Chapter 50: Corrupted forest 2
The true nature of the novel, Estelle Academy's Seven Virtues, becomes increasingly apparent the more volumes you read. The story is filled with intricate details that unexpectedly hold great meaning and secrets as you progress through it.
The narrative unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, offering different character points of view. As you delve into the side stories and spinoffs of the series, you gain a deeper appreciation for the story, as some main story scenes won't make as much sense without the context provided by these additional tales.
This approach to storytelling, while ingenious, is also risky. The author invested considerable effort into developing not only the main characters but also the side characters.
This made the overall narrative more coherent and enjoyable, prompting readers to explore both the main story and its side narratives.
That's why it felt unfair for me to suddenly find myself transmigrated into this world after having read only about six volumes of the main story, with limited knowledge of the intricacies of this complex world. To complicate matters further, a mad goddess is now pushing me to save her entire world.
But that's not my point.
My main point is: considering the vast cast of characters and the sheer scope of the story, it's evident that the author assigned greater importance to certain characters over others. Influential and crucial characters play pivotal roles in the story, rather than fading into the background.
One of the characters who played an exceptionally vital role in the unfolding story was the lady walking ahead of me.
Elowen Elaris
She held the prestigious title of the first princess of the elven tribe, nestled deep within the enigmatic Kaksan forest.
In the early volumes of the novels, her part was rather minimal, and her significance might have gone unnoticed. However, as readers advanced through the series, particularly around Volume 6, her character gained such profound importance that readers found themselves compelled to explore her side story.
Her prominence became undeniable, especially considering that her initial role seemingly concluded after Tristan and the others defeated Kaksan in Volume 4. Yet, there was more to her character and her role in the grand tapestry of the narrative that readers couldn't ignore. Her character arc, intricately interwoven with the larger plot, demanded exploration and understanding.
I took a closer look at her again as we were walking deeper and deeper into the forest.
The aura that surrounds her holds a touch of divinity, a subtle but undeniable presence of the divine, I guess the royal family of the elves is truly blessed by their goddess.
her long, platinum blonde hair cascaded shimmering with a silvery luster as it flows down to her slender waist. Her hair seems to capture the essence of moonlight itself, adding to her otherworldly allure, further indicating their goddess's blessing over her royal blood.
In her striking visage, her eyes hold the mysteries of both earth and sky. Her left eye is a serene shade of azure blue, reminiscent of a tranquil lake on a clear day, and her right eye sparkles with the vibrant emerald green of lush, enchanted forests.
'She's exactly as describe in the novels'
It seemed that Elowen had noticed my gaze, and she turned her head around to inquire, "Is something wrong?"
Quickly, I replied, "No, nothing at all. I was just amazed by the beauty of the nature surrounding us right now." While it served as an excuse, it wasn't entirely untrue. The natural beauty of the surroundings, with its massive trees and picturesque landscapes, truly was astonishing.
Upon hearing my words, Elowen's lips curled into a subtle smile. She likely didn't fully believe my explanation, but she didn't press further. I doubted that her vigilant guards behind us had noticed the exchange.
As we continued to walk deeper into the forest, I gradually noticed a shimmering light in the distance. Massive vines were intertwined under a tree, and the glint of light beyond the vines hinted at something hidden within.
Elowen spoke unfamiliar words, and suddenly, the vines parted, revealing a breathtaking view inside. As we entered, I couldn't help but be awestruck.
"Welcome to Faerielight, the land of the elves" Elowen announced, with proud words.
My eyes widened in amazement. The beauty that unfolded before me was nothing short of enchanting. The magnificent trees and stone-like structures complemented each other perfectly. Floating houses and treetop residences soared high above the forest, creating a surreal and picturesque landscape.
The flowing rivers ran so clear that one could see the vibrant underwater life beneath the surface. However, what truly captured my attention was the colossal tree at the heart of Faerielight and the castle nestled beneath it.
"It's beautiful" were the words that escaped my lips, capturing the essence of the breathtaking sight before me.
Elowen's enchanting smile graced her lovely face as she acknowledged my admiration for the breathtaking scenery. Her beauty was undeniable, a delicate charm that drew people in effortlessly. But beneath my appreciation for her beauty, a tinge of regret crept into my thoughts.
