"Sir Wenwu, I..."

This was usually a confession scene, right? The Elf Queen couldn’t possibly harbor feelings for his past self—forced apart by circumstance, now overwhelmed upon reunion. Wenwu’s imagination ran wild.

"I’d like you to accept this seed."

"Huh?"

The Elf Queen opened her palm. A colorful seed rested there.

Wenwu’s wild thoughts crashed against reality. "Your Majesty, what do you mean?"

He didn’t grasp her intent.

"This is the Divine Tree Seed of the Elvenfolk. To sprout, it must absorb vast Essence Energy and store it. I ask your help, Sir Wenwu. Once it’s full, plant it in the forest. Its growth will nourish all."

Absorbs Essence Energy? Perfect for Desmona! That was Wenwu’s first thought. The rest blurred.

He took the seed and readily agreed, secretly thrilled to report back to Desmona.

Afterward, Wenwu returned to the bonfire gathering.

Kaelborn stepped from behind a tree after Wenwu left. "Your Majesty, entrusting the Divine Tree Seed to that man—is it wise? Our village’s future hangs on it."

"I have no choice. Humans covet the seed more each day. If stolen by ill-intentioned hands, when the old Divine Tree dies in a century, no new tree means our people perish from Essence Energy lack. Better to trust someone worthy to build a new elven home than live in fear."

"I understand, Your Majesty. But can you trust a human? Self-interest reveals their ugliness."

"I trust him. He saved Luna twice. A century ago, he schemed not against us. A century later, unchanged. A soul untainted by human society deserves my faith."

"May your decision be correct, Your Majesty."

Had the Elf Queen known Wenwu’s true thoughts then, she might have hesitated.

Wenwu spent one night in the elf village. At dawn, he prepared to leave for the Bansfaser Empire capital.

As he led his horse away, the Elf Queen called out. "Sir Wenwu, departing?"

"Yes. Returning to the Bansfaser Empire capital."

"Riding?"

"Yes."

She smiled slightly. "Elvenfolk magic can spare you time. Let me teleport you."

"Really?" Wenwu asked, excited.

"Picture your destination clearly."

She chanted. A magic circle flared beneath Wenwu and Silver. Blinding light forced Wenwu’s eyes shut.

"Brother Wenwu! Next time, take me out to play—no broken promises!"

Elf Princess Luna’s voice was his last sound.

Wenwu opened his eyes. Imperial palace halls replaced the forest.

"Wow," Silver breathed.

"Wenwu?"

A voice called his name.

"Knight Mirantha? What brings you here?"

Mirantha stood with guards at the palace gates—odd duty for a knight.

"Princess Royal’s orders. Wait here for your return, then bring you to her immediately."

"Must’ve been tedious."

"Hmph. Follow me."

Wenwu trailed Mirantha inside. Guards blocked Silver.

"Princess Royal summoned Wenwu alone."

"Silver, wait outside. Return the horse if you can."

Wenwu added silently: awkward if things got intimate with the princess later.

"Hmph."

Silver’s displeasure was plain.

"Princess Royal and Lord Hadi Kreist take morning tea. Behave," Mirantha warned.

"Got it."

Knock, knock, knock. "Princess Royal, Wenwu has returned."

"Really? Wonderful! Enter at once!"

Her voice alone painted Desmona’s eager face.

The door opened. Desmona sat prim in a black gown, thrilled. Opposite her, Fifth Judge and fiancé Hadi Kreist glared—his expression a stark contrast, as if he’d devour Wenwu whole.