Chapter 288: Great news!

“In a far past, humans were more intelligent than all demi-human races in our continent… They had intelligence, high adaptation, and numbers to their advantage, claiming many lands,” Yumia started a story of the past, her eyes locked on the chessboard, sometimes peeking into Alex’s eyes.

“Our advantages stemmed from our race characteristics. We were better at many things, depending on the race. However, demi-human people were aware of their lack of intelligence and eyes to see a different perspective.

A different world,” Yumia recalled a harsh life other fairies had gone through. She wasn’t there in a person, yet as the queen, she was aware of all details, being able to draw a clear image of the past.

Forest fairies didn’t look different from humans. They had different instincts, bodies, and mana systems, and their goals significantly differed from humans, even to this day.

Humans were quite insecure, so they built more and more grand buildings and fortresses, taking away nature. On the other hand, forest fairies wanted to be a part of it.

That alone was enough for humans to look down on forest fairies.

And because of that, forest fairies became closer with other demi-humans instead.

“Human kings liked chess. Humans also compared chess to strategic tactics on the battleground, praising the smartest kings who could lead people and play chess. Royalties had their children play chess from childhood, picking up habits.

And we, demi-humans, also picked up this game,” Yumia smiled, poking Alex’s pawn and finishing him again.

The following parts of the story were pretty enjoyable. Alex learned about the methods of various demi-human people to learn the game on their own. It was hilarious how forest fairies used birds to spy on humans.

They had some communication problems with those little birds in the beginning. But step by step, everyone started growing up, turning for the better.

And as human royalties talked about politics and other stuff during the game, demi-human people also picked up some wisdom from them.

“The first demi-human to win against a human king in a chess game hailed from our tribe,” Yumia said with pride and respect, winning a game against Alex again.

But the demi-human races took the most significant shift in their lives when other races from different realms came down to them. Those higher existences shared their wisdom, magic, and treasures.

That was precisely the era of the fastest progress for demi-human races.

Nothing came without a price, though.

“Elves had noticed us. They shared their magic and treasures with us. And we paid them with our underground,” Yumia whispered; her voice was indifferent yet somewhat remorseful as if she had signed the deal with elves.

But other than searching for new lands and experiences, what could those from the higher realm possibly get in weak continents, such as hers? It was undoubtedly because they had a more important goal in their mind.

Back then, forest fairies were elated to have new magic and mana. The royalties felt honored to receive some of the elven blood.

All of that eclipsed their clear judgment.

“Was it worth it?” Yumia whispered, “We’ve lost so many people. Monsters keep respawning in the dungeon. And if we left it alone for a while, the monsters will receive a chance to leave their prison with an intent to kill us.”

Until now, Alex felt nice that the queen could freely talk with him. She seemed happy and proud of her ancestors. But as this question rang out, he felt conflicted thoughts within him.

He still was honest with his mother-in-law, for that was how he was, “There’s no point in dwelling over that, Yumia. We can’t change the past.

The Elven Blood is a precious element, I reckon. If we keep climbing up, leveling until the very peak, you will grasp it entirely. You will start a new life and better life for everyone.

That’s what you should think about,” Alex smiled.

And as Yumia reciprocated his smile, these two continued having a good time with each other.

Alex kept learning about chess and demi-human history. His mother-in-law didn’t feel as lonely as before, having a partner to casually talk with. She spoke the most, yet Alex accepted it wholeheartedly, not giving any wrong impression.

And it wasn’t as if Yumia was nagging.

Their time ended when someone knocked on the doors.

“Mom? Are you here?” Remia’s voice rang out. She stepped in after Yumia replied, looking surprised as Alex had been casually chilling with her mother!

Her eyes widened after spotting golden nectar on the table. These two had been naturally sipping some of it, having their palpates riddled with its addictive taste.

It was like honey, but better!

Alex looked to the side, surprised by Remia’s appearance. She wore her usual white clothes, but her forehead shone brightly, and her cheeks were red. She perspired too much, having some problems breathing.

It looked like she ran her way up here.

Yumia also noticed it, her expression serious, “Has something happened?”

But as Remia didn’t reply, the in-law duo could only look into each other’s eyes. In the meantime, Remia took weak steps toward their table.

She picked up Alex’s glass, pouring more golden nectar into it.

She then gulped it all down, putting down an empty glass with some force behind it, gazing into her mother’s eyes, “It’s precious nectar.

Father took it only on rare occasions… He always emphasized it, didn’t he? Why did you take it out, mom?” Remia kindly asked.

But Yumia just sank more comfortably into her chair, supporting her little head on her right hand, staring into her daughter’s eyes with a smirk on her face, “Didn’t you gobble all of it in one go, Remia?”

“I was just thirsty…” Remia blushed, clenching her dress. It had been a while since she tasted the golden nectar, and as Yumia and Alex had been enjoying it for more than an hour already, she wanted at least one cup of it!

There was nothing wrong with it, was it?

Yumia sneered, “It’s too precious, isn’t it?”

“Mom!” Remia raised her voice a little, not wanting to argue with her mother. Of course, from peeking at the queen’s countenance, Alex inferred that Yumia wanted to have a good time with her daughter, so she wouldn’t let her drop the subject so easily.

As a help, Alex drew Remia closer to himself, taking her onto his lap. He held her dearly, shutting her lips, for it was embarrassing to be intimate before her mother.

But as Alex caressed her arm, Remia felt good enough to not care about her mother and even golden nectar.

“I didn’t know so much time had passed… I might be getting too much into chess,” Alex whispered, staring intensely into Remia’s eyes.

Yumia lifted a cup with golden nectar, whispering “My pleasure,” before pouring it down her throat.

Alex didn’t hear her. He kept his all attention on Remia, “You come from the Deathwill Castle, right? Has something happened here?”

Remia nodded, wrapping her arms around Alex’s neck, replying with a broad smile, “I come with great news!

I can connect to the Elven Crystallized Heart in the main garden with my new setting! I found so many skills and power here!

I will be even stronger and closer to elves!” Remia adorably shouted, feeling great, for her potential soon would match the Deathwill Sisters.

How could she not feel any joy?

Alex and Yumia widened their eyes, for that was indeed great news!