Chapter 69: The Welcome of the Elf Thaloria

We followed Ulsak the elven emissary, through the streets of Iselehein, the capital of the Grand Confederation of Azulferia.

This nation was protected by a powerful yellow elven barrier encompassing its territory visible as a shimmering aura rippling on the horizon.

Traveling in a carriage drawn by two white-skinned Sleipnir, even amidst conflict, the harmonious blend of elven and dwarven architecture surrounded us.

The tall elegant buildings,of the elves intertwined with the sturdy and functional structures of the dwarves forming a rare aesthetic balance.

Azulferia exuded a sense of unity among races one might have assumed to be at odds.

Undoubtedly, it was this cooperation that allowed for such an impressive confederation.

Sienna, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, observed every detail, notebook in hand.

She scribbled notes furiously, not wanting to miss a thing.

 "Look at those fountains!" she exclaimed suddenly, pointing to an iron structure adorned with glowing runes.

"They're fascinating, tell me Ulsak, how do that work?"

The emissary smiled, amused by the young scientist's enthusiasm.

 "Those crystals come from mines excavated by goblins," he explained.

"The dwarves craft the structures, and the elves enchant them to produce light it's the result of centuries of collaboration."

Sienna nodded, clearly amazed.

"What incredible craftsmanship!" she said.

"I can't wait to draw inspiration from this to create similar inventions in Ednia."

Seated beside her Kaylen, ever vigilant, kept his eyes on the cobblestone streets, scanning the surroundings warily.

 "Remarkable certainly," he murmured, "but imagine applying this knowledge to accelerate railway construction back home."

I couldn't help but smile at their exchange—Sienna, absorbed in the details, and Kaylen, always pragmatic and cautious.

After several minutes navigating the wooden-paved streets, we finally arrived at Elsihore Castle.

The imposing structure loomed before us, its grandeur reminiscent of a fairytale.

A giant tree emerged from the castle, its branches seeming to touch the sky, and the castle's walls were entwined with verdant greenery.

Raelia usually reserved, couldn't hide her admiration for this place.

 "It's breathtaking I must admit I'm envious of this placeif we compare to the Regalia castle the Elisihore castle seems to embody a scene from a myth" she murmured.

Two imposing goblins, armed with halberds, guarded the entrance gates.

They stepped aside to let us pass.

Inside the castle was just as magnificent, blending nature and architecture seamlessly.

A spiral staircase entirely carved from wood, led us to the upper floor.

There, a grand door opened with a low rumble.

An elven woman awaited us.

She wore an immaculate violet gown, her long white hair adorned with a crown of interwoven golden leaves.

Her presence commanded respectful admiration.

"Welcome delegation from Ednia," she said in a soft yet firm voice.

"I am Thaloria, a member of the Council of Elders and leader of Azulferia."

Behind her, the Council of Elders stood assembled, composed of representatives from the founding races of the confederation.

Sylena who had accompanied us, ran into her sister's arms.

"What's wrong, little Syl?" Thaloria said, laughing softly. "You didn't think something bad would happened to me, did you?"

Sylena in tears, buried her face in her sister's arms.

Sylena's siblings, also present, smiled at the heartwarming scene.

We were then led to a richly decorated hall adorned with golden elven frescoes and statues representing the founding races of the confederation.

Thaloria fixed her piercing gaze on me.

 "Once again, I wish to thank you for your support" she said.

 "It's nothing," I replied. "If your nation falls, Ednia will also be their next target."

At that moment, Katran entered the room and knelt before me.

 "That's enough, Katran" i said raising my hand. "Report on the movements of our enemies."

 Katran rose, his expression grave.

 "My king," he began "our scouts report an army of 100,000 werewolves.

They are accompanied by 400 demons, as well as powerful monsters from the Nymenor Forest, including a Capelobo and a Grand Fomorian.

"All those creature from the nymenor forest are controlled by the dark mage named Woltuk Koldor."

I perplexed, furrowed my brow.

 "Who is this Woltuk?" he asked.

Gilbert responded.

 "Your Majesty, Woltuk Koldor is a former mage of Ednia.

He was sentenced to death in absentia twenty years ago for conducting forbidden experiments on High Beasts, causing the deaths of many citizens."

An elf with golden hair, a towering build, and a red beard—Kodort—added:

 "I saw a human among them, near a Mapinguari."

Thaloria continued:

 "We've also received reports in recent months of beast corpses scattered throughout the

Nymenor Forest this could be a ploy to lure wild creatures and subject them to mind

control."

Upon hearing this information, I understood that the upcoming battle would be fierce.

I broke the silence.

 "Given the number of enemies and the weakening of the barrier, we must strike hard and fast. Tonight, we'll split into several teams to confront our adversaries."