Chapter 297: Harsh Punishment for the Despicable Evil God, The Princess' Late-Night Special Apology (4)
Shia snapped out of his thoughts and showed a slightly embarrassed expression.
"Sorry, I'm an orphan."
He lowered his head slightly, seemingly genuinely apologetic for his earlier lack of manners.
Because he had no elders at home, naturally, no one had taught him.
A simple sentence made the atmosphere in the room subtly change.
It brought silence and struck an unexpected chord.
This answer was clearly beyond her expectations, and for a moment, she didn't know how to respond.
She truly hadn't expected that the young man before her had such a background…
Her initial reprimand now seemed unnecessarily harsh.
For once, the ever-decisive Elven Councilor, who even dared to criticize the Academy Headmistress, was at a loss for words.
She lowered her gaze slightly, hesitated for a moment, but still spoke.
"I apologize."
She hadn't known about his sorrowful past.
But it was just a single sentence, and she quickly returned to the main topic.
——Even if she apologized for her words, the conversation had to move on.
"About what you said yesterday…"
She lifted her eyes, fixing her gaze on Shia, but then paused, choosing her words carefully.
Yesterday, in the tea room, Shia's words still echoed in her ears.
"—The World Tree is dying. The Elven race's home is about to disappear!"
The World Tree, the source of life for the elves, was the origin of all elves and the essential pillar of their homeland.
Yet now, the World Tree was slowly withering.
Beneath the illusion of prosperity and peace lay an inevitable path toward decline.
Previously, certain signs among the elves had already hinted at the coming crisis.
But that was within the Elven race.
For an outsider to know about it was truly shocking.
If the news about the World Tree's impending demise were to spread, she could not even begin to imagine the consequences.
But what surprised her even more was that this young boy claimed to have a solution!
It concerned the survival of the entire Elven race—that was why she took it so seriously.
"…What is the solution?"
Shia's expression remained unchanged, still seated leisurely on the sofa, relaxed and composed, with a hint of mystery in his smile.
"The heavens do not reveal their secrets."
Seeing the ice-cold elf furrow her brows, Shia raised a finger, making a silencing gesture.
He smiled slightly.
"The time isn't right. Some things should not be revealed prematurely."
"Surely, as the Councilor, you understand this better than I do."
Her words halted once more.
Though she was anxious, considering what he knew…
"When is the right time?"
"At the very least, the next major eruption is three months away. There's no need to rush just yet, right?"
The Elven Councilor gave Shia a deep look but did not press further.
It seemed he knew more than she had anticipated.
Perhaps, he truly did have a solution?
After a moment's thought, she stood up and walked toward Shia, extending her hand.
"Sylviel."
Sylviel's expression was solemn and serious.
"As the High Priestess of the Elven race, I will form a contract with you."
"Three months from now, by your method, help my people through this crisis."
Sylviel gazed deeply into Shia's eyes, her emerald pupils reflecting something deep and unfathomable.
As she spoke, the air around them seemed to solidify.
Shia looked at her outstretched right hand.
Her fingers were long and slender, fair and elegant.
He reached out and grasped her fingertips.
At the moment their hands clasped, an invisible contract was sealed between them.
This would bind both sides together.
"Let's have a pleasant collaboration."
Shia returned a refined smile.
"If you fail, I will kill you."
There was no humor in Sylviel's eyes—only cold killing intent.
Shia raised an eyebrow, entirely unfazed by the threat.
"If I succeed, then regarding the future of the Elven Princess, you will heed my decision."
He spoke of the Elven Princess, not Nia, not Lia.
This was the condition they had agreed upon yesterday.
And it was Shia's true objective.
Sylviel stared deeply into Shia's eyes, her grip tightening slightly.
"Agreed."
"It's a deal."
Shia completed the phrase.
Sylviel did not immediately let go of his hand, her gaze growing more complex as she studied him.
She was well aware that the Elven Princess's future had long been predetermined.
To change that was nearly impossible.
That was her duty.
But now, with the fate of the World Tree at stake…
If Shia could do as he claimed, then perhaps there was room for negotiation regarding the Elven Princess.
Her gaze contained too many emotions—too deep, too complicated.
Shia remained as composed as ever. Whether he understood her thoughts was unclear.
After a long pause, Sylviel finally released his hand.
The contract was made, the agreement sealed. Shia was ready to take his leave.
"Since the Councilor is busy, I won't disturb you further."
Yet, just as he was about to leave, the cold and imposing elven woman caught him completely off guard.
"Thud!"
The familiar sound echoed in his ears.
The familiar, warm pressure, the breathtakingly beautiful face close to his, and the faint, icy fragrance lingering at the tip of his nose…
Oh, this scene was painfully familiar.
—He had been wall-pinned. Again.
Sylviel's large eyes stared straight into Shia's.
The gaze of an ascetic elder sister was always restrained.
Her scrutinizing eyes meticulously examined the boy before her.
There was also a trace of curiosity within them.
This was the same young man who had charmed both Nia and Diana—what exactly made him so extraordinary?
He was indeed handsome, exuding the elegance of a gentleman while retaining the youthful vigor of a boy.
But aside from that, nothing seemed particularly remarkable.
Had she not observed him carefully enough?