Chapter 568 - Evergreen (5)
Maya's gaze shifted from me to Alfred, her expression soft but laced with a hint of questioning. "Alfred," she said, her voice steady and calm, "what exactly are you doing?"
Alfred, in response, bowed his head slightly. "I apologize, Lady Maya if I came across as offensive." His tone was respectful, but I could see through the formality. It was more of an obligatory apology than a genuine one, delivered with the same polished precision that defined everything about him.
Senior Maya looked at him for a moment, her eyes lingering on his figure. The silence stretched, and for a brief second, I wondered if she would push further. But then, she sighed—a quiet, resigned sound. "It's fine," she said, though the softness in her voice hinted at a weariness with Alfred's behavior. "Just… prepare tea and snacks for us."
Alfred straightened immediately, his face an impassive mask of obedience. "As you wish, Lady Maya." But even as he acknowledged her command, I could see it—his eyes held no real remorse. It was subtle, hidden behind the veneer of professionalism, but it was clear to me. He understood that he had overstepped his boundaries, but there wasn't the slightest trace of regret in his demeanor.
'He's not used to being questioned,' I thought, watching the interaction closely. The apology, the bow, the compliance—it was all part of his role, a script he followed. But beneath it, there was a quiet defiance, an unspoken assertion of his own position. He hadn't backed down because he felt he was wrong; he had backed down because Senior Maya had spoken.
Maya turned her gaze to me after Alfred left, a gentle sigh escaping her lips. "I'm sorry about Alfred," she said softly, her tone carrying a quiet apology. "He tends to be… protective. More than necessary, sometimes."
I shook my head slightly, offering her a small nod of understanding. "I understand. It's not uncommon for people like him to behave that way, especially with someone like you to protect, Senior."
Maya's smile returned, softer now but with a glint of curiosity in her eyes. "Where were we? Ah, yes," she said, her voice smooth as she looked at me expectantly. "Now that you've made all these observations, what do you think, Junior?"
I paused for a moment, considering her question. I looked into her eyes, those calm yet sharp pink irises that seemed to hold so many secrets. I hesitated, wondering if it was really safe to speak what I was about to say. There was a chance someone could be listening, and what I was thinking… might sound outrageous. Dangerous, even.
"Are you sure you're okay with me saying this?" I asked, my voice low. "What I'm about to say might not be… safe. And if there are people listening, it could be risky."
Maya's smile deepened, and with a simple, graceful gesture of her hand, she urged me to continue. There was no hesitation in her demeanor, no sign of fear. It was as if she had expected this.
'Well…..The fact that she had brought me here and the reaction that Butler had shown alone also encourages this.'
And since she was showing me such a reaction, that would mean that there was no need for me to hold back.
"You are....of Elven Origins."
The moment the words left my lips, Maya's smile widened, a glint of satisfaction dancing in her eyes. It was as if she had been waiting for me to uncover this truth, the slight curve of her lips revealing more than mere amusement. I had struck at the heart of something deeper.
'So, I was right.'
I held her gaze, letting my thoughts swirl as I pieced together everything that had led me to this conclusion. The mana in this place was the first clue. It felt ancient, older than anything I had encountered in human domains, something that resonated with the earth itself.
The connection between the mana and the surrounding nature was seamless, intertwined in a way that human magic simply couldn't replicate. Humans may wield mana, but this... this felt alive, as though it had been nurtured by centuries of uninterrupted growth.
'Elven magic. No human could harness mana like this. The balance between life and mana here is too precise, too natural.'
The barrier around the estate was another subtle but undeniable sign. I'd sensed it the moment I entered the grounds. Most barriers were crude in comparison—forceful constructs meant to block or repel intruders. But this one? It blended into the very air, almost invisible to the untrained eye, quietly woven into the land itself, just like Elven wards designed to protect without disturbing nature.
But that alone wasn't enough to pinpoint the truth.
'The architecture here... it's familiar.'
The design of the mansion struck me from the moment we entered. It wasn't the ostentatious, towering structures that humans favored, nor did it have the blocky efficiency of dwarven designs. No, this was something else—sleek, elegant, every line flowing as though the building itself was shaped by the wind and earth. The curves, the open spaces, the harmony with the surrounding garden.
It all felt too similar to the cities I had explored in the game's Elven domain. My photographic memory replayed those scenes vividly. There was no mistaking it—this estate mirrored the architecture of Elven cities almost exactly.
