On The Other Side: I Quit Being Human

The only thing that the Palace loses to the Demon King's Castle is its size and the details of the statues standing on each side of the hall. Other than those, I believe even Ilschevar will admit the Palace is better.

The eight statues standing on the sides are nowhere near as tall as those of the statues of the Heroes who managed to kill the former Demon Kings of Verniculos Kingdom at the Path of Reminder. They are also not as well-sculptured, however they still look impressive.

I don't know anything about who are these guys that are worthy enough to have their statues displayed here. I am inclined to believe however, they are the predecessors of Lysimork, who have rested in peace.

They are not as many as my predecessors, but it is not unusual considering how recent—compared to how long Demon Kingdoms have ruled a half of this world—Lysimork is founded.

Still, they can already be considered many due to their identity. Elves can live for thousands of years; imagine just how long it must have taken these eight people to spend all of their lifespan.

Of course, there is also a possibility that they have died in a battle or due to an illness. Still though, a quite long time must have passed since Lysimork is founded.

"I am glad you like the interior of our Palace that much."

Pausing looking around, I turn my head to Haletha at her comment. "It is way livelier than our dull castle. I was thinking how good it would be if our castle was this vibrant too."

"I... unfortunately can't imagine a Demon King's Castle looks this vibrant," Haletha says carefully. "The dark and gloomy atmosphere suits Demons best due to their nature... Of course, this is just my subjective opinion."

"I completely agree with that." I nod my head, waving off Haletha's worry of offending me. "Besides, we can never afford to decorate our castle to this point. Most of the Kingdom's budget has to go to the military after all."

I get a gaze from Eliseus. I thought she would get angry at me, but she surprises me by nodding her head in agreement; it seems to me that she is impressed by my analyzing skill.

I may have not been taught anything about the Kingdom's economy—I don't know much of it, but figuring out that most of the budget goes to the military is by no means hard.

All of us—well, except for me—are well equipped. We go to war everyday, and win most of them. Everyone is also well trained and well rewarded. It is only possible due to a huge amount of money spent on military.

Now that I think about it, it is actually amazing that Verniculos Kingdom still stands till today despite running on a tight budget. It also keeps expanding, although at a very slow rate, but is still able to organize the newly integrated territories well.

'I change my mind. Ilschevar is not as lazy as I thought.'

Nodding my at my re-evaluation of our Demon King, I appreciate our King more. Stopping in my tracks, following the others, we stand in front of one of the many gigantic doors in the hall.

Thud!

Creak!

The gigantic door is opened with a gentle push from Haletha in the next moment. A light wind blows on my face as the door is opened; it smells like a mind calming incense.

The room that was previously blocked by the door is an extremely elegant looking dining room. There is a gigantic, long dining table in the middle of the dining room that is as big as a baseball court.

Countless of female Dark Elves, dressed in a white one piece dress that covers everything except their hands and head, are standing in front of the dining table while facing us.

I don't know much about the Dark Elf culture, but I believe they are the maids.

"Greetings to our Queen." the maids say in unison. All of them bow respectfully as soon as Haletha looks at them.

"Have you prepared what I have ordered?"

"Yes, we have, Queen."

"Wonderful." Turning to us with a small smile on her face, Haletha says. "Let my maids guide you to your seat. I hope we can have a pleasant chat when Arieda joins us."

"Thank your for the courtesy." Eliseus, Vibiane, and I nod our head and let the maids take us to our seats.

I don't pay much attention to the fact that I am seated on the right side of the Queen; I am too busy thinking about the Queen herself. Everything about Haletha is different whenever she treats her subordinates.

She treats us with courtesy—she looks friendly—but her interaction with her subordinates is by no means warm. I get that most rulers have that attitude, but it surprises me that she also has it in her.

The Elven Race are known for their solidarity—that is a given. It can be seen by the fact that no matter how much Light Elves abhor Dark Elves for what their ancestors did in the past, none of them leaves behind Dark Elves who are in danger.

Any Elven ruler I have heard the story about is described as a benevolent ruler who always listens to their people's voice, so Haletha's attitude is somewhat surprising.

'Ah, right. Where is her husband anyway? Where is the King?'

Another possibility comes up when I am reminded of the King who hasn't showed himself until now. There is a possibility that the reason why she acts coldly toward her subordinates is because their loyalty is set on the King, her husband.

Most of them may have never taken her seriously, which is why she acts that domineering. It is her way to show that she is also the ruler of Lysimork, whom they don't want to mess with.

"Is there something you don't like, Warrior Layland?"

Haletha's question wakes me up from my thought. "Hm? Ah, no... I was just thinking about something." I wave my hand in denial. "Everything is perfect, and it surprises me pleasantly. Also, please, just call me Layland."

"You really are the most well mannered Demon I have ever encountered," Haletha praises while looking at me with interest. "You have some questions, don't you? You can tell me. It must be hard for such a wondrous person like you to hold them back."

"Some of them are going to be rude—are you okay with them?" I ask curiously.

"I have a full right of whether to answer or ignore them, so it is fine. I hope you don't ask me any perverted questions though." Haletha is smiling, but I can see the murderous glint in her eyes.

Waving my hand nonchalantly, I say, "Nah, I am not interested in that kind of thing." Humming to myself, I carefully ask, "May I know what kind of matter that occupies the King for him to not be spotted anywhere?"

"That is..." Haletha is slightly taken aback. "No, there is no such thing as a King." She shakes her head. "I inherited the title of ruler from my late brother, so there is only Queen in Envenaddle Family currently."

I quirk my eyebrow at how it can be the case. Haletha, after all, has a daughter, Arieda, which makes it impossible for Envenaddle Family to not have a King—her husband is supposed to be the King.

Not long after, I think of two possibilities. First, Arieda is Haletha's late brother's child. She is unmarried, which is why there is no King. Second, Haletha was married to her late brother, which is the reason why there is no (more) King.

Incestuous marriages are, after all, common among the Elven Race. Their genes are so superior, they don't have to be concerned of having a deformed offspring.

"It is nowhere near as complicated as you are probably thinking," Haletha remarks, slapping away all of my theories. "My brother died young, even before having a child. Arieda is a child of my own—I am her father and her mother."

"I see..." I nod my head slowly. "Is there a dissatisfaction among the people that you became their ruler?"

"Are you wondering why I treat them coldly?"

"I am."

Haletha hums to herself while tapping on the dining table for a couple of seconds. "You see, the way how my brother died has taught me about many things: no matter what race they are, people need to be ruled over."

"..."

"A ruler is called a ruler for a reason—they rule. There is no reason for them to be compassionate of the people. That is not what a ruler a does ... My brother was not a ruler; he was close with the people, and that cost him his life."

"By treating them coldly, you want to make clear of the difference between you and them?" I ask in interest.

"No, Layland. That is not the reason. A ruler must know that their people are their potential enemies. There will come a day when they point their blade at you. You can't be too attached to them, for you will feel betrayed at that time."

Haletha's eyes glint coldly as I smile softly. Her cynicism is at the same level as mine, and I can't help but relate with her.