Inside the elven kingdom, Elena wasn’t in a rush to return immediately and purchase the remaining items. She had a far more important duty first—explaining the shocking discoveries to Queen Seraphina and the magical council about this unprecedented opportunity that had literally materialised on their borders.
The throne room of Luminspire was a magnificent testament to light elf artistry, with large pillars that channelled pure sunlight into every corner of the vast chamber. Images in golden portraits depicting their kingdom’s glorious history adorned the walls, while enchanted light sources created an atmosphere of radiance that reinforced their cultural superiority compared to other nations.
Elena knelt before the Golden Throne with proper reverence, her voice carrying the excitement of someone reporting a potential game-changing development.
"Your Majesty, the mysterious structure that appeared in the neutral zone is a commercial establishment operated by a human merchant and an archmage-level succubus."
Queen Seraphina Goldleaf listened from her throne with regal attention, her eyes gleaming with interest as Elena showed and described the impossible variety of enhancement items available for purchase.
"Permanent attribute increases, Your Majesty," Elena emphasised, her voice barely hiding the excitement she felt.
"Items that grant new magical abilities instantly. Products that provide advantages we’ve only dreamed of achieving through decades of extensive research and years of training."
The queen’s expression grew more focused as Elena detailed each category of enhancement item, their effects, and the pricing structure that made them accessible to royal treasuries despite their substantial costs.
"The merchant maintains strict neutrality," Elena continued with honesty. "He refuses to favour either kingdom and insists on equal purchasing opportunities for both light and shadow elves."
After Elena finished her comprehensive report, Queen Seraphina nodded with obvious satisfaction at her subordinate’s thorough intelligence gathering.
"Good job, Elena. You’ve done exceptionally well," the queen declared with royal approval that carried significant weight within their hierarchy.
She waved her hand casually, and numerous large pouches of golden coins materialised on the marble floor before the throne—wealth drawn from the royal treasury’s reserves.
"Since you are familiar with the human shopkeeper and have already established a working relationship, you shall be the one to conduct all future purchases with him from now on," Seraphina announced with the tone of someone bestowing significant honour.
Elena’s face lit up with genuine happiness at this appointment. Being chosen as the queen’s personal representative for such important transactions was a tremendous honour that elevated her status within the court hierarchy.
"As you wish, Your Highness," Elena replied with grateful respect, bowing deeply to acknowledge the trust being placed in her.
Queen Seraphina’s eyes glinted with satisfaction as she contemplated the implications of accessing such enhancement items.
She had already made someone try one of the items as Elena spoke. The item that was called rice cake tested exceptionally well, and its effects were exactly as stated.
The reason she had made someone try it first was a precaution. As the queen of the light elves, with the shadow elves as enemies, she hadn’t survived for so long without a reason. Despite her innocent look, she was incredibly cunning and smart.
"With these resources, our pure-blooded light elves will finally have the tools needed to achieve our rightful destiny," she said with growing intensity. "Even if those shadow-corrupted wretches gain access to the same items, our inherent superiority and higher potential mean we will progress faster and achieve greater results."
Her voice dropped to a dangerous whisper filled with years of accumulated hatred. "Then... I shall crush Darian Nightshade under my foot and trample on his corrupted body. The age of shadow corruption ends now."
Prince Adrian Silveroak stood beside his aunt’s throne with a carefully maintained expression of calmness, his position as commander of the Royal Guard requiring his presence during such important discussions.
Inwardly, however, the prince sighed with the weariness of someone who had grown tired of the endless conflict. Despite his archmage-level power and high status within the kingdom, Adrian was one of the very few nobles who secretly longed for this devastating war to end.
More weapons for an endless conflict, Adrian thought with hidden sadness. These enhancement items will only escalate the violence rather than bring the peace our people desperately need.
He maintained perfect composure while harbouring thoughts that would be considered treasonous if spoken aloud. The prince genuinely believed that reunification through acceptance rather than conquest offered the only path to lasting stability.
Both kingdoms bleed while the leadership pursues vengeance for decade-old grievances, Adrian reflected privately. These enhancement items represent an opportunity for overwhelming victory rather than reconciliation.
But his position demanded loyalty to the crown, regardless of his personal convictions about the futility of their ongoing conflict. Unless Adrian believed that a plan would definitely work, he would not express his beliefs in peace; it would simply result in his death.
Even if the queen was his maternal aunt, when it came to such an important matter, she became really ruthless and wouldn’t mind doing so.
Queen Seraphina turned her attention back to Elena with decisive authority that brooked no delay or hesitation.
"Head out to the human shopkeeper immediately and purchase the remaining items within our allocated limits," she commanded with royal firmness. "Ask him about his shop’s operational schedule and any other relevant information about his business practices."
The queen’s strategic mind was already working through the logistics of maintaining regular access to such valuable enhancement items.
In war, information was power, and they had no information on that human shopkeeper. So gathering information, no matter how small or minute it sounded, would be helpful in the long run. Whether it’s developing a relationship that could possibly make him lean towards them, or something else, either way, it was beneficial.
"Once you return, inform me immediately about any changes, new developments, or additional information you gather during the transaction," Seraphina continued.
Elena nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. I shall depart immediately and complete the mission according to your specifications."