Warhammer Divine Throne

These Half-Elves are too arrogant, too self-important, do they really think they’re irreplaceable? Laine intends to humble them today.

”This...” Estelle hadn’t anticipated things would turn out this way. He hesitated for a moment, his expression alternating between red and white before he lowered his head to speak the truth: ”In the forest, we rarely use currency; it’s mostly barter. I really don’t have much saved. There’s still a batch of goods in my hands, maybe I can sell it for some money, but... Des and I don’t want to continue a life of wandering and living from horseback. We’ve had enough of that life. So, I beg you, Laine, my friend, please take us in. If it’s not possible... we can share a house, and even a soldier’s salary would be fine.”

”Indeed, Lord Laine, please, many people in the forest don’t like us, but if you take us in, even the most demanding Forest Lord won’t say anything.” Des also pleaded.

The attitudes of the two Half-Elves were sufficiently humble, and seeing this, Laine finally nodded: ”Alright, from today onwards, you will be my soldiers. I’ll arrange a new two-story house for you to live in. Estelle will help train the crossbowmen of Gene Bowmen Company—teach them how to load, aim, and squeeze the trigger. Mr. Des, please exert some effort in scouting the movements of the Berelac Thief Gang in the Charon Forest for me.”

”Yes!”

Starting today, the two Half-Elves would establish themselves in Baron Gene’s Domain. As anticipated by Laine, the wood elves said nothing upon learning of this. On the contrary, Forest Lords Bilodis and Delina even brought food to comfort these two Half-Elves: ”Lord Laine, thank you. As you understand, their position in the forest is quite awkward and difficult to manage.”

”Is this how Eslelin treats his heroes?” Laine said bluntly.

”Lord Laine, Eslelin is not as you imagine,” Delina tried to explain to Laine: ”Eslelin is divided into twelve territories, and not all territories’ indigenous tree spirits welcome elves to cohabitate, nor are all territories willing to trade with humans. In fact, even though elves have settled in Aisloron for thousands of years, many of the native tree spirits within the forest still do not welcome us. The Forest Lords have differing attitudes towards Half-Elves; some see them as kin, while others regard them as vile creatures and curses that should be destroyed.”

This is also understandable, Laine had to admit that Delina had a point. Just like within Brittania, there is Duke Montfort who hates all non-human creatures, and there are great nobles like himself who are willing to employ dwarves. The wood elves can also have multiple opinions internally; whether or not to accept Half-Elves is their freedom, just as it is the freedom of the wood elves.

”I understand.”

......

Time moved into December, indeed, there was movement from the King.

In the master room, Laine, Surya, Kasenberg, Veronica, and Teresa were seated, discussing the newly acquired intel. Ollica stood behind Laine.

Laine sat at the main seat. The female knight naturally took her seat at his right hand side. Today, Surya wore a pure white pearl-split high-neck ribbed dress manifesting her noble and elegant charming aura. Her splendid golden long curls hung down beside her shoulders, with a pair of long legs hidden under the dress, only revealing white strap high heels and pink feet wrapped in gray stockings.

The female knight sat beside Laine and directly said in a discussing tone: ”The King’s Order has been passed by the messenger and is en route to Gene Territory, arriving this afternoon.”

Whether it was Veronica or Kasenberg, both cast eyes filled with reverence and respect towards Surya. In reality, there were many rumors suggesting that Surya becoming Laine’s lady was already a matter as fixed as the nails.

Kasenberg definitely supports Marchioness Surya unconditionally. This steward originated from Winford College, and he is deeply imbued with Winford characteristics. Surely, he is willing to see his young lady unified with Laine.

As for Veronica, the witch is aware that given her origins and Laine’s status, becoming his lady is impossible. Hence, the witch equally respects Surya, as during interactions, Marchioness Surya’s generous, gentle, and non-jealous demeanor left a deep impression on Veronica. The witch could assure that she could maintain her survival space beside Laine.

And thus, Laine awkwardly realized that his subordinate knights, steward, and tax officer, even Veronica appeared to be conquered by the female knight and assumed the relationship between the two. Only Teresa hadn’t figured out the situation; she earlier attempted to sit by Laine, yet discovered the female knight had already won that spot, and now gazed at Surya with eyes of annoyance and discontent.

Perhaps within Baron Gene’s Domain, only she hadn’t understood what’s happening.

”Laine, even though Father may need to consider the consequences of refusing the King’s Order, you absolutely cannot go to the desert. The last Expeditionary Army to the desert vanished without a trace; no one has seen them ever since. Moreover, your trade with the wood elves and your established Dwarf Blacksmith Workshop emanate from your personal charm and prestige. The King doesn’t have the authority to strip it from you. This time, Father, along with Lord Bohemond and Lord Bodric will stand with you!” The female knight delivered this news with slight unease: ”Despite this, defying the King’s Order is still dire in its effects; you need to prepare yourself mentally.”