I Became My Elf King Character In A Game-Like World
Chapter 117: Foundations

Chapter 117: Foundations

Renjiro’s gaze stayed on Lorien for just a moment longer than necessary.

Lorien quickly lowered her head, avoiding his eyes.

She could feel her heart suddenly beating much faster, a nervous thump-thump-thump against her ribs.

Thinking back to the whisper Elaria had shared with her earlier, a secret just between them, Lorien suddenly felt incredibly flustered. Her cheeks warmed, and she had an almost overwhelming urge to turn and run, to get away from the Elf King’s knowing eyes as quickly as possible. What had Elaria told him, or what might he think Elaria had told him?

"Your Majesty."

It was Elaria’s soft voice, gently breaking the slight tension.

Renjiro cleared his throat lightly, pulling his attention away from the flustered commander. He turned his gaze back to the group of Shapeshifting Sages standing patiently before him. "Alright, you are dismissed for now," he said. "Go find your place. And remember," he added firmly, "you must get along well with the other elves, the Giant Golems, and the little Grove Spirits living in our territory. We need harmony here."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" the lead Shapeshifting Sage growled respectfully.

After giving a proper salute, the group of bear-headed warriors turned and walked away with heavy, steady steps.

Watching them go, Renjiro noted again how impressive they looked. About three meters tall, powerfully built they looked like warriors born and bred for battle, even in this form.

In their current, more humanoid shape, their fighting power wasn’t actually that strong compared to other elite units.

But the moment they unleashed their unique talent, shifting into their massive War Bear forms... ah, that was a different story entirely. Their fighting power would skyrocket, increasing hugely.

Renjiro even estimated that a Shapeshifting Sage at the very peak of Tier 8 strength, once transformed into its War Bear shape, would have fighting power easily equal to an early Tier 9 warrior. Maybe even a bit stronger, depending on the situation. That was a significant jump.

The Grove Spirits, the Shapeshifting Sages, the Giant Golems.

Yes, these three high-level elf units had cost him quite a bit of gold, much more than regular archers or hunters would have. But looking at them, thinking about their abilities, Renjiro felt no disappointment. They were worth it.

Whether it was the useful nature abilities of the beautiful Grove Spirits like making plants grow or maybe other subtle tricks, the strengthening totem aura of the Shapeshifting Sages in bear form, or the invaluable ’get over here and fight me!’ war taunt of the Giant Golems each ability was a fantastic tool to have on the battlefield.

Using these three special talents cleverly... yes, Renjiro was sure it would make winning battles much easier, allowing them to achieve great results even if outnumbered. It was definitely possible to turn the tide of battle with such unique skills.

Renjiro then looked back at Elaria and the three lovely elf commanders still beside him Lorien who was still avoiding his gaze, Selena, and Lirael. "You’ve all been up and attentive for a long time now," he said kindly. "You must be tired. Go back and get some proper rest."

Elaria turned to the three commanders. "You heard His Majesty. Go and rest. I will stay here with the King for a while longer."

"Yes, Elder!" Lorien replied quickly.

Still avoiding looking directly at Renjiro, she gave a quick bow and practically hurried away, eager to escape.

Selena and Lirael exchanged slightly puzzled glances, watching Lorien’s hasty departure. Shrugging slightly, they gave their own salutes to Renjiro and then followed Lorien.

Once they were gone, Renjiro turned to Elaria with a curious smile. "Alright," he asked lightly, "what were you whispering to Lorien about earlier that made her so flustered?"

Elaria covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she let out a soft giggle. "Your Majesty! How can you possibly ask a lady about such things?" she teased gently. "What if we were discussing... Sister Lorien’s private matters? If I told you her secrets, how could the poor dear ever face you again without being terribly embarrassed?"

Sister Lorien?

Renjiro looked at Elaria with mild surprise. Hearing her refer to Lorien so familiarly, like a close sister, and seeing her playful, slightly matchmaking tone... he hadn’t expected Elaria to be thinking along those lines already. She seemed to be a step ahead of him when it came to potential relationships within their growing community.

