The False Hero, Volume 12, Chapter 6 pt 4

The Conservator only takes the stage to outline the ceremony and let everyone know exactly what to expect. A lot of the elves arrived on short notice, and many of them have only heard the details from various rumors that have been spreading around.

As expected of a judge, the Conservator doesn’t waste a single breath with frivolous talk and simply explains the precise speaking order for those taking the stage, as well as what to expect at the end of the ceremony.

By the time he’s done, all of those who’ve arrived to witness Laya’s ascendance to Prime Elder are fully informed about everything we have planned.

Well, except for one detail. But the Conservator himself doesn’t know either, so there’s no way he could tell the crowd.

“I will return shortly.” Kymil steps forward as the Conservator leaves the center of the stage.

“Have fun!” Belle sees him off, no doubt enjoying the somewhat festive atmosphere.

Kymil gives the crowd a moment to settle down between speaker transitions, the elves gossiping amongst themselves after hearing the detailed outline from the Conservator. They should have already known that this ceremony wouldn’t be normal in a lot of ways, but now they’re really beginning to see just how strange it is.

Still, their curiosity about what Kymil will say as the first real speaker eventually overtakes their desire to gossip, giving us a chance to continue the ceremony.

“Good morning to each of you who have come to witness the rise of our next Prime Elder. I am Kymil Aeron Vindali, just an elf with no special rank or abilities beyond what is expected of me. Although I may not hold sway over much public opinion, I still wanted to speak my thoughts regarding Laya Elmia Sylphrena, the one chosen to fulfill our highest rank.”

Kymil motions to her. “I first met Laya at our domain’s border, where she arrived after a long trek back from deep in the human lands…”

He continues speaking to the crowd, recounting Laya’s story from his own personal point of view.

None of us have any idea what Kymil or any of the other speakers plan to say during their time on the stage. All I was told was that they would be using the times they interacted with us as the basis for their arguments.

Though in truth, they’re not arguing against anyone in particular. They’re just trying to make a good case as to why Laya herself deserves to be Prime Elder. She may be a Great Hero, but elves are a social bunch, so having their own people speak highly of her is a good way to ensure there’s no ill will from her sudden rise through the power structure.

Whether intentional or not, the ceremony is actually scheduled much like the hearings that the Conservator uses to determine who should get access to the Ancestral Glade. Those who wish to enter always bring along friends and family to argue their case for them, much in the same way that the speakers are doing for Laya.

“...prosperity from our new trade route with the humans is already improving the lives of many elves, thanks to Prime Elder Laya and her companions. I believe that with her leading us, we can bring about a new golden age for the elven race.”

As soon as Kymil ends his speech, the crowd starts chatting amongst themselves. Elves are known for their isolationist foreign policy, so trading with any of the other races is controversial. Kymil was even ostracized for it once before.

But times are changing fast. I’m a human, technically, yet I’m here at the center of their important ceremony. Tylith is a vampire, their most hated adversary, and even she is here.

Kymil is right to try and get his brethren to open up, because after the war, there’s no telling how much the formerly Lost Magics will change the world. An isolationist race could easily find themselves falling far behind.

Either way, if the crowd thinks Kymil’s somewhat controversial speech is interesting enough to spark gossip right away, then they’ll have a lot of fun with a few of the other speakers.

“My turn has come.” Galan breaks from the group just as Kymil heads back our way.

“As a reward, I will duel you after.” Tylith says something that would sound strange to most people.

“I’ll hold you to that.” Galan isn’t like most people.

He was the first elf to test Laya’s combat skill when we first arrived in her homeland. At the time, Galan was the stronger of the two, but I had given Laya so many advantages with my cheats that she managed to come out on top.

Although he’s supposed to be retired due to his age, Galan is still in the elven military. There’s no way he’s going to be able to sit at home during the greatest war in modern history.

I should bring him along with us later. He could use a good leveling session.

