## Chapter 1129 – Elven Forest

I went through various entry procedures with Saintel.

Still, a VIP is a VIP, and when I reported my arrival, various elves flocked to me. Many guards were assigned, and attendants followed.

I simply showed them the leaf, indicating that I was qualified to enter. Of course, I also properly showed them the box containing the royal decree sent by the royal family.

There were welcome performances and a tour of the capital planned for me, but I decided to accept them. I came to the capital at top speed. I could afford to take my time, and it would be polite to accept the elves’ welcome as a VIP.

If a guest from afar isn’t treated well, it’s rude to both sides.

“As expected of the capital, it’s amazing.”
“This is the culture of the elves.”

Anyway, everything was worth seeing.

Elves were also a race with highly developed engineering skills. The more I saw, the more I thought, “These guys are seriously strong.”

“Don’t you think you don’t even need an alliance?”
“Haha. You overestimate the elves that much? If a human like you judges that way, other humans are likely to think so too.”
“That’s right.”

Anyone who sees the inside of the Elven Forest would think the same as me. It seemed like these guys could defend themselves even if a great demon invaded.

Why are these guys making an alliance?

First of all, elves consider protecting their World Tree to be their greatest value. The World Tree must never be harmed, and the Elven Forest originating from the World Tree must never be destroyed.

They just think protecting their land is the best.

Moreover, they are happiest and most proud to live in their forest originating from the World Tree.

That’s why there aren’t many elves who go out to live in the outside world. Perhaps the reason why elves haven’t dominated the world is precisely this. They focused on solidifying their internal affairs within the boundaries of the forest rather than expanding their territory.

Since their land is already huge, they may not have felt the need to expand their territory. The wider it gets, the harder it is to defend. Anyway, they have been solidifying their internal affairs within their forest.

In my opinion, there are only a few reasons why these guys would want to form an alliance with humans.

I think the biggest reason is probably this:

—To protect their forest.

In other words, now that the world is unstable and there are signs of invaders from another dimension, they are thinking of using the human kingdoms as shields. Let’s say a massive number of demons suddenly appear somewhere and a kingdom collapses.

Where would those demons advance to?

They could come to this Elven Forest.

Then, from the elves’ point of view, they would only be horrified. How dare these demon bastards set foot in the World Tree’s forest? They would have no choice but to tear their hair out and faint.

For that very reason, they are thinking of using the human kingdoms as shields.

To destroy demons before they enter their land. Rather than risking having to fight in their precious forest, they are thinking of using the human kingdoms as battlefields.

Why?

Because the place where the beings from another dimension have appeared the most is none other than the Karga Kingdom. At least, that’s my guess.

* * *

Anyway, after enjoying the elven capital, my lodging was assigned. It was in the center of the capital, inside the World Tree Sanctuary.

The surroundings were quiet, very clean, and the atmosphere was good.

The interior of the World Tree Sanctuary was a beautifully maintained forest.

There was no murderous monster, no inexplicable anxiety, and no ominous hints or gloom about ferocious and eerie beings.

It was literally a beautiful, peaceful, and quiet forest that seemed to come straight out of a fairy tale.

“Whoa.”

It seemed like a very good place for mental health.

The sunlight pouring down and the softly swaying light green grass were all worth seeing. It was probably a place that professional gardeners managed as if they were waging a war. Even the building was pure white, giving it a luxurious feel.

It was also huge.

There weren’t many buildings inside the sanctuary, and this lodging where I was staying was one of the few buildings. In other words, it was a top-class building.

“Now, you will stay here and then go to meet the World Tree and our Queen.”
“Okay. How long will it take?”
“Since the procedures are all finished, there will be no delays. You will be able to see them soon. But I think it will take two or three days.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”

I answered and looked out the window.

“That’s the Elven World Tree.”
“That’s right.”

What I saw beyond the window.

It was a giant tree. It was quite far away, but it was still a huge and magnificent tree that could be seen clearly from here.

That’s the World Tree.

It seemed to be hundreds of meters tall. Its circumference was also incredibly thick. The trunk itself was enormous, and there were a lot of leaves. It looked like a mountain rather than just a tree.

“Isn’t it amazing? The World Tree is the foundation of our elves.”
“It’s amazing.”

It could be said to be the god of the elves.

But looking at it from a distance, I didn’t really feel it. It didn’t seem like I could feel a divine aura. I’ll probably be able to feel it if I get closer.

“But there are no dryads here.”
“This is the World Tree’s sanctuary. We can’t bring those things in.”
“So that’s why those elves are here?”

I asked, pointing to the elves in the room.

“…”

Elven servants, I guess.

They were female elves who covered their faces with a transparent veil just below their eyes, wearing light and airy clothes. I was told that I could use them like servants, but they didn’t say a word, and they were covering their faces with veils. It was so unique that I didn’t know what to say.

Above all, the light and airy clothes they were wearing were all see-through, so I didn’t think I could live comfortably. Moreover, they were all female elves with great figures. They weren’t as good as my women, but I couldn’t deny that they were quite attractive.

There were more than ten of those female elves.

“That’s right. While you stay here, they will attend to you. Think of them as servants and use them. Of course, with respect.”
“It’s natural to be respectful. What kind of elves are they? Are they elves who are engaged in some kind of religious work?”
“That’s right. They are the Queen’s handmaidens.”
“The Queen’s handmaidens?”