'There's no way this is a coincidence. It's too deliberate. The design, the mana, the very air around this place... it's all Elven.'
And then there was Maya herself. The more I thought about it, the more it made sense. Her becoming a half-vampire while resisting a full transformation wasn't something any normal human could achieve. If she were entirely human, her evolution would have been completed—she would have become a full vampire. But she hadn't. She had fought it, maintained her humanity, or at least a part of it.
That feat alone made her lineage stand out.
'Her other lineage couldn't possibly be normal. The strength to fight off a vampiric transformation like that... it's not human resilience. It's something more. Something ancient.'
It all clicked into place. The mana of the land, the architecture, and the strange nature of her bloodline. Everything pointed to one conclusion.
I didn't voice these thoughts aloud. There was no need. Maya's reaction had already confirmed the truth.
'Elven origins...'
I watched her closely, noting the way she seemed almost pleased with my deduction. Perhaps she had been waiting for me to reach this conclusion, or maybe she had always known that I would. Either way, the truth hung between us, unspoken but acknowledged.
Maya's eyes, normally calm and serene, sparkled with a rare happiness as they locked onto mine. There was no more need for pretense, no reason to hold back now that the truth had been uncovered. Her pink eyes seemed to brighten, as though relieved to finally share something that had been hidden for so long.
"You're right," she said, her voice soft but carrying a note of satisfaction. "I knew you would see it, Junior."
I held her gaze, letting her words sink in. My mind was still piecing together the implications of what I had uncovered, but one question gnawed at me. Why? Why had she allowed me to see this? Why had she revealed something so deeply tied to her identity?
I stayed silent for a while, letting the quiet stretch between us. Finally, I asked the question that had been forming in my mind. "Why?" My voice was calm, though my curiosity was palpable. "Why did you reveal this to me? Why tell me now?"
Maya didn't answer immediately. Instead, her smile deepened, and I noticed a shift in her eyes. The soft pink hue that usually defined her irises began to change, turning a shade darker—crimson, as if the part of her that she had fought to keep hidden was surfacing.
"To the person who saved my life," she began, her voice carrying a weight of gratitude that I hadn't expected, "and who even covered for me when no one else would…" She paused, her gaze never leaving mine. "Hiding something like this would be hypocritical, wouldn't it?"
The sincerity in her voice was undeniable. Her smile, though still calm, carried a depth of emotion that made it harder and harder to ignore.
'Right… This is what kind of person she is,' I thought as I looked into Senior Maya's eyes.
She wasn't someone who played games or toyed with people's emotions. Maya had always been upfront and sincere about everything she did. Whether it was teaching me how to control mana or stepping in when I had no one to turn to, she had never once asked for anything in return. Her kindness was never transactional; it was genuine.
She was the first person who saw something in me when no one else did. The one who extended her hand without hesitation when I was still fumbling, trying to understand the world of mana and magic. I couldn't forget that moment—the way she'd calmly walked up to me and offered her help when she had no obligation to do so. It was who she was.
Always looking out for others, even when she herself carried burdens she never spoke of.
'She's always been like this,' I thought, remembering the countless moments she'd quietly covered for me. Whether it was during training or in the missions we'd shared, she'd always been the one to shield me from the things I couldn't handle, never expecting recognition or thanks.
And now, here she was, baring a part of herself she had kept hidden for so long—because she thought I deserved to know.
'Seeing someone else in others….It is not a healthy thing….'
I had been running away for a long time already since it always felt uncomfortable being around her.
Since I had always been reminded of 'her' whenever I was close to Senior.
'Right...'
And this was what I had realized while talking with Dakota at that time. How ungrateful and disgusting to do something like this to the person in front of you.
While they are trying to help you, you are just seeing someone else in them….This fact alone is really….
No one deserved such a thing.
"Senior."
Just as I was about to speak any further, suddenly, I sensed someone's presence.
"Lady. Your tea is ready."
Chapter 569 - Evergreen (6)
As Maya stood before Astron, her heart beat steadily in her chest, but there was a subtle tension coiling beneath the surface. She had always prided herself on maintaining her composure, serene smile, calm demeanor, and mask, which she wore so well. But today, that mask felt fragile.
