Scepter

Part 25

Lein's arrogance angered Feizel and the others - even if he was a noble, such an attitude was very rude.

The priest maintained a polite smile: "Unfortunately, Lord Lein, we are currently within the territory of the Jardet Empire. If the elves were to learn of this matter, it might affect the relationship between our two nations. If you are not concerned about the misunderstandings that may arise and lead to diplomatic disputes, we would be happy to continue caring for this little elf until his kin come to claim him."

Beautiful! Feizel almost wanted to applaud the priest.

Elves were not a dominating race on the continent, but they had unique abilities to survive. Skilled in ranged combat and inherently attuned to nature, they possessed innate magical talents. Although they couldn't rival mages and priests, every adult elf was a formidable force. The only downside was their low birth rate and small population. Nevertheless, no country wished to antagonize such a troublesome race.

Lein paused, his face darkening instantly. "Are you threatening me?"

It was worth noting that even the most powerful mage dared not disregard the mighty Jardet Empire. As a nobleman and official of the empire, and a promising mid-level mage himself, Lein had been showered with praise and compliments since childhood. Even the renowned archmage, out of respect for his father, had treated him with kindness.

Yet, this little pretty boy dared to speak to him like this!

Lein scrutinized him, raising an eyebrow. "You don't look like a mage. Are you a noble from which empire? The Charlemagne Empire? The Salat Empire?"

Yannick replied solemnly, "Oh no, allow me to introduce myself properly. I am a troubadour, pleased to meet you."

The others: "..."

Lein, believing it to be true, sarcastically drawled, "Oh, a troubadour? Truly astonishing!"

Then, his expression suddenly turned grim. "I can have you expelled from Lacerena now. If the elves seek retribution, it won't involve the empire! "

This guy was just impossible to deal with!

Now, not only Feizel and the others, even the gentle Afra felt somewhat indignant.

Yannick continued, "Lord Lein, allow me to correct you. Your logic is flawed. If you were to expel us from the city and we were subsequently attacked, and the little elf were to meet an unfortunate end, even if the elves were to hold us accountable, ultimately, it would implicate you. After all, it was you who expelled us first. You should know how much the elves value their offspring. If they were to learn that a little elf was here and humans did nothing to help, it might lead to a complete rupture with the Jardet Empire, wouldn't it?"

"Pfft!" The elf baby blew a bubble, looking confused. He obviously didn't understand what everyone was saying, just obediently staying in the priest's arms without fuss - unless he was hungry or Yannick was about to be deprived of something he liked, in which case he could be quite negotiable.

"And," the priest added gently, "we also have Count Marlin's beloved daughter, Miss Sophia, with us. The Count is waiting for us to escort his daughter back to the capital."

Lein's face turned from red to green as he listened, his noble temper flaring up. "Miss Sophia, of course, I will allow her to stay and arrange for her safe return. As for you lot, considering your earlier rudeness and the harm you caused to those two mages, the elves can stay, but as for you, get out..."

"Lein, why is your temper always so bad?" With Chris's voice, he dispelled the spell that had hidden his appearance, revealing a handsome and charming face, though it seemed serious due to the lack of expression. "You've been exiled from the capital to Lacerena, are you planning to help expand the empire's territory into the Dark Forest?"