A Garden of Words

Eldrin was tending to a collection of rare herbs when she arrived. His face lit up with a warm smile upon seeing her.

“Princess Uriko,” he greeted, bowing gracefully. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”

Uriko stepped forward confidently, her tone respectful yet firm. “I wanted to speak with you about the great feats you’ve accomplished as the Empire’s most renowned hunter. Your contributions have saved many lives and protected our realm. It’s only fitting that I acknowledge your service.”

Eldrin’s eyes sparkled with modest pride. “It is an honor to serve the Empire, Your Highness. I have dedicated my life to preserving its harmony and ensuring the safety of its people.”

She nodded appreciatively. “And I trust that you will continue to be honest and forthcoming with me, as I prepare to take on my role as future Empress. I will rely on you as a wise elder and trusted advisor. Your counsel will be invaluable.”

Eldrin bowed his head humbly. “Your words honor me. I am grateful for your trust, Princess. I will serve the Empire and its future with all my heart.”

She looked at him thoughtfully, then asked softly, “Eldrin, do you hate that humans have surpassed elves as the dominant species? Do you see that as a loss for your people?”

Eldrin paused, a gentle smile playing on his lips. “I do not believe anyone has truly surpassed the elves. Our long lives, our wisdom, and our connection to the world are gifts that no one can take from us. Power and dominance are fleeting—what matters is how we use what we have to protect and guide.”

Uriko nodded, taking his words to heart. “That is a wise perspective. I hope that, as Empress, I can uphold that same spirit—strength rooted in wisdom and respect for all.”

Eldrin inclined his head gracefully. “You are destined for greatness, Princess. I believe you will lead the Empire into a new era—one of understanding and balance, guided by the strength of your character.”

Uriko knew that I was listening in secretly. As I was hiding on the rooftop, listening with the Demon King fading into the workshop as undetectable spirit. I am able to listen through the thoughts of Enuma and yet not exposed in plain view for all to see. It did require which part of the roof to sit and be near the Eldrin for this agenda.

Uriko pressed further, "You definitely hate the demons? They are despicable beings, that are always causing suffering where every to live."

That made Eldrin frown, "Princess, all this talk of hate. It is most distasteful. I do not hate the demons for being their very nature. I hope you relieve yourself of such simple-minded thoughts." and which prompted Uriko to use her wits to get more out of the elf.

She asked, "Are you okay with such creatures destroying more elven homes, not just homes under protection of the empire? If we could eradicate those demons, it would make the world a better place. "

Eldrin chuckled, "I am certain that if you eradicate the demons entirely, they will stop causing so much suffering. However, that will not end all strife. There will always be another problem found till there is none left but yourself. If you choose to pick eradication, then maybe future generations might come to same conclusion and empire will feel justified to eradicate the elves."

Uriko felt compelled to act stunned, "Oh! That is true, I cannot believe how blind I was. I am unable to see the demons as anything but enemies. Thank you for being a great advisor."

That made Eldrin smile brightly from ear to ear. "Princess, we can discuss ideas on which the demons are useful if you want." and Uriko pushed more, "Well as long as we don't strengthen the demons with our own resources. I think the demons can be very useful. Maybe they can all become servants and earn a better living in the empire one day."

Which that Eldrin showed a small hesitant frown but smiled again. "The demons could become intertwined into our culture of the empire. However, like the elves. They will remain different then the humans. No, a better idea is to strengthen the demons where they live. However, their very nature will lead to more war and conflicts."

Uriko saw that he took the bait, "Well if they will always create conflicts, why can we not just make them adapt to our culture. or probably easier to force them to obedient?"

Eldrin frowned again, "No, no, Demons have a purpose-" then he stopped talking. Which made Uriko ask, "What is their purpose? Are you seeing to the Demons follow that purpose with their very nature?"

Eldrin scowled, "You are making a game of it? How much are you aware of, princess?" and Uriko pushed more, "I am aware of all your designs. Please explain plainly, what is their purpose."

