64 – Marcella
I still had 46 kilograms of heroin left.
Out of the goods I brought with me, I had only used a mere 4.9 kilograms to reach the World Tree.
However, I couldn’t gauge how much of it would remain.
It wasn’t that I couldn’t estimate because I planned to distribute it indiscriminately, but because the elves were consuming heroin at an increasingly faster rate.
In about a month, they might be smoking 1 kilogram a day.
“I can’t handle that.”
I could have done it if I really wanted to.
But it would be insufficient to rely solely on my own production. I would have to share the manufacturing process with other employees, and there would also be concerns about the possibility of the heroin supply flowing back to the Empire. I would have to worry about the problems that would arise from that.
Even if it wasn’t Marcella, it wasn’t impossible to maintain the consumption while resolving the situation…
The truth was, if she helped, things would be easier.
“What do you suggest, Alan Maydoff?”
“For now, I’ll gather information from the surroundings.”
I gestured to the elven warriors who were guarding my left and right, and sent them out.
I didn’t do anything foolish like confronting Marcella one-on-one. That was the role my knights, whom I had brought from the Empire, assumed.
However, in front of Marcella, who was a high-ranking magician and a master, it was a reality that they were lacking. It seemed that Marcella knew that too.
“I could have you right now.”
“You don’t seem to have that intention anyway, Marcella. And by now, you should know that it’s not a matter of ending with me killing just one person. Just so you know, if I were to die, the noble family ‘Siena’ would gladly appoint a successor. Quite delightfully.”
“The second princess, you mean.”
“You know?”
“I’ve heard captured officers like you curse. They say you’re good at killing people.”
Marcella nodded as she spoke.
Siena was famous even in the Grand Forest. No surprise. The crucial thing was that Marcella willingly engaged in conversation.
Straight to the point, I continued.
“It’s simple. It’s about separating elves who use heroin from those who don’t.”
“How dare you.”
“Don’t misunderstand. I’m not suggesting treating you like prisoners. We imprison prisoners in the Royal Guard Garrison, but I know you don’t even have a prison facility.”
“…”
“Let’s just live separately. So that you can comfortably enjoy heroin among yourselves.”
Users with users. Non-users with non-users.
There was also a suitable area.
The Hoen District on the outskirts of Medelin.
I learned after infiltrating this place, but the Hoen District was said to be the region where the twilight elves spent their lives.
Ultimately, a large Silver Town.
Going to the Hoen District meant liberation from the obligation of labor.
From what I could see, even an elf who had lived for 500 years might look rather shabby, but they still maintained a youthful appearance. However, elves also had their old age.
“There, heroin users…?”
“The elves who originally lived on that Earth can just move their residences. Of course, I know it’s an inconvenient suggestion.”
“Of course it’s inconvenient. That place is where the weary Bee Tribe lives… No matter how much the Elder Council has fallen apart, it’s still…”
The idea of pushing nobles into the retirement village where commoners live seemed uncomfortable.
It seemed like a mere class consciousness. The elves in this world didn’t necessarily enjoy luxurious lives just because of their noble bloodline.
Whether they were from the Five Clans or not, it was the same in terms of ceremonial aspects. But it wasn’t without reason that Marcela was disgusted.
“It means getting rid of the Elders and all the elves who can become Elders later.”
In essence, it was no different from her collapsing the regime with her own hands.
And cooperating with the foreign empire.
Marcela had already attempted a coup and failed, so it would be difficult for her to readily accept.
Moreover, the one who proposed it was me, the person who unleashed heroin in the Grand Forest. It was unthinkable for me to provoke a different species I had tried to kill just a moment ago.
After a while, she opened her mouth with suspicious eyes full of distrust.
“…I’m rather grateful that you’re showing your true colors, Alan Maydoff. But what if I refuse? What will happen if your plan is conveyed to the Elders, or rather, to the Guardians or Executives, who are not in their right minds?”
“I’m sorry, but how many elves do you think will believe your words? You even tried to kill me by barging into diplomatic negotiations today.”
“……”
“I don’t think you have many choices.”
After hearing this notification, Marcela turned around without saying a word. After a few steps, she finally left me with just one word.
“I know.”
You can interpret it as her saying she’ll think about it.
If she’s heading to the plaza, her decision might become faster. It’s the place where the spread of heroin is concentrated.
Upon observing Madeline’s situation, it became apparent to Marcela that time was running out.
**
Would Marcela be willing to cooperate with me?
“The possibility is significant, but it is uncertain.”
However, as I waited for a response, memories from a past life resurfaced.
I had once collaborated with the Southern District Prosecutor’s Office (Securities and Financial Crimes Joint Investigation Division) to put my father, Choi Hee-joon, in prison. Initially, I had only intended to provide information, but when my father’s business associate resorted to threats, I actively participated.
