"I knew entrusting an important task like this to a mortal was insane now listen to him?"
Apparently the elves were as opposed to the negotiation talks as much as the ogres. The one roaring in outrage was an elf with a war veteran aura lurking behind his angry eyes, Karlmine had never seen this particular elf before but had long surmised that he was a high ranking figure since even the princess was respectful towards him not only that even Beldandy was seated quietly.
Heilis and Karlmine had returned from their scout mission after a period of thirteen days. In their absence a lot had changed, the fort had increased and new reinforcements had arrived. When these two arrived it was just before day break.
"Impressive so new infrastructure was made in such a short space of time."
Karlmine commented with a tone laced with admiration.
"Well this is nothing considering that the number of mystic users has increased, singing these buildings is now very easy."
"Singing?"
Heilis frowned in response to Heilis' reply.
"That is the art certain elves use to control nature to take different shape mostly it is inherited within a few chosen among the noble families."
"Ok."
(That explains the weird looking furniture.) The elven furniture was made from trees mostly but he had been confused by the fact that the trees still flowered and bore fruits despite being oddly bent and hollowed to the shape of houses. As they were still going a young elven lady came running to Heilis.
"You are back!"
She tackled the young elf with teary eyes and a happy smile which confused Karlmine.
"Sione, I am back thank for waiting."
Heilis kissed the young elf. A showcasing of affection Karlmine had never seen him showing.
"Forgive me I must go and report to the princess right away but I will be back as soon as possible."
He gently extracted himself from the young elf lady.
"I will be waiting."
She smiled and wiped off her tears.
"She is a friend of yours?"
"Well y-yeah something like that."
Heilis' face flushed and he looked away embarrassed. They continued walking through the fort towards the biggest house which was the abode of the princess. By chance they met the princess along the way, she was with Beldandy just as they were coming out of one of the houses.
"Karlmine you are back."
Beldandy reacted instantly and pounced on him at once. She hugged him so tight he thought his bones would be broken but he did not resist even for someone as emotionally withdrawn as him, he could tell that Beldandy was really relieved to see him. What happened next shocked everyone.
He gently lifted his face and kissed him, on the lips right in front of the princess.
"I am back Bel."
His voice was soft and caring even though his face was emotionally void. Beldandy was shocked by this development just as much as everyone else so much that she opened her mouth a couple of times with no words coming out but everyone around could almost see smoke coming out of her red hot face.
"Errhhh, w-welcome back."
She stammered while furiously blushing.
"What is the problem Bel, your face is turning red. Could it be that I did it wrong? Is that not what friends do when they meet after a long time?"
He asked with a very pensive look on his face his gaze directed at Heilis. It was then that Heilis realised the blunder he had made earlier.
"Well, the thing is_____"
They spent the next few minutes explaining what had happened to Karlmine how Sione was Heilis' betrothed.
"Elven customs still elude me. My apologies Bel."
He responded while shaking his head at the same time apologising for the inconvenience.
"Its o-okay I did not hate it."
Of course the last part was barely a whisper, only Karlmine heard it because of his exceptional sense of hearing.
Then he approached the princess who was still frozen still with a frown, little did she know that this time it was her turn to receive the kiss.
"Princess I am back."
"""Huuuuuhhhh!!!"""
They all screamed in defeat.
"You said it is what those who are betrothed do didn't you?"
They realised that this guy's way of thinking was just bizarre in so many different levels that they had no idea on where to begin in correcting him but the two ladies were left blushing red like ripe apples.