Eldrin venting but with a smile, "Ah, the task force did find out. The trade and secrets with the demons. Sadie is very efficient and quite the good Imperial Knight. You have not come to fight me, so you do agree with my methods then, yes. This is perfect, I will continue to work as a shadow broker, Princess. Trust in me, this is to help benefit the empire." as the elf remained cheerful and inspiring.

Uriko smiled and said, "I don't agree with your methods. I will not allow innocents to suffer for your games. What is their purpose?" as the princess put her foot down on such shadowy behavior. 

Eldrin sighed heavily, "Princess, it will do you well to understand. I have lived longer than your entire lineage has been around. I joined the Hero Party due to the great strength of Heero and your father, as well as the others. I also knew it would never end the chaos, our nature as elves is not to be aggressive like humans and demons."  

Still proud and calm truly thoughtful person, Eldrin continued. "We are very passive beings; it is our nature. However, the creation and designs that humans are capable are unfathomable to us elves. I look forward to seeing more ingenuity and engineering. I just waiting for the demons to rise up and force the humans to do more of it. The conflict of the demons create is beneficial to humans. As the more wars they wage, the more creative they become. Truly it is very nature they provides." 

Having heard his lecturing, I was astonished and angered. Yet, I found myself agreeing with the elf. As I continued to listen in secret. Enuma mention, "He is not wrong, but I would never accept being puppeteer in such a manner. As the Demon King, sometimes my hands are forced, I always wonder if my choices are forced because of such puppet masters like this elf." 

I let Uriko bicker at Eldrin in anger to allow myself vent. She ranted, "The very fact that you think it okay to force people into wars by your design just for the outcome that might or might benefit you and the elves is wild! It is so irrational to think that we sent many hundreds of thousands over the decades into the flames of war just for creative inventions." Steaming with the idea of her father and grandfather being forced to into a life of fighting and building weapons." It is so barbaric yet so elegant. 

Eldrin put an end to the bickering. "Princess, pout all you want. The demons have usefulness, and they are easier to control since they lost the Demon King. The Hero Party did its part and ended the great war. However, we cannot have the demons start fight amongst themselves and continue to weaken. A true leader would not let such demise go with making it benefit us."

Uriko fuming, "Then are we no better than that nightmare of a Demon King? Why do you justify your actions as you said yourself, the elves are passive beings." 

Which Eldrin finally put a face on that truly looked like a villain and not a hero. "My child, you will be long gone of old age before I reach my twilight. I will remain here directing the world with or without you." 

Enuma snapped, truly demonic his magic oozed out "This damn elf, playing with the lives of others like he deserves to control it all. I was the strongest!! That is why I ruled! That damn elf is hardly strongest of his race" it was only for myself to witness and feel. 

Before long, I realized that Uriko was ready to engage and fight Eldrin. Which Eldrin was still talking. "Child, you are talented but far too weak in magic and skills to compete with the like of your father, let alone me." and with her lance drawn ready to strike, Uriko held back the tears that made her eyes water, "I cannot sit idly by knowing that you will continue to make innocents suffer."

Eldrin chuckled, "We will tell the public that this is training session gone amuck. I will beat you senseless and force you to understand that you will not dictate my agenda. It will do you good to understand true strength."  

Enuma said, "Time for you to move, boy! You have the element of surprise and know how to blow the smug elf to smithereens." and I nodded. Stood up on the rooftop, channel my Gaia Breakthrough magic. I channeled the magic; I wore my confidence like I did facing off against Reval back at our match. 

I said out loud, "I will side with my fiancé, the fastest way to deal with such arrogant people is to smack them in the mouth." 

Busting through the roof and right on to the surprised Eldrin, Fang of Heavenly Light • Meteor Flash Screw Attack!! 

The spiral magic that Enuma taught me so well, I made it massive, so large that people started to wonder if a big storm in the sky suddenly appeared. Then explosion bursting into the empire's castle where the workshop of the Great Hunter was located had people stop what they were doing and wonder if everything is okay.