"I must say, your reputation precedes you, Mister Zen Hawthorn. Having slain the Demon Queen along with two Cosmic Vessels. It would seem that her decision was… respectable, to say the least," spoke one of the councillors.
She looked really old, which momentarily threw me off. I never knew elves would be able to grow this old in the first place. I guess this granny must be really, really old to start looking like that. There were five councillors with this granny seated in the middle of a U-shaped table. She must be the main lead for this council, possibly the leader too.
"I'm—surprised you knew about my achievements, despite some of them being close secrets that only very few individuals were supposed to know. Am I being stalked by the elves?" I asked jokingly.
"We have our ways to seek information despite living here, especially if it's regarding you. You are, after all, his son. But I'll be straight with you, Mister Zen Hawthorn, your reputation with us is—rather bleak. Through no fault of your own, you've been the target of a rather—major controversial event. On that, I personally seek your forgiveness if some of us appear to be distrustful when it comes to you. I hereby declare to all elves that we should cut you some slack as what happened, was not your fault or your choice to make. And you did help us in solving our little problem with Snapdragon after all," she explained.
"Right, the elves were having difficulties in getting rid of him in the first place. Will Lily be receiving the same forgiveness, I presume?" I asked bluntly and immediately heard loud gasp from the audience around me.
"I "presumed" she had not informed you of her actions? Then I apologise that we're not allowed to discuss it any further," she answered bluntly.
"Did she—really commit such an atrocious act that warrants her being shunned by her community? Is there really nothing I can do to help her out?" I questioned the councillors.
"I believe a… proper explanation should be given to our esteemed honoured guest here. I'm sure he doesn't know about our ways after all," answered one of the five councillors.
"Very well. Our culture, when one of us commits something that breaks our rule, the offender will face judgement within the community that they live in. Depending on the severity of their acts, we give the offender a choice between a list of options that they wish to bear. Lily had—chosen one that wasn't the best option in my opinion, but it was through her own decision to establish the condition that onlyshe may inform you of what had transpired that day. And we always honour their decision, no matter what it may be," explained the granny.
"I—never knew that it was Lily who set that condition. Forgive my ignorance. I'll do my best to pester her into telling me next time," I bowed in apology to the council.
"Have no worries, for we require your help to save our forest. We have every reason to believe that we are facing a dangerous foe. Potentially even a Vessel or a Champion of a Cosmic God," sighed the granny.
"Now that's rather quick for you to declare on such a possibility, what are the findings so far?" asked John.
"Which is why we require Mister Zen to clarify for us. Tell us, Mister Zen, a relatively peaceful city being attacked by hordes of monsters out of the blue; unusual beings at that. Sounds familiar?" asked the granny.
"Well, in our case, it was beast monsters. But… isn't it bugs that are attacking here? Bugs are common creatures living inside this forest, right?" I asked them bluntly.
"Well, you're not wrong in thinking that way, but have you seen bugs like these?" she snapped her fingers, and someone brought out a rather large, body of a dead bug and presented it in front of us.
With a slight nod from Noah as I glanced at him for approval, I began inspecting the body of the dead bug and felt that it was rather—off. While it technically still looked buggy in nature, the anatomy was messed up. Take a cockroach, for example: antennae in front of the head, connected to an abdomen with legs at the sides and wings at the top. This bug, on the other hand, had its head at the mid-section underside of the abdomen, two legs at the front and back, and wings that completely covered the topside of the abdomen. What stuck out the most was the amount of spikes it had; almost like its sole purpose was built to inflict pain.
"Well, you have winged dire wolves in your borders which I've not seen before. And I can't say that I'm knowledgeable about bugs in the first place. Perhaps this is a new species that emerged from somewhere deeper within the forest? Maybe? Just a plausibility," I shrugged.
