Chapter 44 - Exiled for a Cause

❖ ❖ ❖

— Back to the topic...

With a relaxed expression on his face, the elf places one of his hands on the bench and continues to tell of a distant past when the races were allies.

— The main turning point was when a conflict arose between the human race and the demons. In short, the humans claimed that Princess Escarlet of the Southern Kingdom had been kidnapped by the demons.

— After that, there was an intense discussion between the Senate of Elders and the leaders of each race, where it was proven by the spiritual energy of the world that the princess had not been kidnapped by the demons.

— When this was done, the humans, with their honor on the line, apologized for their unjust actions against the demons. So the conflict was resolved peacefully, or so we thought at the time... - And as he finishes the statement, a small chuckle escapes him.

He then continues calmly, maintaining the same indifferent tone of voice.

— I was one of the few in charge of diplomacy, but I ended up neglecting my duty because of my own arrogance. I thought that this was just a small misunderstanding, like other everyday problems, and that it would be resolved in the same way as before.

— Besides my subordinates who always supported me, my own thoughts were the turning point that led to my downfall. In the end, I couldn't see the situation clearly or fix it because of my inflated ego.

At that moment, the student notices that the elf furrows his brows and his voice becomes denser and more irritated, as if the topic were extremely uncomfortable to bring up. Despite the way he begins to speak, he continues to recount the events, leaving out no detail.

— Our race unfortunately has this flaw, I must admit that we are arrogant to a certain extent.

— I can't remember much about that time, but I do remember that there was a planned attack. I'm sorry, Reiji, but the events of that day are still hazy in my mind — he comments while looking at him. — The only thing I remember is that the Elders were found dead in the Senate for some reason. Shortly after, there was a coup d'état, and the few who survived that disaster were abandoned by the races to which they belonged.

— Fortunately, I was in a remote location with my companions at the time and didn't become a target of retribution. Otherwise I would have been just another statistic, like the Elders — he comments sarcastically, an ironic expression forming on his face.

"That's a lot of information, I can't keep up. There was a coup d'état, right? How did the survivors end up abandoned by their own races?"

"Actually, does that even matter? I asked about his pacifist ideology, so this story probably has some connection to it? Well, whatever."

The student thinks to himself, deciding not to interfere and just listen to what Círdan has to say.

— In contrast, the races began to divide into groups based on who they felt the most sympathy for. The humans went one way, accompanied by the elves, dwarves, and beastmen. Meanwhile, the demons allied themselves with their own kind, such as trolls and orcs.

He loses himself in thought for a moment before looking down and continuing.

— To this day, I don't know how it came to this, or how the Elders, who had great power and political and social status died as if they were nothing! But I am sure of one thing... part of the blame was mine. If I hadn't neglected my diplomatic duties, maybe we wouldn't be in this situation, drowning in wars and conflicts.

— At that time, many individuals of different races longed for peace; they didn't want the union to end with the coup. However, they had to change their minds and follow their respective leaders once they realized that their cause was in vain, and they followed like a herd.

Finally, he stops talking about the past and decides to answer Rei's original question.

— In short, I and the many elves who were my subordinates and are here today were abandoned by our own race because we refused to abandon this ideology that was once considered a universal political and social movement.

— I hope you understand that our isolation is a form of redemption for our failure to prevent the races from drifting apart — he concludes, a faint smile on his face as he fixes his gaze on the boy beside him.

After hearing Círdan's entire story, the student begins to understand why the elves are so kind and understanding in this place. In short, are they doing all of this as an attempt to atone for the past, or are their acts of help truly sincere, without expecting anything in return from the refugees?

— Well, that was a long story… So you guys were exiled by your own race for having a different ideological view, but doesn't that sound a bit too extreme? I mean, aren't elves supposed to be supportive? Sure, there's that arrogance factor, but to the point of banishing their own kind? — Rei asks.

— Certainly, because this period is considered taboo, no one talks about it. After all, many of the pure-blood elves from high society perished after the coordinated attacks of the coup d'état. All of it caused by the troll race, who envied the elves' wisdom and appearance.

— Anything associated with or reminiscent of that era is considered an abomination by most elves — Círdan adds, without saying more.

— What an outdated way of thinking. No matter what happened, it is still part of your race's past. Trying to hide something that happened is honestly childish — Rei responds immediately, not hiding his distaste for such an attitude.