When she heard Astron's voice—steady, calm, yet inquisitive—she couldn't help but feel a tinge of satisfaction. He had uncovered a truth she had kept hidden, a part of her that few people knew. His perceptiveness, his ability to piece together the smallest clues, had always impressed her. But this time, it went beyond mere admiration.
"You're right," she said softly, her voice carrying a weight of relief and satisfaction. "I knew you would see it, Junior."
Maya had known this moment would come eventually. She had prepared herself for the day when Astron, with his sharp mind and keen instincts, would uncover her secret. Her family's connection to the Elves had always been something they guarded closely, and she had inherited that same carefulness. But for Astron, she had decided to make an exception.
As he stood before her, she couldn't help but feel a wave of gratitude wash over her. There had been so many moments when Astron had proven himself, not just as a capable mage, but as someone she could trust with the most guarded parts of herself. He had saved her, stood by her, and never once demanded anything in return.
Maya's pink eyes, usually so gentle, darkened ever so slightly with the intensity of the moment. It wasn't just the weight of her elven heritage that she had kept hidden—it was also the growing vampiric nature within her. She had worked tirelessly to suppress it, to remain in control, but every time she was near Astron, it became harder to keep at bay.
'He must know the truth,' she thought, her gaze lingering on him. 'He's done so much for me, and I've always kept parts of myself hidden. But not anymore.'
Maya's thoughts twisted and turned as she stood before Astron, her calm exterior barely masking the turmoil inside. She had always been in control, always the one who kept her emotions in check, but now—now everything felt fragile.
'Is this selfish?' she wondered. It wasn't like her to act purely on emotion, yet here she was, baring one of her most guarded secrets to tie him closer to her. The moment Astron knew about her family's Elven heritage, he would be bound to her in a way that no one else could be. There would be no going back. Her family, too, would ensure that.
She had been deliberate and calculated, but there was an undeniable weight in what she had just done.
'I won't give him to anyone,' she thought with a fierce intensity. The image of Irina Emberheart flickered in her mind, along with other potential threats, real or imagined. No one would take him from her.
But even as she clung to this thought, there was a flicker of doubt—a creeping sense of fear. She looked into Astron's eyes, those deep purple eyes that always held a sharp, calculating edge. This time, however, something was different. His eyes, which usually assessed every situation with cold precision, were now filled with something unfamiliar: emotion.
It was subtle, but there was a softness there, a hesitation.
Maya felt her pulse quicken. 'What is he thinking?' The usual certainty she relied on slipped away, replaced by a growing sense of unease. This wasn't part of her plan.
She had expected Astron to accept her revelation, to understand the depth of her feelings and, perhaps, even share them. But now, seeing the conflict in his eyes, she wasn't so sure.
Her chest tightened with a surge of insecurity. 'What if I was wrong? What if he doesn't feel the same way? What if this pushes him away instead of drawing him closer?' The thought gnawed at her, sending a wave of panic through her mind.
Her grip on her composure faltered. For the first time, Maya wasn't entirely sure of her actions. She had never miscalculated like this before, and the fear of rejection—of losing Astron—loomed over her like a shadow.
Just as the tension between them threatened to swallow her whole, a familiar voice interrupted the moment.
"Lady Maya," Alfred's calm tone called out as he entered the gazebo. "I've brought the tea."
The sudden intrusion was a welcome distraction, yet it did little to calm the storm brewing within her. Maya's gaze shifted to Alfred, but her mind was still reeling. She had acted hastily, hadn't she? She had revealed too much too soon.
Maya forced a smile, but inside, she was unraveling. The uncertainty, the fear—it all mingled with the possessiveness she couldn't deny. She had thought this would secure Astron's place by her side, but now, she wasn't sure if she had just made everything more complicated.
As Alfred set the tray down, Maya's eyes darted back to Astron, searching for any hint of reassurance. But his expression remained unreadable, and that only made her anxiety grow.
'I've come too far to turn back now,' she thought, trying to steady herself.
Maya took a steadying breath, but it did little to ease the tension winding tighter in her chest. Alfred's presence was a temporary reprieve, but the suffocating feeling of uncertainty still loomed heavy in the air. Her gaze flickered to Astron, whose unreadable expression only intensified her unease.
She couldn't let this continue. Not here, not now. The longer she waited, the worse it would become.
"Thank you, Alfred," she said, her voice calm but clipped, the forced smile still on her face. "You may leave us now. There are things we need to discuss privately."
