This time the one who spoke was the elven lady whose beauty was unparalleled, the same lady who had been smiling amusedly at him all along. She had a quiet and reserved aura and the way she said it was so calm and soothing even though being considered at face value it was actually rude. Looking at her Karlmine got the feeling she shared some certain similarities with someone she knew but he simply did not have the time to dwell on that thought.
"My fair lady, I do not believe I have heard the pleasure of making your acquaintance but all of this became my concern the moment the princess schemed to use me for this war also I do not understand much about emotions but there are certain individuals I believe I have come to care about here and your path for war is bound to put them in harm's way."
Maybe Karlmine was imagining it but he thought he saw an approving smile on beautiful elf lady's face, it was for a brief moment but she had done it. The princess however remained quiet even when her name was included in the discussion.
"Forgive my manners Master Regulus my name is Mireles Saravoya."
(So that's why I thought she had a familiar appearance, she is Beldandy's mother.) Remove the gigantic unelf like bust size and the playfulness Beldandy was the spitting image of her mother.
"Truthfully noble are your words but war is inevitable my child."
Mireles continued.
"And why I pray tell is that?"
"Assuming we do heed your words, do you really believe that the ogres will just lay down their arms?"
She had a point and Karlmine was well aware of that, but he was not willing to give up.
"Besides we must show those savages of the outlands that we off the elven race are the superior race."
Totally off point this time it was the elf Gareth and obviously nodding to him was the Lord Saravoya himself.
"Spoken like a true elf General."
Karlmine did not miss the flicker of annoyance on Lady Mireles' face.
"Then tell me what good has ever risen from sticking to those principles of racial superiority?"
"…."
The old elves were tongue tied, the contortion of their faces showed their irritation but being men their egos were possibly as great as their number of years.
"Princess Arkheenah why did you bring this nuisance upon us now he questions our values and customs surely his excellency your honourable father will be disappointed in you."
Seeing that he was losing his argument with Karlmine he shifted to the princess and started blaming her but she was equally adamant on her decision which Karlmine still confused Karlmine. Yes Karlmine was powerful and a huge war asset but he had the feeling that the princess wanted him there for an entirely different reason.
"Like I said earlier Lord Saravoya, Karlmine is a very powerful wea___ I mean ally to have during war, the red ogres have the demon eater with them and the young daughter of the chieftain lady Haruka, it would be folly to think we can best them in combat."
The other members of the council became quiet with expression of confusion not knowing how to respond since what the princess said was true. Karlmine is the one who jerked up slightly and winced at the mention of the name Haruka.
What appeared in his mind was a rampaging flame spirit. Red eyes the colour of blood surrounded by a fiery crimson flame.
It was only for a split second so no one noticed.
"So your solution was to enlist the aid of lesser beings? Mortals? Humans? How low should we fall, I would rather die than live by colluding with these beings of impure blood. I still have some honour left."
Saravoya spat out those.
"Lord Saravoya enlighten me where is the difference between the corpse of an individual who died with honour and that of one who died without honour."
"…."
"There is none, all are called corpses and all are dead. I am not suggesting that you lay down your arms, be vigilant, prepare your soldiers and men but do not strike without a solid reason to. Besides to answer the question of Lady Saravoya from earlier, should the ogres choose to fight I will personally fight them."
"Noble and courageous, for one who is born of mortals you do possess admirable qualities but even for someone of your prowess battling against an army of ogres is impossible."
Mireles smiled and replied.
"As your countenance is fair so is the vastness of your wisdom my lady. Indeed even for me the task will be impossible that is why I will need a squad of about thirty elves. Be they lads I shall turn them to war wraiths, be they damsels they shall be warriors in a months time and with them I shall protect the princess."
"Hmph only thirty, actually I am tempted to agree with you so as to laugh at you as you fail as you wi______"
"Lord Saravoya, do realise this is neither the time nor the place to say that, what the mortal asks is not unreasonable."
The princess glared at the Lord who had been saying his heart's desire all along and he faltered.