A palace formed by large trees leaning against each other and surrounded by clear water. Of all the cities known as the Hanging Gardens, this was the most majestic and hand-in-hand with nature.

　The center of the city. Atop a throne that seemed to sigh with beauty, a roar escaped. It was like a mere breath, but also like a voice leaking emotion.

...... Well, she's keeping quiet, isn't she? Hey, Valianne.

　The voice came from the mouth of Finn Largias, master of the palace and guardian of the throne. It came from the mouth of Finn Largius, Lord of the Palace and Protector of the Throne. A low, croaky voice that stomped the earth. Elves have a certain beauty to them, but this old elf's face was covered with wrinkles and scars, as if he had hurt himself.

What? Princess, no, Erdis looked the same as ever in the tower.

　She nodded lowly, "I see. Ragias put his hand on his neck as if in thought. His narrow eyes were unreadable, as if he were thinking.

　Valianne hung her head, a cold sweat breaking out in her chest. In fact, of course, it's not as I said. The princess no longer wastes her time in that tower. That's wonderful and I congratulate you from the bottom of my heart.

　But... One solid problem with the princess's will has been solved. But there's another problem. That is the old elf who sits on the throne and glares at you with his unfathomable eyes.

　Finn Largius.

"Very well, Finn. As long as you behave yourself, I don't see a problem with that.

　The official of the faction that brought Largias up and placed him in Finn's place opens his mouth. Originally, he may have envisioned an easy life, manipulating Finn behind the scenes and pulling his strings.

　But now, he's nothing more than a wooden figure to be manipulated by Finn. Valianne's lips twisted slightly.

"Hmm. ...... Where to?

　A choked voice echoed through the fins. I'm not sure what to make of that.

　In the event you have any questions, you can contact us at our own web site. The face of Lagias, covered with scars and wrinkles, became distorted.

I'm asking you how serious you are. You don't think it's coming from deep within, do you? If you're that incompetent, you might as well just disappear for good.

　With a momentary small scream, the civilian who had been in front of him stepped back.

　Was that strange to him? A dry laugh, like the sound of wood hammering, broke out. The only sound in the large room was the laughter of Lagias.

I've given you enough to rot your ears, you know. The days when living peacefully today would be enough to feed us tomorrow are over. Monsters abound, and even we elves cannot turn our backs on the turmoil of the world.

　The elves who serve Finn are lined up around him, all of them keeping their mouths shut.

　It's true that many magical beasts have been spotted in the nearby forests recently. It must be true that the war between the human nations has reached a point where it could involve the Hanging Gardens.

　But there was no doubt that many of the elves, including Valianne, were somewhat skeptical of Finn's words.

　How much of what he said was true? How much of it is just a lie to expose the traitor? This old elf, Largias, could not see the bottom of the barrel.

　In the beginning, he spoke like a fool and was carried by the elves around him. It is also true that he began to wield the leadership of Gazaria as if his nature had changed once he had taken the title and authority of Finn after killing his own brother.

　We don't know what is the true nature of the elves called Ragias and what is just a facade. This made Valianne and the other elves feel even more scared.

　No one who had served the Fin for generations had ever known such a man.

"Yesterday's bounty in the forest is no proof that today's bounty will be ours. That woman, Elddis, is dangerous. There are many who still worship her who do not understand the times.

　Ragias, seated comfortably on his throne, speaks as if reading from a script.

　There was no one who could defy the words that were being spoken in that low, earth-shaking voice, and no one who could defy them.

"The worm that kills the trees and plants must be crushed in its swarm. For Ghazaria, and for us Elves, to live on and on.

　Valianne could not understand a word he said.

　For the elves to survive, he said. But that part didn't make any sense to her. Since ancient times, elves have built their cities deep in the forest and served the spirits to sustain their lives.

　Under the protection of spirits, we have never been swept away by war, and we have never been on the brink of catastrophe. It is true that demonic beasts roam the surrounding forests, but none have ever invaded Gazalia.

　It's also a bit uninspiring for Valianne, the leader of the elven warband, but peace is never a bad thing.

　In fact, Valianne couldn't help but think that it was Largias' actions that were bringing disaster.

　Suddenly joining forces with the human nation and forcing them to seize the people of the heraldic religion with whom they had once been allies. What was the meaning of this act?

　He has the oddity of having once left the forest and made friends with humans. I still don't think he's worthy of Finn. He's too much a part of the human race.

　Elves have their traditions and customs. The peace we have now is because we have kept them and honored the spirits. If we break them, there will be only ruin.



　I knew you were a princess. So muttered Valianne in her mind. The great Finn who once made peace for hundreds of years. Only the princess, his only daughter and the spirit's beloved child, could rule this Gazalia.

"Variaanu.

　Varianne felt a shiver run down her spine at the sound of the voice that seemed to be crawling up from her heels.

　She was so astonished that she thought the voice had picked up what she was muttering in her mind. Her eyes widened and she looked up as if to respond to the words.

　There was the face of an old elf, smiling deeply.

"Keep an eye on her. "Keep an eye on her. Let her make any disturbing movements. You can dance with her if you like.

　Was he joking or was he being sincere? I still don't know if he's joking or not.

　I don't think so," Valianne replied lightly, but she could only bow low to keep her face from showing.