CHAPTER 566: CHAPTER 566: COME, LET’S TALK TERMS

Ailena’s first reaction at that time was actually envy.

Envy that Mingtu Saiqiu had tossed all the work to her and had experienced so many thrilling adventures with the Hero.

If the Dark Age of Humanity hadn’t happened, if the Human race hadn’t begun to persecute all the Subhumans, if the Demon Invasion of the Elf Forest hadn’t occurred, if the Queen of Mingtu Saiqiu hadn’t been tainted by Darkness while protecting the Elf Clan, she might still harbor admiration for the outside world.

For some reason, now looking at Yang Yu, Ailena once again found herself longing for the outside world.

Ailena had always been unclear why the Queen of Mingtu Saiqiu had chosen her to be the Queen; now it seemed likely that it was because she, too, had a deep interest in the outside world...

Perhaps, she had been wrong from the start.

But to persist in a mistake was not an option.

This boy from the outside world, who bore whatever burdens, Ailena wanted to see what kind of solutions he could come up with in the face of such Despair.

"I am ready. If you truly can help us through this ordeal, I, on behalf of all elves, will express our gratitude to you."

After hearing Ailena’s words, Yang Yu cracked a smile,

"Queen, with such high expectations, I’ll speak plainly! Joining the war of Wansheng Country is the only way out that I can think of for you."

The moment he spoke these words, Ailena’s expression became a bit strange, and she shook her head,

"Is this really the only way out you can think of? War has always been cruel. If I let my people join the fight, there will certainly be heavy casualties."

"But it’s better than letting elves die silently in this winter. Besides, it’s unlikely that elves will suffer heavy losses; at worst, they’ll be tired."

Yang Yu stretched out his finger and waggled it with a smile,

"If your elves join the war, Wansheng Country is more likely to want you as medics, a highly valued position. They’d definitely place you precious elves behind the front lines, where there would be fewer casualties compared to those who truly fight in the bloody battles.

With you there, many soldiers might even avoid death, and they would be immensely grateful to the elf race.

As vital medics, even if others go hungry, the vast majority of soldiers would certainly want you to have enough food.

At least it would help you survive this painful winter."

Hearing Yang Yu say this, Ailena couldn’t help but agree that allying with Wansheng Country might truly be a good idea. The soldiers sent by Wansheng Country to guard the elves also indicated their willingness.

But... Ailena had only recently rejected her uncle’s invitation with a firm attitude; it would not be proper to approach them now.

Just as the Queen was about to speak of this, Yang Yu suddenly changed the subject,

"Now that I’ve outlined the advantages, let’s talk about the disadvantages. The downside, well, might be that those who attacked the elves intended for you to fight all along."

"What?" The Elf Queen frowned, hardly believing what Yang Yu said, "Can you tell me what exactly you mean?"

"Didn’t the Queen initially care about which people were persecuting us and the elves? Now I’ll tell you."

Yang Yu’s face suddenly became stern,

"They are a group called the Curse Sect, followers of the Demons. Perhaps their initial goal was to force you elves into the conflict."

If they were followers of the Demons, then everything made sense. The Darkness of the Demons could corrupt the elves, but the elves’ Holy Light could also cause significant damage to the Demons.

For believers in Demons, targeting the elves was only logical.

"By joining this fight, do they intend to draw us out of Luoyu City and eradicate us in one fell swoop?"

"It’s possible, but in my opinion, it might not be the only reason. This place lies deep within Wansheng Country; it’s difficult for ordinary Humans to come here, let alone take away so many elves at once. Also, the timing they chose for the attack isn’t ideal.

Queen, as a person who has rescued elves, I know quite a few secrets about the trafficking of elves.

I can assure you, taking away so many elves at once won’t bode well in our Human markets.

If my guess is right, as long as the Queen goes to war, those elves will soon return to your ranks."

Ailena’s eyes widened in disbelief at the thought that the captured elves might return to their clan, unable to contain the excitement within her. She stood up from the throne,

"Are you saying that if we join the war, the captured elves will be able to return to us?"

"Don’t get so worked up, Queen. What I’m suggesting is merely one possibility. The actions of others could quite possibly be the opposite of what we assume.

They may not plan to sell the elves and might use them for some ritual instead.

In that case, it might be impossible for any elves to return.

Please be prepared for the worst-case scenario, Queen.

There are many other possibilities I haven’t mentioned; I simply chose the two most likely ones.

Any outcome is possible.

To narrow down the possibilities and uncover the real truth, we’ll need to gather clue after clue to be absolutely certain of the mastermind behind the scenes.

This will be a path filled with thorns, Queen; what do you think?"

"What if I refuse to agree, if I insist on not joining Wansheng Country’s war?" Ailena asked.

"I think even if the captured elves are alive, they would probably be dealt with and after that, the people from the Curse Sect would strike again, until you join the fight."

Ailena smiled, her smile filled with bitterness, "From the beginning, you never intended to give me a choice, did you? As the Elf Queen, there seems only one path open to me."

"I’ve only informed you of my conjectures, Queen. You have countless choices, including abandoning your clan, forsaking your title, and just walking away."

"Do you think I’m that kind of person? Can you tell me what I should do next to save my kinsfolk?"

"Queen, don’t think I’m omnipotent. Besides, if you want help from someone, you should offer them something they want."

"What do you want? What will it take for you to lend us a helping hand?"

"It’s quite simple; I only hope that when necessary, your elves will stand by my side."

Without any hesitation, Ailena accepted Yang Yu’s condition, "I understand. If you need us, we will stand by you."

It was only then that the serious look on Yang Yu’s face gave way to a smile again, "Queen, you agree quite resolutely. Now then, let’s discuss our next move."