Chapter 606 - Sacred Land of the Elves (3) (1/2)

Chapter 606: Sacred Land of the Elves (3)

“I have a suggestion, Your Majesty.”

Everyone turned to the voice. An Elf clad in elegant glass armor stepped forward in large strides. He removed his helmet and revealed a clean, pretty face. He bowed to the Elf Queen before turning to everyone with a smile.

“Just as Your Majesty has mentioned, we have to uphold the traditions. But we have to also admit that there isn’t a rule in Ivory Valley which prohibits entry to Humans. It is solely because it was the sacred land of the Elves, so the Humans seldom requested for entry. We can’t deny this young man’s identity and rights because no matter what, he fought the Duke Fiend bravely and our adorable Corina was able to return to us in one piece. We must thank him for that and besides, his moral conduct shouldn’t be an issue either.”

Corina’s expression became a little peculiar. She gaped and looked at the Elf who had stepped forward, but she hesitated after gazing at Rhode’s expressionless face. Everyone focused their attention on the Elf and wondered if he had come up with a solution to resolve this problem. Indeed. There wasn’t a rule which prohibited human entry into Ivory Valley. However, Humans basically weren’t willing to enter Ivory Valley due to various reasons over the changes in thousands of years. Therefore, it had become an unspoken rule that was agreed upon tacitly.

However, an unspoken rule was an unspoken rule, after all.

“But we have to admit that if we allow a human to enter our sacred land, it will cause dissatisfaction among the Elves. Therefore, I have a suggestion.” The Elf paused and shot a meaningful gaze at Rhode. Shortly after, he revealed the answer.

“We can determine his qualifications through the Sword Dance Rite.”

The Elf Queen’s eyes flickered while Rhode twitched his brow. He stared at the Elf who appeared to be about 30 years old silently. Although the Elf appeared to be speaking up for him, Rhode wasn’t a newbie who didn’t understand a single thing about their customs. In player term, the Sword Dance Rite was considered a dueling rite. However, the Elves’ battles were non-lethal, lacked bloodshed, and were more artistic. But if one were to belittle this rite, one would be on the suffering end. The Elves who were capable of participating in the Sword Dance Rite weren’t any random newbies. They had been through years of tough training before becoming the most elite Swordsmen.

And most importantly, there was a clearly written rule about the Sword Dance Rite—only Elves could participate.

Even though this Elf sounded generous, Rhode knew that the Elf had actually turned him down. No matter what, the Sword Dance Rite was the pride of the Elves and it wouldn’t be comfortable regardless of whether Rhode won or lost. If he lost, the Elves would think that he had sullied their sacred rite. If he won, the Elves wouldn’t be delighted and they would feel that he had damaged their pride and tarnished their honor. Therefore, even though the Elf appeared to be providing a reasonable solution, Rhode knew that this was not much different from being rejected.

“Please wait a moment, Sir Dale.”

As expected, an Elf Mage stepped forward with a stern expression and furrowed brows.

“The Sword Dance Rite is a grandeur tradition for us, Elves. Don’t you think your suggestion is a little rash? Besides… this isn’t a suitable suggestion for our guest, is it?”

“I know about that, of course. But apart from the Sword Dance Rite, is there any other way to make our fellow Elves recognize this man and willingly allow him into Ivory Valley?”

This Elf was truly cunning. His remark sealed the mouths of the others completely. Indeed. The Sword Dance Rite was the most supreme in the hearts of the Elves and the winner would gain respect from all the Elves. This was the only rite that would fit Rhode’s requirement, but conversely, the other Elves couldn’t find a substitute for it due to it supremacy.

Rhode twitched his brows slightly and gazed at the Elf Knight named Dale. Dale detected his gaze and didn’t reveal any awkward or hateful expression. Instead, he winked to Rhode slyly as though one was pranking his friend. From Dale’s actions, Rhode didn’t see it as hatred or dissatisfaction. Instead, it felt more like—being mischievous?

What does this mean? Testing me?

Indeed. This was a tough question.

The Elf Queen pondered in silence and shifted her glances between Dale and Rhode. On the contrary, Corina was a little nervous. She placed her hands on her chest and looked worriedly at Dale. She frowned and wished to speak her mind, but nothing came out of her mouth. As for the other Elves, they were whispering into one another’s ears, discussing if Dale’s suggestion would work.

But no one expected that Rhode would speak up out of a sudden.

“I’m extremely thankful for your kind intentions, Mr. Dale.”

Everyone shifted their attention to him. They were curious to hear what this young man had to say for himself. Rhode continued to display his ice-cold expression.

“I know the Sword Dance Rite is sublime and highly regarded by the Elves. Not only is it a test, but it is also the symbolization of the Elves’ courage and glory. As a Human, I don’t think I’m suitable to participate in it.”

Several of the Elves looked at Rhode with much kinder and warmer gazes. After all, Rhode had shown the respect he had for the Sword Dance Rite. Besides, he had once again proven that he revered the Elves’ customs. Indeed, as Rhode had expected, the reason why the Elves discussed the issue was that most of them couldn’t accept him taking part in the rite. It was because it would imply that he was the strongest warrior among the Elves if he won… Although the Elves were naturally gentle and kind hearted, none of them would feel comfortable if that happened.

However, Rhode hadn’t finish his words.

“But…”

Rhode continued.

“I have to say this. It is of utmost importance to me for heading into Ivory Valley this time and I don’t wish to give up this chance. So, I do have a small little suggestion.”

Rhode gazed at Dale and nodded with a smile.

“The Sword Dance Rite that Mr. Dale suggested was a good idea, but I can’t participate as a Human. So I suggest that my companions participate in the Sword Dance Rite on my behalf. If they become the final victors, I hope we will be granted entry to Ivory Valley. How about it?”

The Elf Queen sized Rhode up from head to toe curiously. Dale’s charming face revealed some doubts and curiosity.

“No problem with that. If your companions are capable of winning the Sword Dance Rite, they will be the strongest warriors of the Elves. But Mr. Rhode, I’m sure you’re aware that only Elves could participate in the Sword Dance Rite. But…” Dale turned to Corina. “… You wouldn’t be thinking of letting Corina take your place, right?”