'I have to kill her someday huh?
'No maybe Tristan would do it?'
'I don't know'
How I wish I could read the rest of the novel, especially to delve deeper into her character. She was a captivating figure, and I wanted to know more about her, I wanted to know what drove her into becoming one of the most Heinous characters in the novel.
The final boss of Volume 6, Elowen Elaris, the Diabolic Queen, who orchestrated the sacrifice of the entire Elven tribe to the demons.
…..
'Elowen how is he?'
'Normal'
'Normal?'
'It is what I say mother he seems normal'
'Are you sure there are no abnormalities within him?'
'No'
'You don't sense anything?'
'No mother'
'How about anything suspicious?'
'Nothing mother'
'Haah…..' A sigh escaped Elowen's thoughts as she absorbed her mother's unrelenting telepathic messages. Ever since the queen had given her the order to approach and bring Adrian into the forest, she had been subjected to a constant stream of warnings and reminders.
The queen's voice echoed within her mind, cautioning her to be careful, to report any sign of danger, and, above all, to prioritize her safety—even if it meant leaving her guards behind. They had sworn their loyalty to protect her, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt over the idea of abandoning them.
Glancing behind her, Elowen noticed that Adrian had been entranced by the beauty of the forest landscapes. However, his gaze suddenly shifted in her direction. Acting quickly, she turned her attention forward, trying to appear nonchalant.
Her mother's warnings about Adrian being a powerful and dangerous being echoed in her mind. The queen believed he was a monster concealed within the skin of a human, and while Elowen had inquired about her mother's reasoning, she had never received a full explanation. Her mother's repeated response had always been, "That's what I saw."
Elowen couldn't quite comprehend why her mother had asked her to escort Adrian into their realm, especially if he was perceived as such a formidable threat. Still, she had unwavering trust in her mother's wisdom and decisions. The queen was known for her benevolence and foresight, and Elowen believed that her mother must have a reason for this course of action that she couldn't perceive.
'Elowen make sure to…'
Yet, the constant flow of worry from her mother's telepathic connection was beginning to wear on Elowen's patience. With a mixture of exasperation and love, she finally decided to sever the link, temporarily disconnecting herself from her mother's incessant concerns.
????
Elowen felt a sudden and intense pressure, akin to that of prey sensing the gaze of a predator. Instinctively, she turned her head, and her eyes met Adrian's. The intensity of his gaze was undeniable, and her curiosity was piqued as she saw him attempting to avert his eyes, as if caught in the act.
"Is something wrong?" Elowen inquired, her voice soft and gentle, her elfin features an image of serene beauty.
Adrian, his expression momentarily flustered, quickly responded, "No, nothing at all. I was just amazed by the beauty of the nature surrounding us right now."
Although Elowen remained curious about the depth of his gaze, she couldn't help but smile slightly, finding his explanation both charming and somewhat amusing.
As Elowen and Adrian ventured deeper into the forest, Elowen's keen eyes soon spotted the concealed entrance to their elven homeland. In the sacred language of the elves, she spoke words of power and ever-changing passwords that flowed like a river of secrets. As the incantations left her lips, the dense vines that guarded their way began to part and open, revealing the enchanting world of Faerielight beyond.
"Welcome to Faerielight, the land of the elves," Elowen greeted Adrian, her words carrying the weight of centuries of history and the mystique of their hidden realm. The scenery that unfolded before them was nothing short of breathtaking, a tapestry of nature's wonders that seemed to defy imagination.
Adrian's eyes widened, and he was rendered momentarily speechless. He appeared like a child who had stumbled upon one of the most precious and awe-inspiring scenes in their life. The beauty that surrounded them was beyond words, and it was clear that he was utterly captivated.
"It's beautiful," Adrian finally breathed, his words filled with genuine wonder.
A smile graced Elowen's lips as she observed his reaction. Looking at his innocent and amazed expression, she couldn't help but doubt the notion that he was a monster, as her mother had suggested. The innocence and wonder in his eyes seemed far removed from the darkness her mother had warned of. It left her questioning the true nature of the being walking beside her.
"Is he truly a monster?" she wondered silently, the doubt gnawing at the edges of her thoughts as they stepped further into the realm of Faerielight.