The Minister of the Interior was speaking empty words—how did I realize that?
Considering all the circumstances and everything up until now, his words didn’t quite add up.
While traveling with Elenia, I had heard about the relationship between the Empire and the Elves.
According to that information, some Elves had greatly aided the kingdom that later became the Empire.
And as a gesture of gratitude, humans began treating Elves with the utmost respect.
From that stemmed the principle that, unless it was something that shook the very foundation of the nation, Elves would not be punished under human law.
This is important.
The decision not to punish Elves wasn’t something they demanded.
It was something proposed and enforced by humans themselves.
Whether it was to avoid provoking the Elves or for some other reason.
“But now, suddenly overturning that decision doesn’t make sense. This is just a ploy to gauge our reaction.”
The Empire isn’t foolish.
If they were, they wouldn’t still be standing as an Empire.
They know where the line is.
They know what shouldn’t be touched.
One of those things is how to handle Elves without turning them into enemies.
“…How can you be so certain?”
“If they truly intended to punish Elves, they would have done so long ago. If they decide to start now, the credibility of the justification they have upheld will fade.”
The Elves had agreed to change, and it was undeniable that the Empire had influenced that decision.
If handled skillfully, the Empire could use this as a powerful tool to solidify its position.
Think about it.
The Elves, who never cared about anyone and never showed consideration, were now behaving differently toward the Empire.
How would neighboring kingdoms perceive this?
“Oh, and one more thing. Though it’s unlikely, if the Empire truly intends to go down that path, I will withdraw all the proposals I made and return things to how they were before.”
“…”
“I am doing this solely to restore the greatness of our Elves.
To cleanse the stains and restore the faded brilliance of our name.”
It’s unlikely, but just in case.
If they have misunderstood me as someone who admires humanity and the Empire deeply—
I want to make it clear that such a notion is their delusion, nothing more than a baseless assumption.
I bow my head only because our Elves have wronged the Empire.
But if the Empire were to wrong the Elves, I would make sure they bowed their heads instead.
Right now, nobility and beauty are far from our reach.
That is the only reason for my actions.
“I understand what you mean.”
The Minister nodded, paused to think for a moment, then spoke again.
“I should start with an apology. I said something I didn’t truly mean, just to see your reaction.”
“I expected as much, so I won’t be too angry.”
“Thank you.”
“But the fact remains that you tested us, and since I played along once, I believe I deserve some compensation—”
“—Isn’t it true that you were already certain the Empire would offer something in return?”
Busted.
As expected of someone in a ministerial position, he’s quick-witted.
Either that or his intuition is sharp—maybe he read my expression and made an educated guess.
“The forest people—the Elves—if they are truly striving for change, the Empire must ensure that their efforts are not in vain. I have already discussed this with the Ministry of Education and the Academy. There will be no discriminatory actions within the Academy. Whether human or Elf, all will be treated equally as students.”
“That sounds good.”
“Additionally, those who wish to do so may go through various tests to earn the right to stay at the Academy and teach other students.”
Teaching other students?
I thought that had already happened before.
At least in the fields of magic and spirit arts, I know Elven professors appear from time to time.
I heard that the Empire had to use quite a bit of sweet-talking and persuasion to make it happen, and even then, the appointments never lasted more than a few years.
“Oh, I should clarify. The education I’m talking about isn’t magic or spirit arts. It’s about the Elves themselves. If your people are willing, they may teach about Elven history and culture as much as they see fit.”
“You mean… you’re allowing detailed education about Elven history?”
“Indeed.”
“This is… unexpected. I thought the Empire was particularly uncomfortable with that topic.”
Just as we Elves believe ourselves to be the greatest in the world, the Empire views itself as the pinnacle of the continent.
Because of that, they don’t teach too much about foreign histories or other races.
Scholars might delve deeper as part of their profession, but most others have no reason to do so.
Instead, they spend that time studying the accomplishments of past emperors, fostering greater pride in the Empire.
