Pillars of Ita

"Your Highness, I have one more thing to ask." Fang He called out to Melfina, who was about to turn around and leave. The Elf Princess turned around, looked at him with her light silver eyes with a little curiosity, and asked:

"Mr. Ed, what's the matter?"

Because of the protection of the holy tree, the Giant Tree Hill never sees snow all year round, and the climate is pleasant. Even the winter wind has a hint of gentle charm. The breeze carries the slender leaves, sweeping across the corridor of the Holy White Elf, rustling in the aisle, like a line of silent poetry.

The golden blue spire reflected the dazzling sunlight. The windows in the distance were closed. It was unknown who was resting down there. Perhaps it was a young girl who spoke frivolously and left a few whispers. The noon bell rang through the sky, startling a group of sand ibises, a bird unique to northern Sanshak that spends the winter here. They fluttered their golden feather tails and flew into the sky.

What Fang He wanted to ask was about the Silver Wind Watchers coming with good intentions. Of course, that was what they claimed. Because of the legacy of history, the attitude of the Radiant Court towards the Chosen Ones was neither opposed nor approved. At the end of the Second War, it was Silver Wind Harbor that first established contact with the Stargate humans. Since then, the Second Division has been closer to the Linoril Council, which continues to this day.

The relationship between the two is not that of rivals, but it is not friendly either, especially today when the conflict between the Elf King, the Sacred Forest, and the Council is deepening. The Council spreads rumors that are unfavorable to the Saint's Society, leading people to deepen their suspicion of the Saint. Although this is in the interests of the Elf King's plan, anyone with a discerning eye can see what their real purpose is.

The alliance has recently made progress in its operations against Ninemare, and has hypocritically sent an army to the Gus Grey Domain. Fang He does not think that the Silver Wind Watchers want to take this opportunity to unite all parties and join in the cause, at least to restore the reputation of the Elven Court, which is not in their current interests.

But he was worried that the Elf King would believe these words, or be blinded by the current goal, and choose to stand on the side of the allies in order to better regain power over the Holy Forest.

Melfina had talked with the elven commander in private for a long time. He knew that they would meet the envoy from the Silver Wind Watcher at that time. He even met the envoy, an official of the Twelve Iris, and Tianlan recognized him.

The other party actually recognized them.

The official also asked him about Mia's whereabouts, and implicitly asked whether the Sea Witch was in the Giant Tree Hill. He told Fang He that for the sake of Halsey, the Twelve Iris would not stand directly against them, but would still send people to join the alliance.

The other party said very tactfully: "From the Empire to Lotao, almost everyone is looking for you, including you people from Corin-Ishurian. It's better to say that they are more active."

"If you accidentally fall into the hands of others, if we have people there, we can at least lend a hand. The little princess is on your side, we have no reason to be hostile, but we must prevent others from gaining benefits from you."

The official spoke gently, "I think you can understand, right?"

But Tianlan told them privately that these were just polite words. The business world was like a battlefield, and the Twelve-Colored Iris would not care about her identity as a little princess.

The club would answer to the board, and she wasn't the only one in the family. Her brother was the only one who would go easy on her, but the others might just be seizing on this opportunity to give up more power.

Halsey's only advantage is her own ability. In recent years, she has been like a rising star, overwhelming other branches. Miss Poet seems confused, but she is instinctively clear about these things.

"You don't have to worry too much about my status," she said. "My brother's advantage is not mine. They can't do anything about his status. My willfulness is nothing."

"But at the same time, don't take their lies seriously," Tianlan analyzed clearly, "Just treat them as passers-by. If it really comes to the time when I need you to help, he probably won't show mercy."

Fang He couldn't help but get to know their poet lady again. She looked more than just cute and confused. Although she spoke lightly, she should be able to see Halsey's love and tolerance for her.

Tianlan knew that if she stayed in the Seven Seas Brigade, others would use it as a handle against Halsey, but she still chose to stay here.