"We are not fools, Mister Zen. We had been living in this forest for millenniums and never had we seen such a creature attacking us before. There is no reason to believe that evolution is at play here since these attacks occurred rather— rapidly. These bugs are certainly being controlled by something to attack us," explained the granny as she folded her arms.
"Alright, let's just say that there's indeed something controlling these bugs to attack the elves. The monsters that attacked us were humans, forced to turn into beasts against their will. The blood of a four-legged beast was used for such drastic changes. If what you told us is true, then I'm worried that these bugs might have been humans, or even worse, elves," I explained my side of the story, to which the audience gasped loudly.
"That is—concerned news indeed. Madame, we need to take action before it is too late!" shouted another of the councillors.
"Hold your horses, there's no evidence thus far that our people are being turned into bugs. There are no reported missing elves within our city, aside from the casualties we faced. However, I do agree that we need to stop them, once and for all. While I do not crave war, our city is being attacked after all, which threatens our safety," she placed her fist on the table.
"Madame Abatina, our forces stand at the ready to help. I believe with the help of one of the Great Powers and the Viking Lord, the enemies won't know what hit them," said the Elementals as he stood forward.
"Indeed, we appreciate their help and yours for amassing such a force. I am certain the insight from Mister Zen is going to be invaluable in the upcoming battle. As with all wars, we will need a leader to lead the forces into battle. All in favour of appointing General Noah as the Supreme Commander to lead our forces, raise your hand," announced Abatina as she raised hers.
G—General Noah? What?! Lily's father is a general?! Why didn't she tell me before?!
All of the councillors raised their hands in agreement. Noah stood forward and knelt before the councillors.
"General Noah, I hereby appoint you as the Supreme Commander of our forces. Lead us well to eliminate our enemies. Tread lightly, as we have every reason to believe that you might be fighting against a Vessel or Champion of a Cosmic God. It won't be an easy task. I bid all of you, Maethe Taerde~" Abatina stood up and placed her palm on the table.
The other elves stood up and saluted her back by placing their palms on their chests. John and I were confused by it and just bowed to the granny. I hope we'll be forgiven for our ignorance of their culture.
***
"Come in, come in! Eat to your heart's content, my Mon-Keigh friends," gestured Noah, inviting us to what looked like a banquet feast. I thought we would be planning our attack plans rather than enjoying ourselves. But maybe this is their way of welcoming us into their city.
"Did he— just call us monkeys?" whispered John.
"Sounds like it, isn't it?" I chuckled.
"Friends, relatives, loved ones, I thank you for helping us in our time of need. Our hospitality is all we can offer you in return for your contribution," said Noah as he spoke to everyone.
"Or your daughter," whispered John to me.
"Sorry, what was that?" asked Noah with a confused expression.
"Nothing, nothing," smiled John awkwardly.
I poked him with my arm. He must have forgotten the power of elven ears. I certainly have no wish to get on Noah's bad side if I can help it, not to mention he's a "General". Why didn't Lily tell us about this? Violet was at this side, smiling and greeting other guests as they entered the venue. She really does look like Lily in so many ways. I get to have such a beautiful woman as my future wife? Will the elves hate me if they ever find out that I'll be taking her as my wife?
Violet turned towards my direction when she noticed that I was staring at her. I quickly turned my gaze away to make things less awkward. What the hell am I doing staring at Lily's mother? You have a wife and daughter at home waiting for you. Adultery with your potential mother-in-law is a big, freaking NO!
"Never knew you were into older women," chuckled a familiar voice. Ah shit, she definitely realised I was staring at her earlier.
"Not at all. I was just wondering how similar you looked to your daughter," I smiled at her, finding excuses on the fly.
"So you're thinking you'll be able to get some of this?" said Violet as she leaned forward, exposing her cleavage to me. Oh Lord, please don't remind me of that night!
"N—not at all! J… just a very general similarity. I wasn't comparing body shapes whatsoever," I smiled awkwardly at her.