That’s why even I was a little surprised by the Minister’s statement.
Allowing such teachings could lead to unnecessary unrest within the Empire.
After all, Elves are already known for their exceptional magic, spirit arts, and striking beauty.
Some humans might despise them for it, but others still harbor admiration and illusions about the Elves.
This could spark more than just a positive interest—some might become overly invested in the Elven culture, perhaps even more than they are in their own Empire.
As I voiced my concerns, the Minister chuckled and answered:
“Just as your people will not forget who they are even as they integrate into the Empire, our Empire will not forget its own identity. No matter what, humans cannot become like your kind. We walk different paths, but there is no harm in meeting, conversing, and sharing experiences along the way.”
The Empire, and humans as a whole, have already adapted to the presence of Elves—there will be no excessive fixation.
That is not something for us to worry about. Instead, we should focus on our goals.
“Furthermore, if there are forest dwellers seeking to establish a foothold in the Empire, we will spare no effort in providing support in the name of the Empire.”
“When you say ‘establish a foothold,’ do you mean formally settling down?”
“I’m not hoping for that much. Our Empire understands better than anyone that elves belong to the forest. You can never truly leave the Great Forest, for your souls begin and end there.”
In other words, he wasn’t talking about immigration or permanent settlement.
He meant allowing free movement between the Great Forest and the Empire, placing both on equal footing.
If any issues arose between humans and elves, he was willing to support the formation of a neutral force that could mediate objectively.
It was clear that the Empire was genuinely keeping pace with the elves’ transformation.
This wasn’t just a superficial gesture for the sake of appearances. It was obvious at a glance.
Even in the midst of chaos, they were doing everything they could.
“Oh, there’s one thing I’m curious about. The elves who remain in the barony, who are neither heading to the Academy nor traveling through the Empire on personal journeys—what will happen to them?”
In that case, I suppose I could unveil the gift I had planned to reveal later.
“I intend to carry out a form of public service for the Empire.”
“Public service? What do you mean?”
“When I was on my way to the Academy, I encountered a dungeon and monsters.”
At my words, the minister nodded, recalling the incident with an “Ah, I see.”
Then, he once again expressed gratitude for the help I had provided in saving the baron’s people at the time.
After all, even if it was just a barony near the capital, the death of a noble would inevitably cause problems.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs could not afford to ignore such matters, so their gratitude was only natural.
“…Wait a moment. Could it be…?”
“I’m fairly certain your guess is correct.”
“No, no. If what I’m thinking is true, it would be an incredibly fortunate thing for the Empire, but… Are you sure about this? No matter how I look at it, I doubt the elves will like it.”
Of course, I had already thought this through—that’s why I could speak with such confidence.
Smiling, I recalled the conversation I had with my fellow elves before coming here.
*
“Tyreal, what will you do after stopping by the Academy?”
“As I mentioned before, the Empire is currently struggling because of monsters. I suppose I’ll be helping with that.”
“Are you saying you’ll assist humans by hunting those creatures?”
That would be the case.
I nodded, and Hadishi, who had lived next door to me, tilted his head in curiosity.
“Honestly, I don’t mind, but I don’t think the other elves will be too pleased. Even now, we’re already giving so much to the Empire.”
“This isn’t about giving—it’s about making up for our own mistakes.”
“But the others don’t see it that way. And that’s what matters.”
If Seril had been here, she would have stood by my side, but she was absent at the moment.
So, I had to convince everyone here on my own.
And that wasn’t particularly difficult.
“You’re misunderstanding. This isn’t about helping humans.”
“It’s not? But this is…”
“This is a testing ground for everything we’ve built up over the years—our magic, our spirit arts, all of it.”
“A testing ground?”
“Yes, a testing ground. Aren’t you all curious? About the results of the efforts we’ve poured in for decades? And if we’re going to test it, wouldn’t it be nice to receive everyone’s praise while we’re at it?”