Alfred, ever composed, gave a respectful bow. "As you wish, My Lady." He hesitated for the briefest moment, his gaze lingering on her as if sensing the unease she was trying so hard to mask. But he said nothing, and after another polite bow, he turned and left the gazebo, disappearing from view.
The moment Alfred was out of sight, Maya felt a surge of urgency. She couldn't leave this unresolved. Not with the uncertainty gnawing at her insides like a living thing. She needed to see this through—to either find reassurance or face whatever consequences her actions had brought.
With a swift, practiced motion, Maya raised her hand, her fingers tracing a complex symbol in the air. A soft hum of magic filled the space as the ancient formation around the gazebo activated, creating an invisible barrier that shimmered faintly for just a moment before settling into place.
The protective formation was something only members of her family had access to—a powerful shield that ensured no one outside could hear or see what happened within its confines.
The air inside the gazebo grew still, the sounds of the surrounding forest muted as if they had been cut off from the rest of the world. It was just the two of them now—Maya and Astron—trapped in the intensity of the moment she had created.
Maya turned to face Astron fully, her heart pounding in her chest.
'Calm down….'
She needed to calm down.
Her heart was racing, her thoughts spiraling with uncertainty, but she couldn't let her emotions take control. She had already set this moment in motion, and now she needed to see it through with the composure that defined her.
With a soft exhale, she turned her focus to the tea set before her, the delicate porcelain gleaming under the soft light filtering through the gazebo. She poured the tea with practiced grace, the familiar motions grounding her, helping to steady the whirlwind of emotions.
The gentle sound of tea filling the cups was the only noise in the enclosed space. Maya picked up one of the cups and handed it to Astron, her fingers brushing lightly against his as he accepted it. She felt a jolt at the contact but quickly masked it with a smile.
Taking her own cup, she sipped the tea, though the usual warmth and flavor seemed muted. The tea, normally so calming, couldn't compete with the freshness of his scent, the subtle allure that he carried without realizing. Her vampiric urges stirred faintly, but she pushed them back down, focusing on the task at hand. The tea served as a momentary distraction, a pause she desperately needed.
After a few sips, Maya set her cup down gently and looked directly into Astron's eyes. There was a calmness in his gaze, the same steadiness that had always drawn her to him. But now, she needed to know if that calm extended to how he saw her—after everything she had revealed.
"Junior," she began softly, her voice carrying the weight of the question that had been lingering in her mind. "If I were to talk about my family… would you listen?"
For a moment, there was silence. Maya watched him carefully, her heart once again picking up its pace, but she kept her expression neutral. She needed to hear his response, needed to know if he would accept this part of her without turning away.
Astron's gaze remained steady, and after a beat, he nodded. "I would listen, Senior," he said, his tone calm but carrying a sincerity that resonated with her.
"Because it's you. I'll always listen."
Maya's heart skipped a beat when she heard his words. The sincerity in his tone, the calm assurance—it all hit her harder than she had anticipated. For a brief moment, she found herself lost in his gaze, her breath catching in her throat.
–THUMP!
Her heart pounded, loud and insistent, as if trying to remind her of the weight of the moment. She could feel it, the rush of emotions stirring within her, her usually steady composure cracking ever so slightly. She was always in control—except when it came to him. There was something about Astron that made her feel vulnerable and exposed in ways she wasn't used to.
He wasn't like others. He never wavered, never faltered, and his unwavering nature drew her closer and made her want to trust him with everything. And now, hearing him say that he would always listen to her… it was more than she had dared hope for.
Maya took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm within her. She needed to stay composed, to keep herself steady, but her heart raced on. The intensity of her emotions was overwhelming, and for a moment, she wasn't sure if she could hold back everything she was feeling. She met his gaze again, seeing that same calm sincerity, and her resolve wavered.
'He really means it...'
She bit her lip, her hands trembling slightly as they rested on her lap. How could he say it so easily? The warmth of his presence, his unshakable trust—it made her feel things she had long kept buried.
Thus, she started speaking.
"Do you know anything about the Elves?"
Chapter 570 - Evergreen (7)
The moment Maya asked, "Do you know anything about the Elves?" my mind began to sift through everything I knew about them—elves—one of the most well-known races to inhabit this world. Everyone was familiar with their existence, their deep connection to nature, and the legendary World Tree that bound their fate.
