, seeing as since I don't, and our Souls are bound because we match each other so well. It only made sense that she didn't." I appreciate you for trusting me!" Angela sounded happy as I felt her presence in my mind fade. I guess she only popped in because of the mention of my powers that were gained through her Favor. I looked back at the figure and asked another question." Is Darkheim not aware that the King asked for me to visit?""

He only informed us that we would receive a visitor. Most likely because he took in consideration our history with Humans."" Ah, Church of the Light Gods?"" You'd be correct. That reasoning also extends to the Elves."" I understand." The man tried to explain a bit more, but I could see it was becoming difficult for him to speak. I guess for the long-lived Dark Elves, some wounds take more time to heal? Sarah and Anna were still quite angry with the treatment I would be receiving. Speaking of which.

They haven't said anything about Anna. She's Contracted to Gods as well. Does it not count because her relationship with them is similar to my Summons and not her mana isn't directly influenced by them like mine is by Angela? Or at least... It's not at a level that they can tell just by looking, like with me? Maybe that'll be an ace in the hole if things go south?" We're arriving at the Gate soon, we'd like you to allow us to escort you to a building for some questions and some tests."

The man continued to lead us towards somewhere. My Wives were angry, my guards and the Dark Elves were suspicious of each other, and I'd rather be at home working on my business and town. I guess I should hope this doesn't become an international incident, shouldn't I?