The Monster King's Legacy

After returning or more accurately, after being let to escape after the confrontation with Lance, the delegates… the god-chosen individuals, had returned to give their report on the situation, and following their reports, the next meeting amongst the concerned human kings that took place a week later was a bit mellow than before the confrontation.

The grand hall at that moment was filled with kings, alongside some nobles and advisors.

"I think it's safe to say, the goblin kingdom and its leader, Lance, are far more formidable than we anticipated." One of the kings said with a deep sigh.

"He is definitely not a man to be trifled with, even that prideful elf admitted without excuses." Another concluded.

"What sort of a man would even abandon their own and look towards wild monsters?..." Another said rubbing his temples briefly.

"It is truly unexpected. Out best course of action now is to forget any attempt to subdue him. Instead, perhaps we should consider forming friendly ties. An alliance may prove more beneficial than conflict." Another suggested.

"This snake, as soon as force doesn't work you flip your hand huh?... but I agree with you, that is the only choice." Another king said, looking to deliberately insight anger from the one who spoke before him, after all, who in their right mind wouldn't think the exact same thing?

The room buzzed with murmurs as they discussed amongst themselves.

"It really does seem that the time has come for us to weaken our efforts in planting spies amongst them. That would only lead to worse now that we are aware of his strength."

…

Unexpectedly, in the heart of the dwarven kingdom, the dwarven delegate had actually returned to his people and reported to the council of guildmasters and lords, detailing what happened as a form of warning.

"So, this Lance fellow is strong," one of the guildmasters grunted, stroking his thick beard. "What of it? We dwarves fear no one."

The delegate raised a hand. "It's not fear I speak of but caution. He is no ordinary ruler, and his strength is unparalleled. I witnessed it myself, it was nothing to scoff at. Provoking him would bring ruin." He said, gazing at his palm as thought lost in it for a moment.

Though not a usual occurrence, Tharok happened to be part of this meeting this time. Listening to the story of the event concerning Lance he had just heard, no one was more surprised than himself. He did hear of them building an entire city in the recent years, but that the human he had seen back then would be the one described in the manner he just heard… even though he had somehow envision it back then, he wouldn't have expected it to happen so soon, perhaps after a few more decades.

"If it's that young lad, then we need not worry. He's a sturdy one, we can maintain our current relationship with them, otherwise, forming concrete ties is also beneficial." He said.

Those gathered exchanged glances as they listened, considering it. Though proud, they respected power, and there was no reason to ignore such powerful potential ally.

…

All these meetings took place before Lance even returned to the monster city.

A few days following Lance's return, the girls and women that had been captured by the bandits were set to follow Eran and his father alongside their merchant group to return to human civilization within the next day or two. They were very grateful for the support they had received from Lance, and the hospitality shown to them while they stayed at the monster city, even getting to use the bathhouse every day.

To escort them, Lance had also selected a capable beastkin to do the job. Not only was he going to escort them, he was to act as an envoy to make sure that the humans noted their good will. If after several attempts at creating a good and favourable relationship failed, then Lance was prepared not to speak of the matter anymore.

As for Sylwen, she was to be sent off to the elves that very day. Though Lance had wanted to meet the elf king, Ithil, mainly to deliver the warning he got from the mysterious figures, he ditched that plan. Since Melina was around, she was the perfect messenger for such a delicate message, after all, she was as good as Ithil's right-hand man, and Lance was aware.

Melina was set to return that very day, so Sylwen followed her back.

The sun was already up in the sky when Sylwen stood some distance away from the main gates, her figure wrapped in a fresh elven-styled robe provided by Lance's people. It was simple, yet elegant. Made with fine material of white trimmed with soft green embroidery resembling vines and flowers. Her long, silver hair cascaded down her back, now clean and brushed, a stark contrast to the dirt and blood that once clung to her in the bandit's lair.

Lance stood quietly in front of her, arms folded as his usual composed expression softened slightly as he regarded the elven woman who now bowed before him.

"Thank you, Lord Lance," Sylwen said, her voice trembling softly with the weight of emotion. "For saving me… for treating me with dignity even after what I went through. I will never forget this."

"Please raise your head, you don't owe me anything," Lance replied calmly.

He glanced toward Melina, who stood a few steps away, cloaked in black and silver. Her cold gaze met his, unreadable as ever. He could still remember when they first met after the leader of the elven scout group back then was replaced. She was more lively then, but now, Lance understood that it was only a mask, just like the name they knew her by.

"I've entrusted her to you," Lance continued, addressing Melina as he walked closer to pass the message. "There's a group out there. We encountered them not long after we destroyed the lair, perhaps you'd be able to figure out who they are, as they were connected to Varkas. Though I don't know who they are, but they warned me that Sylwen is special, and that she should be protected. Since she's returning to the elven lands, she's in your care. Your king should know as well."

Melina gave a small nod. "I'll deliver the message."

Turning back to Sylwen, Lance offered a brief but reassuring smile. "Be strong."

Sylwen bit her lip and nodded, tears welling in her eyes but never falling. They weren't tears of regret or pain, but of joy and longing. She turned toward Melina, who raised a hand glowing with ethereal green light that covered the ground beneath herself, Sylwen, and the escorts with her. The magic flared beneath their feet, pulsing with energy, and in a flash of light, they vanished.

"That should be all for now. I've washed my hands of that matter. They should be able to handle it now." He said to himself, heading back to the city.