The Herb King

Aethelwolf unwrapped the white wolf scarf that was on Princess Aenwyn's neck. "I'll start removing the Slave Rune. Don't move." He said.

Princess Aenwyn nodded her head lightly.

Aethelwolf was able to analyze the magical formula inscribed on the choker.

He then started removing the magic formula while adding his own world essence to the rune. This was to prevent the Signal Rune from activating.

Oliva watched the scene while eating her cookies. She then took out a small bottle filled with homemade shake and drank a huge mouthful.

"More and more elder sisters are around papa now. I wonder who will end up becoming my mother." She muttered before grabbing more cookies from her storage ring.

Nom. Nom. Nom. Nom.

Soon, Aethelwolf finally managed to unlock the magical formula. He then removed the choker from the elven princess' neck and kept it inside his storage space.

"It's done." He said as he handed the white wolf scarf back to her.

Princess Aenwyn touched her neck as she looked at Aethelwolf with surprise. She couldn't believe that he actually unlocked the Slave Rune in just a few minutes. Even the best Level 4 Engravers in their Aracan Kingdom weren't as fast as him when decoding runes.

"What do you want from me?" She asked as she adjusted her posture.

"Tell me who you are first." Aethelwolf replied calmly.

Princess Aenwyn glanced at him as she said. "My name is Aenwyn, a High Elf of the Aracan Kingdom. Thank you for your help, Aethelwolf."

"A High Elf?" Aethelwolf looked at her with narrowed eyes. 'Why is she hiding her identity?'

Princess Aenwyn nodded her head.

"If I remember correctly, elves have blonde hair and green eyes, while the members of the royal family have white hair and golden eyes." Aethelwolf glanced at her with a smile.

Princess Aenwyn's eyes widened as she looked at Aethelwolf. 'How does he know about this? Our Aracan Family has never come out of the kingdom in the last few centuries. It shouldn't be possible for a human to know anything about us.'

"Now tell me, how did a member of the elven royal family end up being captured here in our Leone Empire?" Aethelwolf asked calmly.

Princess Aenwyn sighed and looked away from him. "You know a lot about us for a human. You are right. I am a member of the Aracan Royal Family and also the crown princess. Everything was fine at first, however..." The princess recounted her story and Aethelwolf listened silently.

To make it short, the Aracan Kingdom was attacked by a large group of creatures they call 'Underworlders'. They were beings who lived beneath the surface of the planet, but they suddenly dug their way up for unknown reasons. There were hundreds of Underworlders who came up to the surface and attacked the Aracan Kingdom.

The elves managed to kill every last bit of Underworlder, but the kingdom was still restless even after their victory. They were afraid that the Underworlders might send another army to attack them. Some elves suggested conscripting more soldiers, while some elves proposed an alliance with the human empires.

Conflict sparked because of their differing opinions and it led to the rebellion of an elven prince who was also Princess Aenwyn's elder brother.

Princess Aenwyn was then forced to escape in the middle of the rebellion, but she was soon captured by Brian Linaza's soldiers when she came out of the forest.

Olivia walked up to Aenwyn. She was about to hold Aenwyn's hands when she noticed that there were some cookie crumbs on her fingers. She quickly dusted them off before grabbing the elven princess' hands. "Elder sister, you can live with us. Papa is a very strong Esper and he has a lot of soldiers. Your elder brother won't be able to harm you."

Princess Aenwyn stared at the little girl who was trying to console her and she couldn't help but smile. "What's your name?" She asked.

"Olivia." The little girl answered with a beaming smile.

"Olivia, our Aracan Kingdom might be small but we have four Level 5 Espers overseeing the safety of the kingdom and three of them are supporting my elder brother." Princess Aenwyn muttered as she caressed Olivia's face.

"Yikes!" Olivia retracted her hands and immediately hid behind Aethelwolf.

"Don't worry, Aethelwolf. My brother doesn't know that I'm here. The whole Aracan Kingdom might be even thinking that their crown princess is already dead. As long as I stay in the empire, they shouldn't be able to know that I'm here." Princess Aenwyn said.

"Then what about Brian? Do you think that he has no idea that you are a member of the elven royal family? I believe that guy is up to something. Starting now, you should pretend that you are still under the binding power of the Slave Rune. Don't speak to other humans and just follow me wherever I go."

Aethelwolf's words made the princess think deeply. She then raised her head and looked at him. "I don't know how to speak the human language so you can rest assured. I'll also follow your arrangements, but you have to remember that I am a late stage Level 4 Esper so you better not do anything strange to me, Aethelwolf." She warned him. She still couldn't fully trust Aethelwolf despite being saved by him. According to their ancestors, humans are good at deception so it was better for her to be careful.

Aethelwolf shrugged his shoulders.

Olivia moved her lips to his ears and giggled as she whispered. "Papa, that elder sister thinks that you are a pervert. Tee-hee!"

Aethelwolf ruffled her hair. "Stop speaking nonsense or I'll cut off your cookie supply."

Olivia quickly covered her mouth when she heard this.

Soon, the group arrived at the Lassiter Household's mansion. It took him a long time before he managed to convince Julie Irish and the others about why he bid for the elf. He didn't tell them about her true identity since it might only make them anxious.