Demon King: Hero, don’t run away!

Chapter 542: Chapter 542: Reject, Reject, and Reject Again!

Due to a large number of elves congregating in Luoyu City seeking refuge, the elven Luoyu City had grown an entire circle larger than before.

Unfortunately, as the city expanded, the elves encountered many inconveniences.

Those who settled in Luoyu City learned some planting techniques, but they were unwilling to clear forestland for cultivation. They only planted in a few flat areas within the forest. Thereby, the population of Luoyu City always maintained a level that was neither increasing nor decreasing but was sustained by the forest crops and game.

Those elves scattered throughout the Elf Forest maintained a primitive lifestyle of foraging and hunting. They revered nature and were grateful for all its gifts. When full, they did not take more from nature, which ensured there was no worry about hunting all nearby game to extinction.

Now, both the scattered and the settled elves were living together, and the population of Luoyu City had nearly doubled.

A food problem, which had never been considered before, had become a crucial issue as the crops and game near Luoyu City were not enough to support the bloated capital.

Though some elves could rely on their robust physiques to go without food for several days, they were the minority. Most elves needed to eat regularly.

In just one year, many hunters from the Elf Clan began to find it increasingly difficult to capture game.

As a result, many hunting teams decided to spread deeper into the nearby forests, using Luoyu City as their center.

After delegating some tasks and assigning the hunting team’s mission to Iyas, Che Lan set off.

In fact, where Yang Yu and his companions were situated was not far from the elves’ Luoyu City. With Lotcar’s speed, it would take only about five to six hours to reach the outskirts of Luoyu City.

But Che Lan would certainly need more time. After this parting, it would probably be a day until they saw her again.

At this time, in Luoyu City.

The Elf Queen was receiving a special visitor.

— Her uncle, who was also the Prime Minister of Wansheng Country, Ming Dalak.

The Elf Queen sat elegantly atop a throne woven from branches, wearing a dress that draped from white at the top to the bottom, revealing her smooth back. Her golden hair cascaded down her captivating curves, and she wore golden rings on her chest, arms, and head, symbolizing authority.

Her stunningly beautiful face resembled that of a slightly stern teacher, capable of sparking endless fantasies in countless youths.

However, a woman’s age can be deceptive, and only the Elf Queen knew her true age.

God knows if she could be the great-great-grandmother of some people’s great-great-grandmothers.

The Queen’s uncle, Ming Dalak, sat below her, shedding his luxurious ministerial garments for the common male clothing seen throughout elf villages. He spoke earnestly to his niece.

”Ailena, please reconsider. Wansheng Country and our Elf Clan are interdependent.

If detestable humans invade the territories of Wansheng Country on a large scale, the consequences are unthinkable. A large number of elves would disappear like in the tragedy a year ago, treated by humans as valuable commodities to be bought and sold at will.

I am speaking not as the Prime Minister of Wansheng Country but as your uncle, for the long-term development of our Elf Clan. I hope you can help the faltering country with your strength, to reverse its decline.”

The Elf Queen Ailena shook her head and refused resolutely once again,

”I am sorry, uncle. I always have been unable to accept your proposal.”

Hearing Ailena speak this way, Ming Dalak, who had been speaking enthusiastically, instantly turned his face into a slab of iron,

”Can you give me a reason that will convince me?”

”Uncle should know the reasons better than I do.”

Ailena didn’t say more; she simply raised her hand, signaling the Personal Guard to show the guest out.

Ming Dalak remained expressionless, ”Ailena, I know as the Elf Queen you have things you wish to protect, but isn’t it your own people that should be guarded most?”

Ailena replied, ”It is precisely because I want to protect my people that I have consistently refused to provide aid to Wansheng Country.”

”Do you think locking all elves up here is the right choice? Don’t joke, Ailena. Your foolish decision will surely harm those citizens who trust you, and the tragedy that happened a year ago is a lesson from the past.

On my way here, I saw a few elves who seemed to have returned from the Human World, continuously recounting the sins of humans.

Our opponents are humans.

With just a nod from you, all elves would respond to the call and join the fight to defend our future.

You know, humans often start wars for all sorts of strange reasons.

The war fought to establish this country, with its laughable underlying reasons, is also the cause.

We absolutely will not allow those people to continue their reckless ways. I say it once more, this is for the future of our clan.”

”Uncle... stop talking. I still choose to refuse.” Ailena was not swayed by Ming Dalak’s words, ”The future of our clan will be controlled by me. I am the Queen of the Elf Clan. If it really comes to a matter of life and death, I believe I will be able to lead myself and my people to a bright path.”

Ming Dalak remained expressionless, but this time he rose from his chair, his tone turning extremely cold,

”Ailena, you really are stubborn, and not fit to be queen.

No matter, if you wish for this country’s destruction, so be it! Even if I were to forcibly stabilize the situation, victory cannot be achieved. One day, the Elf Forest where the elves reside will surely be overwhelmed by humans.

I hope you won’t have regrets.”

With that, Ming Dalak walked towards the door. He glanced back at Ailena, who was seated high on her throne,

”Her Majesty Qian Xialan’s patience has its limits. She helped you, the Elf Clan, against the Slave Hunters as a sign of sincerity, desiring the elves’ assistance.

She has been toiling day and night for you. Don’t take it for granted.

Since you insist on not sending troops, there’s no need for her to continue courting you with favors. The Beastman Soldiers guarding you will be taken back, sent to places where they are really needed.”

However, Ailena, seated on the throne, seemed as if she hadn’t heard Ming Dalak speak at all, not moving an inch.

Ming Dalak took a deep breath, and ultimately left the hall where the Elf Queen resided without turning back.

After Ming Dalak’s departure, the Elf Queen Ailena also sat in place and sighed deeply. During her conversation with Ming Dalak, she had felt moved several times.

But she had never agreed.

Ming Dalak was perhaps wholly concerned for their people, but there were things that the Elf Queen could never betray, even if the reason was just as absurd as that of humans starting a war.

The Elf Queen no longer wished to see, one by one, familiar figures disappearing into the annals of history before her, including the previous Queen who once led them.