The Romance Fantasy’s Pushover Crown Prince Is No More - Chapter 77

WeTried Translations

Translator/Editor: Arsène

◈ The Romance Fantasy’s Pushover Crown Prince Is No More ◈

Chapter 77: Imperial Garrison (3)

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Although the World Tree had moved to the Empire, the Great Forest itself had not disappeared, so most Elves decided to remain there rather than relocate to the Empire.

The World Tree had changed locations, but it had not moved because it was in danger.

Since the Great Forest would soon become part of the Empire anyway, the Elves saw no reason to uproot their lives.

Of course, no longer having the World Tree at their side caused some anxiety.

Still, the World Tree was now located in what could be considered the safest place at present.

That reassurance was enough to overcome their unease.

In any case, the Elves still lived in the Great Forest.

Recently, though, that arrangement had changed a little.

“...How can an inferior race think of openly living in the Great Forest?”

“I even heard that some humans will come later to grow herbs and run farms in the Great Forest.”

“Even if the High Elves allowed it, isn’t this too much? We’ll practically be sharing the Great Forest with humans.”

“To be precise, it isn’t all humans. It’s only people from the Empire who have been permitted to enter... Still, this is truly unprecedented.”

Humans had begun living in the Great Forest.

There were only around ten of them, but the problem was the level of strength those ten possessed.

At first, the Elves had held them in utter contempt.

The armor bearing blue flame patterns looked utterly ridiculous by Elven standards of beauty.

In fact...

‘Hahaha! What is that armor? Why would they paint blue flames all over it?’

When they first saw them, the Elves openly mocked their armor to their faces.

Then, immediately afterward...

‘The pattern on this armor is the symbol of the Blue Flame Knights, passed down since ancient times. This may be your first time seeing it. If it would not be too rude, may I show you the flames of the Blue Flame Knights?’

‘Pfft, hahahaha! Go ahead! Go ahead! How impressive could some flames possibly be...’

Fwoooooosh!

‘...They’re... impressive...’

The moment the Blue Flame Knights smiled calmly and unleashed blue flames, the Elves’ attitudes changed completely.

“They’re crazy humans. Don’t make them angry.”

He claimed he would show off his flames, then created flames larger and fiercer than the massive tree beside him.

“Never... never make them angry. They seem to put up with being called an inferior race, but whenever anyone insults their flames, they immediately glare at you... So watch what you say around them.”

“Why should we watch what we say around an inferior race? The Great Forest is our land! You’re saying we should be wary of a mere ten members of an inferior race in a situation like this?”

“Don’t say it to me. Go tell them yourself. Go mock their flames. Tell them they look stupid, that the color is strange, that their sense of beauty is awful.”

“E-Elves aren’t supposed to use force unless we truly have to fight.”

They were not normal. The Elves still could not forget the flames they had seen that day.

No, more accurately, they could not get the expression of the man who created those flames out of their heads.

‘Aren’t they magnificent? Haha! His Highness the Imperial Crown Prince praised my blue flames recently. I was so happy. I wanted to show you how my blue flames could melt countless enemies in an instant. I think I would’ve received even greater praise and favor then... What a shame. Ever since that little brat called Staff No. 1 appeared, we’ve been competing to prove our loyalty. His Highness understands a knight’s efforts better than anyone else... I suppose I want to make a good impression.’

‘...’

The bastard who had lit blue flames in the middle of the forest had beamed as he rapidly rattled off those words.

The bigger problem came afterward.

The knights behind him suddenly began producing flames as well, then started boasting about them.

Were all Imperial Knights crazy bastards?

What was so impressive about lighting fires in the Great Forest?

“...Still, aside from that strange trait, they’re perfectly sensible inferior races. It would be best to avoid talking to them whenever possible.”

“Right. I wholeheartedly agree.”

Other than that, they were perfectly normal, polite, and gentlemanly.

The Elves concluded that they should compromise and coexist with them.

It was absolutely not because they were frightened of knights who unleashed blue flames in the middle of the Great Forest and laughed heartily.

Then, in the midst of this situation...

“We have brought a World Tree Sapling. We do not know how to plant it ourselves... Could you help us?”

“A-A human brought a World Tree Sapling!”

“W-What?!”

The Elves erupted into chaos when the Blue Flame Knights suddenly brought over a World Tree Sapling.

“It’s real?”

“It’s a sapling... but it doesn’t feel like a sapling. It definitely has the World Tree’s energy, but... How should I put this?”

“Normally, saplings are like children the World Tree creates when it is in danger... but this feels more like a small avatar.”

