"Phew…"
Under the slightly differing gazes of the three Elven Queens, Kurose Akira drew in a slow breath, forcibly pulling his thoughts away from the intoxicating aftermath of that fervent "holy war."
His eyes swept across the three rulers before him.
According to the arrangement of the Mother Tree of the Elves, today was the day to decide which of them would retain control of the body.
As for the other two—their souls would merge into the mysterious Dark Elf Fruit, be reborn as entirely new individuals, and begin life anew.
For such a crucial choice, Akira had already made up his mind.
"Little one~"
Just as he was about to speak, the White Elf Queen standing on the far right addressed him in her characteristically gentle voice.
"It is time to make your decision. Whichever of us you choose, we will accept it without resentment."
As her words fell, the Elf Queen nodded in agreement and added softly, "On the contrary, we should apologize for our selfishness—for forcing you to expend your thoughts on such a difficult decision."
Both queens were gracious and composed.
Only the Dark Elf Queen remained silent, her dark-gold eyes fixed on Akira. There seemed to be countless words she wished to say—yet she could not.
Ahem.
Akira cleared his throat, only then noticing that a jade-green fruit had been stuffed into the Dark Elf Queen's mouth, preventing her from speaking.
He understood immediately.
This was likely the Mother Tree's precaution—to ensure he would not be swayed at the critical moment by anything the Dark Elf Queen might say.
"I understand."
Akira inhaled deeply and spoke solemnly.
"My choice is for the Elf Queen to continue ruling the Elven Kingdom. As for my reason—"
He had prepared a careful explanation, but the White Elf Queen interrupted him with a serene smile.
"There is no need to tell us your reasons. You need only make your choice."
"Indeed," the Elf Queen agreed, her smile just as gentle. "You need only follow your heart. That was our agreement."
After speaking, she turned to the White Elf Queen.
"As per our arrangement… I'm afraid you will have to remain in this world."
"Mm." The White Elf Queen nodded, accepting her fate with quiet grace.
"Wait!" Akira hurriedly interjected. "I still have something to say."
"Oh?"
Both queens' gazes settled upon him, curiosity flickering in their eyes.
"Yes…"
Without hesitation, Akira reached into his inventory and produced the Dark Elf Fruit.
The moment the queens glimpsed it, they immediately understood his intention.
The White Elf Queen rose elegantly and walked toward him, her voice as soft as drifting petals.
"You intend for me to use this Dark Elf Fruit to obtain rebirth, don't you?"
"Yes."
Akira nodded firmly.
"This way, your souls will remain unharmed, and you can coexist in this world."
The two queens exchanged a look before returning their attention to him.
"That is indeed a fine proposal," the Elf Queen said softly. "With your help, we have already subdued the malicious will. Allowing another 'me' to experience the life of an adventurer would also fulfill a long-held wish."
Akira blinked in surprise. "So Your Majesty had such a wish?"
"Mm~"
She inclined her head slightly.
"My life has been devoted entirely to the Elven race. Yet I once dreamed of wandering the Magic Continent as an ordinary individual, to witness its splendor firsthand. But countless duties and trivial matters bound me to the throne, and that wish remained unfulfilled."
"So…"
"Little one, I must thank you. You have not only resolved the matter of my malicious will, but also given me a chance to realize that dream. In return, you may ask of me one wish. I will do my utmost to grant it."
"Your Majesty… you truly mean that?"
Akira's heartbeat quickened.
To have the noble Elf Queen fulfill one of his wishes…
He would need to think very carefully about this~
"Of course," the Elf Queen replied with regal certainty. "A queen's word carries weight. So—what do you desire?"
"Your Majesty, may I have some time to consider?" Akira asked respectfully.
"You may. Come to the Elven Kingdom whenever you have decided, and tell me your wish then."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
A faint smile curved Akira's lips, excitement flickering in his heart.
Then he added, "There is one more matter. Regarding the malicious will… I would like to handle it myself."
The two queens looked at him in unison, curiosity deepening.
"Entrust it to you?" the Elf Queen asked. "What do you intend to do with my malicious will?"
"Yes."
Akira nodded.
"My plan is to merge it into the Dark Elf Fruit as well. That way, it won't need to remain sealed, nor will it continue affecting your soul. You'll be able to return to your peak state."
The Elf Queen pressed a delicate finger to her lips, pondering his proposal.
Meanwhile, the Dark Elf Queen's expression shifted to one of astonishment.
She had assumed she would remain sealed within the Mother Tree forever—fading into oblivion in eternal solitude.
Yet Akira intended to use the Dark Elf Fruit to grant her rebirth.
Something subtle shifted in the way she looked at him.
After a moment, the Elf Queen's sapphire eyes locked onto Akira's.
"Are you certain you can suppress my malicious will completely outside of this dreamscape?"
Faced with her question, Akira glanced at the Dark Elf Queen beside him.
She was bound tightly in silver chains, the jade fruit still wedged between her lips—a posture of complete helplessness.
And after what had happened before…
Ahem~
Akira extended his right hand and gently stroked her dark hair, smiling.
"I'm certain. Please trust me."
"Very well."
The Elf Queen did not refuse.
"Then I entrust my other half—and the malicious will—to your care."
With that, she lightly waved her jade-like hand.
The souls of the White Elf Queen and the Dark Elf Queen flowed into the Dark Elf Fruit in Akira's hand.
The fruit burst into radiant light, lifted into the air, and flew swiftly toward the budding branches of the Mother Tree.
The Elf Queen explained, "The Dark Elf Fruit must absorb nourishment from the Mother Tree. In approximately ten days, a new elf will be born. At that time, you may come and take her with you."
"Understood."
Akira nodded, eyes fixed on the fruit as it settled upon the Mother Tree's branch, anticipation swelling within him.
"Lastly…"
The Elf Queen moved gracefully to stand before him.
She extended a slender finger and gently touched his forehead.
A thread of silver luminescence flowed into his body. Warmth coursed through him, as if some mysterious force had resonated with his very being.
[Elf Queen's Commission (2/2) Completed!][Quest Reward Obtained: Player Trait — "Beloved of the Queen"!]
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