His speech comes and goes, and he’s followed up by another elf I haven’t seen in a while.

Elder Saevel was the first to officially accept us as guests in the elven lands. Before meeting him, we were technically Kymil’s captives.

We need to visit him after the war, when things are calm.

The ceremony continues, with several more guests stepping up to give their opinions of Laya from their own perspectives. As planned, there’s nothing for me to really do but stand here, so that’s what I continue to do.

But there is someone in our group who does have an important role to play. In fact, she’s the central figure, and it’s nearly time for her to take her place on the stage.

“...and I give my full support to Laya Elmia Sylphrena.” Rena finishes her speech to more enthusiasm than any of the other speakers so far.

She really is popular, huh? Well, I already knew that.

Rena is the final one scheduled to speak in favor of Laya’s rise to Prime Elder. All that’s left now is the girl herself.

“You’re going to do great!” Alisha gives her encouragement.

“You know she is!” Belle agrees.

“Give them no quarter.” Tylith supports her in her own unique way.

“I’ll be cheering you on.” Lumina shows her a bright smile.

“It’s simply a formality for you at this point.” Elise ties her support to the event, as is typical for her.

“Do your best.” I give her a simple encouraging remark.

“Mmm.” Laya steps toward the center of the stage.

She arrives empty-handed, dressed in her ancient elven garb. In the clearing ahead of the stage are easily a thousand elves, each having come to see her.

Behind her is the Ancestral Glade, the home of one of the world’s five original Immortal Beings. The Astral Dryad may not involve herself in the politics of the world, but every rule has an exception.

Without a doubt, those who’ve come to see Laya have also come to see their protector, the ruler of this magical glade where the ceremony is taking place. After all, the previous Prime Elder, Myra, had the Astral Dryad’s support.

In fact, whether or not she shows up to give her approval to Laya may very well determine just how accepting the people are about the sudden rise of such a young elf leader.

“Thank all of you for coming here today.” Laya begins with a graceful curtsy in traditional elven style. “I know none of you could have ever imagined that I, Laya Elmia Sylphrena, a young and unknown elf, would be granted the rank of Prime Elder like this. Hearing from those who know me may have given you a glimpse as to why I was chosen, but this isn’t just about me.

“So much has happened in such a short time. With our long lives, it’s easy to forget just how quickly events can spiral out of control in foreign lands. No matter how much we try to insulate ourselves from their wars, some of them just can’t be avoided.

“I have seen with my own eyes just what we are facing in this Great War. The Lord of Chaos is powerful, but he is not immortal. We will defeat him, standing alongside the other races on the field of battle.

“Just like when Myra led our people against the demons over a thousand years ago, we elves need a leader. Whether I want to be that leader is not important. All that matters is that this responsibility has fallen on me, and I won’t fail my people. Please, place your trust in me, and I will absolutely protect the elves from the fiends.”

Laya speaks far longer than usual, with a passion several notches higher compared to her monotonous tendencies. She may not be a people person, but she’s not shy.

Still, as expected, the elves seem to be waiting for something. Or rather, someone.

Several heartbeats go by as Laya stands in the center of the stage. Her speech isn’t done, but she’s gone silent to give the elves a chance to chatter about her opening remarks.

However, if she doesn’t continue soon, then it will start getting awkward as the elves begin quieting down and expecting more.

Just as the awkward moment begins to arrive…

“Welcome, my children.” The Astral Dryad appears out of thin air, flying above the stage. “To my humble glade.”

The elves kneel immediately, including the three Grand Elders. We’re no exception, as it would be beyond rude to stay standing in front of the one that’s second only to the Goddess in the eyes of the elves.

Even Great Heroes come and go, but the Astral Dryad is forever.

And when she sees me kneeling, she gets a twinkle in her eyes.

She’s definitely enjoying this moment too much! You’re lucky this is part of the ceremony!

I mentally complain, knowing that she’s going to bring it up the next time we meet in private.