They were a race blessed with long lives, ageless beauty, and smooth skin, their features always drawing admiration and envy from other races.
Though there was more to them than just their appearance.
They weren't native to this world, not like humans. They had come here from another realm, one tied to the essence of nature itself, during the Nexus Convergence. The day when mana had flooded into this world and when countless races from other planes had appeared, seemingly out of nowhere.
The Elves had arrived alongside other beings, beings of magic and mystery, claiming lands that had once belonged solely to humans. The Nexus Convergence had changed everything. Cities were lost, new territories claimed, and the balance of power had shifted forever. The Elves, with their natural affinity for mana, quickly established themselves as one of the dominant races.
And yet, despite their long lives and wisdom, they remained a mystery in many ways. Their culture, their magic, their rituals—these were things that weren't easily understood by humans. The Elves guarded their secrets closely, and only a few were ever truly allowed into their inner sanctums.
The World Tree, their source of life and power, was said to be the very heart of their world, the place from which all their magic flowed.
These were the things everyone knew, the stories taught in schools, passed down through generations.
But I knew a lot more compared to what an average human of this world knew. After all, there were countless different times when the Elven realm was shown in the game.
That was also the reason why I was able to refer to Maya's lineage of elves.
I knew more than what was commonly taught about the Elves, especially compared to the average human in this world. My knowledge extended beyond the surface-level stories, primarily because of what I had seen in the game. In countless different instances, the Elven realm had been shown, revealing much more than the history books ever could.
Elves were ruled by royalty, and beneath that royalty, there was a council—an assembly of Elders who held great power and influence over their people. These Elders weren't just figureheads; they were the ones who upheld the ancient traditions, those steeped in magic and nature, and were responsible for guiding the Elven race through the chaotic times after the Nexus Convergence.
One of the most well-known aspects of the Elves was their natural affinity for mana. Their connection to magic was almost instinctive, woven into the very fabric of their existence. But it wasn't just about power—there was something primal about their relationship with the world. The Elves didn't live like humans, with their reliance on complex technology or advanced societies.
They lived more in tune with the natural order of things, letting magic fill the gaps where technology might have in human lands.
The Elves' natural affinity for mana wasn't just a cultural or philosophical strength; it was a biological advantage. Their bodies were inherently more attuned to the flow of magic in the world, giving them a physical and magical superiority over many other races.
This was why they were able to expand so aggressively after the Nexus Convergence, pushing back humans and claiming vast territories for themselves.
More than a quarter of the world's lands fell under Elven rule.
And they didn't just conquer; they enslaved. Humans were killed, their lands taken, and those who were captured were used as labor or worse. The Elves didn't just defeat their enemies—they bent them to their will, enforcing their dominance over the new world they had claimed.
They occupied the western side of the continent under the name Sylvanreach Enclave. That place is a lot different from the normal lands as Elves brought the most important things in their lives with them.
Seeds of the World Tree.
The World Tree of their world has fallen, corrupted, and died. And that is why they were forced to leave their own world.
And they recreated the World Tree.
But for the Elves to recreate their beloved World Tree, they had to reshape the land itself. The Sylvanreach Enclave, their domain on the western side of the continent, was nothing like the human lands surrounding it.
Simply planting the seeds wasn't enough. The World Tree didn't grow in just any environment. The Elves had to recreate the conditions of their homeland, transforming the land to suit the magic of the World Tree. It was a monumental task, requiring not just power but the careful cultivation of mana over centuries.
I knew from the game that the Elves had established powerful barriers along the borders of the Sylvanreach Enclave—barriers designed to separate their land from the human domains. These barriers weren't just physical; they were magical, preventing the carefully cultivated mana within the Elven domain from escaping.
Without that control, the World Tree's magic would be diluted, and its influence weakened. The barriers ensured that the flow of mana within the Enclave remained steady, feeding the World Tree and allowing it to grow strong once more.
These barriers also served another purpose. They isolated the Elven lands, keeping outsiders from disturbing the delicate balance of magic the Elves had nurtured. It was a closed ecosystem, one that allowed the World Tree to flourish and the Elves to regain the power they had lost when their original tree was corrupted.
'But of course….It is hard for me to tell any of those to anyone.'
The fact that this knowledge came from a game from another world alone is impossible to explain. There is no person who can understand this concept.
