Following Selene's majestic steps, the crowd moved toward the rear of the hall. All the families, diplomats, and guests swarmed around the queen like bees, giving Lesley and me some breathing room.
"Phew... Now what?" I asked.
"Now it's time for the bait we cast to reel in the interesting fish."
"Reel in the fish?"
"Yes, look there," Lesley said, pointing toward a group that had arrived recently and was now making its way toward us while the commotion centered around the queen.
A small contingent of elves stood in a reserved section, slowly mingling with some guests. Now that the opportunity had arisen, two of them were approaching us.
The first was an elf with stark white hair, gray skin, and a well-groomed goatee, his long white beard and piercing green eyes exuding an ancient, wise aura. He wore a peculiar long-sleeved gray vest over a military-style undershirt, giving off an air of sophistication and authority.
Beside him walked a second elf, his skin bronze and hair chestnut brown, dressed in what I assumed was ceremonial attire—red with black accents and golden buttons. His face was framed by round spectacles, lending him a scholarly, composed demeanor.
"Lady Lesley, Young Master Glenn, I've come to offer our congratulations on behalf of the elves," the elder said in a rough yet courteous voice. "I am Saerion, and this is my disciple, Tagilbor."
"Young Master Glenn, it's a pleasure to finally meet the protagonist of one of the most memorable battles I've ever witnessed," Tagilbor said.
"Likewise, though I don't recall seeing any elves in the stands during my matches."
"You're correct. I was never physically present at any of your duels—only observed your brilliance through a crystal."
'A crystal? What the hell is that?'
I glanced at Lesley, who remained unfazed by Tagilbor's words. Playing along, I kept my surprise hidden.
"Forgive my disciple. When something piques his curiosity, he loses all sense of decorum," Saerion interjected.
"So, you managed to spy on what's really happening here," Lesley remarked.
"Don't blame us, Lady Lesley. Her Majesty's decree caused quite a stir across Atlas."
"Exactly. And the way Young Master Glenn countered Aeloria's advance, using the steam curtain to his advantage before finishing with that brilliant lightning strike after a critical blow... Ahh... I shiver just recalling the images," Tagilbor gushed. "What I wouldn't give to have seen it in person."
Tagilbor stepped forward, gripping my hands fervently. His eyes sparkled with fascination, and behind them, I could see the sharp mind of a true thinker.
'What the hell is going on? Do I have a fan?'
"Tagilbor, behave!" Saerion chided.
"Ahh... yes, my apologies. I got carried away. I must say, Young Master Glenn, I've met many of this generation's geniuses, but none compare to your cognitive functions and adaptability," he continued, showering me with praise.
"Uh... thanks, I guess? I don't even know what to say, Tagilbor."
"My disciple is no avid fighter, Young Master Glenn, but since childhood, the blade he's sharpened is his mind, something this new generation sorely lacks."
'A scholarly elf, okay, that's not so surprising.'
"If I may, I'd like to relay a message from our queen herself."
"Queen Lissamel Quesset sent a message?" Lesley asked, incredulous.
"Yes," Saerion confirmed.
Still somewhat bewildered, unsure if this was a big deal or not—I mirrored Lesley's disbelief.
"The first is a question, and I shall carry your answer back to the queen. The second is advice, which I hope you'll find as wise as you deem my apprentice."
"Of course, I'll do my best."
"Forgive our bluntness, but any respectable diplomat would have thoroughly researched you, Young Master. Many of your feats have likely been witnessed across multiple territories," Saerion explained politely before posing the question.
"Her Majesty's words are these:
Between death and life,
What is revealed is but an echo, a journey, a fall.
What you are, not all is shown,
And what you show, not all is true.
Beware, O traveler,
Where lies the truth, where dwells the path:
In what you conceal,
Or in what you choose to reveal?
Many eyes see you, few eyes know you.
How long will it last? Will you be cautious in the time of unveiling?"
Lesley, Tagilbor, and even Saerion, who was merely relaying the queen's words, all wore expressions of clear confusion. I, too, feigned ignorance, but inwardly, my mind reeled.
'Does she know I'm from Earth? That I don't belong here?'
I didn't fully grasp the message, but I was certain the elven queen had doubts about my origins—about the façade I presented as the "new Glenn." Before hesitation could arise, I replied.
