Chapter 51: The Gun Revolution, The Perfect Meeting, and The Arrival of War (part 2) Volume 2 END

According to tradition, elves would typically lose all passion by the age of two hundred because they learn and do everything quickly, even perfecting the art of lovemaking through imagination alone during their first time, acquiring the skills of a renowned courtesan.

They were perfect, and their perfection had limited their own development. But now, suddenly there was an imperfect new weapon that was destined to ignite countless passions within elven society and the archery skills they had trained for years were directly being phased out.

How could this not shock the master archers, how could this not stir them, how could this not rekindle their enthusiasm for the unknown possibilities?

Therefore, the master archer almost instantly accepted the decline of the bow and arrow.

It was time for this weapon, which had been used for countless years, to retire.

It was the era of the new generation.

As an old-timer, he must obtain that weapon. Otherwise, to be overtaken and trampled by the younger generation would be too much of a loss of face for a master.

The sudden attack and request from the elven master genuinely startled Yang Hao.

But for the time being, after glancing at Fen, who looked utterly dumbfounded, he still smiled and indicated he would provide a satisfactory answer later, calming the master archer down for the moment.

Then Yang Hao coughed twice and began to introduce the advantages and disadvantages that must be considered when using the Capa 1404-style rifle.

Because this was a new type of weapon different from the bow and arrow, the Elven Kingdom had to adjust its factories before mass equipping.

However, because the war with the Diocese was imminent, Yang Hao did not mind if the elves immediately ceased all production of longbows.

After surviving this invasion, they would have plenty of time to consider fully equipping firearms. But before surviving the war, they must make the most of what they have.

“Moreover, after the Capa 1404 model’s production, I plan to adjust the Oak Factories for mass production of parts and then assemble them. Of course, just like the mass-produced arrowheads, elven craftsmen can still customize their rifles, apply various enchantments and improvements, or even carve lyrics that sing for an hour. But I implore you, masters, at least don’t do this when fighting against the Diocese. I have no objections if you want to carve an abalone on it during peacetime, but during the war, please consider the practical needs more, okay?”

Yang Hao’s plea made the old conservatives show very awkward smiles.

Because honestly, those old elves who were not combat specialists were already thinking about how to carve exquisite reliefs on the wood stock of the gun, and some were even considering turning the sight into a dragon’s head about to spew fire, thinking it would look more artistic.

But since His Excellency the Regent has said so, they should restrain themselves.

The elven masters nodded in agreement, and Fen finally sat back on her throne amidst her astonishment.

Kenna whispered to the side, “Even the oldest and most stubborn conservatives have chosen to heed the Regent’s plea, so in a way, this elven council is already a success. Perhaps it’s time to conclude?”

Before Fen could respond, Yang Hao, after sipping some refreshing lemon juice, indicated that he wanted to discuss matters related to conscription and mobilization next.

“This is in consideration for the upcoming war and is temporary, so please do not worry about the future social structure of the elves.”

This represented one of the changes in the elven society. For example, with conscription, Yang Hao included young elves who were not regular soldiers but had undergone training, in the ranks for enlistment.

They would provide fire support with longbows and rifles from very safe locations, far from the front lines, so there was no need to worry about their safety.

In the conscription bill, special care for the withered branches was a priority.

“It’s reasonable to give the withered branches a chance for revenge,” Yang Hao stated, gesturing forcefully and vividly. 

At this moment, he was like a musician, and also like a conductor. He was mobilizing the emotions of the conservatives, not only with facts but also with visions of a beautiful future and the grim outcomes of failure.

“After all, everyone knows that it was the work of the Roman Empire, or rather, the precursor to the Church of Light of the Roman Empire. It’s just that there was no evidence, and the Elven Kingdom couldn’t offer them help for revenge due to the population issue. But now it’s different. Now that the Church has initiated the invasion, the withered branches can avenge their husbands, fathers, and sons without violating the elven oath. Similarly, the Elven Kingdom can take this opportunity to make amends for their previous negligence, and more importantly… we need all the resources and warriors we can get. After all, this is a war concerning the survival of our race. I believe the elves are clearer than I am about the filth and corruption of the Church. They won’t spare the elves, and this invasion might just be to simply eliminate our population, because they are truly capable of doing so. Therefore, we need to unite and concentrate all the forces we can. Masters, this is not only for the current Elven Kingdom but for the future where our children can safely grow up under the shade of trees.”

After saying this, Yang Hao took a breath and paused for a moment.

His words, especially the last sentence “for the future where our children can safely grow up under the shade of trees,” indeed silenced the old conservatives, especially those who still had some complaints about the conscription policy.

Indeed, they were too old. Their outdated thoughts still affected every aspect of the Elven Kingdom.

These old folks, even before witnessing something entirely new, were reluctant to harbor fantasies about that slight possibility.

They stubbornly believed that the elves had reached a state of perfection that could not be altered, yet this human Regent showed them with facts, that the times changed.

The era ultimately belonged to the children of the new generation. What these old conservatives needed to do was to provide a safe canopy before they died, allowing the offspring of the elves to grow up safely.

