Chapter 550: Elves are Elves (1/2)

To diffuse the hostile glares directed to the intruders, the high elf village chief smiled warmly.

”Don't do that, they are guests. Undo their ropes and leave us.”

The wood elves were still wary but did as they were told and Zero wondered if the high elf was a friend or foe. He didn't give Zero a good impression simply because he reminded Zero about the story of oppression from high elves. Why would this man be so well-fed when the wood elves were all skin and bones? Something didn't add up.

Once they were given some privacy, the high elf bowed to them. ”Thank you for feeding them. I can tell that both of you mean no harm. They are only hostile because they live in fear. Ever since King Sharo started capturing wood elves remaining in Altear to set an example of high elf supremacy, these poor wood elves are the only ones remaining in Altear who aren't reduced to serving high elves.”

Truen raised a brow. ”And why would a high elf like you who is well-fed and all, help these wood elves? I'm assuming you're also quite a powerful high elf with rank from your behaviour and the amount of magic you poured into making this barrier.”

The village chief smiled. ”I'm not a pure high elf. These people can be considered my relatives. I'm a quarter wood elf even if I don't seem like it.”

Zero appraised this man and nodded. He wasn't lying and Zero didn't feel any triggers to warn him about a lie. Hence, the doctor decided to believe in him.

”We just came from Windy Wood Town. The scholar sold us a map and we were thinking of visiting some wood elf settlement before heading to the main city of high elves. What happened here? Why are high elves hunting wood elves?”

The chief sighed. ”Blame it on the previous king for poisoning King Sharo's mind. It's another one of Sharo's whims, honestly. If I could beat Sharo in combat, I would have challenged him to end his reign. Unfortunately, he is the strongest elf alive in Altear.”

The village chief introduced himself as Torran and is officially a magician from the main city of high elves.

”I used to be an adventurer but I've retired. Many years ago, I was the top graduate for magicians in Altear. A few of us who graduated from the Academy tried to challenge Sharo for the position of King or Queen but he was simply too strong. Some say that Sharo might be stronger than his father because he received some sort of blessing from Alex the Spriggan.”

Zero was intrigued. High elves were treating wood elves as inferior because of King Sharo. However, what did other high elves think about the situation?

”Did nobody speak up for the wood elves?” he asked.

Torran frowned. ”The council did but Sharo replaced them all. He's a tyrant that we cannot defy. Those who could leave like me have left. However, those who had no valid reasons were trapped in the main city. It's like an invisible prison that high elves were stuck in. Everyone depended on Sharo to live or die, it's madness.”

Zero and Truen shared a look and asked for more information. Torran looked like someone willing to talk and they needed more information. Zero was determined not to involve himself in any more royalty if he could help it.

”Tell me more,” Zero looked at Torran and the village chief quickly put up a soundproof barrier.