Chapter 1073: The Silver Queen

Time flew by as the earth warmed, and the day that all the nations of the Loren Continent had been eagerly awaiting was finally upon them.

At the northeastern border of the Gondor Wasteland stood the 112th Elven Outpost, proudly nestled between two mountain ridges. This ancient elven settlement had been established over seven centuries ago and, from the day it was built, had served as the Silver Empire’s far eastern sentinel. Flanked by protective mountains, it faced the vast and perilous Gondor Wasteland to the southwest, while to the northeast it connected with human realms. Throughout its centuries of service, this outpost, like all Silver Empire outposts, adhered to a strict policy of discretion, seclusion, and neutrality. Though situated on foreign soil, it rarely interacted with the local human populations.

But that peace was shattered in the spring of Cecil Year 3. A globally significant conference, followed by a series of negotiations, was to be held at this very outpost. The number of dignitaries, ambassadors, and their entourages who gathered here far outnumbered the resident elves. To maintain order during the event, the Silver Empire had begun personnel adjustments a month prior, recalling the elven wanderers who roamed around Outpost 112. This ensured ample manpower throughout the conference but also made the once spacious outpost increasingly crowded.

By the 20th day of the Month of Revival, a kaleidoscope of flags fluttered within the elven settlement. Delegates from various nations were lodged in inns in the southern and northern districts, their national emblems adorning the outpost in a way unseen for centuries. Between the elegant buildings framed with silver-white alloy, vibrant banners danced in the breeze. Beneath them, representatives of diverse skin tones, languages, and races bustled about, settling in, exchanging furtive glances, and quietly sizing up potential allies and rivals.

On a broad street within the town, Rebecca finally found a chance to step outside and breathe fresh air. Her eyes widened with wonder and excitement as she took in everything around her.

She gazed toward the far end of the street, where the town’s largest square was dominated by a grand building whose style was utterly unlike anything in the human world—elegant and beautiful in every sense. Its upper structure resembled layered petals, and atop its streamlined roof stretched three lightweight alloy beams, like leaf veins, arching gracefully through the air to connect with a nearby gleaming white tower. From the base of the tower, several paths extended, linking to nearby whitewashed houses.

Flanking the main avenue leading to the hall were two neat rows of tall flagpoles, from which the Silver Empire’s banners fluttered proudly. Magic woven into the threads scattered shimmering dust in the wind, creating a dreamlike spectacle.

“That’s the Messenger Hall?” Rebecca’s attention wasn’t on the impressive flags or the beautiful architecture. Her fascination was entirely captured by the complex, intricate conduits above the hall and the nearby communication tower. “I’ve only ever seen pictures before… this is the first time I’ve seen the real thing.”

“That’s right—the Messenger Hall,” Gawain stood beside her, also gazing into the distance with a faint smile. “It’s the pinnacle of elven communication technology. Our Arcane Network’s success owes much not only to the knowledge of the Ever-Sleepers and human communication spell models but also to the elves’ expertise. You and Jenny worked closely on this, so it should be familiar to you.”

“Yeah, that’s why I’ve always wanted to see their communication facilities in person. Today, my wish finally came true,” Rebecca said, nodding eagerly. Then, her eyes flicked sideways as she whispered to Gawain, “Hey, ancestor, do you think maybe when no one’s around, we could sneak in and—”

Before she could finish, Gawain tapped her forehead with a crooked finger. “No. Put those wild ideas away. If you really want to study it, draft a proper technical exchange proposal and negotiate with the elves. Don’t cause a diplomatic incident.”

Rebecca pouted, clutching her forehead. “Where do you get these ideas? I never said I wanted to dismantle anything. I just want to go in, take a look, maybe try out their equipment… I’ve never even touched anything like that before.”

Gawain paused, realizing he had misjudged her. But before he could say anything, a soft, magnetic female voice spoke from behind them: “That’s perfectly fine, Your Highness—and you don’t have to wait for a quiet moment, either.”

Turning toward the voice, Gawain and Rebecca saw a petite blonde elf standing behind them. She was Sonia Frostleaf, a high-ranking Silver Empire messenger and the mother of Solderin. Since the grand wall’s restoration, Sonia had remained in the northern continent as a liaison, spending half her time within the Cecil Empire and the rest moving between elven outposts along the border. For this conference, she was the Silver Empire’s official host and had come to guide Gawain and the others around Outpost 112.

“Ah, Lady Sonia!” Rebecca greeted her cheerfully, then quickly asked, “You said I can go into the Messenger Hall?”

Sonia smiled gently. “Yes, anytime. Few know this, but although the Silver Elves’ Messenger Halls around the wasteland are generally restricted to elves, exceptions are made in special circumstances—such as urgent message transmission or when requested by ambassador-level personnel. You clearly meet the second criterion. Of course, this is theoretical, since our communication devices require elven magic to activate. Aside from a few druids who can use special methods and devices to interface, most non-elves can’t even operate them.”

Listening carefully, Rebecca thought for a moment, then shook her head honestly. “Sounds like the Arcane Network terminals are more user-friendly. At least anyone can use those.”

“Indeed,” Sonia admitted candidly. “‘Universal usability’ is the unique advantage of arcane devices. Even our Grant Astromancer, Lady Verania, highly praises this. The rune logic system that transcends elven and human spellcasting barriers is even more astonishing. Our astromancers have begun studying its secrets. Perhaps one day, you’ll see magical devices crafted by the Silver Empire.”