"Forgive me, Elder Saerion, but I'm not entirely sure what your queen expects me to say. Such poetry leaves me at a loss."
A faint, knowing smile touched Saerion's lips as he inclined his head in understanding.
"The second is advice, Young Master: The most fragile seed, beneath dark earth, does not rush to break the surface. It knows that to endure the storms and reach the sky, it must first strengthen its roots. May it serve you well, and may your destiny be prosperous. It was a pleasure meeting you."
"Young Master Glenn, we'll meet again!" Tagilbor added cheerfully before they withdrew.
"What was that about?" Lesley asked.
"Hahaha... seems your sharp mind is only good for beating up your pupil and swinging swords!" I teased, earning an elbow to the ribs.
"Just kidding," I whispered. "The first part... well, I have no idea. You know queens aren't ordinary figures. As for the second... we've already been doing that, haven't we? Hiding some important cards up our sleeves."
"True, that makes sense!" Lesley agreed.
"Lady Lesley, Young Master Glenn!" A delicate, sultry voice interrupted our exchange.
Turning toward the voice, I found myself face-to-face with a stunning beastkin woman, her slitted crimson eyes locked onto mine. Two fox ears perched atop her short red hair, while four orange tails tipped with white swayed gracefully behind her.
She wore a gorgeous black dress with red accents, a black choker with an embedded red gem resting just above her décolletage.
Beside her stood a hulking beastkin man, easily over seven feet tall, acting as her bodyguard. His orange hair and beard framed a face of rugged intensity, his sleeveless outfit revealing arms covered in striped, tiger-like fur. My instincts screamed danger in his presence.
"My name is Vex, and it's a great pleasure to finally meet you. This is my brother, Zinogre."
Caught off guard by the bold approach, I hesitated, but Lesley stepped in smoothly.
"It's a pleasure to finally see you at a high-society event, Lady Vex. Honestly, I thought the Voruna tribe's leader would never let you out again!" Lesley joked.
"Lady Lesley, that's hardly polite to say in front of the Young Master!" Vex protested, cheeks flushing.
"Lady Lesley, it's been years," Zinogre greeted.
"You've grown stronger. Seems training with that brute paid off."
"Tharn may be stubborn about life's philosophies, but as a warrior, his skill is undeniable. You've grown stronger too, impressive," Zinogre replied.
"You know each other?" I asked Lesley.
"We do. The Alpha of Vex and Zinogre's tribe was once my teacher, long ago," Lesley revealed.
"We came to offer our congratulations and, of course, rekindle the ties that time has frayed between our peoples," Vex said.
"Well, much has happened, but if there's ever a time for reconciliation, it's now," Lesley agreed.
"Young Master Glenn, I must say, your reputation carried many doubts, ones I found quite plausible, until I saw you with my own eyes," Vex praised. "What no one told us was that such a beautiful demon had appeared in the capital."
I was so stunned by her shameless flirting that I couldn't even respond.
"Vex!!" Zinogre barked, trying to rein her in.
"What? I'm only speaking the truth about the Young Master. Are you saying your instincts don't confirm the rumors?"
"Phew... Not that part, you minx!"
'What the hell is happening here? Are none of the diplomats from other races normal?'
"Ahh... don't worry, brother. I'm sure my compliments aren't the first he's heard tonight—and they certainly won't be the last."
"Well... actually, they are... Thanks, I guess?" I managed.
"What's wrong with this new generation? Are all the girls going blind?" Vex mused.
She stepped closer, taking my hands with a radiant smile, her charming eyes locked onto mine.
"You may not be the strongest of the new generation, but your beauty certainly leaves the other geniuses in the dust... Oww!" She yelped as Zinogre yanked her away by the scruff. "We'll meet again, Young Master!" she called with a wink as her brother dragged her off.
Stoic-faced, I stared after them, my brain struggling to form a coherent thought.
"Well, that's why her mother doesn't let her out," Lesley deadpanned.
"She's... spirited," I offered. "But at least her eyes see what should be seen... Oof!" Another elbow from Lesley.
"Be careful with Vex and Zinogre. Those two aren't to be underestimated."
"I know... My instincts screamed danger just standing near Zinogre."
"Don't underestimate the girl, either. Behind that cute smile is a beast with a fierce temper and a ruthless personality."
"Noted!"
And just then, a dwarf made his way toward us.