Steampunk Era: Mad Abield
Chapter 341: Section 233: Everyone is a bridge to happiness for each other (2)

Chapter 341: Section 233: Everyone is a bridge to happiness for each other (2)

Peering out of the carriage window, Malin saw Cohen near the entrance to the Underground City not far away. He whistled, and Milani who was combing her hair, hopped back into Malin’s hood.

After adjusting his collar, Malin pushed open the carriage door and jumped down once the carriage had stopped.

"Why hasn’t Logan come?" Cohen was dressed in formal adventurer attire today. He noticed Malin was alone.

It seemed to be out of curiosity that he asked.

Malin shook his head, "That guy can’t make it, he twisted his back last night."

"Oh, that curious bastard, I’ve seen his girlfriend, lucky chap!" Cohen pointed at Malin and laughed like a pig’s head blooming in boiling water.

"Let’s go." Malin said with a smile, slapping Cohen’s back, "Let’s get your business sorted out early, I still have a dinner to attend."

"A dinner?" As they started walking, Cohen asked as if in passing.

"An elven ambassador." Malin mentioned with some annoyance, for he had thought long and hard and really did not expect an elven ambassador to seek him out— in his mind, it should have been the Half-humans and Dwarves first, as he had business dealings with both sides, and his relationship with the Dwarves was the closest.

But what he did not expect was that, just after returning to the Goddess of Harvest Inn with Matilda, and before the girl had finished bathing, the elven ambassador showed up at the door, spinning Malin’s head with rapid-fire High Elvish— he indeed understood High Elvish, which was a blessing given to him by Lorrin in this alternate timeline, but an ambassador shouldn’t talk that fast.

It took Malin half a day of talking to make him understand why Malin wouldn’t sell that thing to them, then they indicated they would join the meeting taking place in several days.

Cohen expressed his surprise at the elven ambassador, "You are truly impressive, having an elven ambassador seeking business with you and even inviting you for a meal."

"Well, actually it’s both the elves and the Mage Tower." Malin was initially puzzled why the elves had involved members of the Mage Tower, but when he realized that at least the High-Order Mages of the Mage Tower were all Legendary, and each one a member of the Silver Folk, he came to some understanding—both parties were most eager for mass production of automated armor, so they teamed up, at the end of the day still hoping to secure Malin’s approval before anyone else.

Or perhaps they thought Malin might be persuaded by other organizations and wanted to follow Malin to see his performance.

As for why they did not send someone to follow Malin, he also expressed a certain amount of puzzlement—how could they be so anxious on one hand, and so trusting on the other, what exactly was their game?

.........

Meanwhile, the elven ambassador and the Carter of the Capital branch of the Mage Tower were having tea with a very petite lady, sitting at the top of the South Watchtower that boasted the Capital’s tallest spire, both Legendary characters barely daring to breathe in front of this woman.

"This time, as a messenger, I’ve come to inform you, who are Elves, and you, who are Mages, that we have observed signs of a Chaos invasion. Prior to this, at least three preliminary invasions were thwarted, which is an incredibly rare stroke of luck." The petite lady sipped her tea, then turned to the Tower Master of the Mage Tower, "You should know, right?"

"Yes, my lady, once in Parol City, once in Carterburg, once in Silent Hill, of which two were directly related to Mr. Malin and one indirectly linked to him," the old Tower Master said, "we are aware of the promises Mr. Malin has made, and we have notified all Noble Mages to not stand against Mr. Malin in any events involving him."

"I know your Mage Tower is trustworthy, and I came because I fear your thirst for knowledge might eventually lead you to a split with him. With the countdown to the invasion drawing ever nearer, I hope you can unite, just as you did when you signed the Civil Concord Treaty under my husband’s encouragement. If that sect thinks it has spread its wings, then let my husband handle it personally," the petite lady said with a smile.

The elven ambassador fondly touched his chest, "This time, along with that old gentleman who died in battle, there were two young elves. We thought it would be the hunters who’d handle it, so we considered assigning some Rangers to assist him. Now, it seems that those youngsters having the honor to follow your husband’s side is truly their glory."

"My lady, we will forever bear your grace in our hearts," the old Tower Master touched his chest.

