After defining with Elandor how the lands would be managed, the elf king made a slight gesture with his hand, indicating that there was still more to see. It was not just about the fields. There was a larger structure behind all of it.
"Come," he said calmly.
We followed a more open path through the forest, and little by little the environment began to change. The trees were still present, but now they shared space with constructions that seemed to grow alongside them. Nothing there looked artificial.
It was as if the forest itself had accepted those structures.
Lyannis looked around with interest. "They really live in harmony with this."
"Yes."
Rai'kanna commented: "No excess."
Scarlett analyzed: "Total integration."
Elara stated: "Organic construction."
Vespera added: "Low impact."
Liriel smiled faintly. "It's truly beautiful."
We kept walking until we finally reached the elven city.
Unlike the human village, there were no signs of wear or improvisation. Everything was clean, organized, but without seeming rigid. There was movement, but no rush.
Balance.
I stopped for a moment just to observe.
"So this is the city."
The king nodded. "One of the main ones."
Lyannis crossed her arms. "Not bad."
Rai'kanna said: "Not bad at all."
Scarlett stated: "Advanced structure."
Elara added: "Efficient planning."
Vespera said: "Stable environment."
Liriel simply kept looking around, clearly impressed.
We walked a few more steps until we reached a more reserved area of the city.
There, the buildings were larger.
More refined.
The king stopped in front of one of them.
"This will be your residence."
I observed the place carefully.
It was a mansion, but different from the ones I knew. Instead of heavy walls and rigid lines, there were natural curves, living wood, and details that seemed to be part of the tree itself.
Nothing there was excessive.
But everything was well made.
Lyannis let out a low whistle. "Now this is more like it."
Rai'kanna commented: "Much better than the village."
Scarlett analyzed: "High quality."
Elara stated: "Superior construction."
Vespera added: "Comfortable environment."
Liriel smiled. "I like it."
I climbed a few steps and entered.
The interior followed the same pattern. Spacious, well lit, without excess. Every part seemed designed to function, not just to impress.
I scanned the surroundings.
Wide main hall.
Direct access to the other rooms.
Clear organization.
"Functional."
The king replied: "That was the goal."
Lyannis entered right behind me. "I could get used to this."
Rai'kanna came in next. "It's not bad."
Scarlett said: "Adequate."
Elara stated: "Efficient."
Vespera added: "Comfortable."
Liriel walked slowly, observing every detail.
"It feels… peaceful."
Before I could answer, I sensed a new presence.
Different from the previous ones.
More direct.
I turned my gaze.
A young elf woman was standing at the entrance.
Firm posture.
Attentive gaze.
But not hostile.
Lyannis noticed immediately. "And here we go."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms. "Another one."
Scarlett commented: "New variable."
Elara stated: "Interaction imminent."
Vespera added: "Possible conflict."
Liriel remained silent.
The elf took a few steps forward.
"The Great Hero."
She observed me carefully.
"You took your time."
"I had other things to deal with."
Lyannis murmured: "Dry answer."
Rai'kanna said: "As always."
Scarlett analyzed: "No formality."
Elara stated: "Direct communication."
Vespera added: "No detours."
The elf maintained her steady gaze.
"I heard about your achievements."
"I imagine."
She looked away for a moment… and then back again.
"And I also heard about the others."
The atmosphere shifted slightly.
Lyannis smirked. "Now this got interesting."
Rai'kanna said: "Knew this was coming."
Scarlett commented: "Light tension."
Elara stated: "Social conflict."
Vespera added: "Delicate interaction."
Liriel looked at me attentively.
The elf continued.
"You didn't waste any time."
I stayed silent for a moment.
Then replied.
"It wasn't something planned."
Lyannis laughed quietly. "Of course."
Rai'kanna said: "Convincing."
Scarlett commented: "Neutral response."
Elara stated: "Avoids conflict."
Vespera added: "Basic strategy."
The elf crossed her arms.
"Even so… it's curious."
"Why?"
She stepped forward.
"Because some of us had to wait."
Silence settled in.
Now more clearly.
Lyannis spoke softly. "Direct."
Rai'kanna said: "No filter."
Scarlett commented: "Issue raised."
Elara stated: "Valid point."
Vespera added: "Growing tension."
Liriel looked down for a moment.
I took a deep breath.
"You're talking about political agreements."
"Yes."
"Then you know how it works."
She kept her gaze fixed.
"I do."
"Then you understand that not everything follows that path."
Lyannis murmured: "Good one."
Rai'kanna nodded. "Right answer."
Scarlett said: "Solid argument."
Elara stated: "Logic applied."
Vespera added: "Conflict reduction."
The elf stayed silent for a few seconds.
Then… sighed lightly.
"I understand."
The tension eased.
But did not disappear completely.
She turned slightly, looking at the mansion.
"In any case… this will be your home here."
"Yes."
She looked back at me.
"I am responsible for ensuring everything functions properly."
Lyannis commented: "So she's staying nearby."
Rai'kanna said: "Great."
Scarlett analyzed: "Internal supervision."
Elara stated: "Direct connection."
Vespera added: "Facilitates management."
Liriel raised her gaze again.
"What's your name?"
The elf answered without hesitation.
"Aerys."
I nodded slightly.
"Takumi."
She made a small gesture with her head.
"I know."
Silence returned, but this time lighter.
I looked around once more.
The mansion.
The city.
The lands.
Everything was in place.
But at the same time…
Everything was still just beginning.
I looked back at Aerys.
Then the king.
Then Elandor.
"Then… let's get to work."
Lyannis smiled. "Now it starts."
Rai'kanna nodded. "For real."
Scarlett said: "New cycle."
Elara stated: "New phase."
Vespera added: "New structure."
Liriel gave a small smile.
And I understood.
This was not just a new base.
It was another step.
And this time…
In a completely different territory.