"Haha, there's nothing to worry about, Zen dear. After all, you had spent a night together with her before. What, you thought I wouldn't know about it? My daughter does tell me things that she finds confusing for her. She is still a growing woman after all has yet to experience many other things. Tell me though, why the sudden change? Last I recall, you always avoided my gaze or hesitated to even look at me, yet somehow, you were staring at me earlier. Did you—have a change of heart?" she smirked widely.
"Oh yeah. Zen had already asked your daughter for marriage," said John nonchalantly as he held what looked like some roasted meat on his hand.
"Oh my! Is that true, Zen? What did she say?!" asked Violet as she stared at me with sparkling eyes.
"Gee, thanks, John, for sending me to my death. Uhh—she might have agreed but asked to… wait?" I smiled awkwardly at her. Damn it, John! I wished to get out of this forest alive and back to my family!
"Did she? Now, that's interesting indeed. I wonder what she's planning to do with herself. Hey, Noah, darling! Zen had asked for our daughter's hand in marriage!" shouted Violet as she waved at her husband.
"W—WHAT?!!!" shouted the entire room.
Ohhhh—fuck. WHY?!
Noah's expression changed from being shocked to feeling confused and eventually angry. He stomped his way towards my direction and stood in front of me with glaring eyes. I had no place to hide!
"Did you really ask Lily for marriage?" glared Noah at me.
"Y—yes," I answered as softly as I could while avoiding his deathly gaze.
"What was her response?" he continued.
"She—agreed but asked to wait," I smiled awkwardly at him.
"Did she now? I thought she'd be leaping at your arms after you asked. Violet dear, our wish actually came true. There's more to celebrate today then!" smiled Noah as he held Violet's hands.
Uh— what? Their wish came true? What the hell's going on? All around me there were elven males who were sulking, crying out loud, or glaring at me with deathly glares upon hearing about the marriage. Guess there really were many males who were gunning for her after all, in spite of her circumstances.
"Right, I'm sure you wish to know about our response to you asking our daughter's hand in marriage. We agree to it and you have our blessings. After all, we can only depend on you to keep her safe. Do promise us on that, please?" asked Noah as he and Violet held my hands.
I knew it. They are worried about their daughter, yet they're unable to do anything about it. Seeing that I'm able to move around and Lily trusts me, they must have thought I was the best candidate to ensure her safety. Is Lily shunned from here and unable to return? Why do I get the feeling that that seems to be the case when she seems to be afraid of coming back to this continent?
"I promise I'll keep her safe and happy, even if we aren't married yet," I stood up and bowed politely to them.
Both of them hugged each other happily as though they were relieved to hear what I told them. Guess there's no way I can turn back on my words now, since both of her parents had literally agreed to it. Well, Rose, you wanted this, don't blame me when it really happens.
"Where are my manners? Apologies, everyone! Please continue to enjoy yourselves! Eat and drink as much as you want before we begin our discussions tomorrow. Make today a day you'll never forget!" laughed Noah as his mood flew up even higher than before.
"Zen, would you mind having a private conversation with us tonight? We wish to know how she's faring currently," whispered Violet politely.
"Of course, I'll inform both of you whatever you wish to know. Just seek me out in my room when you're ready," I answered politely with a bow.
"Oh, you, just because you're our future son-in-law doesn't mean you have to be more polite. Careful, you might end up attracting me instead~" she winked at me.
I laughed awkwardly and continued with my meal. John was laughing so much but congratulated me that I somehow passed the parents' test. Wait a minute, didn't John marry an elf too? Why didn't he decide to live here instead?
"John, isn't Daffodil from here too? Why didn't you stay with her here? Seems like a nice place to raise a family," I asked him.
"Ah, on that, let's talk privately later in our rooms. There's much to talk about if you wish to know further," he smiled but it didn't look genuine.
That's— odd, is there something that can't be said in front of all these elves? My suspicions only grew further when John started eating less. Oh no, what have I done? I made my best friend lose his appetite!