Elven Legacy (Part 2)

Chapter 213: Elaine's Return

It's been a few days since my little outing with Sarah, which was quite enjoyable, though unfortunately, right now, I was having a meeting with the Arch-Dukes and Dukes of Yggdrasil. I usually wouldn't be the one leading such a meeting, but as Mother and Father were outside the Empire, acquiring my birthday present, this duty naturally fell onto Elaine and I, though Elaine still wasn't present, so it was really just me. Granted, she did say she's returning later today, so I'm expecting her; I just hope she's not like Mother and actually assists your Emperor.

"State your yearly report; also, be brief, as I'm sure everyone would like to be over with this meeting." Said Elif calmly while sitting on his throne as he looked at the three Archdukes and five Dukes who had each brought their respective future heir.

Obviously, Sarah and I weren't the only ones who had been preparing for our future positions; so has everyone else, which is also why the Patriarchs and Matriarchs didn't speak but had their heirs do it in their stead, starting with Sarah as she took a step forward before the group while giving me a slight bow. Sarah's Authoritative demeanor was a sight for sore eyes, not to mention amusing, as I couldn't stop myself from smirking, though I stayed professional. Sarah and I may be friends, but I currently wasn't speaking to Sarah; I was talking to the Young Mistress of the Noble Eve family and future Matriarch.

"Your Highness, everything is as per usual, and there is nothing abnormal to report." Stated Sarah solemnly as she gave a slight bow, waiting for Elif's acknowledgment before returning to her spot beside Nordan Eve, who was calmly standing alongside his fellow nobles.

Nodding my head, Sarah returned to her post beside Nordan, and right after came Alf Evergreen, who is probably the person I interact with the most besides Sarah. She's the only one, besides Sarah and previously Marley, who would say how they feel to my face, and I quite liked that about her; of course, she never dared to go overboard, but she'd criticize me and or correct me on certain things, while other nobles would just agree to whatever I said. Then again, it's not like we interact all that much; whenever I encounter her within Yggdrasil, I'll accompany her for some time before we go our separate ways.

"There is nothing worthy to report, Your Highness." Stated Alf with a slight bow similar to Sarah's while Mavis sighed at her behavior.

"Apologies for Alf's lack of formality, your Highness; she's been slacking on her decorum for quite some time." Said Mavis apologetically as she walked forward and bowed beside Alf, who gave her a confused look.

"It's fine, Matriarch Evergreen; I know Alf's personality well enough that she didn't mean any disrespect. I quite like her straightforward personality, if anything." Replied Elif calmly with a nod as he dismissively waved his hand, causing Mavis and Alf to return to their spots after expressing their thanks while Alf was getting lectured by her via divine sense.

Through common sense, it was apparent who'd go next, and it was Yinric Alfhild, son of Draxs Alfhild and future General prospect; if it weren't because they are an Arch-Duke family stationed within Yggdrasil, then they would most likely be a family of Titled Generals, just like Illumia, who was the General of the North before she became my personal attendant. Though Titled Generals must always stay within their designated post unless personally ordered by the Emperor or Empress to move, and since their noble estate is within Yggdrasil, such a thing isn't possible.

"Just like Sarah and Alf, the Draxs family has nothing to report; our affairs are in order, your Highness." Stated Yinrin with a bow, who, similar to his Father, was a rather muscular dark Elf, and unlike everyone else, he wore armor.

Nodding my head once more, I dismissed Yinrin back to his Father, and with the three Arch Dukes having finished, who came next were the Dukes, which consisted of Maga Dagmar, son of Matriarch Jasmine Dagmar; Osborn Freyr, son of Patriarch Norman Freyr; Felecia Hilda, daughter of Matriarch Sally Hilda; Starlet Voldir daughter of Patriarch Harry Voldir; and finally, Kare Sigurda, daughter of Matriarch May Sigurda.