It would be fine if the poet lady was really heartless, but from her words that reassured them, it was obvious that she had considered these things.

All these heavy pressures were on his shoulders, just because he was the leader. Everyone in the Seven Seas Brigade tacitly agreed that he would be the leader, so he had the obligation to be responsible for it all.

Sylvie gently held his hand, indicating that he should not put too much pressure on himself. The Seven Seas Brigade was a collective, and he, as the leader, did not have many privileges.

Fang He felt a little relieved from the tenderness of the palm of his hand, and he looked at Melfina in front of him. The elf princess's eyes swept over the scene vaguely, and she was a little envious of the passionate feelings between humans.

Elves are much more indifferent to time and ties.

Although she feels emotional, she is not pursuing that kind of feeling. If someone really pursues her madly and expresses love to her, she might feel uncomfortable.

"Are you worried about the Silver Wind Watcher's envoy?" Melfina listened to Fang He's question and expressed her understanding of his concerns. "Don't worry, no matter what my father decides, I will stand by your side."

"Does that mean the Elf King might still agree?" Fang He did not have much trust in the political commitments of the eldest princess. As an individual, she showed trustworthy qualities, but she also said that she had another side.

"I don't know," Melfina shook her head. "I won't make promises for something I'm not sure of. After all, I'm not my father. Our political philosophies are similar, but not completely the same. Analyzing the results, I think there's a chance that my father will agree. After all, the main opponent of the Elven Court at this stage is the Council of Elders."

"But you and I both know that the Parliament is also a potential rival of the Elven Court. Father cannot fail to see through this. It is not necessarily a good thing to let potential rivals do what they want. Therefore, I think this negotiation will not go smoothly."

Fang He roughly understood the implication of the princess' words. The Elf Court and the Parliament would engage in lengthy bargaining, but would eventually stand together to deal with the Council of Elders.

He had no control over how they dealt with the Elders' Council, but the Holy Maiden Council and Miss Attila would inevitably be implicated. However, he could hear another meaning from Melfina - Her Royal Highness the Princess seemed to be encouraging him to do something in the meantime.

why?
Is this in her interest?
He couldn't help but look up at Her Royal Highness the Princess.

"Don't be confused. I do hope that this matter will have more twists and turns, or even end here. That's good too," Melfina said frankly, "because the alliance is cooperating with my father, not me."

Fang He was somewhat surprised, but at the same time even more confused. After all, with his personality, he couldn't really tell the difference - didn't the Elf King sound like he also supported his eldest daughter to inherit the throne?

However, Sylvie answered his question with a line of silver text that appeared on his retina. There is a difference between inheriting the throne and inheriting the throne. The key lies in the present or the future.

Perhaps this is the relationship between royal families. Fang He was speechless for a moment. He had reservations about such a relationship of interest, but he also respected the choice of the elf princess.

But Melfina's words hinted at a more obvious meaning. In order to make him understand, she even spoke directly:
"It also means that I won't be directly against the Elven Court."

The eldest princess shook her head. "But when the worst happens, I will still protect you. I can make you a promise."

"So Her Royal Highness the Princess won't help us directly?"

"No, I will give you all possible help," the Elf Princess still shook her head, "Except for principles, I will not openly oppose any resolution of the Elf Court—"

Fang He didn't quite understand this subtle political promise, but he still understood its meaning. Her Royal Highness the Princess meant for them to go ahead and do it, and she would provide as much help as possible.

But once they fail to solve the problem, or the problem solves them and puts her at risk of being exposed, she will immediately cut off all ties.

This sounded a bit cold-blooded, but Fang He surprisingly understood it. After all, at least the princess was frank and had no intention of hiding it from them.

Besides, this matter was closely related to the Seven Seas Traveling Group. Even if she didn't support it, he still had to face it. Therefore, she could have completely not made these promises and just sit back and reap the benefits.

“But she gives you these promises, and you can be more bold and aggressive.”

