The Queen climbed back onto her griffon after concluding the negotiation with Caron. From her perch, she glanced down at him and said with a wry smile, "Caron Leston, you must be the most insane human I've ever encountered. I don't often acknowledge madness, so take pride in that."1

"I can only express my humble gratitude for your boundless generosity, Your Majesty," Caron replied.0

"Generosity, my ass," the Queen scoffed.0

The negotiation had been a success. The Queen agreed to withdraw her forces, and in return, she was promised two-tenths of the treasures stored in Etyron's treasury.0

"You wouldn't go back on your word, would you, Your Majesty?" Caron asked, raising an eyebrow.0

"What do you mean?" the Queen asked sharply.0

"For instance, you might take the treasure but then attack the elf village again," Caron said, his tone casual but pointed.0

The Queen's brows knitted together, her irritation clear as she said, "There are two things I despise most in this world. First, breaking a promise. Second, doing anything that isn't profitable. Attacking the elf village violates both. There are countless more lucrative opportunities than chasing after elves. Why would I waste my time?"0

Her lips curved into a grin as she peered down at him. She thought, I'll leave it at this for today.0

If she wanted, she could summon reinforcements and drench the Great Forest in blood. Even if additional troops arrived from Galad, her entire army would still outmatch them, leading to an even greater...0