“Ah… Beautiful,” Winley shouted in shock. She had spoken exactly what was on her mind, because she was too shocked to filter her thoughts.

“Oh my. Thank you, Lady Winley.”

“La… Lady?” Winley mumbled to herself and widened her eyes. She looked at the pure and elegant beauty and the little girl in her arms before glaring at Davey, who could read her thoughts immediately.

“Brother… Don’t tell me?!”

Davey frowned at Winley’s appalled voice. He asked, “What in the world is going on in that head of yours?”

A strikingly beautiful woman… To be precise, it was a girl wearing a hood over her head. She had bright blue hair and emerald eyes that shone brightly under the glare of the light. She was also carrying a little girl in her arms.

This entire sight would definitely arouse anyone’s suspicions. However, the identity of these two people were none other than Yuria Helishana and Myuu.

Creaaaaaaak… Thud.

“Oh my, there are other visitors. I was not aware of that.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

Yuria smiled beautifully at Davey’s reply, then let down the child in her arms.

Myuu immediately ran towards Davey with her wide and sparkling eyes. “Uncle!”

“Goodness, Myuu! We haven’t seen each other in only a few short days but you’ve gained quite a bit of weight, huh? How have you been?”

“Nope! Myuu did not gain weight! Myuu always has fun with Gnoum. With Timmy and Ellie too! I ran around a lot! A loooo~t!”

The four other people present in the room frowned in confusion when they saw the child arguing with Davey. Only after Myuu’s hood fell down from her struggle to get comfortable in Davey’s hold did their frowning gazes stop. They murmured, “Huh?”

“I came to report on the results of the proceedings regarding Elder Condae and the other conservatives. Ah, before I talk about that, it seems like the streets are quite lively?”

“Everything’s bound to be noisy and lively for you, since you took a vacation and skipped work for almost two weeks.”

“Fufu,” Yuria chuckled as she lowered her head and looked at the four people who stared wide-eyed at her. She said, “It’s my first time meeting one of you, but as for the rest of you… Long time no see. Did you miss the tea that I brewed?”

Golgouda’s jaws dropped and his eyes grew wide at Yuria’s words. He could still recognize her despite the slight changes in her appearance. Actually, he was the one who was most familiar with Yuria, who worked as a maid in the estate.

“Y… You… don’t tell me…”

“Let me formally introduce myself. I am Yuria Helishana, the High Elf leading the Moon Forest’s elves located inside the Great Forest. Ah, Mr. Benefactor, from what I can understand, you will be having a joint festival with the dwarves’ Mining Festival?”

“That’s right.”

“Then, please let our Moon Forest participate alongside you. It’s just in time for our Spirit Ceremony too. It’s the perfect event to calm the chaotic and unsettling aura that’s still lingering in the village.”

Listening to Yuria’s words, Davey said with a smirk, “You’re going to drag the aggro properly, huh? You think everything’s so simple, huh?”

“Our Moon Forest has rejected the World Tree’s Covenant. Of course, this means that the World Tree’s pledge about staying cut-off from the rest of the world is meaningless to us. Anyway, we’re supposed to reveal ourselves sooner or later… If that’s the case, then I decided that it’s better to just reveal that we’re under your protection in a just and open manner,” Yuria explained with a smile, removing the hood that covered her head.

Everyone gasped when they saw Yuria’s ears, which were longer than Myuu’s ears and gave off a mysterious aura.

***

Elves loved nature dearly and they loathed the thought of it being destroyed. Meanwhile, dwarves loved fire and iron. In a way, one could describe the relationship between the elves and the dwarves as oil and water. It also had to be known that the two races hated losing to each other.

“Ha! No matter what you say, it is us, dwarves, that suggested this festival. Well, you pointy eared forest dwellers can also create some amazing things but you’re still no match to the dwarves when it comes to having fun! Do you really think that elves who live among the grass know how to have fun?”

“Oh my. I’m looking forward to that. But don’t you know? Intelligent creatures tend to flock where there is something new and novel. And don’t ever think that just because we’re called forestfolk that we only know how to caress the flowers with elegance and grace. Although we’re not as fiery and boisterous as the dwarves, we still have our own simple yet vibrant and lively entertainment.”

“Ho? Is that so?”

“Of course. Both elves and dwarves are beings who live in this world. Do you think you’re the only one living a decent life?”

“Then, I’m looking forward to it.”

“I’m also looking forward to what dwarven festivals are like.”

“Hohohohoho!”

“Fufufufu!”

Although they were exchanging bright smiles, Yuria and Golgouda looked like they were about to grab each other by the collars.

“Come to think of it, your ages are quite strange. Right?”

“Oh my. A young elf like me still has a bright and long future ahead. I can’t compare to someone like you, who has plenty of experience and knowledge.”

“Hahahahahaha!!! Aren’t elves the race that’s well-known for not aging? But it seems like you have a lot of wrinkles and folds, huh?”