"In politics, tacit approval is sometimes a statement, not to mention a further guarantee. Being an ally of Her Royal Highness the Princess means, in a sense, being her pawn."

Sylvie reminded in a private message.

Fang He silently hid the words in his vision and looked at the elf princess in front of him. This was why he didn't like these. The calculations between people were too complicated. If it weren't for Miss Atila, he wouldn't have come to this place.

"What does Your Highness want us to achieve?"

he asked openly.

"The envoys of the Silver Wind Watch have communicated with me privately," Princess Melfina said, "I have not promised them anything, so they will go to the Elven Court. Their ship should arrive in three days."

“I will try to find a way to enter the Sacred Forest as quickly as possible these days, but frankly speaking, you may still be caught up by those people.”

"My opinion is," her eyes fell on the sword at Fang He's waist - of course she recognized that sword, the holy sword of the Son of Light.

Originally, my father wanted to be recognized by the sword, but it chose Alsana, which is one of the reasons why she became a candidate for the Unicorn Saint.

This was the second time in one hundred and thirty years that the sword had been revealed, and the name of its previous owner was now taboo in these woods.

The Elf Princess recalled those long-ago events. "Go see Alsana," Melfina said, "My silly sister returned to the royal court because of your matter, and was put under house arrest by our father. She may need your help."

Fang He looked at the other person in confusion.

Although he did have this plan, he still felt it was a bit weird when the princess brought it up. He even felt that she was trying to warn them.

But it wasn't, Melfina shook her head, "Nothing, it's just that you are going to fight the Silver Wind Watcher, she might be able to be your ally."

"why?"

"Because the core of the Silver Wind Watchers' confrontation this time may not be you, but the Saint Maiden Society."

"Saints' Society?"

The Elf Princess replied faintly: "Because no one will make wedding clothes for others."

The Parliament wants to deal with the Sacred Forest, and certainly will not let the King of the Elf Court reap the benefits so easily. If the Sacred Forest loses its authority one day, what will happen if the power returns to the Elf Court?
Fang He also figured this out, but asked, "But how can the Elf Court agree to this?"

"Of course not, but the Elven Court does not have the ability to deal with the Elder Council alone at the moment. If the Silver Wind Watcher stops here and even stands with the Elder Council to deal with us, it is not impossible."

6◇9◇Book◇Bar

"You mean, there is still a possibility that the Elven Court will compromise."

"The possibility of compromise is not high," Melfina replied. "What you should worry about is that the Silver Wind Watcher will take another step back and allow Alsana to disband the Saint's Society."

Fang Plover was slightly startled.

But he soon figured out the key point. The Holy Maiden Society was not actually an organization affiliated with the Holy Forest. It was founded by the Unicorn Girls at the initiative of Alsana.

Since the contemporary Saint endorsed it, this organization also received more or less the promise of the Holy Forest, but the Holy Maiden Society did not actually have its own venue, and Merrill and her group mostly carried out activities around the temple.

If the Silver Wind Watcher proposed to disband the Holy Maiden Society, there would be nothing unacceptable to the Holy Forest. The Elder Council might even have a negative attitude towards this organization.

For the Elf Court, this can be considered a bargaining chip that can be discarded. After all, whether the Holy Maiden Society exists or not will not affect Princess Alsana's identity as Miss Attila's student.

The only victims of this proposal are them.

Although they have no connection with the Seven Seas Brigade, they are a part of the same group as Miss Attila, not to mention that there is a guild alliance behind them to suppress them.

Once they are isolated and helpless, they will soon be in despair.

When Melfina saw that he didn't answer, she knew that he had figured out the situation. She didn't press him any further, but instead said something comforting: "But that's the worst case scenario."

"It may not be that bad. Don't worry, I will do my best."

Fang He shook his head helplessly. Her Royal Highness the Princess's analysis was rarely wrong, and everything would most likely happen as she said.

