In a hall within the Elven Royal City, the Elven Empress summoned Su Han and his companions.
Su Han bowed slightly and said, "Your Majesty, esteemed Elven Empress. On behalf of all in Dragon Country, I offer our greetings. Our Dragon Country sincerely wishes to establish good relations with the Elven race."
Seated on the highest throne was an elegantly attired and noble elf. From her appearance, Su Han could not discern the Elven Empress's age.
Standing beside her were two rows of high-ranking elven officials, all of whom were women. Through his experiences during this time, Su Han had learned that female elves far surpassed male elves in strength. Consequently, female elves held a higher status than their male counterparts.
As they had arrived, Su Han and his group had inquired about the Elven Empress's name. The Elven Empress's name was Sylphishiya.
Elven Empress Sylphishiya said, "I also welcome the arrival of you humans. From where does your Dragon Country hail?"
Su Han replied, "We come from the distant north."
"The distant north? North of here is the Goblin Forest, and further north lies the territory of the Ice Plains Orcs. Beyond the Ice Plains Orcs' territory is a frozen sea. From where in the world does your Dragon Country come?"
Su Han stated, "Our human territory is located even further north than the frozen sea."
"Further north than the ice plains? That is a place so frigid that even dragons would not willingly venture there. And there exists a nation called Dragon Country?" Elven Empress Sylphishiya was very curious.
At this point, Elven Empress Sylphishiya began to doubt the veracity of Su Han's words. Although she had never been there, she was well aware of the existence of the frozen sea.
Su Han, realizing the Elven Empress's suspicion, said, "Yes, there is. We do not live in a land of ice and snow. Our Dragon Country exists in another dimension. We arrived on this continent through a portal."
Although Elven Empress Sylphishiya was intrigued, it was not the time to inquire about that strange dimension.
Elven Empress Sylphishiya said, "Then let us discuss your desire to slay dragons. I heard from Lord Valentine Venissa of Gabo City that you wish to slay dragons."
Su Han nodded and replied, "That is correct. We have come to this continent precisely to slay dragons. We possess sufficient strength to defeat the evil dragons, but we lack the magic to entrap them."
Elven Empress Sylphishiya said, "So you have come to the Elven Royal City to seek magical power."
Su Han nodded and said, "Empress Elf, your wisdom is profound. We have indeed come here to seek assistance with magical power. We implore the Elven Empress for your aid."
"Aid? We elves cannot simply help you slay dragons based on your words. A single evil dragon can bring immense disaster upon our elven race. To act carelessly would invite retaliation from the evil dragons."
Su Han said, "Empress, please rest assured. I have heard that a thousand years ago, mages successfully slew evil dragons without incurring their wrath. Therefore, even if we eliminate the black dragon York, it will not provoke the vengeance of other evil dragons. Elven Empress, there is no need to worry so much!"
Elven Empress Sylphishiya chuckled, "Hehehe, what did not happen a thousand years ago does not mean it will not happen now. As the Elven Empress, I cannot assist you! Enough said."
Su Han attempted to press further, "Elven Empress, this is not merely helping us; it is also helping yourself. The black dragon York has already destroyed an elven city. Eliminating the black dragon York would be avenging those fallen elves and would also greatly enhance your prestige."
Elven Empress Sylphishiya adamantly refused, "I must be responsible for the safety of our elven race. I truly cannot participate in dragon slaying. Let us discuss other matters! Our elven race is very eager to establish friendly relations with your Dragon Country. Tonight, we shall host a grand banquet for you."
Su Han wished to refuse, but they were currently within the Elven Royal City, and it was best to engage in a proper exchange for now.
Thus, Su Han agreed.
It was already afternoon. The maids in the elven palace led Su Han and his group to a house outside the palace to rest for an hour, after which it would be evening.
Su Han and his companions were once again led by elven maids to a hall in the palace.
A number of elven ministers were already waiting there.
As the Elven Empress had not yet arrived, the elven ministers present engaged in conversation. Of course, there were no food or refreshments on the tables before them.
Su Han was led to a seat by a maid.
After Su Han took his seat, all the elven ministers turned their gaze towards him and his companions.
One elf inquired, "What race are you? We have never seen you before."
Another elf remarked, "On the way here, did we not hear that tonight there would be a banquet to entertain the envoy from the foreign Dragon Country? You six are the envoy from Dragon Country, aren't you!"
"We wonder what these foreign visitors intend to do in our Elven Royal City."
Faced with the inquiries of these elven ministers, Su Han could only offer polite evasions.
"Greetings, esteemed ministers. We are humans from Dragon Country. We come with goodwill."
Following this, Su Han uttered a considerable amount of platitudes.
After waiting for half an hour in this manner, a female elf of apparently high status finally arrived.
As this female elf entered, all the elven ministers rose to their feet. Su Han and his companions also stood.
The female elf proceeded to the main seat and sat down.
The elven ministers bowed and said, "Greetings, First Princess."
Su Han and his group also mimicked the movement of their lips, feigning to have called out with them.
The First Princess of the Elven race stated, "Everyone, this reception will be hosted by me on behalf of my mother, the Empress. Please be seated."
The elven ministers took their seats.
A maid standing beside the First Princess of the Elven race clapped her hands.
Subsequently, over a dozen elves entered, carrying trays of food.
"This banquet is primarily held for the six humans from Dragon Country. Here, I represent the Elven race in welcoming your arrival."
The banquet concluded after three hours. During this feast, Su Han attempted to engage with the surrounding elven ministers.
However, these elven ministers were all opposed to the dragon slaying. Su Han then realized that the Elven Empress had specifically gathered these dissenting ministers to accompany them.
Consequently, Su Han lost interest in lingering any longer.
After the First Princess of the Elven race departed, Su Han and his companions found an excuse to leave the banquet.