Of course, if I were to say this to people who are close to me, they may somehow believe me, but I doubt they would completely accept this whole thing in their hearts.
In a way, while outwardly they would accept, that doubt would continue to be here. And it is not like I have any intention to talk about any of those things either, as there is no need for me to.
So instead, I simply gave Maya a small shake of my head. "I don't know much beyond the surface level," I said, keeping my tone casual. "Just the general things people are taught."
Maya nodded, her expression calm and understanding. "I see," she replied softly before beginning to explain, her voice carrying the weight of someone sharing a piece of themselves.
As Maya began to speak, I noticed something subtle in her words, a nuance that stood out as she explained the history of her people. She spoke of the Elves' realm—the one they had come from—but she never once referred to it as her home world. That detail struck me immediately.
"The Elves crossed into this world when the Nexus Convergence happened," she began, her voice steady but carrying a quiet gravity. "That world… it wasn't the same after the corruption began. The World Tree that once sustained life withered under the weight of that corruption. The land itself began to decay, and the magic that had once given us life became our undoing.
That is why Elves had no choice but to leave."
She paused for a moment, her eyes distant, as though she were remembering something far beyond our current surroundings. But she never called it home. Not once.
Maya continued, explaining how the Elves had found this world, bringing with them the remnants of their ancient civilization, the Seeds of the World Tree. They had recreated their existence here, building new cities and shaping the land with their magic.
Maya continued her explanation, and as she did, her tone shifted slightly, becoming more personal, as if she was about to reveal something deeper than just the history of her people. "There's a reason why my family isn't in the Elven Domain, Junior," she said quietly, her gaze focusing on the garden before us.
"My family… we were once tied to the Elven royalty. The Elves are ruled by the Verdantweave royal family, and when we first came into this world, they were the ones who led us." Maya's voice grew firmer as she spoke, recounting the tale as if it were ingrained in her very being. "The Verdantweaves conquered the western side of this world, enslaving many humans in the process."
That was something that I already knew since there is a part in the game where the Player comes into contact with the Elven Royal family and the Elven Queen.
Her expression softened, a trace of something deeper passing through her eyes as she continued, "My ancestor, Aelion Verdantweave, was a member of that royal family. He wasn't just any member—he was the Crown Prince, the strongest of the young generation, with unmatched talent in manipulating all elements. He was expected to be the next King of the Elves, a symbol of their future."
'Aelion.'
That was a name that I had never heard being mentioned in the game. Never, not even once.
'This is…..'
And something was telling me that this story was not simply a normal one.
I remained silent, listening closely as Maya's voice lowered, taking on a more somber tone. "As they continued their conquest of human lands, something unexpected happened. He fell in love… with a human slave."
Her words hung in the air, the weight of that revelation sinking in. It wasn't just any love—this was a forbidden love, one that crossed the rigid boundaries between Elves and humans.
"He kept it a secret," she went on, "from everyone. His family, his people. He coveted her in the shadows, and despite the dangers, they had a child. A child that no one was supposed to know about."
Maya's eyes darkened as she recalled what came next. "When Aelion's father—the King—found out, he was furious. For an Elf of royal blood to mingle with a human was unthinkable, a stain on their legacy. The King ordered the child to be killed. It was an act of pure fury, an attempt to erase what he saw as an unforgivable betrayal."
Maya's voice carried a heavy weight as she continued, revealing more of the story that had never been told. "Of course, Aelion knew that this wouldn't stay hidden forever. As Crown Prince, he wasn't foolish. He understood the politics of the Elven court better than anyone. Secrets, no matter how well-guarded, eventually surface."
She paused for a moment, her gaze distant, as if seeing a time long past. "He anticipated the King's reaction, knew that something like this would inevitably lead to violence and death. So, before the secret could be fully exposed, he made a deal."
'A deal…' I thought, already piecing together the next part of the story. This was something I had never heard in the game—a story that remained hidden even in the lore.
"He sought out Valerion," Maya said softly, "the rising hero of humanity. At the time, humans were in a desperate position, struggling to fight back against the other races that had arrived after the Nexus Convergence. They were fractured, with no unified defense. Valerion was the one who had begun gathering humanity together, creating a resistance."
The name...Valerion. A figure deeply woven into the history of the human struggle for survival, known for his strength and leadership. But in the game, there had been no mention of a connection between him and the Elves, least of all the Crown Prince.
