The King's Gamma (#Wattys2024)

Seventy Four

The elves took the warning from the dwarves lightly, as he feared they would. Barely a month after his people were settled in the other nations did the elves knock on the Demon castle doors, a harem of young would-be brides for the heir. Again, to no one's surprise, they mistook the heir to be male.

The reason, however, was not as strange as you would think it was. At her explicit command, Heiji cast a spell that merely masked her as always only 'The Heir'. The spell was rather simple. It never needed to touch a specific mind or need to overrule someone's perception, as it was a spell placed on her specifically, titling her as only The Heir, no more and no less. And all referring to her had to use her title. This was simply for her amusement. The shock on their faces never quite grew old when they realised her gender. 

As with the beasts and the dwarves, the Elves were surprised when they realized that their greatest Ace in the game, a whole harem of beautiful young women, was useless. 

"We brought a gift for The Heir, in hopes of relaying our sincerity in this alliance." The envoy said, a proud smirk on his face when he was faced with the men of the various nations. Of course, the beasts and dwarves would never think of a marriage alliance!

The large meeting hall consisted of the King and Queen, and their closest aides sitting down for a meal with the invited King of Dwarves and King of Beasts with their entourages. The only women seen were their queens. 

"A gift?" asked the Demon King. "Are you talking about the horde of maids behind you?" 

The elf stalled, frowning slightly. Was this King truly so thickheaded? His intention should be clear, yes?

"Darling, I think they were intended to be brides."

The King choked on his drink, eyeing the women again before bursting out laughing. The amusement was seen even on the other nations' faces.

"Go call the child to choose a bride, Teo." said the King to his closest aide, seeming ready to burst at the seams with laughter again.

"Why don't you take a seat while we wait for our child to join?" The queen suggested, placing a hand on the King's leg to silence him.

More assured in their choice of approach, the elf smiled widely. It was known that Elvin women were ethereally beautiful. No human would be able to resist their beauty. A marriage alliance in exchange for all of the resources the others shared was the greatest alliance they could have.

But as time passed and the gathering and merrimaking continued, the elf realised one thing he hadn't thought important before. Their women were so beautiful, and yet none of the males paid mind to them. How was this possible?

It was an hour later that the aide returned and informed the room that the Heir was simply not in the castle and neither was the aide Heiji. They had last been seen going towards the demon forest to check out the recent goblin horde activity and intended to wipe the horde out again. They would likely only return later.

This was not new for the rest, however, the elf was completely floored by the lack of empathy for him and his dilemma. If he did not return to his King successfully, he might not return at all.

Days passed, and the elf grew restless. Until finally he broke. His haughty facade dropped and his true nature finally showed. While the women were escorted to a private living facility closest to The Heir's quarters, he was left in one of the smaller guest suites. It also became apparent that none of those listening to him were interested in his musings or complaints. A skew word, or unwanted information from his attendants, and he attacked them. Some of them end up in worse shape than others.