“No one can escape time. Even elves can age. But I’m still very young… Oh my! By any chance… Are the wrinkles on your face bothering you?”

Golgouda’s eyebrows twitched when Yuria’s soft smile turned a tad bit brighter.

“Hohohohohoho!!! It doesn’t matter what you say, nothing can top the dwarves’ Mining Festival when it comes to enjoyment and being spectacular. You’ll see. In this three-races-alliance, us, dwarves, will be the ones to receive the highest rating and recognition!”

“Oh my~ I’m really looking forward to that. Our Spirit Festival is also known for being a festival that no other race can compare in terms of beauty.”

Elder Golgouda and Yuria grinned at each other. However, upon closer inspection, one could see and hear them gritting their teeth. It seemed like a conflict between races had already started in Davey’s office.

As for everyone else present, nobody could understand what was going on right now.

“Hey, you guys. What do you think you’re doing right now?” Davey asked, clicking his tongue.

Both the elf and the dwarf lowered their eyes. They finally realized that they had shown everyone here the ugly side of their races.

“Cough! We… We went a bit too far.”

“Forgive me, Mr. Benefactor. I have been too impertinent.”

Davey got up from his seat and looked at the two of them silently. As the two fidgeted like children who had done something wrong, he said, “Do you know why humans have the largest population and vast land in the entire continent?”

“That… I don’t understand where you’re going with this?” Elder Golgouda mumbled in confusion after hearing Davey’s question.

“It’s because humans breed awfully fast. We’re also awfully stingy and shrewd.”

The humans were not as fiery nor as honest as the dwarves. They also did not risk their lives for honor and grace like the elves.

“We will fight with you for recognition in this festival.”

“…”

“Simply put, we will win.”

Yuria and Golgouda were both taken aback by Davey’s declaration.

“Of course, it’s not that fun if we just do it like that, right? I want us to do our very best, so how about we bet a prize for this?” Davey proposed as he took out a very special and unique jewel, letting it float in the air.

“T-That…”

“This is called Monicca. It’s quite amazing, right?”

“My… My goodness! Did you say Monicca?!”

“It’s…beautiful.”

Monicca was a gem formed from a fallen meteorite that had absorbed large amounts of mana. The formation of it was a low probability, so it was rare to find.

Of course, it was just a beautiful gem with no obvious effects or abilities. However, for those who lived extravagantly and luxuriously, it was also a divine treasure that even the Red Moon jewel that Davey had gotten from the Lyndis Imperial Family could not compare with.

“The value of a gem of that size is definitely amazing.”

The probability of this jewel appearing was so unrealistic that, when discussing gems and jewelry, everyone just treated it as something as mystical as an illusion.

However, Davey had the gem on hand because of a simple reason. It was a product of his magic training.

Monicca was the result of Davey’s elaborate training wherein he had constantly applied heat and pressure to an ordinary stone while planting mana inside. In fact, Davey had created plenty of this jewel in the Hall to the point that he was overflowing with them.

Simply put, the jewel was not a very important item in Davey’s eyes. It was actually something that he could easily sell even at market price if he so wanted to. The only reason why he did not do so was that he was no longer pressed for money. When he had been in need of money, his Pocket Plane had not been available to him, so these things were just a nuisance to him now that he was not in desperate need of cash.

“C… Cough! Since… Since you’re betting something of this value, our dwarven pride will not allow us to back down! We will bet Sentinel! One of our village’s twelve treasured swords!” Elder Golgouda declared loudly as he rose to his feet.

A sharp glint appeared in Yuria’s eyes instantly. As if rearing to fight, she declared, “Good! We, elves, will bet the Spirit’s Tears, one of our elven treasures that takes a hundred years to form. I can tell that you want to increase the scale of things, and us elves are definitely in favor of that. Let’s all create a huge splash!”

“Cough! The land is very vast, we don’t have to worry about space! I’ll bring the people from the Black Stone Tribe as manpower. Those bastards are still indebted to you. Hohohohoho!”

The scale of this festival had grown to a very desirable extent. This was how scary a battle of pride was. Of course, the only one smacking their lips in satisfaction from the development of this situation was Davey. After all, it did not matter whether he won or lost this fight. It would still prove to be beneficial to him in the end.

—It seems like you’re egging them on and igniting their will to compete to increase the scale of things.

For Davey, it was impossible to hold a fun festival with just mediocre enthusiasm. It had to be a huge festival, one so huge that it could turn into a very hot and famous spectacle. If this was successful, the earnings and profit that they would get from tourism would be unimaginable. Since this was going to be their first event, it would be an of some sort for the territory. And the first was very important for them to devour and empty the pockets of all the tourists that would visit their territory in the future. Davey had to make it so that it was impossible for people to call this event all talk and no substance.

Meanwhile, Winley and Yulis, who watched as three priceless items appeared so suddenly, could only laugh dryly at the very unrealistic and impossible situation unfolding in front of them. Yuria and Golgouda might have failed to notice it but Winley, Yulis, and Goulda, who were watching the situation on the sidelines, already saw through Davey’s intentions.

