LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 11
“Th-this is the Elf Kingdom…!”
Upon reaching our destination, Sword Emperor Mirua’s eyes sparkled with wonder.
Hidden in a corner of the underground waterways was a small gate about the height of a person. As soon as we stepped through it, a magnificent expanse of nature spread out before us. It was no surprise that Mirua was astonished.
The room where the small gate was located, true to the game’s setting, was heavily guarded.
A secret phrase had to be recited towards a specific wall to access the room. Inside, a monster called “Guardian Statue” would attack anyone it deemed an intruder.
This time, thanks to Lofemia’s presence, we avoided trouble, but the security system set by the elves to prevent unwanted visitors was clearly meticulous.
“Ehehe, beautiful, isn’t it? My homeland.”
Lofemia puffed out her large chest proudly as Mirua looked around in awe.
The giant trees growing everywhere, the grass reaching up to our waists, and the “World Tree” at the center of the world…
None of these sights could be seen in the royal capital, so I understand why Mirua was speechless.
Although I’d seen these scenes many times in my previous life’s game, VR and reality are entirely different in terms of realism (?).
I was just as moved as Mirua, but maintaining composure is part of being a grand villain. More importantly…
The beautiful elf girls around us were incredibly cute!
Many of them had large breasts; this was truly a paradise!
I can’t help but be overwhelmed – in my previous life, I probably died a virgin. I hope my loss of composure can be forgiven.
“Ah, are those humans…?”
“Princess Lofemia, why have you brought them here…?”
Sadly, it seems humans are still viewed as objects of fear by the elves.
While they aren’t outright hostile, it’s clear they’re scared of us. This is undoubtedly a sin created by Princess Yuricia of the First Order.
“Don’t worry, Esmeralda-sama.”
Noticing my concern, Lofemia tightly gripped my hand.
“Eventually, everyone will understand how cool you are, Esmeralda-sama. So please, don’t dislike us.”
“…”
This is surprising.
Despite their own suffering at the hands of humans, they still defend me. Despite her quirks, Lofemia truly has a noble character.
“Heh, there’s no need to worry. Obstacles are natural when pursuing a great cause. I won’t be shaken by something this trivial.”
One of the conditions I admire in a villain – to remain composed at all times.
In this life, I want to live selfishly as a villain, so I won’t be disturbed by such things.
“Ah, indeed. Prince Esmeralda is the one I should follow for life…”
While Mirua continued to mutter, if the elves are afraid of us, we shouldn’t linger here for long.
“Come on, Lofemia. You wanted to introduce me to the queen, right? Let’s go meet her.”
“Yes, yes…!”
As a game junkie, I know all too well.
The Elf Kingdom is filled with powerful weapons and armor, and numerous perfect leveling spots. Monsters like Golden Aiant and Silver Slime, which give efficient experience points, are abundant.
Staying here means I can become stronger.
As a villain prince set to rule over the people, I must become stronger. Who knows what that useless woman Yuricia will do next?
To become a proper villain prince, it’s crucial to move freely around the Elf Kingdom. Meeting the queen is exactly what I wanted.
“Marriage, marriage…”
Lofemia was excited for a different reason, but I chose to ignore it.
★ ★ ★
“I see. So you are the Fifth Prince of Vefeld Kingdom, Esmeralda Dia Vefeld.”
In the throne room of the Elf Kingdom.
Queen Crofe Luna Austria sat on her throne, looking down at me.
Being in the presence of the Elf Queen, even a Fifth Prince must behave respectfully. Adopting a humble attitude as necessary is another element of becoming a grand villain.
And Queen Crofe herself was as beautiful as her character in the game.
With her long, emerald hair flowing down to her waist, translucent skin, and predictably large breasts.
Though her real age is probably around five hundred, thanks to convenient elf lore, she looked like a woman in her late twenties.
“That’s the Fifth Prince…”
“Why is he here…?”
The elven attendants were also whispering among themselves.
Though I can’t hear any outright insults, as a widely disliked villainous prince among humans, it’s not surprising to attract negative attention.
But – faltering here would not make me a true villain.
Even if disliked, winning over the hearts of the elves is what makes a true villainous prince.
“Mother, I understand your doubts. But Esmeralda-sama is a really good person, please believe him…!”
“Yes, I understand. Since Lofemia has such strong trust in you, I won’t treat you harshly. And thank you for helping my daughter.”
Queen Crofe bowed slightly. The situation had already been explained, albeit briefly.
“But,”
Queen Crofe’s stern gaze focused on me.
“Thirty. Do you know what this number means?”
“…”
“This is the number of elves taken so far. We have repeatedly objected to the King of Vefeld, but the situation has not improved. Under these circumstances, it’s unreasonable to expect friendly relations.”
“…”
“Furthermore, even Lofemia, who tried to negotiate secretly, was nearly abducted. While I am thankful to Prince Esmeralda, it’s inevitable that some elves dislike humans.”
…Looks like I’m pretty unpopular here.
Understandably so. If I were in Queen Crofe’s position, I would probably detest humans too.
“Therefore… I’m sorry, but please leave. Under the current circumstances, there’s nothing we can discuss with you humans.”
Queen Crofe coldly delivered her words.
If things stay this way, moving freely around the Elf Kingdom is impossible, but as an aspiring villain…
Even in a situation where a sensible person would back down, I have no intention of retreating.
Sensing the presence around me, it seems like the Third Division, or someone similar, is lurking, waiting to abduct more elves. Heh, to infiltrate the Elf Kingdom, I’ll make use of you guys.