"Aelion saw an opportunity," Maya continued, her voice steady. "He offered Valerion something invaluable—his support. With the Elves already dominant and humanity on the brink, Aelion promised to help. In return, Valerion agreed to grant him and his family a place within the Human Domain.
A place where they wouldn't be under the scrutiny of the Elven King or any other eyes that might meddle in their affairs. A place where they could live in peace, hidden."
Her eyes turned toward me, her expression unreadable. "That's how my family came to be here, in the Human Domain. We were given land, a place to exist quietly, out of the Elven Kingdom's sight."
Chapter 571 - Evergreen (8)
"That's how my family came to be here, in the Human Domain. We were given land, a place to exist quietly, out of the Elven Kingdom's sight."
'A deal with Valerion,' I thought, piecing it all together. Aelion had not only secured his family's safety but had also influenced the balance of power during a critical moment in history. This was no ordinary love story—it was a turning point hidden beneath layers of secrecy.
As Maya's words hung in the air, I began to piece the story together with more clarity. Aelion Verdantweave, the Crown Prince of the Elves, had not simply fled to the Human Domain in an act of love. No, this was much bigger than that.
At that time, humanity was desperate—on the brink of collapse as the other races pressed their advantage after the Nexus Convergence. Valerion, the rising hero, was doing everything he could to unify humanity, but they lacked strength. They needed allies, powerful ones, to stand against the overwhelming forces threatening their existence.
That's where Aelion came in.
Being a member of the Verdantweave royal family, Aelion wasn't just anyone. He was regarded as the next King of the Elves, a crown prince with immense strength. His power wasn't a simple matter of inheritance or title—it was earned. From what Maya said, he was almost on par with his father, the reigning Elven King. For an Elf, the title "young" meant something different.
Elves lived long lives, and their concept of youth didn't equate to mere decades. Aelion was likely far older than a mere twenty or thirty years, and in that time, he had grown into a powerhouse.
If Aelion had made a deal with Valerion, he wouldn't just be offering a token gesture of support. No, he would have been a formidable force in his own right, capable of influencing battles, perhaps even entire wars. With his mastery of elemental magic and his status as Crown Prince, Aelion's strength would have shifted the balance.
His decision to support humanity in exchange for a sanctuary for his family wasn't just a desperate move—it was a calculated one.
Aelion wasn't merely trying to protect his lover or his child; he was creating a stronghold, a future for his family. By making that deal, he secured their survival. He wasn't running from his responsibilities as a royal—he was carving out a space where he could protect the one he loved and their forbidden child away from the prying eyes of the Elven King.
And Valerion, seeing the advantage in having an ally of Aelion's caliber, must have agreed to the terms, giving Aelion's family land in the Human Domain. It was a calculated decision on both sides, one that shaped the history of the world without anyone knowing.
Maya continued, her voice steady but laden with the weight of history. "Valerion's ambition was to unite humanity, to gather all the fractured kingdoms under a single banner, and with Aelion's help, he succeeded. The creation of the Federation was the culmination of that dream, with every remaining human kingdom gathered under his rule.
Aelion's support, his power, played a crucial role in turning the tide."
Her eyes flickered with a distant intensity as she recounted the events. "But when the time came to fulfill the other side of the deal, Aelion knew he needed to protect his family's identity. That's when he changed our family name—he cast off the Verdantweave legacy and became Aelion Evergreen. It was in that moment that the Evergreen family was born."
A slight pause followed, allowing the gravity of the revelation to settle. "We were granted the southern lands, a vast region, far from the Elven Domain. There was a reason for this. Valerion knew that using Aelion directly against his own people would be risky. The Elves knew their kin's strengths and weaknesses too well.
Instead, Valerion sent Aelion and his followers south, to battle against the Orcs who had overrun the desert regions."
Maya's expression darkened slightly as she added, "The Orcs were powerful, but they knew nothing of Aelion's abilities. They were unprepared, and that was where the Evergreens truly made their mark. We were given a huge expanse of land for this deal, but the details were kept top secret."
I understood the implications immediately. "You mean… to hide Aelion's involvement from the Elves?"
Maya nodded, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Yes. Aelion crafted a scene to make it appear as if his child had died. To the Elven King, he had suffered a great loss. The Elves believed it, and thus, they never suspected his involvement in humanity's rise. And while the Elves mourned the loss of their Crown Prince's child, Aelion quietly built his new life in the southern lands."
