Chapter 393: Chapter 237: The Empress as a Hostage_3
Their knowledge of the elves’ movements was acquired from Anthony, who was, after all, a figure within the church. His perspective on intelligence was surely in line with the church’s interests, so his understanding of the situation could not be as thorough as that of Sofia, one of the parties involved.

“Not at all.” Sofia shook her head in denial. “The elves have not been a hassle to us at all. They’ve been utterly kind, helping us dig numerous wells and wind-water towers, consequently resolving the water issue in the oasis. They’ve also given us several types of crops that are fit for desert cultivation. If it hadn’t been for you, Lord, in healing our injuries and illness, these elves would’ve offered us voluntary medical attention.”

“That’s a relief. But what’s a wind-water tower?” Negris inquired.

“It’s a tower resembling a windmill, connected underground to a pit. When wind blows on it, water springs from the pit below. You simply have to apply a little pressure on a lever to extract water from the pit, which can be used for both drinking and irrigation.”

Sofia continued to explain, “According to the elves, the air contains water elements. As the warmth of the air is directed to the windmill’s paddles, the water elements are guided into the underground pit. Due to the cooler temperature in the pit, these elements gather and transform into water. This process of conversion of air to water is why it’s known as a wind-water tower. In any case, this is the basic idea behind it.”

“The principle isn’t complex, but it doesn’t really resemble the style of the elves. Rather, it strongly reflects the approach of those mages in the Republic of Stellaris who prefer not to use magic power in situations where it’s not necessary. These mages spend their entire days attempting to eliminate magic and elements. Quite inexplicable!” Negris uttered in bewilderment.

“Ah, the elves who constructed the wind-water towers told us the same, saying that although this isn’t elven technology, it’s particularly suitable for the desert environment.”

Negris nodded, indicating that he understood, and continued to ask, “Anything else of note?”

Sofia glanced at Ange who had already donned his straw hat and hesitated before responding, “The Great Druid of the elves killed Lord Ange’s plants.”

Killed? Ange felt a surge of rage rise within him at once, his gaze locking fiercely onto Sofia.

…

The entire Elf Forest, including the Queen’s palace and the vicinity of the World Tree, was shrouded in a layer of green fog. All the elves who entered the fog lost consciousness rapidly only to be herded by a bunch of animals and thrown out.

All animals were unaffected by the green mist, only elves were the exception. Now everyone knew that the God of Life was furious with elves.

At the fringe of the fog, Gailard held a collar, ready to put it around her neck. She was starkly conscious of the God of Life’s wrath. This was the first time she could sense the mood of God of Life clearly, without Kael’danil’s paraphrasing.

She felt this rage instantly erupt once she reported about the elves’ actions towards Ange and his group. The message was clear: Get out!

Not only did she sense it, but all elves did, including the elf guards stationed at the edge of the forest.

Subsequently, the green fog began to disperse, and all elves were expelled from the area covered by the World Tree.

The elves lived on the World Tree. Once the fog rose, they were all driven from their homes.

Gailard’s hand

was held back by Kael’danil: “Are you sure about this? Once the life collar is put on, others will have full control over your life and will, and can command you to do anything. Are you sure about this?”

Gailard managed a bitter smile, “If not this way, how else can we regain Lord Ange’s trust? He won’t even grant us an opportunity to converse.”

“But you’re our queen. Your status is extremely sensitive. This has undertones of the Elf Clan’s submission to Ange, and our folks will not be content with this,” warned Kael’danil.

“Ah, but it’s precisely because of my status that I may plead for Lord Ange’s forgiveness. I will abdicate and apologize to him in the former capacity of the Elf King. With me as a hostage, hopefully, they will believe in the sincerity of the elves.” said Gailard.

“But…” Kael’danil wanted to add something, but a gentle shake of her head from Gailard silenced her.

Gailard had her hands on the collar about to put it around her neck when suddenly she felt a force, as if the air around her had been sealed. Her movements slowed.

A white hand reached out, took Gailard’s collar and said, “Your status is too sensitive. Let me be the hostage instead. A Truth Mage should be more than sufficient for that role.”