Two weeks worth of rest passed just like that and Nein finally got a new job to do. He got a mission that needed him to cross the border at the east and meet his clients in the Elven kingdom that's well known to rarely contacting outsider.
"Good luck out there Nein. I won't be able to picking you up later because the contract state that only one person can enter. I'll wait here." Elias says after handing him the permit before continuing her works.
It'll take at least two days even when he swings at full speed so he need to bring supply. He leave the town in early morning, swinging through the cold air toward his next destination.
And after two days traveling. He's standing behind a line of people. His hood pulled up to hide his imposing face to not causing problem as he slowly but surely getting closer to the gate.
"Halt. Show me your identity and the reason why you here. And if you have commendation, please show us." The border guard ask him for registration.
He pulled down the hood and taking out his identity card along with the permit Elias gave him. The guard give him a suspicious gaze for a moment before skimming through the permit and his card before nodding approvingly.
"You can enter. Sorry for the delay. Next!" The guard said after returning everything to him.
He make his way in and hide the permit inside his inner coat pocket. He'll need a day to reach the Elven kingdom after crossing east border city, Fanis. He decided to rest before continuing his travel at night.
Fanis is well known for its cultural beauty. With a huge border wall spreaded all the way from east to the west side of the whole eastern region, Fanis would be the first city outsider come across to, making it strives in economy.
Later that night, Nein already on the move. Sneaking past the security with his ability he swings through the darkness. City lights begin to fade behind him as he goes further toward his destination. It takes him three hours until he landed Infront the Jade forest entrance where the Elven kingdom is.
He walks along the trees, using his smoke to find his way through the dark woods. He come to a stop and immediately rise his arms after finding eight figures surrounding him and aiming their bows at him.
"You're not supposed to be here human. Turn around at once or we'll use force." Said the elf hiding in the shadow.
"I'm here for a contract, someone in Elven kingdom demanding for my audience." He speaks as he reaching his pocket and show the permit containing Lucas, the Elven king signature. A different one that he showed to the border guard.
Upon seeing that, they immediately lower their bows and revealing themselves to him. Three male and five female. Slowly approaching him with caution.
"May I see the paper?" Asked one Infront of him.
He let the man take the permit and watch every movement. His arms still in the air and refuse to lower it down until he no longer sensing hostility toward him.
The elf nods curtly and keeping the permit.
"Sorry for that, I hope you can understand we're doing that due to duty. I'm Valix, the second son of the king." The elf introduce himself while giving his hand to him.
"Just call me Nein." He accepts the hand and shaking it firmly before pulling away. "And don't worry, I understand it very well.".
"And I'm sorry but we need to cover your eyes first. It's a procedure for outsider visiting the kingdom." He say suddenly, watching every movement Nein's making.
"I see. I'll follow the procedure then. Please take me." He says casually. Not kind of answer they expected.
"Are you sure?. We can probably throw you away deeper in the woods or kill you." He sounds confused by such a simple answer.
"I'll trust your judgement." His gaze unyielding despite the situation.
Despite hesitated, he command the other elf to start closing Nein's eyes, ears and nose. Tying his hands and begin taking him somewhere. The night air along with the distant sounds lurking in the woods filled his surrounding. He feels the shift slightly along with the feeling of his boots making indicating he's stepping on a solid and polished floor rather than the ground.
He finally come to a stop and the elf's begin to untie him and unwrap the clothes covering his face to sees the grand hall with natural but sturdy interior. Tree logs as the pillar, roots peeking from the floor and the branches providing a shelter above. His eyes then focused on the figure with long white hair and masculine face.
"Welcome to Elven kingdom, Nein winter." His voice carries easily despite the distance.
He take a few step forward until stopped Infront of him, their heights almost the same as Nein nods curtly to greets the king.
"How's your travel here?. I hope you enjoy our hospitality?." Hearing the king's usual joking tone, all the elf in the room begin to cringe.
"You should use a pole and tied me up for a better experience your majesty." His answer shocked them more. The audacity of this man to joke with the king.
The room fall silence before the king laugh, amused by his blunt response and kinda like it.
"Father... please don't embarrassing us." It was Ellie, who's looking better than the last time he saw her. She's standing beside her father and scold him to get to the point.
"Ehem, sorry. It's my first time getting a reaction beside confused stare." He clear his throat and looking at Nein more properly now. "I suppose I've told you the reason why I called you here, isn't that right sir winter?."
"Nein's fine. And yes, boss already told me the summary of it briefly. But I'm sure there's more than what in the paper. I hope you can share the details so I can help with the best of my ability." He answers briefly, his eyes clear and certain.
"Very well, let's us discuss this further. Please follow me." Lucas begin to walk, expecting Nein to follow.
Nein stop for a moment to look at Ellie Infront of him and smirks."You looks more better." He says casually before walking past her and following behind the king, leaving her stunned. The word simply meant as a formal addressing to her current state.
She simply shake her heads and curse under her breath before taking a different path.