Chapter 2: New Century (Epilogue)
“The first step of a Unicorn?” Miska, confused, asked for clarification.
“That’s right,” Xi Wei nodded, confirming with certainty. “Throughout history, Unicorns have never stated it’s impossible to form a contract with a male, nor have they mentioned any side effects. We are a perfect example. I am a man, but after we formed our contract, everything has been normal, and your strength has also increased.”
“But, but what does that explain?” Miska remained perplexed. It vaguely felt like it was grasping something, but upon closer thought, the idea dissipated. It needed Xi Wei to enlighten it.
“It explains that Unicorns were always meant to be able to form contracts with men. Moreover, you have taken the first step. You are a great pioneer, far greater than those Unicorns who form contracts with young girls.” Xi Wei displayed an approving expression, continuing to brainwash the Unicorn leader.
“I… I am great?” Miska couldn’t believe it, muttering to itself.
“That’s right, you are great,” Xi Wei nodded. “If you don’t believe me, go ask my maid and my Pet Dragon. They both think you are great.”
Miska turned its head to look at Loli and Connie. It found both young girls gazing at it with admiration, making Miska feel as if it truly were great. It had an epiphany.
“That’s right! I am the pioneer of Unicorns. I have broken the ironclad rule that Unicorns can only form contracts with pure young girls. I am great!” Miska smiled. It once again raised its head, and at this moment, it felt as if everything around it transformed from black and white into a vibrant spectrum of colors. The whispers and laughter of the surrounding Unicorns seemed to lose their importance.
“I am the leader of the Unicorns!” Miska looked at its subordinates with an evil smile. “I now declare that the Unicorns will abolish the ironclad rule of only contracting with pure young girls. My Master has many powerful Warriors under his command, and they will be your destiny!”
“No! Miska, you cannot do this! This is the rule passed down through generations of the ancient Unicorn tribe!” The surrounding Unicorns protested. The thought of contracting with those rough, abrasive men was worse than death.
“Rules are meant to be broken!” Miska shook its head coldly. “Why has the number of Unicorns been decreasing? It’s because we have always adhered to those ridiculous rules. How powerful were we Unicorns in the past? And now… Furthermore, I am not seeking your agreement. This is an order!”
The surrounding Unicorns fell silent. They could only stare at Miska in anger. The Unicorn leader possessed great dominance over the Unicorns, similar to how a wolf king controls the pack. Therefore, if Miska insisted, they could only obey.
…
…
“This is truly Unbelievable… You actually managed to bring the entire Unicorn tribe…” Elven Empress Edna Seatingway stared dumbfounded at Xi Wei, who was riding the Unicorn leader, and the large group of Unicorns following behind him, including newborn young. “And you, as a man, tamed a Unicorn…”
Empress Edna Seatingway didn’t know what to say anymore. She suddenly felt a sense of sadness. For hundreds of years, the Elves had wanted to connect with the Unicorns, sending many Elves to visit them, but none of them could tame these proud creatures. Perhaps the Elves had truly weakened. Empress Edna Seatingway sighed helplessly.
“Can you tell me how you tamed these stubborn fellows?” Empress Edna Seatingway was still somewhat unwilling to accept it and wanted to know where the Elves had failed.
“Of course, this is not a secret,” Xi Wei smiled and said earnestly, “You need to show the Unicorns your strong bodies, thick muscles, and surging power.” He clenched his fist, puffing out his biceps and chest, making himself appear slightly larger. “It would be even better if you could let out a gruff roar. With that, no Unicorn could resist. Don’t you agree, Miska?”
Miska was now completely aligned with Xi Wei. Seeing that Xi Wei was clearly deceiving the Elf, Miska naturally wouldn’t refuse to play along. It put on a serious expression and nodded solemnly, “That’s right, my Master conquered me with his strong muscles, not just me, but all the Unicorns under his command!”
The Elven Empress’s eyes widened. Her gaze swept past Miska and Xi Wei to the other Unicorns. She noticed that they were either looking down in silence, bending over to eat grass, or looking up at the sky, as if they had already tacitly agreed.
“So that’s how it is,” she resignedly nodded. “It turns out we Elves didn’t understand Unicorns at all. It’s laughable that we lived in the Emerald Forest with the Unicorns for so many years. This time, the Elves’ loss is not undeserved…” Empress Edna Seatingway seemed resigned. She clasped her hands at the hem of her skirt, revealing a gentle smile. “I hope you will treat these creatures well, and also the Life Tree Spirit. I also wish you success in defending against the Undead Calamity.”
“Borrowed words of good fortune,” the Oakwood Guardian said, clearing the path. It revealed the stone path Xi Wei had arrived on. Xi Wei, with Loli, Connie, and the Unicorns, bid farewell to the Elves. Amidst the complicated gazes of the Treants, they gradually disappeared at the end of the forest path.
“The Unicorns are gone, the Starlight Holy Judgment Sword is gone, the Life Tree Spirit is gone… You are truly generous,” Edna Seatingway stood beside Empress Edna Seatingway, muttering with a look of resentment.
“We need to be optimistic. At least there is hope for the Life Tree to be saved. Moreover, who knew that the Unicorns’ contract conditions would be so strange, completely contrary to the records in our Elven history.” Empress Edna Seatingway appeared optimistic.
“As expected of the Human King you highly praised, truly Unbelievable!” At this moment, the Oakwood Guardian on the right spoke with a voice like a resonating bell, filled with admiration and praise.
“Highly praised?” Empress Edna Seatingway was stunned. “When did I ever highly praise the King of the Winter Kingdom?”
“The King himself said so…” The Oakwood Guardian moved back to its original position. It twisted left and right, settling its backside perfectly into the pit, leaving no gap. This was a skilled maneuver; younger Oakwood Guardians could not do it with such ease and grace.
“It is said to have been during negotiations,” the Oakwood Guardian added, seeing Empress Edna Seatingway’s bewildered expression.
Empress Edna Seatingway: “…” That damn Human King had shown the Elves no face during negotiations. And he showed no reverence towards her, the Elven Empress. She had really wanted to “say a few good words” about this Human King. However, the Oakwood Guardian was right. This King of the Winter Kingdom was indeed Unbelievable.
