The Elves and Humans weren't enemies, but they also didn't share an amiable relationship. All because of past wars and certain human Kingdoms still allowing Elf trading.

The relationship was tense. If someone tried to mend it, the consequences could be huge. Reactions from many parties had to be considered and handled delicately.

For example, their common enemy… the demons.

Counting Dragons too, they were the four strongest races of the Triana Continent. Dragons were neutral, so if the other two races united, the demons wouldn't sit still.

There were many more important matters to consider, so Aegon decided to call the most reliable person in his life. The pillar who always supported him.

"Opa! I have a suggestion."

[I'm all ears, Little Sun.]

Aegon smiled, feeling the warmth and love in his tone. "Maybe I'm thinking over the top, but what if the Empire hosts an event attended by the Elves?"

[Huh?]

"Yes, like we extend our hand to mend our relationship," Aegon said, as he explained his plan.

[Hmm, so you want to use the Supremacy Games as an excuse to host an event where both Elves and Humans attend? It's going to be rough, boy.]

Aegon fell silent, as he himself knew that.

[Some Elves hate humans, just like there are humans who hate Elves. If not handled carefully, this event might as well trigger a war between the two races. We can't afford that, neither can the Elves. That's why we remained neutral and out of contact with each other. And somehow, I have a feeling it won't go well if the two sides meet like that.]

"I'm sorry, I didn't think it through," Aegon apologized, as he rubbed his eyes.

The thought of meeting Elara clouded his mind. Though it wasn't like he knew much about geopolitics, but at least he should have thought about complications.

[Don't. It's a nice thought that the Emperor has been considering for a long time. We just don't know how to initiate this without actually triggering a war. But if the two races really managed to mend their relationship, we would have an upper hand against the demons.]

Aegon nodded and said, "Even they would try their best to trigger conflict between us."

[Exactly. Besides, even if we want to initiate something with good intentions, the Elves won't trust humans. Vice versa.]

"But there's an exception." Rosa said, sitting beside him and smiling. "You aren't a human."

[You made new friends? That's good. I feel really relieved now. And what the little lady said is true. You're an exception to all this. Even if Elves hate humans, they respect and admire the Valerians.]

"Wait! Really? El never told me that," Aegon muttered.

"So she should tell you how she's supposed to pay her respects to you as if they're guardian gods or something?" Rosa shook her head in disappointment.

"I didn't mean that," Aegon sighed and said. "But Opa, they won't listen to me just because I'm a Valerian."

[Think deeper, Little Sun. How can your status be used here?]

Aegon fell into thoughts, as he tried to come up with a solution that would help initiate a good relationship between the two races without triggering war.

After thinking for over a minute in silence, he spoke, his eyes still closed, "What if we don't invite the Elves… but only El?"

[Hmm? Continue.]

He opened his eyes and sat straight. "I'll invite her officially as my guest. A Valerian's guest. Elves can't just refuse it easily, so they'll use the excuse of her safety's concern."

[That's where I come in, huh.]

"Yes, I want you to vouch for her safety," Aegon said. "Not just you, but Xiu too. You two are different from other humans for them. They'll be pressured to send her, but surely her parents can accompany her too."

[Haha, it's a good plan, even if there's risk. But Little Sun, remember one thing. We can only make sure she remains physically safe. What people say… we can't control that.]

"For that, I'm here," Aegon spoke resolutely. "She's my dear friend. Let's see who dares say anything to her."

[Better. I'll prepare things here in the Empire for her arrival. That senile old Emperor will jump in joy hearing this, so he will also provide full security. If anything happens, it's him who will suffer the hardest after all.]

Aegon hesitated, raising his head to look at the twilight sky, as he asked, "But is it alright, Opa?"

[What?]

"I'm placing the Empire and the whole Human Domain along with the Elves in such a big risk because of my selfishness."

[Do you want to meet her?]

"I do," Aegon replied without any hesitation.

[Then that's all that matters. Don't burden yourself with such thoughts because many people in both races want this too, but nobody is willing to take the risks. You're doing everyone a favour by taking this responsibility, so don't doubt yourself.]

His voice took a strange turn, as he continued.

[As for the risks, your old man is alive. I once swore I'll give you the life you want and everything you desire. That was also my promise to your grandmother, but you never really asked me for anything.]

Aegon paused, realizing how true that statement was.

[This is one of the only times you asked something from me, so I'll make sure everything goes smoothly. Heh, that old man will owe me one more favour too.]

"Opa, people say army men are not good with words, but how do you always strike right at the deepest part of the heart?" Aegon asked, smiling warmly. 'What did I do to get such a loving family?'

[We're just straightforward and speak what is in our heart. Who knows if the other person might perish tomorrow and we end up regretting not saying anything.]

'What a sad reasoning,' he sighed, feeling a tinge of sadness in Arnold's voice.

[Anyways, contact that lass and tell her to present this to the Elves. She can handle all of this better.]

"Roger that!" Aegon responded with a salute.

Once the call was disconnected, he found Rosa close to him, her eyes shining with love and admiration.

"How manly of you to say such things," Rosa said, grinning widely. "Sadly, the words aren't for me."

"You're my friend, so of course I'm going to protect you too," Aegon shook his head and called Xiu.

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