Chapter 419 - 418: Neutral Party
Kuruck and Reena’s eyes widened in surprise at Sol’s response. Kuruck because he didn’t expect that answer, and Reena because she didn’t think he would be so direct and honest about it.
’I thought for sure he would stop me if I tried to tell them... What is his angle here?’ Reena wondered.
It had to be said that the elves and orcs had long enjoyed friendly relations, especially when compared to the tense relationship both had with the humans of Crestelia. There were many mutual benefits between Sylmasera and the Frostaxe Clan. For example, Sylmasera’s rich wood in exchange for the Frostaxe Clan’s high quality stone, helping each other cover their deficiencies as the Great Forest lacked mines while the Frostaxe Clan lacked wood. While not allies in the formal sense, there was enough cooperation that Reena doubted Kuruck would jeopardize their relationship over a single human they called the "Savior."
Kuruck gave Reena a long look, then spoke.
"I know humans are drawn to elven beauty and have... gone through great lengths in the past to obtain it. But I don’t believe you’re that sort of person." He said, addressing Sol. "However, as Chieftain, I’ll need an explanation. Holding an elf here against her will could bring trouble to my clan."
"It’s not like that." Sol replied calmly, brushing aside any assumptions that this was due to twisted affection. "I don’t plan on holding her for long, just until she sends us back."
He then quickly briefed the Chieftain on the events that had brought them there, from entering the Great Forest, to the encounter with Reena, and how she’d teleported them to the void and then to the Orna Mountains. He didn’t go into great detail, but it was enough for Kuruck to understand the situation.
Reena interrupted a few times, offering her own version of events, along with some pointed jabs at Sol’s expense.
Once they finished recounting the story, Kuruck sat in thoughtful silence for a moment, then said, "If that’s the case, then I see no issue with her staying here."
"What?!" Reena was flabbergasted. "Aren’t you supposed to help me in this scenario?"
Was the Frostaxe Clan really going to side with one human over the entire elven nation of Sylmasera?
Kuruck laughed at her expression. "Don’t get me wrong, lass. I’m not helping him, either. I’m not siding with either of you."