It was a decision I made based on the judgment that I couldn’t continue to endure the constant threat of identity theft due to the safe deposit box incident. After leaving my job, I thought, “Enough is enough.”
Even the prosecution initially doubted me, questioning why I would go to such lengths for my family.
There were even those who looked at me with a disapproving expression, as if to say, “Is this how far you would go for family?”
There were times when my cooperation was suspected of being a form of internal conflict. However, it didn’t take long for them to realize that I was sincere, and I did cooperate.
“In a way, it could be similar to relying on external forces. Of course, Marcela isn’t intentionally relying on them.”
Apart from that, everything else was different.
The motives, the objectives, and the emotions involved in handling the matter.
While I had never betrayed my family due to the bond of blood, Marcela was probably still tormented. After the accident, she would worry about how she would be perceived in Elven society.
But… ah, come to think of it, there was one more similarity.
Once a decision was made, we would take action. In my view, Marcela was that kind of Elf.
“She will respond soon, in one way or another.”
This expectation did not miss the mark.
The next morning.
Marcela sent a young Elf in his 80s to summon me.
The location is the square in front of the World Tree.
From Noble mtl dot com
For some reason, there were no elves smoking heroin in groups.
But they will gradually appear as the day brightens. There will also be elves who unknowingly learn heroin.
As soon as I arrived, I pointed to a small stove in a corner called Marcela.
“I watched it all day yesterday, and they didn’t clear it or leave. They’ll probably smoke again today, so they just left it there. … And I saw a strange scene too. They were mixing heroin with spices and producing smoke. Did you teach them that, Alan Maydoff?”
“I can’t believe it, but no. I’ve never encouraged them to smoke in the square.”
“If that’s true… more creative methods will come out soon.”
Marcela, who didn’t even think of a wry smile anymore.
“I know what you guys want is resources.”
“Yes.”
“Until now, you’ve been targeting wood and minerals, but in the end, you’ll try to surpass the World Tree. I know that you humans have fantasies about the World Tree. You’ve been making all sorts of compromises because of it for hundreds of years, haven’t you?”
“….”
Marcela’s expression was so intense that she couldn’t explain, “What the Empire really wants is not the World Tree.”
The fact that she brought up such words in the first place was evidence of her determination.
“Alan Maydoff.”
“Yes.”
“Your proposal to separate users and non-users. To achieve that, I have to eventually bring the leaders out with my own hands. … It’s an impossible task for me alone, so I’ll have to carry the Empire on my back. Isn’t that what you want in the end?”
“….”
“Before I answer, there are three conditions.”
“I’m listening, go ahead.”
“I cannot tolerate overlooking the World Tree.”
“….”
The first condition was remarkably simple.
There were many humans coveting the World Tree. It had practical uses as well. Weapons made from World Tree branches were said to have exceptional mana sensitivity.
However, compared to the high-quality wood, natural gems, and minerals pouring out from the vast Great Forest, it was incomparable.
“I can handle this with my power alone.”
But the following second condition was somewhat challenging.
“Furthermore, no Elf should leave the Great Forest voluntarily. Even if it’s voluntary, we do not acknowledge the voluntariness of a heroin user. Of course, this condition applies regardless of lineage or age.”
In essence, it prohibited Elves from falling into slavery.
Naturally, in this world, the system of slavery existed.
The majority of the Empire’s slaves were demi-humans.
Demi-humans were often perceived as slaves (or potential slaves) in people’s minds. And there were quite a few cases where humans became slaves.
Amidst this, if the Great Forest practically fell under the Empire?
It was as if the gates of the slave market were opening. Profits from selling morphine or heroin would feel insignificant.
“This won’t be easy for me either.”
It was possible, but it was a matter to be discussed with the higher-ups.
However, hesitating even a bit while contemplating was a handshake.
Judging by Marcela’s momentum, the moment I showed any hesitation, it was obvious she would think, “This guy won’t do it.”
“Understood.”
It was right to accept this. After all, this must be his bottom line. Of course, I didn’t plan to take responsibility alone; I intended to borrow the power of the princesses.
Now, there is one condition left.
Fortunately, the last one was relatively simple.
“Alan Maydoff. You must not leave Madeline until you are certain that both conditions have been fulfilled. This is the final condition. …I won’t mention what will happen if you betray the agreement.”
Access to the World Tree is prohibited, slavery is forbidden, and if violated, there will be retaliation that may cost me my life.
If you agree to only these, I said I would comply with the rest according to my will.
“Everyone agrees.”
“Good, then.”
The moment when the only resistance force in the Great Forest turned into a collaborator.
Now, the bond was right in front of us.