Otaku Translation: The Amber Sword V2C130

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Chapter 130: My Friend, Part 2

The guidebook hadn’t mentioned this part of the storyline—likely because it ended too early to account for such details. Little did they know that the Silver Elves had already appeared on the continent during the first Black Rose War.

As Brandon mulled over this thought, he idly began examining the corpse of the Divine Messenger of Earth beside him. The residual magic energy within the body was crystallizing into a high-purity magic energy shard—a product of a level-65 boss and imbued with the essence of divine blood. It was among the finest materials for forging and alchemy at its tier, second only to treasures harvested from dragons.

While lost in thought, his gaze flickered toward Aloz beside him—but all he saw was empty air.

"Your expression seems peculiar, Sir Brandon," came her voice.

"Does it?" he replied nonchalantly.

"But I already have a mate, and besides, I have no interest in humans... though if it’s you, perhaps an exception could be made."

Brandon choked on his own breath, coughing loudly as both sides turned their heads toward him. Earl Baeli glared icily at the Silver Elves before breaking the silence:

"Let us negotiate."

The Silver Elves nodded in agreement.

---

In truth, the protracted and tedious negotiations dragged on until dusk. Only Baeli, Liwutz, and the commander of the Silver Elves participated directly. Meanwhile, under Brandon's direction, Macaro and Buga reluctantly helped Aiko—who was drenched in blood—out of the bushes, offering a begrudging word of thanks. The Silver Elves had made their stance clear: they intended to protect Brandon, citing the reason that he had protected their king’s tomb. Thus, despite their reluctance, Baeli’s party had to lower their guard.

What Brandon gained from this went far beyond mere gratitude. He sensed he’d earned the highest respect from the Silver Elves. Not only were their warriors friendly toward him, but their commander privately presented him with a ginkgo leaf. Brandon knew better than to mistake it for a token of romance—it resembled a simple bookmark, but its significance ran deeper. It was a gesture of goodwill, signifying that should Brandon ever face political persecution in Eruin, he could present the leaf to seek asylum among the Silver Elves.

Of course, this was more jest than reality. The leaf symbolized a debt owed by the Silver Elves—one favor redeemable by Brandon or his descendants. Though Brandon hadn’t tested its power yet, he recalled someone using one to borrow over a hundred heavily armored elven infantry for a century. While not as rare as the Phoenix Guard, these troops were still some of the finest on the continent. Yet, despite his eagerness, Brandon restrained himself. This wasn’t a game; rushing would tarnish relations with the proud and aloof race. Better to nurture the bond for future benefits.

Earl of the Violet, though visibly displeased, understood provoking the Silver Elves into battle here was unwise. The Knights of Sacred Hymn once commanded legendary renown across the land, and even seven centuries later, none dared challenge them lightly. After weighing the odds, the astute nobleman wisely chose diplomacy. Both parties withdrew from the neutral zone, retreating three hundred meters back to their respective camps. The forest’s tension eased, if only slightly.

Brandon sat beside the Divine Messenger’s corpse, watching the scene unfold. Though absent from the talks, he guessed the core issue revolved around why the Silver Elves reappeared after centuries of absence. This region, though once part of the Elven Empire, had long been abandoned by them, granting Eruin sovereignty. Centuries later, it became integral to the kingdom’s territory—even former allies couldn’t meddle freely now.

Yet, the Silver Elves’ stance appeared unyielding. Brandon wondered what agreement had been reached for Baeli and Liwutz to accept it.

"Why do you think the Silver Elves returned?" he asked suddenly.

Aloz’s indifferent voice chimed in immediately.

"How would I know about those strange folk? They don’t mingle with outsiders—oh, stop distracting me!" Her tone shifted to annoyance.

"Distracting you?"

"Of course!" Aloz sounded smug. "I’m writing a script about Sir Brandon. Inspiration struck me just now! By the way, I forgot to mention—I’m actually a poet."

