Shien and his companions looked at each other.
Because this wasn’t a small matter.
“Is this really alright?” Shien looked directly at Sophie, “The Elven Homeland is isolated from the world. Except for festivals like the Peace Festival, I remember that you normally don’t interact with the outside world, right?”
Normally, not to mention foreign men, even friends of the same sex weren’t usually allowed to enter the Elven Homeland.
Of course…
“We simply prefer not to interact too closely with the outside world.” Sophie shook her head, “This is also to protect our innocent people and fairies. You should understand.”
Outsiders were too curious about elves and harbored too much covetousness, even wanting to sell elves as slaves. The Elves naturally had to be cautious and maintain a certain level of vigilance to avoid being harmed.
But this didn’t mean that the Elves wanted to completely isolate themselves from the outside world.
“We are only wary of outsiders, not rejecting everyone. If there’s a valid reason, the Elven Homeland will still welcome outsiders. For example, if someone is in distress in the Tegor Forest, or gets lost and wanders in here, or comes to us for help, we will accept them depending on the situation.”
Sophie looked at Shien and said,
“And for those we trust, we naturally welcome them to visit at any time.”
In fact, some foreign friends deeply trusted by the Elves would occasionally visit the Elven Homeland. There were even some trading companies that cooperated with the Elves, coming to the Elven Homeland from time to time to purchase magic potions, tools, and other goods, transporting them to the outside world to sell at high prices.
And envoys from other countries would sometimes visit the Elven Homeland, representing their nations in talks with the Elven Queen, or interacting with the Elven Corps. This was also why the Elven Corps occasionally received information from the outside world.
“Please accept this.”
Sophie handed something to Shien.
It was a rolled-up map.
“This map marks some safe routes. Following these routes, you can reach the Elven Homeland more quickly and safely, avoiding overly dangerous monsters.” Sophie smiled, “Although I believe that with your strength, you don’t need to worry about the threat of monsters, it should still be useful when you don’t want to be harassed by monsters and want to reach the Elven Homeland quickly.”
The Elven race had given out quite a few of these maps.
Visitors and trading companies trusted by the Elves would use them to avoid many dangers and troubles.
Shien thought for a moment, then accepted it.
“Thank you.”
Shien expressed his gratitude.
“It’s what we should do.” Sophie said, “You are someone recognized by Goddess Nadue, and the person who invited you here has now become the Goddess of Nature’s blessed one. Moreover, you are all important figures in your respective races. If we can’t even trust you, then there’s probably no place for our Elven race in this world.”
Whether Sophie’s words were sentimental or genuine, Shien couldn’t tell.
However, Shien understood the Queen’s purpose.
It was simple. The Queen just wanted to befriend him.
After all, he was not only a foreign man recognized by the Goddess of Nature, Nadue, but also a friend and lover of Melika, the blessed one. Furthermore, he had close relationships with Airi, Lilith, Lucy, and other influential figures. From a queen’s perspective, she definitely wouldn’t want to make an enemy of such a person.
Moreover, when dealing with Machi, Shien had also demonstrated the combat power and potential to reach Transcendent Level.
Under such circumstances, as long as she wasn’t foolish, she would definitely try to befriend him.
Even if they didn’t become close, she at least wouldn’t want to offend him.
This was probably Sophie’s true purpose, right?
“Then, we’ll take our leave.”
Shien didn’t dwell on this matter too much and nodded to Sophie.
“Alright.”
Sophie returned the gesture, then raised her scepter.
“—ki sa o ga chi i a e o tsu pu ro (Corridors of the forest, labyrinth of the fairies, by the traveler’s command, open!)—”
The familiar ancient Elven language flowed fluently from Sophie’s lips.
Instantly, the barrier enveloping the Elven Homeland rippled and slowly opened.
Shien and his companions leaped onto Yulin’s back one after another.
“Thank you for your hospitality, Your Majesty.”
Lucy bowed to Sophie from Yulin’s back.
“See you again, Sophie.”
Lid also called out.
Airi, Millu, Lilith, and Lasha didn’t seem to want to talk to Sophie, just watching quietly.
As for Sophie, she led all the elves present and bowed deeply to Shien and his companions, offering a farewell salute.
“—a shi chi na ha wa da a (May the Goddess of Nature protect you)—”
Sophie prayed sincerely.
“—a shi chi na ha wa da a (May the Goddess of Nature protect you)—”
Leia, Nia, Carol, Jenom, and the others all echoed in unison.
Shien and his companions might not fully understand the meaning of these ancient Elven words.