“My god…”

“Sir Davey’s skill in making things go out of hand is truly incredible.”

These two people had now resigned themselves to their fates. They were already very tired of being surprised by Davey’s actions and had already given up on being shocked.

The rest of the people in the room soon left, saying that they would come back to play later. This was because Yuria had requested a private meeting with Davey. Among those who left, Elder Golgouda, the chief of a dwarven village, seemed to have other thoughts and had clamored before he left. However, the contents of the topic that Davey would discuss with Yuria was not meant for many pairs of ears.

“If you’re asking for a private meeting, then…it’s probably because of the World Tree, huh?”

“Yes. I’m sure you’ve already heard of the news.”

According to rumors, beings believed to be elves were sighted in the western part of the kingdom. Davey already knew that those rumors were most definitely not spread by the humans but by the elves themselves.

“It seems like they’re preparing to reveal their existence to the world…”

“I’m actually quite a bit flustered, since the response has come much faster than I expected. My master, Madis, heard about our village’s situation and decided to keep an eye on the situation over there for the time being and keep me informed of the changes.”

“Is he trustworthy?”

Yuria smiled brightly at Davey’s question. “Yes. I don’t know about the others but the only one that I can trust in the Divine Tree is Madis. Anyway, the World Tree has decided, so the elves’ existence will be revealed to the world. I believe it will be revealed in a few months at the latest.”

“So, you’re taking the initiative?”

“Yes. From what I heard, the title of being the first is quite important for humans.”

Davey wondered if he had to help Yuria before he nodded silently at Yuria’s smile.

Clack!

Just then, someone slammed the windows open and entered with familiar ease, breaking the comfortable silence in the room. Since Rinne took care of Blue Ribbon and Red Ribbon, the three of them would most probably be exhausted from playing around. This meant that they were not the intruders. If that was the case, then there was only one possible person left.

“Davey! I have shocking news for you!”

There was only one person, a girl, who would come in and out of Davey’s window and act as if it was her own house. This girl had dazzling and bright golden blonde hair, and a cute style. She was the precious child of Pallan Empire, the strongest force located in the center of the Tionis Continent. That was right; she was none other than Illyna de Pallan.

“Request a formal visit. You’re not a thief, so stop coming in through the window.”

“Eyy. What are you talking about? There shouldn’t be any need for that between us.”

“Is your physical health alright?”

“Ah… About that, there’s still some side effects but everything’s alright.”

Davey smiled, noticing that the girl was talking to him without noticing Yuria’s presence.

On the other hand, Yuria was sipping her tea silently on one side of the room.

“Davey, I heard about the trouble that happened in the Rowane Kingdom. You won’t believe how shocked I was when I heard about the ridiculous things that you did after coming back.”

“It is what it is.”

“Ahem… Well, that’s your own business. Anyway! I brought more interesting news! Do you want to know about it?”

Davey felt like Illyna would ignore his refusal, so he simply said, “Interesting news?”

“I heard this from my father, but I believe you’ll also be interested in it.” Illyna stepped down from the window sill and patted down her skirt. This gesture was simple and absurd, one you would not see from a member of the Imperial Family. Then, she continued, “You must have heard the rumors about beings believed to be elves sighted on the western part of the continent, right?”

“Yes.”

The busybodies were all making a fuss these days, so there was no way that Davey had not heard about it.

“I’ve heard it from my father himself so the rumors about the beings believed to be elves being seen on the western part of the continent must be true!”

“Is that so?”

“Is that so? What do you mean ‘Is that so?’ Isn’t that very surprising?! That’s an elf! An elf! They’re the faes that appear in children’s fairy tales! They’re a noble and elegant race whose beauty is unmatched!”

Davey nodded at Illyna’s words.

“Caldeiras told me that elves truly existed but it’s very hard for me to believe since I haven’t seen any of them at all.”

“Is it really that amazing?”

Illyna shouted incredulously, “Of course!”

Hearing Illyna’s answer, Davey silently jerked his thumb to one side of the room and nodded. He was pointing at Yuria, who was still enjoying her tea and laughing as if she found the situation to be very, very interesting.

“You wanted to see various races living in harmony in Heins Territory right? Shouldn’t you be thanking me for bringing you this information in advance? How about teaching me a new swordsmanship from the [Longsword]…?”

Illyna, who had been talking nonstop, finally took notice of Davey’s actions. She glanced toward where Davey was pointing to and finally saw Yuria, who was enjoying her tea. She immediately stiffened and stopped her long tirade.

“It seems like I don’t need any of your advanced information though?” Davey murmured in a teasing tone. However, from what it looked like, his words did not even register in Illyna’s ears. He added, “After all, I’ve already caught them.”

“Da… Davey?!”

Davey thought about making Illyna a sacrifice to the board that he had created with his allies and making things bigger. After all, he would sell anything and everything if the situation called for it.