Hearing the detailed and confident report, King Nortvan slowly leaned back against the backrest of his throne. His eyes gazed distantly toward the large doors of the throne room while his mind raced with high speed.
As a ruler of the center of magic civilization on the Azvel Continent, he knew much about the world. However, the existence of the high elf race, which exclusively inhabited the Reavel Continent across the sea, had now suddenly set foot in Ameryn, the capital of the Larkvood Kingdom.
Naturally, that information immediately piqued an immense curiosity in the depths of his heart, far more than the matter of the inter-kingdom magic tournament.
It seems I must request a special meeting with King Nalvon to meet that high elf, King Nortvan thought, beginning to arrange various diplomatic strategies in his head. If a king from a kingdom with the strongest military power on this Azvel Continent is willing to personally step in to escort him along with his son, it means that high elf is a very important person in his kingdom.
After silence dominated the room for a few moments, King Nortvan looked back at the face of the scout who remained kneeling, awaiting orders. The tension on the King's face eased slightly, replaced by a thin, authoritative smile.
"Good work! You have brought very valuable information today. Thank you for your report." King Nortvan said, offering appreciation for the soldier's speed and accuracy.
"It is my duty, Your Majesty." the soldier replied, bowing his head deeply, feeling greatly relieved that his report was well-received. "I beg your leave to return to patrol."
The soldier rose, saluted once more, then turned and left the throne room with a firm stride to continue his surveillance duties in the capital area.
The sound of his footsteps gradually faded behind the giant double doors that closed shut again, leaving King Nortvan sitting alone on the throne with the Queen, who faithfully accompanied him on his right.
Having heard the serious conversation between the soldier and her husband from beginning to end, the Queen, sitting on the throne beside him, could no longer hide her interest.
Queen Margaretha, an elegant woman with long pink hair and a pair of intelligent, motherly eyes, felt very curious about the high elf figure that had just been discussed.
Queen Margaretha tilted her body slightly toward the King. Her long, trailing silk gown brushed softly against the floor.
"Dear, what will you do after hearing such big news?" Queen Margaretha asked, her voice flowing gently yet filled with a curiosity that could not be concealed. "Will you send an envoy and invite him directly to the palace this very day?"
King Nortvan sighed softly, weighing the diplomatic options in his hands.
"Margaretha, I cannot simply invite him here without a carefully drafted formal invitation!" King Nortvan answered, providing his perspective as a seasoned politician. "Didn't you hear the report? That high elf is being escorted specifically and in layers by King Nalvon himself from the Garveon Kingdom. If I suddenly summoned him to the palace without a strong reason, it could be seen as an impolite act, or worse, considered a form of intimidation from the host."
Queen Margaretha nodded slowly, affirming her husband's way of thinking, as he was always careful in making decisions. The beautiful woman thought for a moment, seeking the most graceful way out that would not offend any party.
"In that case, ask King Nalvon directly when the tournament is held later." Queen Margaretha suggested with a gentle, calming smile. "The atmosphere there will be much more relaxed. I think that is a very suitable time and place to talk heart-to-heart among fellow leaders, as well as the right opportunity to invite them to visit our palace."
King Nortvan turned and looked at his wife's face with an appreciative gaze. A smile slowly spread across the lips of the Larkvood ruler.
"It seems you are right, Margaretha." King Nortvan said, agreeing with the idea. "I will ask him directly when we sit in the arena's place of honor later. That is far more polite and natural."
Queen Margaretha smiled with relief upon hearing her husband's words. She leaned back against her throne, though her heart beat a little faster than usual.
This is wonderful! Queen Margaretha thought with an enthusiastic feeling welling up in her chest, like a young girl who had just heard her favorite fairy tale come true. I never thought a high elf would actually exist and set foot on this continent. I truly cannot wait to see a high elf for the first time in my life.
The feelings of wonder and disbelief continued to swirl in her mind. Finally, she could hold it in no longer. Queen Margaretha turned back to look at her husband.
"Dear..." she called again in a more personal tone.
"Yes, Margaretha? What else is it?" King Nalvon replied gently, giving his full attention to the Queen.
"I have become very curious about what the form and figure of that high elf actually looks like, which we have never seen before except in books in the library or here in the palace." Queen Margaretha admitted honestly, letting her human side take over. "Are you also curious about what he looks like?"
Hearing the innocent question from his wife, King Nortvan could not suppress a chuckle. He set aside the burden of his kingdom for a moment and spoke as a man who also possessed an interest in world history.
"It would be a lie if I said I wasn't curious about the form and figure of that high elf." King Nortvan answered very honestly. His eyes drifted, remembering the stacks of parchment in the royal library he often read in his youth. "Because all this time, from the time I was a child until I became king, I have only been able to read about them in ancient literature books. It is written very clearly there that the high elf race is a very noble entity. They are the protectors of nature, the guardians of balance, and the absolute leaders of the ordinary elves. Certainly, hierarchically, he possesses a status and power far higher than an ordinary elf."
"You are right!" Queen Margaretha replied with sparkling eyes, happy that her husband shared the same thought. "I also had the chance to read some historical records about them in books. If they are the leaders and protectors of the elves on the Reavel Continent, can their status be equated to that of a king or prince themselves, if measured within this human kingdom system?"
Hearing his wife's question, King Nortvan fell silent for a moment. He began to piece together the fragments of information from his soldier's report with the knowledge he possessed. Slowly, a very logical conclusion began to form in his head.
"It seems that is indeed the case!" King Nortvan answered, nodding his head slowly, feeling that his wife's reasoning was sensible and on point. "If his status and position are indeed that high, then it is no wonder the Garveon royal family is willing to personally accompany him. Considering the extraordinary escort and the fact that King Nalvon is by his side, I think he might be a crown prince from the elf kingdom."