Chapter: Chapter 2: New Century (Epilogue)
The Elven Empress Alice was extremely confused by Loli’s answer, wondering if someone would really give up a distinguished identity and position to be a mere maid.
She guessed that Loli might have been too young to understand the significance of the Grand Elder of the Shrine, so she continued, “Please consider carefully. The Grand Elder of the Shrine holds actual power and has a say in the direction of the entire Elven race. Furthermore, after becoming the Grand Elder of the Shrine, a vast amount of resources from the Elven race will be poured into you. We will make you stronger in a short period, and you may even stably enter the Legendary realm in the near future.”
But even after such a clear explanation, Loli still shook her head firmly. Her tone became a little heavier, admitting no room for doubt: “I understand what you’re saying, but I still want to stay by my Master’s side. I can’t live without my Master. When I sleep, I’ll have insomnia from missing Master. When I eat, it will be tasteless from missing Master. Without Master by my side, I will be listless and forever subdued. What’s the point of giving me more resources and power?”
“Why is this happening!?”
“Are you truly an elf?”
The Elven Empress was astonished, hardly believing what she heard.
“Because my life was extended by Master with his own hands, and it flourishes because of him. Without Master, there would be no me today. In the darkest and most helpless moment of my life, it was Master who stood by my side, not the elves of the Emerald Forest.”
Loli’s demeanor was as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Her gaze remained fixed on Xi Wei, shining brighter than the scattered fireflies around them.
“I am not an elf. I am the personal maid of the King of Winter. I am now, and I will always be. Do you understand now?”
Loli’s voice was as gentle as the night wind, but her words struck the Elven Empress like a hammer, causing the legendary queen who ruled the elven race to turn pale and stagger back two steps.
“I understand.” The Elven Empress opened her mouth, her expression bitter and dejected.
She had considered using her strength as a Legendary-grade expert to forcibly keep Loli to heal the Life Tree Spirit and make Loli a part of the elven race.
However, she had signed a contract with the King of Winter. For three years, she could not encroach upon the King of Winter in any way, not even harbor such thoughts. Of course, the human forces led by the King of Winter also could not harm the interests of the elves. This contract was blessed and watched over by the God of Contracts, and anyone who violated it would face terrifying Divine Punishment. She had the entire elven race to lead, and such a price was unbearable.
Elven Empress Alice calmed her emotions. Since she couldn’t keep Loli, could she make some other arrangements?
“Then, could you please come regularly to heal the Life Tree Spirit? Our Elven race is willing to offer all sorts of treasures to pay for the treatment. Of course, lending the Star Dew Sacred Judgment Sword is not included. Resisting the Undead is the duty of all creatures in the main material plane. If the Life Tree Spirit hadn’t been injured, we would have lent you the Star Dew Sacred Judgment Sword as well.”
“I’m very sorry, Your Majesty,” Loli replied, shaking her head apologetically. “I cannot guarantee that I will come to the Emerald Forest regularly to treat the Life Tree Spirit because I will be by my Master’s side at all times. If we return to Winter City, it is a long journey, and I fear it will be difficult for me to come to the Emerald Forest again.”
“Then, what should we do…”
Elven Empress Alice’s mood soured, her delicate eyebrows furrowed tightly. As the ruler of all elves, this was the first time she had been repeatedly rejected like this. It was also the first time she felt that despite possessing many treasures and a noble status, the Elven race was actually impoverished. It was pathetic how difficult it was to even ask a High Elf to help heal the Life Tree Spirit.
“I have an idea,” Loli said. “Why not let the Life Tree Spirit stay by my side? That way, I can heal it anytime, and the recovery of the Life Spring will not be affected. When the Life Tree Spirit is healed, I will ask Master to send her back to you.”
Empress Alice looked up into Loli’s eyes, which were as clear as a summer night sky. She was momentarily unsure if Loli was being sincere and whether the Life Tree Spirit would ever return once it left the Emerald Forest.
“Your Majesty, I think this proposal is excellent. Loli’s healing abilities are of great significance to my army. To me, she is also the most important person by my side, so it is absolutely impossible for her to risk coming to the Emerald Forest regularly. The Life Tree Spirit was born in the Emerald Forest, and she belongs to the Emerald Forest. Once she recovers, she will naturally return here. We won’t be able to stop her even if we wanted to.”
Xi Wei rubbed Loli’s soft little hand, feeling incredibly pleased. At this moment, the tables had turned. With Loli backing him, he had transformed from a cautious supplicant begging the elves to lend him the Star Dew Sacred Judgment Sword into someone who could make demands of the elves.
The Elven Empress frowned, pursed her lips, and pondered. Her heart was in turmoil as she carefully considered the pros and cons. However, no matter how she thought about it, she arrived at only one conclusion: the Life Spring was indispensable for the strength of the elves. Therefore, the Life Tree Spirit must be healed! No matter the cost.
Having clarified this point, she could only compromise with Xi Wei and Loli. She sighed, “Then, as you say, let the Life Tree Spirit stay with you. I also ask that you keep your promise and let her return to the Emerald Forest after she is healed. This is truly her place of growth… Until then, please try to alleviate her injuries.”
“Of course, I will prove it to you,” Loli replied with a smile. She stepped forward and gazed intently at the dying Life Tree Spirit. On the surface, she remained calm, but in reality, she was calling out and communicating with the silent Goddess of Life, Shirley. She wasn’t entirely sure how to heal the Life Tree Spirit herself, but the Goddess of Life, Shirley, definitely could.
“Shirley, it’s time to get to work!”
Shirley: “…”
After a moment of silence. Loli’s aura suddenly changed, and the entire elf became noble and sacred. Even though she did nothing, just standing there, she was like a goddess descending to earth. Her eyes remained as clear as water, but they now held a hint of the disdain of one looking down on all beings and the profound depth unique to a deity. A single glance into them seemed to reveal the passage of endless ages.
Elven Empress Alice didn’t know what had happened, but looking at Loli at this moment, she absurdly felt an urge to prostrate herself in worship. This feeling was exactly like the one she experienced when facing the statues of the three Elven Arch-gods in the Elven Shrine.
***
Weekend electricity.
When will you guys have winter break?
