Mage Legend
Chapter 309: Episode 14 Past_3

Chapter 309: Episode 14 Past_3

Lynch nodded, this situation was within his expectations. Finding an identity for Zilvra on the surface was indeed a difficult task.

"This time, the Dark Elf is your companion, and I trust your judgment," the Empress said, "Your judgment is so precise, even the best Prophets would envy it. However, I must consider the will of the entire elf race, and I cannot set a precedent by offering Salantir’s protection to a Dark Elf. If she comes with you, we will welcome her; but if she comes alone, this place will still be dangerous. So, you must continue to keep this secret."

"I understand your meaning, Your Majesty. The opposition between the elves and Dark Elves cannot vanish with just my words."

"Actually, I’m quite glad you were honest with me, Mage. When you entered the Erutalon River, I had already sensed the presence of a Dark Elf. This blessed river water reacts to potential dangers."

"So you already knew everything," Lynch looked up, observing the calm expression of the Elf Queen.

"In this matter, I cannot disregard the facts that elves have a generous tolerance. So, even as the Empress, I cannot grant your request, my apologies."

"No need to apologize, Your Majesty," Lynch said, "In fact, I should thank you for your honesty. As an elf, accepting a drow within the borders of Salantir is already remarkable."

Empress Hernfurry looked up at the stars, her white robes seemed like the moon itself, suddenly emitting a holy glow. Slowly, her feet left the ground, floating a few inches in the air.

The wind in the ’Secret Realm’ suddenly ceased, and everything became still except for the floating Elf Queen.

"Her belonging is in the sky, a beautiful city, free like a bird between blue skies and white clouds," the Elf Queen said as she descended, the light on her robe gradually fading, "I cannot use the Space-Time Marker, this is the limit of my foresight. The Dark Elf’s destination is not in Salantir, I’m afraid you will have to continue searching."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Lynch said, "Exhausting your Heart Power to provide us guidance is the best gift already."

"Go, child. From the first day of your arrival, disturbed your rest, and spoke of these confidential and distressing matters. Now, go rest. Farewell, friend."

Returning to the room where he stayed, Lynch finally felt a tinge of fatigue. Primarily, he felt weary from failing to find suitable shelter for Zilvra. As he lifted the curtain, he found the female drow was already awake, fully armed, standing in front of Soka’s hammock.

"Where are you planning to go?" Lynch asked.

"No, I wasn’t planning to go anywhere," Zilvra sighed with relief upon seeing the Mage, "Seeing you absent, and knowing this place is inhabited by elves, I felt a bit scared."

"Don’t worry, no one will harm you," Lynch walked to Zilvra’s side, "Neither I nor you will be subjected to external harm."

"I don’t know," Zilvra said, "I don’t know why it’s like this. Maybe the beauty of the Elf Kingdom struck my heart, or snapped a tense string within me. I don’t know what’s happening to me suddenly. Sometimes I even miss the sensation of hunting prey in the Underdark, where the tension and bloodthirstiness strangely put me at ease. Now, here, I’m somewhat at a loss. I... I suddenly don’t know who I am or why I came here."

Lynch watched Zilvra, noticing the Dark Elf slightly trembling. He said, "That’s because you left that dark place, yet your habits and memories try to pull you back. Like an addiction, it always tempts you from the depths of your body and mind," Lynch said, "When I call you Zilvra, the past that this name brings chains your soul, and truly breaking free isn’t easy."

"Why can you always view issues rationally?" Zilvra asked, "Though your words make sense, and I warn myself like this in my heart, it doesn’t help much. What should I do to truly break free from all this?"

"Think more about why you left the underground, how that dark environment harmed you. On those sleepless nights filled with fear and doubt, how much suffering and pain did you endure?" Lynch said, "Or, you could change your name, completely abandoning the mark of the Dark Elf?"

Zilvra shook her head, "Changing my name is just a self-deceptive act. If so, I’d rather you use a spell to alter my memory, so I completely forget my past."

Lynch also shook his head, "Spells to alter memory could damage your mind, possibly turning you into a madman." His voice suddenly softened, "You know, I would never do anything to harm you."

The two suddenly stopped speaking, standing face to face. Zilvra’s gaze focused on Soka on the bed beside her, the little angel’s round belly humorously exposed. Lynch’s perceptive sight wandered out the window, watching the rain that had begun to drizzle again. Did the Elf Queen know there would be a lull between two rains, prompting her visit?

The silent atmosphere lingered for a while until their gazes met again. Zilvra still couldn’t read the Mage’s thoughts from his ever-rotating pupils. At times like this, Lynch seemed distant, hard to approach.

The female drow sighed softly.

The Mage stepped back half a step, his eyes returning to normal. For the Dark Elf before him, there was no need to observe with a defensive gaze, erecting an unseen barrier.

Zilvra’s silver-white hair gently swayed in the night breeze, bouncing as if alive. Lynch reached his hand over, instinctively wanting to stroke those pure white strands.

However, the Mage embraced Zilvra in his arms.

The female drow seemed startled, her muscles immediately tensed, and both hands reached for the hilts of her swords. But the familiar black robe pressed against her cheek, and a scent mixed with strange medicinal herbs wafted over. As if enchanted, she relaxed, motionless, allowing the Mage to hold her.

Soka squinted, watching the scene through long lashes. It was her first time disguising herself and engaging in such ’sneaky’ behavior, naturally causing her little heart to pound wildly.

The fine rain outside still fell, and the songs of elves rose once more. This time, they were slowly expressing, with ethereal voices, their hopes for tomorrow...