He wisely decided not to push the matter further. "Alright, alright, point taken," he chuckled.

Elaria smoothly changed the subject as well. "Your Majesty," she asked, a touch of longing entering her voice, "when will we be able to return to the forest? Back to the greenery?"

For Elaria, the deep woods were her true home. It was clear she missed it.

After all, she confessed softly, "I have lived my entire life within the ancient forests. I never left them before... this is the first time I have ever traveled so far away from the trees."

Renjiro’s expression softened. "Don’t worry," he reassured her. "It won’t be too much longer. We just need to wait until the summoned elves finish mining out that underground gold vein we found. With ten thousand elves working, it should take them a bit more than half a month to get all the gold out."

Elaria nodded, understanding the need for resources. "And after we go back," she continued, her eyes thoughtful, "are you planning to officially establish an Elf Territory then?"

"Yes, exactly!" Renjiro confirmed with a decisive nod. The timing felt right. Plus, the deadline for that system task the one requiring him to establish a kingdom was getting closer.

Elaria thought for a moment, tapping a finger against her chin. "In that case," she said, her eyes lighting up with an idea, "you could start preparing the Messenger Arrows now!"

Renjiro looked puzzled. "Messenger Arrows? What are those?" The term sounded intriguing. That weird number ’693’ flashed in his mind again, maybe an old system tag for this item?

Elaria explained enthusiastically, "Your Majesty, the Messenger Arrow is a secret magic art of our elf people, passed down from the glorious days of the ancient Elf Empire! It’s quite wonderful. Your Majesty just needs to magically seal your message words, or even an image inside a special magic stone. Then, you attach the stone to a specially crafted elf arrow and shoot it into the air. The arrow will then fly by itself to find the target location you intend!"

Her eyes shone with pride in her heritage. "It doesn’t matter how far! Whether it’s the Western Sea where the mighty dragons make their home, or the Orc King’s royal court deep within the vast grasslands the Messenger Arrow can reach it quickly and reliably! Back when the great Elf Empire needed to call its armies together from all across the land, they used these Messenger Arrows to send their commands."

Renjiro was genuinely stunned. He hadn’t expected the old Elf Empire to have such advanced communication magic. That was far beyond simple messenger birds or riders.

"Wow," he murmured. "That... that changes things. That makes everything much more convenient!" His mind immediately grasped the possibilities. "We could use these Messenger Arrows right away! We can use them to send out invitations to all the major races and powers across the continent, inviting them to attend the official ceremony marking the founding of our new Elf Territory!"

Elaria’s mind was working along the same lines, but she thought of another angle too.

"And Your Majesty," she added, her voice filled with hope, "when your name, the name of the new Elf King, spreads far and wide across the Continent... I believe we will soon start receiving Messenger Arrows back! Messages from other elf clans, hidden elves living in distant lands, hearing about you and wanting to connect!"

Renjiro felt a surge of excitement, agreeing enthusiastically. "Yes! It won’t just be the elves I summon. More and more elves, scattered elves finding hope again, will hear the call and gather here, to our Elf Territory!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Elaria beamed, her belief absolute. "They will come back! Our people will be united again!"

Her smile at that moment was truly radiant, as beautiful and full of life as a blossoming flower in the morning sun.

And Renjiro suddenly felt a strong conviction settle within him.

Protecting that smile, ensuring that the hope shining in Elaria’s eyes and the smiles of all his future elf subjects never faded... that seemed like a very important, very worthwhile goal for a king. A duty he would gladly embrace.

Life had settled into a peaceful rhythm here. Clustered protectively around the three immense, ancient trees that marked the heart of their new home, a charming village of elf houses had sprung up.

Built with natural grace, blending wood and living branches, these homes looked like they had grown right out of the mountainside.

Surrounding them were countless patches of vibrant, beautiful flowers in every imaginable color, filling the air with sweet scents and painting the landscape with cheerful hues. It was a truly picturesque scene, radiating peace and harmony with nature.

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.