Vina couldn’t hold it in and burst out laughing.
“Little Ai, you’re so bad. Someone helped us, and you’re still plotting against her.”
Ayla pouted.
“That’s not necessarily true. They might just be speaking their minds, not really trying to help anyone.”
For example, the one who just stepped out to apologize—calling it an apology, but her expression was still arrogant.
This little episode didn’t have much impact.
Talking about the Tai Dingjue matter was more awkward for the Royal Family and the high officials of the Prince Faction, while the others didn’t really care.
Grell smiled and continued reading the script, introducing the girls one by one.
Meanwhile, the Elf Delegation began discussing quietly.
“The one with blue hair, she earned the Human Kingdom’s Sword Saint title at fifteen. She’s highly skilled in swordsmanship.”
“Wow, that early? At fifteen, I was still…”
“You can’t compare it like that. Humans only live about a hundred years.”
“The red-haired one is said to be a Magic Genius.”
“Human Magic is rough and barbaric. So what if she’s a genius?”
“What about the black-haired one? What is she good at?”
“Seems like scouting and being a scout.”
“Ridiculous. The Human Kingdom is mostly plains. How can they compare with our Elf Rangers?”
No matter how much Princess Grell praised them, the Elf Delegation could always find flaws.
And by the time she introduced the last one, even the Kingdom officials were running out of words.
“Miss Ayla from an unknown small village, rising from humble beginnings with lofty ambitions, an irreplaceable member of this team!”
The civil official had done his best, but that was all he could write.
He couldn’t very well say Miss Ayla was a master of invincible Necromancy, her ultimate move being the Undead Minor Catastrophe, summoning bones and Undead to terrify her enemies—they didn’t even know themselves.
The Elf Delegation frowned deeply as they listened.
“How did she sneak her way in?”
“Maybe because of her big chest. Also, she’s pretty.”
“I heard the Human Kingdom has a phrase called ‘worldly affairs.'”
Despite the hiccups, the main event went smoothly enough.
Princess Grell and the others smiled and applauded.
Next came the grand banquet.
The four girls were seated at the main table, with people coming over from time to time to offer toasts.
The Elf Delegation was at the adjacent VIP table, accompanied by Royal Family members and a few high officials.
“Why do I feel like we’re the side characters today?”
Vina tugged Ayla’s sleeve.
“Didn’t Teacher Rolls say today was supposed to be about us?”
“In theory, yes. Even in theory, the future belongs to us.”
Ayla speared a small piece of steak.
“But in reality, unexpected things always happen.”
Why worry so much?
Isn’t it nice to enjoy the state banquet?
Munch munch munch.
In fact, only she and Zero could actually eat. People kept coming over—some from the army to chat with Celes, others from the Magic Court, congratulating Little Vina on finally accomplishing something, making teachers and elders cry tears of joy.
After the meal was free time. Most of the guests who attended the ceremony left, and only a few remained.
The girls could have left too, but Vina stopped everyone.
“It’s such a rare chance to come here. Wouldn’t it be a waste to leave so soon? I saw them taking the Elf Delegation to the flowerbed area. Let’s go join the fun.”
Ayla had a reasonable suspicion—the main reason she didn’t want to leave was because the Magic Court was waiting at the door.
The Little Witch who caused so much mischief at home had accomplished such great deeds—good ones at that.
The old men were so moved they cried at the banquet. Who knows how much they wanted to say in private.
But the reason was valid, and no one objected.
The flowerbed was divided into inner and outer sections.
The larger Royal Garden was technically outside, while inside was a Small Garden full of rare flowers.
As they got closer, they could hear voices.
Princess Grell and her husband led two male elves around the flowerbed, while a Minister shared Kingdom affairs with two female elves, telling them about a hundred years of development and change.
As for the bold elf loli who spoke up earlier, she was led off to the side by Maken.
“Miss Silitya, I know the delegation was chosen from among the finest young elves, and you’re the youngest, so you must be the most talented.”
He even knew her name. Looks like the conversation was going well.
“Of course. But why bring this up now? Are you trying to ask me for something?”
Oh, she has some brains.
“Naturally, our side seeks aid from the great Elf Tribe. It’s public knowledge.”
Maken said elegantly.
“We greatly admire many things about your people, especially the Dilu and Dragon Hawk—moving like the wind. We hope to bring some to our side so we mortals can also feel the Great Forest Goddess’s blessing.”
Upon hearing this, the elf loli’s nose nearly turned upward.
“Our Elf Tribe has many fine things, but you’ll have to discuss it with the Elders.”
“I’m ashamed. Compared to the Elf Tribe, the Human Race lacks so many things. I have little confidence in trading for your treasures.”
“True. Before we set out, the Elders said if it weren’t for the matter of the Holy Spring Seal requiring your help, we wouldn’t have bothered accepting the invitation. We already have everything we need.”
A glimmer flashed in Maken’s eyes.
“Holy Spring Seal?”
Ayla slapped her thigh.
Oh-damn it!.
No.
The simple-minded one meant for baiting had been intercepted!
She wasn’t the only one who noticed her foolishness.
Celes turned to look at her, wanting to say, “Why are you slapping my thigh?” but kept quiet in the end.
Because they were eavesdropping and would be discovered if they spoke.
At that moment, the elf loli finally realized she’d let something slip and clammed up.
Why are humans so devious?
If they went any further, they’d be discovered, so the girls’ shadowing adventure ended there.
Vina checked the time and guessed the old men had mostly left, so she pulled everyone out.
“How boring. I thought they’d start a fight after that speech, but the Princess held back.”
The Little Witch shook her small head in boredom.
“Might as well go back to Camp and watch the drama unfold.”
Celes looked confused.
“Camp? Bonfire Camp? Our lodgings don’t have any drama.”
Zero said nothing, as if she hadn’t heard a thing.
Ayla… Ayla Ayla didn’t dare say a word.
Leaving the Royal Palace and exiting through the main gate, there really weren’t any Magic Court elders waiting outside.
But there was a very beautiful, big-chested blonde girl.
“I heard the Award Ceremony ended,”
Leah smiled elegantly.
“I came to pick you up.”
“You’re too kind! Miss Leah.”
Vina stepped forward.
“So passionate!”
Celes expressed her thanks.
Zero just nodded, a hint of something different in her eyes, but no one noticed.
They all walked toward Camp together.
The two busty girls lagged a bit behind. Leah seized the chance, reached out, and gently pinched the pink-haired girl’s waist.
“I heard all the elf girls who came this time are blonde. Is that true?”
Feeling the pressure on her waist, Ayla felt an odd sense of redemption well up inside.
She’d felt something was missing all day, but now it made sense.
“How could they compare to you? Their hair is just a normal color, without soul. You are the real, radiant gold—brilliant and warm as sunlight. My favorite.”