The forest of Heiner and the Empire.
On the border lies the Barony of Heiner.
The lord of this land, Baron Heiner, had recently received three astonishing pieces of news.
The first, of course, was that both his daughter and son had been accepted into the Academy.
The Academy is a place where even noble families struggle to send even one of their children.
Some call the Academy a playground for the privileged, but that’s only half true.
In reality, most children from the great noble families near the capital attend the Academy.
However, they don’t use underhanded methods.
In the end, everyone gets in purely on their own merit.
Thus, while it is a playground for some, it also offers opportunities for those who are pushed aside.
If you work hard.
If you have talent.
You can stand at the center and prove yourself.
And now, both his daughter and son had been accepted into that very Academy.
Just that alone could elevate the status of the barony.
How could this not be astonishing?
When he first heard the news, he hugged his children and danced around with joy.
The second piece of news was that his treasures had almost been lost forever.
On their way to the capital, following the planned route, a dungeon had formed nearby.
Monsters had even appeared, and one of those cursed beings had hurled a rock towards his children.
If it had hit them, the baron would now be preparing their funerals.
[The two elves who accompanied them saved them.]
In that perilous moment, the elves he had hired as a precaution had done their job.
They accomplished what even the knights of his domain would have struggled to do.
Upon hearing this, the baron had to once again pat himself on the back for his decision.
If he hadn’t made the request and simply sent them with an escort, disaster would have struck.
Finally, the third piece of news. This was the most astonishing of all.
More than his children being accepted into the Academy.
More than them nearly dying.
The news brought by the head steward just moments ago was the most unbelievable.
“What did you just say?”
“Uh, a large group of elves has visited the barony. And their reason is to head to the Empire.”
“…”
The Barony of Heiner is located not far from the Great Forest, the stronghold of the elves.
Thus, whether he liked it or not, he had learned much about the elven race.
For example, they do not eat meat.
They have no interest in human affairs.
Even if some are curious, they rarely leave the Great Forest in large numbers.
For that reason, the first possibility that came to mind upon hearing the steward’s words was this:
“…Are they planning to attack?”
The magical prowess of elves far surpasses that of ordinary mages.
Their spirit magic is so advanced that the Empire’s renowned spirit mages all have elves as their mentors.
Even their archery, which they consider the lowest of skills, surpasses that of the Empire’s rangers.
Yet, the Empire has not stationed troops near the Great Forest.
Over the years, the elves have shown no interest in expanding their territory.
In fact, being overly cautious might provoke them, so it’s best to leave them be.
But what if, just what if, the elves’ mindset has changed.
What if they are no longer content with the Great Forest and now aim to conquer the entire continent?
Could this barony withstand their attack and relay the news?
‘It’s nonsense. We wouldn’t last an hour, let alone a day.’
So he had to ask.
If it were true, he needed to leave some final words.
Fortunately, the steward, upon hearing the baron’s question, shook his head in response.
“No, my lord. That’s not it. They wish to formally engage with the Empire.”
“…What?”
Did I hear that right?
The elves want to do what with our Empire?
For a moment, the baron stood dumbfounded, then let out a soft chuckle.
It would be more realistic if the elves had suddenly decided to wage war on the Empire.
Given their power and abilities, which far surpass humans, it would make sense.
But what?
The elves suddenly want to engage with the Empire?
Not just a few elves wanting to experience the human world, but the entire group?
“Steward. Am I dreaming right now?”
“I also thought I was dreaming when I first heard the report, so I checked several times.”
“So this situation is real?”
Even if I report this to the capital, no one would believe it.
Who in the Empire would take the statement ‘The elves want to engage with us?’
Seriously?
Nine out of ten.
No, ten out of ten would say, ‘Stop dreaming and get back to bed!’
“Uh, but my lord. The elf at the forefront seems to be that elf.”
“That elf?”
“The male elf you entrusted with the care of the young lady and young master. One of the two.”
“What?”
How does that make sense?
It hasn’t been long since they went to the capital, and now they’re back from the Great Forest?
Moreover, they return saying they want to engage with the Empire?
“First, I need to meet these elves.”
The current atmosphere is undoubtedly a crisis for the barony.
If the elves have come in such numbers, there will surely be chaos in the domain.
If things go wrong, this already precarious place could completely collapse.
But. If the elves truly wish to engage.
If those arrogant forest dwellers have suddenly changed their minds.
Then the Barony of Heiner could serve as the first point of contact with the elves.
If that happens, the Empire’s mages and spirit mages would flock here.
‘And mages and spirit mages. Maintaining such positions requires immense wealth, which isn’t easy to come by. But once you’re in such a position, accumulating wealth isn’t too difficult.’
The influx of outsiders would play a crucial role in revitalizing the domain’s economy.
Especially if those outsiders are individuals of immense wealth and power?
I can guarantee that this barony would achieve tremendous development in no time.
“Long time no see, Baron.”
“…Indeed.”
At the arranged meeting, the baron couldn’t help but sigh.
As the steward had said, the elf before him was indeed the one he had entrusted with his request.
And not long ago, he had also saved his children, the treasures of this barony.
“Tyreal, was it?”
“Baron?”
“I’ve heard the story. You saved my children. As a father, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the savior of my children.”
The elf, Tyreal, seemed quite flustered by the formal address, scratching the back of his head.
Seeing such behavior, it was clear that this elf was different from any he had met before.
An elf, yet not quite like an elf.
More akin to a human, perhaps.
“I merely fulfilled the request you made, Baron. It was the duty of any rational being.”
“Your words only deepen my gratitude.”
Raising his head, the baron glanced at the elves surrounding Tyreal.
…They all look quite young.’
It wasn’t common, but elves did periodically pass through the barony on their way to the Empire.
Though the process wasn’t exactly pleasant, it had allowed him to observe and learn certain things.
One of those was how to distinguish the age of elves, and there were notable characteristics.
Most of the elves heading to the human world were those who had undergone their coming-of-age ceremony and were in what humans would consider middle age.
And they all wore numerous ornaments that seemed to signify their age.
Especially earrings or rings made of flowers and stems, but the elves before him were different.
They didn’t seem to wear such ornaments.
If they did, it was only one.
Moreover, the disdainful gaze elves usually had towards humans was faint in their eyes.
Those eyes were, well, like those of children.
Full of curiosity, the gaze of the young.
“I heard that the forest dwellers who came here wish to engage.”
“That’s correct. In fact, the capital has likely already received this news. And they’re probably preparing for it.”
“The capital, you say?”
“Yes. In fact, some of the elves here are set to enroll in the Academy.”
Enroll where?
The Empire’s Academy?
Who? Elves??
It was beyond belief, bordering on absurdity.
How could it be?
That proud race.
Those who live in their own superiority.
Have decided to enter the educational institution of the humans they so despised?
“It’s hard to believe, isn’t it? I understand. It would have been impossible before.”
Tyreal smiled.
A strangely chilling smile.
“But not anymore. From now on, we will change, little by little.”
“…”
As he watched, the baron had a sudden thought.
He was clearly facing an elf named Tyreal.
So why did it feel like he was standing before the most terrifying monster, an ogre?