A Degenerate's Tale

At long last, the guests from Ablax arrived at the great city of Artasia.

Crown Prince Seth Ablax admired the scenery around him. "It's like I'm in a different world..."

"Until the emergence of the Hero King, the elves remained isolated for a long time," Merlin explained. "It's no surprise that everything feels mystical here."

"Although I hate to admit it, elves are truly the strongest beings on this continent." Shane followed up.

"Not counting those outside the military, they already have 5 Grand ranks which are more than what we have. If we include those outside the military, who knows how many they have?" Seth narrowed his eyes. "The archives of the Royal Family also talk about the Immortal. She is most likely alive."

"Even back in my younger days, I've heard legends of the Immortal." Merlin sighed.

"Do you know anything about the Immortal, father?"

"I've heard that the Immortal is the mother of the current Queen. This is unverified but it is most likely true because we've only heard elven travellers saying it. More importantly, she was one of the members of the Hero King's party who helped exterminate the Demon Lord hundreds of years ago."

"It's been too long since we've last since someone at the calibre of the Hero King. It's hard to imagine how strong they must be." Seth said emotionally.

At the prince's word, the father and son pair of Merlin and Shane wordlessly looked at each other. They were thinking of the number one genius of their kingdom who was no longer with them.

"Anyways, let's go greet the Queen first. It would be rude not to. Maybe I will be able to get a glimpse of the famed Elven Princess in the palace." The Crown Prince added.

Their carriage arrived at the palace. A guide from the elven palace greeted them at the gate and lead them inside the waiting room.

"Please wait here until Her Majesty summons you all." The elven guide kindly said.

Seth only nodded in reply. As someone currently representing his kingdom, he must act according to his status.

The guide disappeared into the distance and the room fell into a heavy silence. The trio was starting to feel the weight of the Elven Kingdom. They've heard of the Queen's fame. Despite not being very powerful individually, she had the complete loyalty of her subjects. She was essentially the most powerful person on this continent unless one was a Hero or an Archmage.

After an eternity of waiting, the door opened and the same guide returned.

"Her Majesty summons you."

"Let's go." Seth took the lead.

As they walked through the extravagant hall into the throne room, the heaviness in their heart kept growing.

Finally, they entered the throne room. Two individuals were waiting in the throne room.

On the throne, the ever so majestic figure of the Queen of the elves, Saryll Venroris. She was like a brilliant diamond. A face that was so beautiful that it could be comparable to a piece of fine art. Emerald green eyes peered into the depths of his soul. Platinum blonde hair like fine threads of gold. A body that looked like it was sculpted by the gods, draped over with a simple white garb. Various gold accessories are decorated throughout her body as a finishing touch. She was so radiant and beautiful. Seth thought he would be blinded from her majesty.

By her side was a handsome young boy with black hair and purple eyes..? He had a face that one would unconsciously relax upon seeing. Wearing the traditional elven garment of a white robe and a green sash, he looked especially dashing despite his young age. Seth's eyes shrank into that of a needle as he recognized the familiar figure. Was that really him? Why was he here? Countless questions ran through his mind.

However, now was not the time for that. Seth suppressed his curiosity and saluted the Queen. "Crown Prince Ablax greets her Majesty."

"Court Mage Runi greets her Majesty." Merlin followed the prince's lead.

"Court Mage Runi greets her Majesty." Because they were father and son, Shane ended up saying the same line as his father which sounded rather comical.

"You may rise." The clear voice of the Queen allowed them to look up at her again. "Welcome, visitors of Ablax. I hope the Elven Kingdom has been pleasant to you so far."

"The Elven Kingdom has opened our eyes, Your Majesty."

"That is good to hear. You may leave."

The first meeting between the trio and the Queen ended in a few exchanges. However, that was the norm. It was not her duty to entertain them. Rather, it was a mere custom for her to return their greeting.

The Queen stood from her throne and prepared to leave.

"Actually." She suddenly paused her steps. "See them out, Earl. They look like they want to have a word with you."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Earl readily agreed. He waited for Saryll to completely leave before stepping down from the elevated platform.

The trio was breathless as they watched the familiar figure of the boy approach them.

"Greetings. Lord Merlin, have you been well?"

​ Fast forward a few minutes later. The trio of Seth, Merlin, and Shane was back in the carriage.

They felt like they just entered a weird fever dream. The last thing they expected was to see Earl as the Elven Queen's aid.

They all had their own experience with Earl. For example, the prince's first love was Earl's slave. First loves are the hardest to forget. Every time he thought back to it, he would be reminded of how perverted Earl was behind the noble facade he was so proficient at keeping. But what got him truly riled up was Earl's first question for him.

"How's the princess?"

How dare him! That was his dearest, cutest, most beautiful sister!

Seth angrily paced around in the carriage.

As for Shane, his experience with Earl was limited to the time he froze high ranking nobles into ice cubes. It was from then that Earl earned his huge reputation that had turned into an urban legend among the youths of the kingdom.

Out of the three, the one who was closest to Earl was undoubtedly Merlin. He spent a few short years teaching magic to Earl with Princess Sharon. Although now that he thought back to it, he didn't actually teach Earl anything.