“Is it to preserve the Great Forest?”

After interpreting the World Tree’s profound intentions, the Elves swiftly planted the sapling where the World Tree had originally stood.

The moment they saw it being planted, all the Blue Flame Knights except their commander immediately knelt.

“This is an imperial decree. The Macelin Kingdom is expected to arrive here soon, so raise your guard in preparation.”

“Eh?”

The Elves tilted their heads at the Commander of the Blue Flame Knights’ words, but they did not openly object.

The knights’ expressions were far too serious and grim for them to simply ask what that meant or say they refused.

“The time will come, so please see to it.”

“...”

If someone dressed in full armor asked for a favor, who could take it as a simple request?

For all their talk about inferior races, the Elves had intended to cooperate with the Empire.

“...Understood.”

They nodded first.

At the same time, though, questions began bubbling up within them.

A certain kingdom was coming to the Great Forest, so why did they need to raise their guard?

The Elves had lived far from battle for a long time, but still.

This was not even the Empire. Wasn’t it excessive to heighten their defenses over a single human kingdom?

Those thoughts lasted only a moment.

“The one who brainwashed Ailoren is coming.”

At the knight’s belated addition,

“From now until they arrive, poison every arrowhead!!!”

the Elves’ expressions darkened at once.

++++++

Strictly speaking, the Verdantia Kingdom did not manage the Great Forest.

It was simply a kingdom located in front of the Great Forest.

When one considered it carefully, there was no need to pass through the Verdantia Kingdom to enter the Great Forest.

The Great Forest was an impossibly vast woodland in the first place. There was no way it had only one entrance.

Even so, every kingdom reported to the Verdantia Kingdom before entering the Great Forest.

It was a report, not a request for permission.

The Verdantia Kingdom did not have the authority to prohibit entry, but it did have enough national power to know who would be entering the Great Forest.

That was the extent of its influence.

Besides, receiving a report was enough.

Even after reporting their plans, no one could necessarily enter the Great Forest.

Recently, though, the situation had changed completely.

“Pardon? What did you... say?”

“Did you not hear me properly? Pay attention.”

“N-No, that isn’t it.”

“The Verdantia Kingdom has transferred all authority over the Great Forest to the Empire. Matters concerning the Great Forest must now be discussed with the Empire.”

They needed to obtain the World Tree as soon as possible, so why was the Empire suddenly involved?

Mirne, leader of the Macelin Kingdom’s delegation, continued while concealing her bewilderment.

“Are you saying that the Great Forest has completely fallen under the Empire’s control? There should still be Elves there...”

“What answer do you expect from asking me? Everything must be discussed with the Empire.”

Chandar Verdantia, King of the Verdantia Kingdom, calmly began to explain.

“Given our relationship, let me offer you a word of advice. The Empire says it intends to make major changes to the Great Forest... Even if you go there yourself, there is a high chance they will not grant you permission.”

“...Then we may be unable to enter the Great Forest for some time.”

“No one knows when that will be. It was forbidden ground from the beginning, wasn’t it? Once the Empire’s reorganization is complete, entry may even become freer. This could be a good thing.”

“Thank you for informing me.”

After politely excusing herself, Mirne entered the guest room that had been assigned to her and fell into deep thought.

‘Is the Imperial Crown Prince really a transmigrator? This is exactly the sort of thing a transmigrator would do.’

Coincidences could only go so far.

This had to be deliberate.

Taking over the Great Forest? How was that even possible?

If the Verdantia Kingdom was saying this, did that mean the Elves had cooperated with the Empire?

How was that possible?

Many questions filled Mirne’s mind.

Even so, she did not feel anxious.

Because...

‘Ailoren.’

A male lead she could pursue was in the Great Forest.

“...It is unfortunate that we cannot enter the Great Forest, but forming good relations with the Verdantia Kingdom was also one of the reasons we came here. We will proceed with everything except the Great Forest itinerary as planned.”

“Yes!”

If she could not go with the delegation, she could simply sneak in alone.

They could not return immediately anyway. They had to rest and reorganize here before continuing their journey.

‘Everyone will be tired and asleep tonight, so I can slip out then.’

She would use that opening to go to the Great Forest, meet Ailoren, win him over, and move the World Tree to Macelin.

Mirne waited for nightfall so she could put that plan into action.

At the same time,

“From this point onward, execute any unauthorized personnel found within the Great Forest immediately.”

“Yes!”

Bellon, the Imperial Crown Prince, waited for Mirne in the center of the Great Forest.

‘I’m curious to see how she gets this far.’

A battle was inevitable.