SWNOVELXO Chapter 52
In this world, it seems that elves hold a subordinate position to the high elves, a superior race.
The relationship between a master and servant, much like the one seen between royalty and commoners in the Kingdom of Kainreise, is similar in nature here, but while the former is governed by power, the relationship between elves and high elves is determined on a genetic level.
“High elves?”
“Yes, I assume it’s not a familiar term to those from distant lands since there are so few of them, but high elves are like royalty among the elves.”
High elves, also known as “ancestor elves,” are capable of wielding immense magical power and unique spells, even more so than regular elves, who are already naturally adept at magic. However, their numbers are extremely small—so much so that, on Earth, they would likely be classified as an endangered species.
The elf race itself has become more commonly seen, thanks to the recent growth of international exchange, particularly in cities around the “Forest of Gaja,” where many elves are said to live. However, high elves are still hidden deep within the forest, and even nations or individuals close to the elves are strictly forbidden from entering those depths or seeking an audience with them.
“However, this girl named Aria has had a complicated upbringing, and last year she suffered a serious injury in a battle with a monster. She has been unconscious for over a year now.”
Aria, the high elf in question, was born as a result of what is known as “skipped generation inheritance,” which made her status quite complex.
Even in the world of Asphial, incest is taboo, as it is believed that strong bloodlines produce curses. With the already small number of high elves, many elves fear the curse of bloodline contamination.
Amidst this concern, Aria was born, a high elf through skipped generation inheritance.
“Lady Aria has always been at the center of controversy due to her lineage… It is rumored that the injury she suffered was the result of a plot by the elves who advocate for pureblood supremacy.”
In the Kingdom of Kainreise, the importance of personal talent and ability often outweighs lineage, especially given the historical context of refining bloodlines to enhance magical potential. However, in contrast, the high elves, who already possess supreme natural talent, have increasingly adopted a pureblood supremacist ideology, emphasizing the protection of their noble bloodlines.
As Banku’s explanation shifted to the history of the elves, Eurua spoke of Aria’s complicated situation as her servant.
“We elves are divided… Some wish to welcome Lady Aria into the royal family, distant from the curse of bloodline contamination, while others want to eliminate her as a false being. It’s possible that pureblood-supremacist elves may come after her in the future.”
Even if I gave Eurua the red potion and made her my slave, the original contract would mean that I would have to protect both her and Aria. In a way, the fact that Eurua told me this before sealing the contract may reflect her own sense of duty. At the very least, simply handing over the potion wouldn’t be the end of the matter.
“My recommendation is to live quietly in the capital. As long as we avoid the area around the Forest of Gaja, I believe we will be safe.”
Although pureblood supremacists are unlikely to venture all the way to distant lands to attack their target, the Forest of Gaja is located two countries away from the Kingdom of Kainreise, meaning it’s quite far.
Because of this, Banku reassured me that staying in the capital would minimize the danger.
—
“Are you really sure about this?”
“Yes, please.”
Banku’s personal doctor double-checked the red potion before proceeding.
In a large room within a conspicuous building, just outside the capital’s black market, Aria, Eurua’s master, lay sleeping. Moonlight poured through the window, illuminating her face clearly, and though she had been asleep for nearly a year, her complexion appeared remarkably healthy.
“Even so, her magical power is now less than half of what it was before the injury. She’s barely holding on, living by consuming the remnants of her magic over the past year.”
“Less than half?”
The moment I stepped into the room where Aria was sleeping, a dense aura enveloped my body. I quickly realized that it was coming from the girl, who appeared to be around elementary or middle school age, still in her slumber.
While it was hard to directly compare the quality of her magic to that of a human, I couldn’t help but feel that for someone said to be royalty among elves, her magical power seemed less than that of Seioji.
However, Eurua insisted that even now, Aria’s magic was less than half of what it once was. If this is only half, then though it may not match Sakakibara, it would certainly surpass Rey, the heir to a great noble family, and Seioji’s total magical capacity by a significant margin.
Eurua gently took Aria’s limp, slender arm in her hands, pressing her forehead against the back of Aria’s hand in a posture of prayer. It was a sight that could have been straight out of an iconic scene from an anime. But this was not a moment to linger on such thoughts.
Eurua’s master physician, a man who had been caring for Aria since Eurua became a slave, worked methodically as he poured the red potion into a beaker-like container.
For internal injuries, potions are often administered orally, as would be the case this time as well. The potion would be slowly poured into Aria’s mouth via a thin resin-like tube.
The doctor attached a metal tube to the container holding the red potion. At the end of the tube was a pump shaped like a small balloon, which he squeezed to siphon the potion up. The mechanism was similar to a manual kerosene pump, albeit on a smaller scale.
Once the red potion was drawn up, it was carefully administered, drop by drop, into Aria’s mouth through the thin tube.
“Lady Enrifea… if this doesn’t work, then what am I to do?”
Clinging weakly to the bed where Aria lay, Eurua squeezed Aria’s hand tightly, praying fervently.
—
“Does it look like it’s working?”
Several minutes had passed since the red potion was administered to Aria, but there were no signs of her waking. There were no groans, only the soft sound of her gentle breathing, as if she were peacefully asleep.
Banku, growing anxious, hesitantly asked the doctor, who still wore a stern expression.
—
“!? ”
The doctor, who had been intently observing Aria, suddenly moved, quickly placing his hand on her neck.
“Is something happening?”
Banku, startled by the doctor’s abrupt reaction, couldn’t help but ask, though the atmosphere in the room remained tense.
“As expected of a divine remedy… Lady Aria’s magical circuits have returned to normal. She is still asleep, but I believe she will awaken soon.”
Though the doctor’s words were not overly dramatic, his voice trembled slightly, and the once silent room erupted into cheers as the tension dissipated.