After the other party walked away, he turned around and asked the noble daughter beside him, "Sylvie, what should we do?"

Sylvie looked at the princess' back, smiled faintly and shook her head:
"It doesn't matter what I think. The key question is, what does the captain decide to do?"

"Are you asking me?" Fang He felt a headache and decided to give up thinking. "I mean, chess pieces are just chess pieces. We don't care about this anyway."

"Our goal is to rescue Miss Atila. The rest is not important. No matter what her purpose is, we just need to clear away everything that stands in our way."

The ship officer decided to make it clear in advance so that her captain could make a more calm judgment. "But what if we are faced with a dilemma, such as Meryl and Princess Alsana?"

Fang He was silent for a moment.

But this time he was surprisingly sober, "Double standards are human privileges, we are not robots."

"If we really come to a dilemma, we can certainly choose a judgment that is more favorable to ourselves. We can break the card table and don't necessarily have to follow other people's ideas."

"The elves are not the only ones who have interests, and we don't need to accommodate them."

Sylvie smiled slightly at this, as if all this was not unfamiliar to her, as if she had returned to the past.

But she enjoyed both feelings at the same time, using her meticulous mind to weave a peaceful haven for her sweetheart, and also resting in it herself.

She also enjoys the peace of mind of having someone to protect her from the wind and rain.

She answered calmly and gently, "As long as the captain understands."

……

"Her Royal Highness wants them to disrupt the parliament."

Melfina was walking through a long corridor. The vines of the evergreen weeping tree hung down from the hollow carvings, forming a dense curtain. The golden sunlight passed through the gaps between the branches and leaves, falling continuously on her face, forming light and shadow of varying brightness.

A voice came from the communication crystal in her hand. It was steady and experienced, and sounded like the chief warlock who always accompanied her. The other party spoke slowly as if he had witnessed the conversation between her and Fang He.

"But isn't the promise your Highness made too much? In my opinion, the Spring Dawn Tower is enough, not to mention that you promised to guarantee them."

"If Her Royal Highness really considers them as allies, she should further consolidate the relationship with her allies - although I don't think they are worthy, even though the young man does have great potential."

The other party commented: "But the potential will be greatly reduced at the moment. If Her Royal Highness is willing to choose, we can actually have a better choice."

"But I have no intention of interfering with your decision. I just don't understand why you pushed them towards Princess Alsana. If you really care about your sister, you should keep her away from this vortex."

The Elf Princess shook her head slightly. She looked towards the distant mountain, which was actually a corner of the Silver Mountain Range. It arched up in the direction of the clouds to form a shadow, or rather, it formed part of the clouds.

But those are not actually clouds, but the treetops that have protected the Holy Whites for generations. The straight white trunks of Terraka constitute the elves' aloof character, making them always miss the era when they were protected by the Two Sacred Trees.

"Durin, in our time, no one is immune. Alsana has inherited that name, so there is no escape. I will do my best to protect her, but that doesn't mean she is a hothouse flower."

"I pushed them towards Arsana, not because I wanted my sister to get help. Her fate has already been decided, and she herself has no objection. It's because they need some reasons. I want to see how far he can go--"

"Although the Parliament is annoying, the strength of the Chosen Ones cannot be underestimated. Silverwind Harbor rose to prominence because of them. My father and I are very clear about this, which is why we pretend to be friendly with them."

Melfina turned her head and seemed to be looking at the direction where Fang He left. "I invested in him, so I naturally want to get a return. Of course, I won't let this money be lost in vain. This is why I saved them."

“At that point, it’s a failed investment.”

"But I don't think that will happen. Besides, investment is when there is risk, and saving is when there is no risk. There might be a surprise." The Elf Princess smiled and replied, "For example, they may really drive away the envoy of the Silver Wind Watcher."

"That's a fantasy, Your Highness." The owner of the voice seemed to shake his head. "But let them go and disrupt the situation, lest they have it too easy."

Melfina nodded slightly.

...(End of chapter)