Rebecca nodded as she listened, but her gaze soon returned to the distant Messenger Hall. “I still want to go see it. Even if I can’t use it, I want to observe how your communication devices work. I’ve heard your towers can send clear signals over hundreds of kilometers without relays—that’s far beyond our Arcane Network hubs. I’m really curious how you manage that.”

“Of course,” Sonia nodded immediately. “I have authorization to share technical details of the communication facilities with you. This is part of the technical exchange between the Silver Empire and the Cecil Empire. If you’re interested, I can send other messengers to escort you inside right now.”

Rebecca’s eyes lit up. “Yes, yes! Let’s go now!”

Sonia smiled, and before long, two young elven messengers approached, bowing respectfully. Sonia nodded to them. “Escort Her Highness the Princess to tour the communication facilities. Everything except the section connected to the armory is open for viewing.”

The two elves responded in unison, “Yes, High Messenger Lady!”

Rebecca followed them off, bubbling with excitement. Gawain turned to Sonia with a curious look. “Why is the communication system connected to the armory?”

“Because our communication system doubles as the Sentinel Tower’s monitoring network,” Sonia explained. “Though the channels are securely segmented, the infrastructure is linked. Every monitoring station or border post has an armory stocked with numerous golem automatons and arcane orbs aimed at the Grant Wall. If the Wall suffers a major breach, the outposts can not only send immediate alerts but also organize the first wave of counterattacks. Even if the situation spirals out of control and intense radiation in the wasteland kills all the elves at the outpost, as long as the communication system remains operational, the command center in the Star Sanctuary can remotely activate those armaments. The automated golems buy precious time for the rear.”

Gawain listened quietly, then sighed after a long moment. “Seven hundred years on, the elves remain so vigilant about that wasteland.”

“Because the fall of the Gondor Empire happened within living memory for us. And just a couple of years ago, the Grant Wall had issues again. We can’t afford to be complacent.”

“True… Seven hundred years, and it takes you nearly six centuries to grow from infant to adult,” Gawain chuckled, shaking his head. “But come to think of it, I don’t recall anything about the armory. That must have been built during my… slumber.”

“Yes. This system was commissioned by Her Majesty, the Silver Queen Belsethia. The Queen believed the radiation in the wasteland showed no signs of abating, and the number of wandering mutants hadn’t decreased. This meant the wasteland wouldn’t naturally purify itself over time, contrary to some scholars’ earlier hopes. To strengthen defenses, she ordered the system’s construction—about three centuries ago.”

“Belsethia…” Gawain repeated the name softly, then suddenly smiled. “You came here now to deliver a message from your queen, didn’t you?”

“…I suppose you’re not easily fooled,” Sonia exhaled and bowed slightly. “To His Majesty Gawain Cecil, the Silver Queen Belsethia Morningstar invites you to afternoon tea in the Oak Hall’s small garden. May I ask if you would honor us with your presence?”

“Of course. I’m free anyway, and I’m curious to see how Belsethia has grown over the years,” Gawain said, having known the Silver Queen had arrived days earlier and expecting this invitation. He nodded cheerfully. “Lead the way—I’m not very familiar with this outpost.”

…

Guided by Sonia, Gawain left the town’s main avenue. They passed through districts now occupied by various delegations, crossed the town’s power nexus, and finally arrived at a quiet, tidy longhouse deep within the settlement. From the outside, it looked like a larger-than-average building, nothing extraordinary. But the royal guards standing at the door, clad in fully enchanted armor, made it clear that someone of the highest rank was residing inside.

Gawain recalled the memories he had inherited—those mannerisms and habits of Gawain Cecil, the subtle impressions of Belsethia’s personality. He was certain everything aligned perfectly. Then, he instructed the attendants and guards who had followed him to wait outside, and, accompanied by Sonia, he stepped into the longhouse.

Passing through the main hall and a short corridor, he arrived at the small garden behind the house. Magical energy permeated the courtyard, keeping the plants lush year-round. Exotic flowers and dense tropical trees filled the space, and amid this vibrant greenery stood a delicate round table with chairs. Seated quietly was a beautiful woman with flowing golden hair, adorned with an exquisite platinum circlet, her bearing elegant and noble. Two elven handmaidens stood respectfully behind her.

Gawain blinked. Though he had seen Belsethia’s current appearance in the audiovisual reports from the southern continent, seeing her in person revealed a strikingly different aura than he had imagined.

She was nothing like the scrappy girl who once ran wild through various camps, nose dripping, causing trouble eight times a day.

He lingered briefly at the garden’s entrance—a perfectly natural reaction—then smiled softly and approached the famed Silver Empress, known throughout the continent. “Belsethia, it’s been a long time.”

“Seven hundred and thirty years, Uncle Gawain Cecil,” the beautiful empress suddenly laughed, the solemn dignity and aloofness that usually surrounded her melting away. She seemed to come alive in an instant and rose to greet him. “It’s hard to believe we can meet again like this.”

“Uncle…” Gawain paused, a subtle expression crossing his face. “It’s been so long since I’ve heard that—are you still calling me that, even now that you’re so grown?”

His words gave Sonia, who followed behind, a strange feeling. The Silver Empress was a figure of immense reverence, especially this current one, whose skillful leadership had made the Silver Empire stronger than ever. Countless people regarded her with awe. Yet here was a human who could so naturally say, “You’re so grown now,” and it sounded perfectly natural.

“This is a private moment,” Belsethia smiled, clearly agreeing that Gawain’s words were perfectly normal from start to finish. “If I had to keep up the dignity of the empress in every casual conversation, I’d never get a moment to relax.”

Gawain looked at her for a moment, then smiled gently. “That’s good, then.”

(End of chapter)