They looked at each other, and finally, an old elf stood up and slowly walked up to Yang Hao.

This elderly elf, with his aged but luminous eyes, carefully examined Yang Hao’s face, and Yang Hao met his gaze without fear.

After a moment…

“You’re right,” the old elf said. “The new era belongs to the children. We are too old. We’ve been so old that we hinder the young from thinking freely, binding them with our perfect yet outdated notions and traditions, making them tread the same old paths in a changing world for too long. Human, we are just a group of stubborn yet cowardly old elves. You are still young, do you truly… have the courage and boldness to lead us into the new era?”

“Fen made this trade with me because she wanted me to do just that. But I must clarify, I am not doing this for the elves. I am doing it for my children far away in Roman, and for the benefactor who saved my life.”

“Very honest. Elves like honest people. I trust you, after all, that poor little empress has nowhere to go in Roman, and Caparia will always be your home.”

The old elf nodded, then took out a dagger from his waist, cut off a lock of his own long hair, and solemnly handed the dim gold hair to a puzzled Yang Hao. Afterward, the old elf put down his cane, bowed slightly to Yang Hao with sincerity, and then left the assembly.

It was like a signal. All the old elves orderly left their seats.

They walked up to Yang Hao, shaking his hand warmly or encouraging him with their eyes.

Each of them cut off a lock of their hair and solemnly handed it to Yang Hao. After doing all this, each would bow slightly and then turn and leave. As if doing so could let them leave work early for dinner, but somehow, Yang Hao always felt their actions had a deeper meaning.

Finally, the archery master was the last to leave.

He pressed his lock of hair onto the mountain of hair, then left laughing heartily after saying, “I will wait to fall asleep until that gun is delivered into my hands.”

The assembly hall was left with only Yang Hao, Fen, and Kenna. Yang Hao and his companions looked at Fen, hoping for an explanation, and Fen merely smiled and said, “Go find the tailors of the Green Courtyard. They know what to do. Please leave for now, I will come to find you later.”

“So this meeting…”

“Has come to a successful conclusion. The old stubborn ones will support all your changes to the fullest. Please rest assured for now, you have gained the recognition and respect of all elves.”

The man breathed a sigh of relief. After bowing to Fen, he left with the nun and Arthur.

Fen and Kenna stayed in place for a long time.

Finally, Kenna spoke with difficulty, “The ritual of allegiance… they have never even done such a ceremony for you, Fen?”

“Isn’t that a good thing? The stubborn old elves have acknowledged his capabilities, acknowledged the future reforms of the elves, it’s a good thing.”

“But Fen, this means… this means they would be more willing to accept the Regent’s orders than yours.”

“So, that’s also a good thing.”

Fen got up with a sigh, murmuring to herself. Old elves pledging allegiance to an outsider, and this outsider was invited by her, wasn’t that a good thing?

She was not a stubborn human monarch. Fen was the queen of the elves. And the responsibility of the elves’ queen was to make the elves better. Even if it meant giving up her own rights as Fen, if doing so could make the elves better, could bring them into prosperity, then it was all worth it.

It was just that this meant…

The Regent must stay in Caparia.

Fen smiled, she rarely felt such a surge of emotions as she did now.

If initially, she regarded Yang Hao merely as a Regent who could be exchanged for the position of “king” and “husband” at a good rate, then by this point, she had subtly started to see him as the eternal king of the Elve Kingdom and her everlasting husband.

The emotions of elves were very stubborn.

Once a trend began, it inevitably led to an extremely pathological outcome of those emotions.

At this moment, Fen felt a slight… sourness towards the nun’s taking the lead. But after all, she respected the Regent, she was not like those lonely, old grandmothers in the marketplace who had been alone for hundreds of years. How could she possibly harm the nun?

She sighed, feeling the need to make more of an effort to show her best side to him.

Somewhat disappointed she hadn’t dressed in her finest clothes today.

Just as Fen was lost in her thoughts, suddenly, an elven mage burst into the meeting room.

He hurriedly bowed to Fen, then spoke in a panicked tone, “The Diocese seems to have acted ahead of schedule! There are already many creatures from the Monster Forest fleeing to the edges of the Elven Forest. They are begging for our protection, what should we do?”

‘The Diocese… acted ahead of schedule? But, why are they attacking the creatures folks of the Monster Forest? Aren’t we their target?’

Fen blinked but quickly gave her command, “Have the Regent wait for me in the meeting room. I need to talk to him. Also, the Diocese’s act of deploying troops to the Monster Forest has broken the current promises, so the elves can reasonably abandon their oath. Send our rangers for reconnaissance within the Diocese territory, I want to see what these worse-than-beasts scoundrels are planning to do.”

She paused for a moment, adding, “Let the rangers act freely while ensuring their own safety. They broke the rules first, let’s have their soldiers pay the price first.”

“Yes.”

The war started earlier than expected.

And Fen might never have guessed.

The reason the Diocese started their invasion early was because of their Monster Slayer’ event, which was in full swing.