"A poet?" Brandon frowned. Among dragons, poetry was oddly popular. He remembered a famous quest where a dragon built an elaborate dungeon underground, filling it with powerful monsters as bosses. Unwitting players entered to conquer it, while the dragon recorded their exploits and turned them into stories. Those who defeated the final boss received treasure—a fraction of the dragon’s hoard, though the tales themselves brought far greater profit.

That dungeon was level forty-five. Initially mistaken for ordinary, its true nature sparked admiration when revealed.

Still, dragons’ eccentricities were well-known. At least this one worked for her wealth, unlike others who simply plundered.

"Yes!" Aloz boasted but quickly grew irritable. "Stop bothering me! Fine, I’ll go write elsewhere—" Her voice faded, leaving Brandon alone.

He snorted quietly.

Just then, a soft crunch sounded behind him. Thinking Aloz had returned, he turned to find Minnis standing there. The commander of the Phoenix Guard had removed his helmet, his silver eyes studying Brandon and the colossal beast’s corpse with a hint of curiosity.

Brandon froze momentarily before smiling.

"I think, Minnis—"

Minnis tilted his head slightly.

"You should put your helmet back on."

"Why?"

"You look too impressive. It’s making me nervous," Brandon sighed.

For the first time, Minnis chuckled softly. After a pause, he complied, replacing the helmet. Only his silver eyes remained visible. Then, unexpectedly, he said, "I must leave, Brandon."

Brandon blinked, startled. He hadn’t considered this inevitability. With the mission complete, Minnis naturally had to depart.

He wanted to say something, but words caught in his throat. Memories of fighting alongside Minnis flooded back—no unnecessary words exchanged, yet trust had grown between them. Lowering his gaze, Brandon wondered where Minnis would go next. To the Silver Elves’ royal tomb? Or perhaps the altar? Shayae’s altar grew weaker each day. Though Brandon promised to bring news of the outside world someday, who knew if they’d meet again? Perhaps, like a scripted quest, their encounter was fleeting—a transient chapter ending with a cold, desolate altar deep in Chablis Forest.

Brandon knew this outcome was likely. He wanted to speak, but his mind felt hollow, devoid of words.

After a prolonged hesitation, he forced a grin. "You’re leaving, Minnis? But you haven’t fulfilled your promise to me. Are you trying to welch on our deal?"

Minnis smirked faintly. "Welch—a clever human term. Rest assured, I honor my word."

Reaching into his cloak, he handed Brandon a scroll. Pausing briefly, he murmured, "My insights are written there, my friend."

The words struck Brandon like lightning. He froze, unmoving for several moments. Smiling gently, Minnis handed him the scroll and leaned in for a brief embrace. "Thank you for reigniting the fire of battle within us. You’re remarkable, and the fight was exhilarating. But all feasts come to an end. Also, remember—you still owe me a promise."

The Silver Elves’ commander added softly, "Tell me what happens out there. Decades, centuries—it matters not. Don’t ‘welch,’ my friend. That’s how you say it, yes?" He struggled with the pronunciation of “welch” in Cruzean, then grinned.

"Yes..."

Brandon raised a hand to wipe his eyes.

"The wind’s strong today," he muttered.

Minnis nodded knowingly, his form gradually fading into thin air. His final smile lingered briefly before vanishing entirely. Twenty Heroic Spirits of the elven warriors ascended as radiant beams of light, disappearing into the southern horizon.

Everyone watched silently, but only the Silver Elves, Aloz, and Brandon truly understood. From afar, the Silver Elves’ commander gave Brandon a reassuring nod, as if comforting him.

Brandon’s heart eased somewhat. Minnis was right—feasts inevitably ended. Such was life.

Project Update: Volume 2 is now fully translated! However, as I'm currently focusing on stacking chapters for Volume 3, the release of the remaining chapters in Volume 2 will slow down a bit.

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