Chapter 23: Those Nonsense Things About Elves

Vladkov was also well aware of his mission. The elves, like mortals and barbarians, remained fragmented. At least the dark elves, just like the original barbarian tribes, had taken the initiative to approach the mortals first.
Unfortunately, the mortals the dark elves approached were not in the Caucasus—of course not, as it was far too distant. This meant they would have to face those who had come to help them correct their misguided path.
“Is this the Mistflower Hills?”
“Yes. Mistflower Hills is just a general term for our elves’ settlements. In reality, it covers a vast area—from the lowlands along the Storm Ocean to this rugged scrubland we’re in now. Further ahead lies the home of our forest elves—the Redwood Forest. East of the Redwood Forest are the Iris Basin and the Tatta Valley. The Iris Basin is where the dark elves live, while the uneven Tatta Valley is the habitat of the cave elves.”
Fenitz knew it was time to let these people understand the actual situation of the elves. In the eyes of these mortals, all elves were the same with no differences, but in reality, the seven major elf tribes could be clearly distinguished if observed carefully.
“Hmm. Besides your forest elves, there are dark elves and cave elves—what other elves are there?”
“Well, there are also the white elves who live in the coastal lowlands, and the swamp elves in the swampy areas further north. The mountain elves and fire elves live in the Mig Mountains on the edge of the Iris Basin. The difference is that the mountain elves live above the mountain slopes, while the fire elves reside at the foot of the mountains.”
“What a complex group,” said Morsen, clicking his tongue.
“Mr. Morsen, aren’t you mortals even more complex? With so many countries and ethnic groups, you must be many times more complicated than us elves, right?” Fenitz replied coldly. She didn’t want these people to appear too weak. Komer had warned her that it was beneficial to appear stronger in front of men.
“Hehe, Miss Fenitz, I didn’t mean anything by that,” Morsen shrugged. The fallen knight didn’t want to argue with this elf woman over trivial matters.

“Miss Finitz, at our current pace, how much longer do you think it will take to reach the mangrove forest? Also, this damp thicket you mentioned—wasn’t it also part of your elves’ territory? Why haven’t we seen a single elf yet?” Vladkov frowned, thought for a moment, and then asked, “And are you sure that entering the mangrove forest through this path won’t attract the attention of elves from other tribes?”
“At our current speed, we should reach the edge of the mangrove forest by tomorrow evening. This land indeed belongs to our elves. It was originally the domain of the white elves, but because those damned human slave traders often bring their gangs here, they all migrated to the coastal lowlands.” Mentioning this, Finitz showed no disguise of her hatred and disgust toward humans, and her gaze toward Vladkov and Morsen also carried disdain. “Elves from other tribes certainly wouldn’t come to this area—it lacks the food they prefer. Mr. Vladkov, what are you worried about? Afraid of being discovered by dark elves or cave elves?”
“Of course I’m worried. Being discovered by dark elves or cave elves at this time wouldn’t be good news,” Vladkov nodded.
“Hehe, Miss Finitz, it seems you have a strong prejudice against us humans. Slave traders are humans, true, but not all humans are like them, right? Isn’t Lord Komer also a human?”
Morsen smiled slightly. It was nice to find some topics to liven up the dull marching life. This elf woman was clearly Lord Komer’s lover. Having been around many women, Morsen could tell that Finitz hadn’t been with anyone for long—she still had traces of virginity in many places. But one thing was certain: she was no longer a virgin. And surely Lord Komer wouldn’t miss out on her as his first. Of course, these thoughts had to stay buried. If spoken aloud, the enraged elf might go crazy.
A scorching heat brushed past Finitz’s ear. That damned human was clearly making insinuations, yet his words seemed flawless on the surface. If she reacted, it would only give him more ammunition. Besides, she herself also…
“Mr. Vladkov, if you’re afraid of dark elves and cave elves, then what’s the point of coming here this time? Did Lord Komer send you here just for a trip?”

What’s wrong with this woman? Does she have a problem in her head? Worrying isn’t the same as fear—does one really have to openly announce one’s arrival when facing an opponent? Vladkov isn’t that stupid. The Black Flame Knights are not like other knight orders; the title of a knight order is merely a cover. Using the simplest and most effective methods to achieve goals is the principle behind the Black Flame Knights.
“Miss Finitz, we came to Misty Hills under Lord Komer’s orders. Your task is merely to provide us with the information we need, nothing more. As for how we proceed, I think no one else needs to interfere. We also don’t need outsiders to meddle in our strategies as the Black Flame Knights, not even Lord Komer.”
Vladkov’s firm response left Finitz speechless. She hadn’t expected this man, who had remained silent throughout the journey, to have such an aggressive and domineering side, showing no regard for her feelings. But Komer had also warned her not to interfere in the plans of the Black Flame Knights and the mages—those were matters she didn’t need to worry about.
“Very well, I was wrong. Mr. Vladkov, I’ll tell you everything you need to know. I’m just reminding you that the dark elves and cave elves must have already allied with the Assyrians in the west. The Assyrians have always been our greatest enemies, and their strength cannot be underestimated. You must stay clear-headed about this.”