Why does the Queen make her handmaidens wear those kinds of clothes? If it was okay, I wanted to buy a few sets and have my women wear them. They were such stimulating clothes.

“The details are confidential, but they live inside the sanctuary with the Queen and do various things. Those various things include serving you.”
“Is that the rule?”
“This is the first time this has happened, so I don’t know. I can only guess that the Queen ordered it herself.”
“Hmm.”

Is it goodwill?

I don’t know if she just sent the handmaidens or if she attached the women to entertain me.

“…”
“…”
“…”

The elven handmaidens were still standing silently with their mouths tightly shut.

“Well, should I ask them to prepare a meal?”
“That would be good.”
“But how long are you going to stick around?”
“Um… I’ll probably be going back soon. There is a unit of Guardian Warriors in the sanctuary. Now that I’ve finished my guide and escort duties, I have to return there.”
“That unit is here?”

Well, they were said to be the elite warrior group that guards the World Tree.

It’s natural for them to be in the sanctuary.

“But isn’t that confidential?”
“They’ll be coming to find you soon anyway. This is the first time this has happened, so they’re on high alert. The reason I was dispatched is simply because I’m from that border.”

This guy was also a Guardian Warrior.

“Anyway, I just have to eat and wait.”
“That’s right. Just relax and wait.”
“Are there any souvenir shops here?”
“Souvenir shops?”
“I came all the way here, so I have to get something to remember it by. It’s common sense.”
“Hmm… I’ll look into it and let you know.”
“Thanks. Then I should eat.”
“You can ask the handmaidens to make it.”

Good.

“Handmaidens.”

I called the handmaidens.
Then they stared at me.

“…”

Still with their mouths shut.

“Um, please put on some proper clothes since they’re see-through. And please prepare a meal.”

—Nod nod.

The handmaidens nodded at those words.

“Are you worried about them being see-through?”
“Of course, I’m worried.”
“The culture is a bit different.”
“No, the other elves dress well.”
“They are the Queen’s handmaidens.”

I don’t understand.

“Still, to make them wear that… hmm.”
“No. It’s not like that.”

Let’s just eat and rest.

* * *

The next morning after resting well at the lodging.

Saintel, who had returned last night, came back with her friends.

“Human. The unit has invited you. The audience schedule hasn’t been set yet, so you have time. I hope you’ll go.”

Behind her were many elves who looked like they enjoyed serial killings. They were all exuding a menacing aura. Anyone would think I had borrowed money from these guys and didn’t pay them back.

Anyway, they looked strong, so these must be the Guardian Warriors.

“Wait a minute. I’ll get ready and go out.”

I quickly prepared, packed all my equipment and belongings, and went outside the lodging. I should go since I was invited. And I wanted to see how strong the Guardian Warriors really were.

“Nice to meet you. I am Sequoren.”
“My name is Pellaris.”
“I am Kim Kat Paladin. Nice to meet you.”

As soon as I went out, I briefly greeted the elven Guardian Warriors who had followed Saintel, and then I followed them to the unit where the Guardian Warriors were stationed.

—Guardian Warrior Garrison.

This place was located even closer to the World Tree, and it was so spacious, pleasant, and beautiful that you couldn’t imagine it was a military unit. It was so good that everyone would believe it even if it was called a theme park.

Looking at the building layout, they must be giving the unit members mental education and combat training here.

“It’s a pretty good unit.”
“It’s the best facility. Now, let’s go in there.”

I followed Saintel to the huge building in front.

—Creak.

When we arrived at the door, Saintel opened it.

We slowly went inside.

“Whoa.”

It was a very large hall.

When there was something to convey, they would summon all the Guardian Warriors to this place and spread the word. It would be possible to know the taste of power. It was that big of a space. From the pure white marble floor to the high ceiling and chandeliers.

It’s no joke.

Anyway, in this place.

“There are a lot.”

There were a lot of Guardian Warriors.

—Guardian Warriors lined up on the left and right.

A little over a hundred Guardian Warriors were lined up on the left and right, wearing clothes like robes, sitting quietly, and looking at me.

“…”
“…”
“…”

It was literally giving off the atmosphere of a dojo.

Am I Choi Bae-dal, who came to break down the dojo?
That’s the kind of atmosphere it was.

And in the front, a male elf who looked seriously strong was sitting in a nice chair, and next to him was a female elf who looked quite strong.

Judging from the atmosphere, those guys were probably the leaders of this Guardian Warrior unit.

“Saintel. Is today a special day?”
“I haven’t heard anything like that… wait.”

Saintel told me to stay still and was about to walk towards the elf who was sitting in front, who looked like a commander.

“Welcome!”
“Welcome!”
“Welcome!”

—Boom!

The Guardian Warriors who were sitting shouted at the same time, welcoming me.

“Oh!”

Such a passionate welcome!
These guys prepared pretty well!

“Thank you for welcoming me, Guardian Warriors! To welcome me so enthusiastically! I’m touched!”

So I smiled brightly, waved my arms, made a heart, and greeted them.

“…”

These guys don’t seem to be in a good mood.

“Hmm.”

Actually, I knew it from the moment I came in.

These guys called someone but they don’t have a very friendly atmosphere.

—A bad vibe is flowing.

The reason I reacted so exaggeratedly was just to mock them because I didn’t like this atmosphere.