Three days later, the four of them stood in front of the Elven forest while being surrounded by at least two dozen elves with their bows aimed at them.
Their journey was uneventful up till this moment.
Paul's ladies were not happy when they heard that they could not accompany them, but agreed that it was an important matter, so they could wait for their return.
Xiao Han was also surprised when he heard the whole story, but decided to help them as much as he could, and even gave Paul a recommendation letter they needed to get past the Imperial soldiers guarding the elven forest.
Additionally, he sent a secret message to the emperor informing him about this matter, as it was too important to keep it a secret from the monarch.
Other than that, the girl's father sent a message to the Shadow Blades informing the organization about everything.
To everyone's surprise, the organization assured him that they would keep an eye on his daughter and protect her as much as they possibly could.
-Why are Elder dryads so important to everyone?
Paul asked Elaina after learning that so many powerful figures and organizations were interested in protecting this girl.
-According to what I learned in my clan, when the last elder dryad died, the whole mortal realm paid the price for it.
I don't know the details, but the elders should know more about this matter.
She explained.
Ever since then, he had wondered why the elder dryad's were so important, and if given the chance, he would ask the elven elders about it.
Even his reincarnation soul had no clue about it, since even in the upper realms, the Dryad were mysterious at best, and it was extremely rare to meet one.
Coming back to their current problem.
The elves who surrounded them were not happy seeing humans at the border of their forest.
-Who are you, and why are you intruding in our forest?
One of the elves asked.
-I'm Elaina of the Oak tree clan. These humans are my guests, and we have an important matter to discuss with the elders.
Elaina said, while not moving, not wanting to provoke an incident.
She knew that Paul could take all of these elves down without a problem, but they didn't travel there to start a fight.
-What matters are so important that you brought humans into our forest?
The elf asked again, but lowered his bow and signaled to the others to do the same.
-If you allow me to approach, then I'll tell you, but I won't yell over the distance, since it's a secret and the fewer people who know about it, the better.
She answered.
-I'm sorry for this, but lately, there have been a few humans who have tried to sneak into the forest, so the guards were doubled and ordered to keep an eye on the border.
The elf commander said, approaching their group.
His guard went down when he saw Elaina and confirmed that she was an elf.
-I'm Rivel of the Willow clan.
Elaina explained the matter at hand when he approached, and Rivel's eyes went wide, more than once, as she recounted how and why she was with humans and why she brought them to the elven forest.
-These are indeed important matters. We will escort you to see the elders.
The elf commander said, seriously, once he heard the whole story.
It took another six hours of marching through the forest before they arrived at a great forest city.
Unlike the human city, this one looked like it was created by growing trees into patterns that the elves needed, and all the crystals inside and around it made it look even more magical.
Rivel sent one of his men ahead with a letter to warn the elders and inform them about everything.
Thanks to that, the guards at the gate knew they were coming and didn't stop them.
-The elders have gathered and are waiting for you in the crystal chamber.
The guard informed them as they went inside.
Soon they entered a beautiful chamber made entirely of crystal, and with a long table that seemed to grow from the ground.
-Elders, I bring before you, Elaina of the Oak tree clan, as well as the two humans accompanying her and the young Elder Dryad.
Rivel bowed with respect as he spoke, and Elaina also bowed when she was introduced.
-We have received your message.
The elder who sat at the head of the sable spoke, in an ancient voice, not fitting his young look.
-Elaina, are you sure that this child carries the seed of the Elder dryad?
The elder asked.
-As sure as I can be, while never seeing it before, but it matches the description in the books of my clan.
Elaina answered.
-Human, would you allow us to confirm whether it is truly the Elder dryad seed?
Another elder asked the father of the girl, who was carrying her on his back the whole way, since she was still unconscious.
-Please do so, elders.
The assassin said with respect, while lying his daughter on the table before the elders.
-This cannot be.
The elder at the head of the table said after he looked at the seed in the girl's heart.
-Elders, what is going on?
Elaina asked, hoping that she didn't make a mistake.
The father of the girl was also nervous hearing the sentence from the elder.
-Young Elaina, you have misidentified this seed, but there is no fault of yours in it.
The elder said after a moment of silence.
-How so, elder?
Elaina asked, a bit surprised since the seed looked exactly like the one she had read about in her clan.
-This child has not only an Elder Dryad seed in her heart, but a Queen Dryad seed.
The elder explained.
-What's the significance of this difference?
The father of the girl asked, a bit nervously.
-The significance is such that your child will rule all the forests in this realm upon her successful transformation.
The elder explained as simply as he could, but the importance of such a discovery for the elves was much more profound.
-Guards, contact all the clans, tell them to send their most powerful healers and mages.
Also inform them that the Lady of the Golden Forest has returned.