"There’s no need for thanks," the lady said, "My husband simply heeded the call of justice from that girl all those years ago. He came here only to ensure that justice would prevail eternally. The struggle against Chaos and death is part of our everyday life, these are but trivial assists. However, as beings from another plane, to truly save this world, you must take action yourselves." At this, the little lady turned to look at the elf, "And you, long-eared kin, I may not have heard of Malin’s plan, but I understand somewhat of his intentions. He wants to unite you, to share this armor amongst yourselves, so that all organizations may possess all knowledge, which will benefit all of you."

"Indeed, my lady, I do grasp Mr. Malin’s thoughts, but my lady, we elves will forever battle on the front lines against Chaos, while among humans, there is far too much uncertainty." The elf ambassador bowed his head, "My lady, our loyalty to this world, haven’t you and your husband seen it over these five centuries? We are trustworthy. As for Mr. Malin... I think he should understand us better. Though he shares lineage with giants, his appearance is more akin to an elf, is it not?"

"It is for this reason that we grant you such an opportunity. Be they humans, dwarves, or half-humans, each has their unique knowledge and legacy. Don’t you wish to learn from each other? Or perhaps, do you fear that the Silver Folk may surpass you in this regard?" The little lady smiled, reaching out her hand, and a tiny fairy servant approached with an acorn, "Here is a fruit that I believe you’ll find useful, right?"

"My lady... I understand. Your kindness will be etched in our hearts." The elf ambassador’s hand trembled as he took the acorn and held it in front of him, "My lady, should Chaos invade, per the alliance, the elves will unite with Sydney and the Western kingdoms. But as for the Eastern kingdoms..." "There is no need to worry there, whether it is the Thanan or the Yang people, they have their own faith, and they possess their pride and fearless convictions. These are the anthems to humanity itself."

At this, the little lady suddenly twisted her head to look southward.

The elf ambassador and the Tower Master of the Mage Tower turned to look as well.

"What’s wrong, my lady?" The Tower Master asked in surprise, for he sensed no danger.

"Nothing much, I just felt the presence of an old friend’s son... Both of you, please consider Malin’s ideas earnestly. He freely offers his work for all of you to study—an indisputable testament to his character. So, please, set aside your respective grievances in his presence. The Dark Era will eventually pass and together, the races will save this world. Do not let the surge of Chaos engulf it all." The lady turned to them, "Similarly, my sister will negotiate with the dwarves and half-humans. As for humans, our friends will aid in the explanation. Rest assured that once Malin completes his humble tasks, we shall arrange your meeting as swiftly as possible."

"That would be most appreciated, my lady."

Both figures stood as the little lady rose, immediately also standing to bow with a hand over their chests.

Only when her presence had faded did the two legends dare to raise their heads.

"She is truly the wife of Nameless, more powerful than any deity I’ve encountered in my life, even as a mere avatar of hers... Overwhelmingly so. I can’t even harbor disrespect." The old Tower Master sighed, then turned to the elf beside him, "The amount of materials from your Eternal Night Island’s ancient elf trees have been decreasing lately. I had thought you were tightening exports in preparation for the new Tide of the Dead, but it seems... your ancient trees have truly been corrupted?"

"When the lady mentioned it today, I could not deny it. The corruption has indeed put our ancient trees at risk. With reduced materials, fewer offspring, our council has forbidden the sale of materials and is desperately seeking the technology from before the Great Destruction... But with this, our ancient trees might see new life," the ambassador said, looking at the old Tower Master, "Honored Tower Master, I implore you to keep this secret."

"Of course, I am a mage, not a gossipmonger like some humans or half-humans." The Tower Master said, his thick dwarven beard peeking out from beneath his hood.

"Thank you for your understanding, Tower Master. About the noon banquet..." "Consider it an effort to bridge relations with Mr. Malin," said the ambassador. "As the lady made clear, the child is like a collective of both you and us."

At that, both the elf and the dwarf couldn’t help but offer a wry smile.

If one were to judge the most obstinate race in the world, elves and dwarves might very well be tied for that distinction.

And if one had to single out someone, then letting a dwarf and an elf fall in love and bear a child would be the quintessential example.

Though dwarves and elves falling in love would never happen, when hearing this sarcastic joke, even they would reveal a forced smile—for this joke was, in fact, a chilling truth.

When they learned that Malin indeed possessed such a strong, stubborn heart, there was more than helplessness: there was awe and joy.

For only someone so steadfast would not be swayed by the myriad temptations of this world.

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