Yarra’s Adventure Notes
Chapter 995 - 110: The Big-Footed Deer

Chapter 995: Chapter 110: The Big-Footed Deer

"Whew," a loud whistle sounded from the mouth of a guard. After entering the Elven Royal Court, some guards dispersed, and some officials who had greeted the guests also left the group after a simple welcome ceremony. Counting both the court officials and the guards escorting the guests, the group now comprised about fifty people. After entering the city, the entire group had been led by Her Majesty the Queen strolling along the city streets without using any form of transportation. Such a situation was uncommon in interactions among different powers, as the preparation of the host for the reception was related to basic etiquette; being too casual could possibly give attendees a bad impression, or even cause conflicts between the two forces. Therefore, even the relatively uninhibited Elves had not made such a mistake in the past. However, no one blamed Flare, not only because the Queen had been with everyone the entire time except for a few minutes when she left to show some young girls into a treehouse but also because it was clear that no power could have been prepared under the circumstances since everyone had arrived so quickly.

From Neville City to the Elven Royal Court, it took only four days, a speed that even the quickest birds would struggle to match in carrying messages. Hence, it was quite an achievement for the Elves to receive the message and organize a welcoming party before the guests’ arrival, and no one could expect more from them. Moreover, although most of the guests represented their respective powers, their visit was not of a diplomatic nature, more akin to a private visit, which made a simpler welcome understandable. So, after wandering about for another ten minutes or so in the King’s Court, a whistle sounded from the cluster of yvelin trees in the distance, and one of the escorting guards immediately responded with a whistle. The whistle had barely ceased when the sound of heavy hooves rang out.

"I’ve kept you waiting too long." Flare stopped walking, turned around, and smiled apologetically at the guests, "Although it’s nice to enjoy the city scenery on foot, it’s indeed better to take transportation, and besides, the distance to the city center is not short, so we’ve prepared some large-footed deer for everyone to quickly reach the city center."

"Deer carriages and horse carriages are never used in the Elven Royal Court," Pannis explained softly upon seeing the young girls’ confusion: "Although the two main thoroughfares here are spacious enough for vehicles to pass smoothly, the many narrow side roads, twisting and turning due to the trees, render them unsuitable for vehicles. Thus, carriages have gradually disappeared from the Elves’ domain. Now, there might be only three or four left, and I reckon they are antiques."

"However, they arrived in the Holy City by deer carriage," Catherine asked in a whisper, "Could it be that they were freshly made just for their visit?"

"For the Elves, creating such carriages is far too simple," Pannis said with a shrug: "Although they claim to merely ’request’ the plants, in reality, apart from asking plants to commit suicide or do something impossible, I’ve yet to hear of them refusing an Elf’s request. Thus, they only need to provide enough nutrients for several dozen vines to intertwine and grow together according to their design, and a carriage is easily made, typically in half a day to a day’s time. Once the vehicle is finished, they simply cut off the grown parts, and the vine remains alive while yielding the finished product."

"How convenient," Catherine said with envy: "If they joined forces to make furniture or build houses, they would make a fortune. If it were humans, even skilled craftsmen would need at least over a month to make a single carriage by themselves."

"That’s a good idea," Catherine didn’t realize that Flare’s attention was now focused on her, so she was startled when the Queen suddenly chimed in: "Once I win, I’ll find an opportunity to collaborate with you on making furniture."

"Is this pity for the loser? Unfortunately, the one who should be pitied is you," Catherine looked around and noticed that no one was paying attention to her conversation with Flare, so she continued in a low voice, "If we have to wait until you win to collaborate, I’m afraid we’ll never see that day in our lifetime, what a pity."

"Hehe, you’re brimming with fighting spirit, little girl, so let the facts prove you wrong later," Flare said with a pure smile like that of a daffodil: "I hope you won’t regret your confidence then."

"Of course I won’t regret it," Catherine said unabashed, "Why would I, the victor, have any regrets?"

The elegant Queen and the valiant knight locked gazes in mid-air; their sword-like stares clashed, seemingly sparking a thousand points of light. Seconds later, Flare returned to her usual gentleness, laughing lightly, "Pity that they’re already here, we’ll discuss our issue later."

"I completely agree," Catherine also withdrew her intensity, nodding, "Now is indeed not the best time."

The half-gods around them didn’t seem to notice the ladies’ war, still huddled together, pointing and commenting on the scenery of the Elven Royal Court. Whether they truly hadn’t noticed or were pretending was difficult to know, but judging by the gleeful, teasing looks many gave Pannis, perhaps an answer could be found.

Soon, a herd of several dozen large-footed deer, led by a few Elves, emerged from what could be either a cluster of buildings or a forest. The deer had four enormous hooves, their flat feet enabling them to move swiftly across marshy ground covered with all sorts of decaying plants, making them excellent mounts for forest travel. Although a pair of sharp antlers made them seem somewhat dangerous, clearly, these formidable professionals would not be intimidated.

Once the deer had arrived, naturally, the accompanying court officials assigned the best mounts to the guests. The young girls patted the friendly creatures; the large-footed deer licked their palms affectionately, even nuzzling their cheeks with their faces, endearing the animals to the girls further and making some reluctant to ride them, fearing the creatures could not bear their weight.

However, as soon as they mounted and the deer began to run, the girls immediately realized their concerns were unfounded. The creatures were very strong, capable of running and jumping easily with a rider, seemingly unaffected by the weight.