Chapter 236: Ch 236: The Elves- Part 1
Under the clear skies and crisp winds, Kyle’s village looked peaceful on the surface.
The workers were returning to their fields, the guards were back to their routines, and the children dared to play near the outer fences again.
But beneath that surface calm was a persistent unease that threaded through the villagers’ hearts.
Ever since the prisoners from Okla were brought in, tension had seeped into the atmosphere like smoke in still air.
The people knew those prisoners once held weapons against them. That they were, by order or belief, enemies.
And yet, they also saw the fear in those sa prisoners’ eyes—the hollow defeat, the betrayal they suffered from their own Grand Priest.
There was pity, yes.
But suspicion, too. The air was cold one day, warm the next—just like the villagers’ reception to the prisoners.
Kyle leaned against the balcony rail outside his temporary office, eyes narrowed in thought as Bruce approached.
“Young master, I’ve co to report the situation. The villagers are… conflicted. So try to be kind to the Okla prisoners, others refuse to even speak to them. There’s tension brewing.”
Bruce said after a small bow.
Kyle didn’t answer imdiately.
He let the breeze stir his cloak, watching the villagers below move about their tasks.
“Let it be. These things settle themselves in ti. Forced unity leads only to deeper resentnt. Trust must grow on its own.”
He finally said.
Bruce nodded, though he still looked unsure.
Before he could reply, the Grand Duchess Amanda stepped into the room. Her long cloak brushed the ground, her expression composed but not unreadable.
“I’ve already sent a full report to the Crown Prince. I included every detail of what happened—about the saintess, the curse, the Grand Priest’s retreat, and the prisoners.””
She said calmly.
Kyle turned to her.
“And?”
Amanda’s eyes darkened slightly.
“The kingdom of Clertion has denied any involvent. They claim the Temple acted without authorization.”
Kyle gave a dry laugh.
“Of course they did. No emperor wants to admit failure or association with a defeated plot. Humans hide their mistakes behind crowns and holy veils alike.”
Amanda looked away for a mont, perhaps agreeing, perhaps rembering her own burdens.
“Regardless, the Temple could not have acted alone. Their resources weren’t enough for such widespread corruption and control. Soone powerful backed them.”
She said.
“I’ve already assud as much. It’s only a matter of ti before they show themselves.”
Kyle replied.
Amanda folded her arms.
“Then perhaps it is ti for to return to my territory. The longer I stay here, the more attention it draws.”
She turned to lissa, who had entered quietly during the discussion.
“lissa, co with . I have skilled doctors, scholars even. They might be able to slow or remove the curse you’ve been marked with.”
But lissa took a step back, shaking her head.
“No, thank you, Grand Duchess. I appreciate your offer, but I won’t leave my young master.”
“lissa, this isn’t a matter of pride”
Amanda began, her voice not unkind.
“I know. But it is a matter of loyalty. Even if this curse kills , I will die serving Kyle. That’s my choice.”
lissa said firmly.
Amanda narrowed her eyes slightly.
“You’re stubborn.”
lissa t her gaze.
“Yes, I am. And I don’t regret it.”
There was a pause. Kyle glanced at Amanda, and for a fleeting second, sothing like concern crossed her face. But it vanished quickly, replaced by her usual calm.
“Very well. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
She said, her voice curt.
“Thank you—for everything. I’ll send word if the situation changes after you leave..”
lissa let out a quiet breath. Kyle walked over and placed a hand on her head.
“You didn’t have to be that dramatic.”
lissa stood in the hall with clenched fists, her voice resolute as she said.
“I won’t go. I’m staying with the young master no matter what.”
Bruce sighed and looked at her with deep concern.
“lissa, this isn’t the ti to be stubborn. You’ve been cursed, and we don’t know how stable it is. The Grand Duchess’s territory has better resources, better doctors—”
“I don’t care. I’m not leaving his side. I owe him everything. I’d rather die here than—”
lissa snapped.
“Enough.”
Kyle’s voice cut through the room like a blade.
lissa flinched and turned toward him. Kyle’s face was unreadable, but there was steel in his eyes as he approached her.
“I have no use for soldiers who are so eager to throw their lives away. Is your loyalty so shallow that you’d die without thinking? What good is your loyalty to if you’re too dead to act on it?””
He said coldly.
lissa opened her mouth but couldn’t find a retort. Her heart stung.
But as Kyle looked at her steadily, she realized that this wasn’t rejection—it was his way of protecting her. He would never order her to leave, but this was as close as he’d co.
Her lips trembled.
“So… you’re ordering to go?”
“I’m telling you that you’re more useful to alive.”
Kyle said quietly.
Her shoulders sagged, and she lowered her gaze.
“…I understand.”
The Grand Duchess stepped forward and placed a hand on lissa’s shoulder.
“I’ll take good care of her. You have my word, Kyle.”
Kyle nodded, though his eyes lingered on lissa a mont longer.
“See to it that she recovers. She’s one of mine.”
Amanda gave him a slight smile, but her tone remained professional.
“And what about you? What’s your next move?”
Kyle turned and looked toward the distant horizon through the window.
“I was going to hire a renowned human physician, soone who specialized in magical afflictions. But I’ve changed my mind. I want an elf instead.”
He said.
Amanda raised a brow.
“An elf? That’s ambitious. You know they rarely leave their forests, let alone work for humans.”
“They’re better with mana. If I want soone to understand the curse on lissa—or anything else we may uncover—I’ll need soone who views magic as an extension of life, not just a tool.”
“You won’t get one easily. Even if you find one, they’ll likely turn you down.”
Amanda warned.
Kyle allowed himself a faint smile.
“I’m not worried. I have a plan.”
Amanda studied him for a mont and chuckled softly.
“You always do.”
Amanda gave Kyle a long look, then turned her attention to lissa, who was still staring at the floor with mixed emotions.
“We’ll leave by morning. Rest for tonight, lissa.”
She said gently.
lissa didn’t respond but nodded stiffly. Bruce walked her out, casting a glance back at Kyle before disappearing down the hallway.
Once they were gone, Amanda crossed her arms.
“I hope you know what you’re doing, Kyle. Elves aren’t just proud—they rember grudges for centuries. One wrong word, and they’ll shut you out entirely.”
“I know. “But I’m not approaching them as a noble or a soldier. I’m going as… sothing else.”
Kyle replied.
Amanda raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further.
“Just be careful. The Queen has already stirred divine attention, and if word spreads about what you’re building here, you’ll have more than cursed priests and experints knocking on your door.”
Kyle nodded.
“That’s why I need allies who aren’t bound by the politics of humans or gods.”
Amanda smiled faintly.
“Then may fortune favor your silver tongue.”
As she turned to leave, Kyle looked down at his hand—the faint warmth of the baby dragon still lingering there.
“…I’ll need more than fortune.”
He muttered.
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