The scene shifts five hours ahead. It was nearly midnight when the royal cart finally reached the borders of the Elf Kingdom. The thick, ancient trees loomed overhead, their canopies woven so tightly that only fragments of moonlight filtered through. The soft chirping of nocturnal creatures blended with the sound of the cart wheels against the earth.
The cart owner brought the cart to a gentle stop beside a large, vine-wrapped signboard engraved with "Welcome to Eldoria — Land of the Elves" in ancient script.
Darius stepped down first, his boots crunching softly against the grass-covered path. Kazuki followed, stretching his limbs after the long journey.
As they began walking toward the kingdom's gates, Kazuki's sharp eyes caught sight of several goblins caged inside wooden prisons on the outskirts. The goblins were shouting, snarling in their guttural language, rattling the iron bars in rage. Their land had been recently captured by the Elves during a skirmish at the western border.
Kazuki narrowed his eyes. Even in a beautiful land like this… war leaves its mark.
A tall, silver-haired Elf with emerald-green eyes approached them. He wore ceremonial light armor, its surface etched with intricate symbols of peace and protection. The Elf bowed respectfully.
"Welcome, young master Kazuki and Lord Darius. Thank you for aiding us during the war against the goblins," the Elf said warmly.
Kazuki waved a hand lightly. "Don't thank me. Thank my brother and my father," he replied calmly.
The Elf nodded with understanding and gestured for them to follow. "Allow me to be your guide during your stay."
As they walked deeper into the kingdom, Kazuki couldn't help but admire the surroundings. The Elf Kingdom, though similar in structure to South Ryehem, was bathed in natural wonders. Giant, luminescent flowers bloomed by crystal-clear rivers. Softly glowing stones lined the pathways. Wooden structures built seamlessly into the trees stood tall, connected by bridges made of woven vines. The air carried a soothing aroma of fresh leaves and earth.
"It's… serene," Kazuki murmured under his breath.
The Elf guide smiled. "Our ancestors built this kingdom in harmony with nature itself. We believe balance is the source of strength."
After a brief walk, the Elf turned to them. "Young master and Lord Darius, which hotel would you prefer to stay in for tonight? We have several, each offering different views and experiences."
Kazuki shrugged. "Whichever you prefer. I leave it to your choice."
The Elf nodded and began guiding them toward one of the finest inns in the heart of the kingdom. The building was crafted from polished wood and ancient stone, decorated with glowing spirit crystals that gave off a gentle, soothing light.
Scene shifts.
Inside the inn's dining hall, Kazuki and Darius sat at a long wooden table as steaming plates of food were served before them. Roasted beast meat seasoned with rare herbs, wild rice mixed with forest berries, and soups infused with mystical roots filled the table.
Kazuki took a bite, his eyes widening slightly. The flavors were rich and perfectly balanced — the food was not only delicious but also surprisingly healthy.
"To be honest," Kazuki thought as he savored another bite, this is even better than the cuisine of South Ryehem.
His gaze swept over the hall, watching Elves quietly converse and laugh among themselves, the peace of the kingdom evident in every corner.
A thought surfaced in Kazuki's mind, deeper and colder than his casual expression revealed:
Every kingdom excels in something. The Elf Kingdom in food and natural harmony. South Ryehem in individual strength and independence. North Ryehem in strategy and security. But in this world… it isn't about who's best at what. It's about who survives.
His fingers lightly traced the rim of his goblet as he continued in thought.
In my past life, and in this one too, I've seen the same pattern. The higher authorities always use the lower. Those born without power are made to serve those above. But this time…
Kazuki's eyes narrowed slightly.
This time, I belong to the higher authority… or do I?
The question lingered in his mind like a whisper in the dark.
The inn's warm glow continued to shine around them, but for Kazuki, the real fire burned somewhere deeper, far beyond what the eye could see.