Maya took a slow breath, her voice softening as she delved into the details of her family's history. "At that moment, the Evergreen family was born. The child, born from the union of an Elf and a human, became a mixed blood—a blend of two worlds. That child carried both legacies, but it wasn't an easy path."
I looked into her eyes, my thoughts piecing together everything she had revealed. "That must be where your affinity with all elements comes from," I said quietly. "And why you're so skilled at controlling mana... it makes sense now. You're a genius not just because of talent, but because of your heritage."
Maya's lips curled into a faint smile as she nodded. "Yes, Junior. My control over mana, my affinity with the elements… it all stems from my bloodline. The blood of Elven royalty flows through my veins. But it's not merely because of that. It's deeper, more complicated than just inheriting power."
Her expression turned more serious as she continued. "While it's possible for an Elf and a human to have a child, the success rate is incredibly low. And for High Elves—those of royal blood like my ancestor—it's even rarer. In fact, it's difficult for High Elves to even have children amongst themselves, let alone with a human.
When an interracial union like that happens, the chances of a successful birth are slim. The blood of Elven royalty is powerful, but it can also be overwhelming."
I listened carefully, sensing that there was more to this than just the story of lineage.
Maya's voice lowered slightly as she explained further. "For a child to be born from such a union, the human must be strong enough, capable of withstanding the intensity of Elven royal blood. Otherwise, the child would die before it could even be born. That's why my ancestor's human lover wasn't just anyone.
She had to be talented, resilient, with enough strength to endure the merging of their bloodlines."
Maya continued, her voice carrying the weight of her family's legacy. "My ancestor's human lover, Isolde, was more than just a slave. She was a princess from a fallen human kingdom, and later, it was discovered that she possessed a rare talent for sensing mana. She was strong, resilient, and became a powerful mage in her own right."
I listened intently, understanding the depth of the bond between Aelion and Isolde. They weren't just two individuals caught in a forbidden love—they were powerful figures in their own domains, united by more than just affection. It was a meeting of talents, a rare convergence that allowed their child to be born despite the overwhelming odds.
"Their lineage continued from there," Maya went on. "Though over time, as my family copulated more with humans, we began to lose our outward Elven traits—like the pointed ears and some of the physical characteristics. But the talent remained. The powerful affinity with mana, the connection to the elements... it persisted, even as we became more human in appearance."
Her gaze softened slightly. "That's why, even though I look mostly human, the blood of Elven royalty flows through me. It's why I'm able to control mana so easily, why I can sense the world around me differently than others."
Maya's gaze shifted toward the walls of the mansion, her expression thoughtful. "This place, the mansion… it was built by Aelion. He created it not just as a home but as a sanctuary for our family. He knew that we would need a place where we could live safely, far from the prying eyes of the Elves and the humans who might seek to uncover our secrets."
I glanced around, now seeing the mansion with a new understanding. It wasn't just a residence—it was a carefully constructed fortress of magic and protection.
Maya continued, "The formation that surrounds this territory, the one that seamlessly blends with the mana of the land? Aelion created that as well. It's designed to shield us, enhance the mana within the estate, and protect our family from external threats. It's been in place for generations, passed down and maintained, but its power still holds strong."
She smiled faintly, a hint of pride in her voice. "That's why this place feels so different from the outside world. The mana here isn't just stronger—it's more refined, more complete. Aelion made sure that our family would always have this safe haven, even as the world around us changed."
With every word Maya spoke, I noticed a subtle shift in her expression—relief. She had revealed her family's deepest secrets, things that had been carefully guarded for generations, yet now she entrusted them to me. It wasn't just the words she had spoken; it was the weight behind them, the centuries of history, of struggle and secrecy.
And the fact that she had chosen to share this with me wasn't lost on me.
'It must have taken a lot,' I thought. For her to reveal all this, to trust me with the knowledge that could be detrimental to her and her family… showed just how much faith she placed in me. She had lowered the barriers that protected not just her past but her very identity.
And I knew how difficult that was. Trusting someone with such dangerous knowledge wasn't something done lightly, especially when that knowledge could change the way people viewed you or your family.
"That is all Junior…..This is the history of my family."
And I could see how she was tense waiting for my response.
'This….'
For the long time in a while, I did not know how to answer.