The Herb King

"You want me to surrender to a human?! Have you forgotten what happened in the past?!" Callon glared at Elder Gild.

"Your Highness, staying here in this forest is very dangerous and the elven people who are willing to stay with you here are also in danger. When the Underworlders emerge to the surface, your current fighting force wouldn't be able to defend against them. Please think about the welfare of your people!" Elder Gild tried to persuade the prince.

Hearing this, Callon became silent. He knew that the current fighting force under him would be insufficient if an army of Underworlders attacks them. There might be some Level 5 runes and relics of the past which they could use, but once their energy is used up, they would be useless.

Seeing the prince's hesitant expression, Elder Gild added. "Your Highness, Sir Aethelwolf's army is developing steadily and they have countless resources at their disposal. If we join them, our elven warriors will become more powerful and the safety of our people would be guaranteed in that place. Her Majesty, the Queen, had already negotiated with Sir Aethelwolf so that our people would receive more benefits. Sir Aethelwolf also said that he is willing to take you in as long as you get Princess Aenwyn's forgiveness. Your Highness, we don't have much time! Please think this through!"

Callon furrowed his eyebrows upon hearing his words. He slumped on his chair and sighed while shaking his head.

Elder Gild gritted his teeth and walked towards the prince with heavy strides. He then grabbed Callon by the collar and lifted him off the ground as he shouted emotionally. "This isn't the decisive prince I once knew! Don't forget who you are! You are Callon Aracan! The most talented genius of the Aracan Kingdom! Without you, our elven people's future is uncertain! Her Majesty no longer wants to rule, while Her Highness is not ruthless enough! We need a decisive leader! Someone who can lead our elven people to glory!"

Callon's eyes regained clarity as he looked at the agitated Elder Gild. He grabbed the Elder's hand with both arms and applied force in his grip. "Put me down!" He muttered coldly.

Elder Gild noticed the change in Callon's expression. He slowly released his grasp, allowing the prince to catch his breath.

Callon rubbed his neck and sent a stream of world essence into the bruised part. The pain quickly subsided in just a few seconds. "Follow me! I will lead our people out of this forest! As for working for Aethelwolf, I want to see what kind of person he is first! If he can make me, Callon Aracan, submit to him, then I will be his sword!" The prince muttered in a cold voice.

Elder Gild felt as if a heavy boulder was lifted off his chest when he heard this. He then nodded his head and said. "Yes, Your Highness!"

Soon, the remaining elves in the forest were summoned and Prince Callon explained the dangers of living inside the forest to them. He also said that they would migrate to the human lands and form an alliance with them. Some elves were dissatisfied with this and they strongly rejected this proposal. However, Callon used extreme methods to pacify the crowd.

The next day, Callon together with Elder Gild led the elves as they left the Aracan Kingdom and headed to the lands of Barden Territory.

***

"King Aethelwolf, a large number of elves has been spotted by our scouts and there is a huge number of experts among them! We await your commands!" Albert Nicholas, the commander of Aethelwolf's intelligence force reported in a grave tone. This guy who was formerly a crippled commander had already become one of the Leone Empire's top powerhouses. His strength was already at the mid stage of Level 4 and his combat prowess even exceeded those of someone at the same level as him.

Aethelwolf's lips curved upwards when he heard the report. 'That was fast. It looks like Elder Gild managed to persuade Callon to surrender, but will that guy ask for forgiveness?' He thought to himself.

"Tell the army to escort them back to the territory. Those guys are one of us now so inform everyone to show them some respect! I don't want any infighting amongst our people. Do you understand?" Aethelwolf muttered in a serious voice.

Albert bowed his head lightly. "This subordinate understands!"

"Good! You may go!" Aethelwolf waved his hand and dismissed him.

Albert acknowledged the command and left the office in haste. He then relayed the information to the scouts through the Communication Rune.

Inside the office, Aethelwolf stood up and stared in the direction of the balcony. There was a lithe silhouette standing there. "Your elder brother will be here soon. Are you ready to see him?" He asked in a calm voice.

Aenwyn looked into the distance as she replied expressionlessly. "If meeting him could save more of our people, I don't mind seeing him again."

Aethelwolf stood up and walked towards her. He then glanced at her peerlessly beautiful face as he muttered. "But are you willing to forgive him?"

Aenwyn turned her gaze to Aethelwolf's eyes and replied. "He's my elder brother. I'll try to forgive him..."

Hearing this, Aethelwolf couldn't stop the urge and grabbed her shoulders. He then hugged her tightly in his embrace and gently rubbed her back.

Aenwyn shuddered at the unexpected move, but she didn't struggle. She buried her head in Aethelwolf's chest and held him tightly.

"Ahem!" Suddenly, the two heard someone faking a cough behind them. They quickly separated and turned their heads. It was Queen Irithel. She was looking at them with a strange smile on her face. "Did I interrupt you guys?" She giggled seductively as she covered her lips with her hand.

There was a rare blush on Aenwyn's cheeks when she heard this, but she quickly looked away after seeing her mother's teasing look.

Meanwhile, Aethelwolf stared at the Queen and chuckled helplessly. This woman really does whatever she wanted. She didn't even bother to knock on the door.