Wayne remained silent for a few moments, his gaze shifting between the Elf Sage Ada and Francesca. Instead of outright refusing the proposal, he asked thoughtfully:
"Ada, have you found a way to restore fertility to Witchers?"
"This has been one of the Order's ongoing research projects. If Witchers could have children, it would play a critical role in ensuring the long-term survival and development of our Order."
He paused briefly before continuing. "Unless you've already found a solution, even if I were willing to cooperate, it wouldn't result in a child."
Ada's expression remained impassive, as though they were discussing something as mundane as the weather. Her tone was calm and clinical as she responded, "For other Witchers, I have not found a solution. However, the Elder Blood within you is highly active, and your physical constitution is the strongest I have ever encountered."
"Our people have ancient rituals and blood inheritance magic that could help. Though the chances are slim—perhaps only 1%—regular attempts over the span of a decade or more would likely yield success. Enid and I, as elves with similarly prominent blood, could eventually conceive your heir."
Wayne blinked, processing her words. A 1% chance? Over ten years of trying? The corner of his mouth twitched involuntarily. While he didn't deny his attraction to elven beauty—both Ada's ascetic grace and Francesca's captivating allure—dedicating over a decade to procreation felt daunting. Even breeding horses didn't require such relentless effort!
Still, Wayne was someone who valued tradition, and the idea of leaving behind heirs wasn't unappealing. His status as a Witcher had previously made this dream unattainable.
After a moment's thought, he adjusted his tone and addressed Francesca. "I'm sorry, Enid," he began. "I can agree to father an heir with you, but I cannot accept the position of Elf King."
"I value my freedom too much. Becoming Elf King would tie me to a life of responsibility and duty—something I'm ill-suited for. However, I'm more than willing to support you in becoming the queen of the elves. That way, the Order and the elves can forge a stronger alliance."
Wayne's voice grew more serious as he continued. "It won't be long before Nilfgaard's envoys return to Dol Blathanna. When they do, negotiate with them. Demand that they withdraw from your lands, formally recognize elven sovereignty, and sign a non-aggression treaty."
"Of course," he added with a faint smile, "if they refuse and choose war, the Order will stand with you."
Wayne's prediction proved accurate. Though the Nilfgaardian Empire was renowned for its military prowess, they were not fools. The heavy losses they had suffered in Dol Blathanna made it clear that further aggression would only lead to greater casualties.
The Order's armored Giant Legion and the devastating meteorite spell, jointly unleashed by Ada and Francesca, left Nilfgaard's forces with no viable countermeasures. The failure also forced them to acknowledge the combined might of the elves and the Order. Their remaining troops, wary of more losses, adopted a far more cautious approach to warfare.
As expected, a week later, Nilfgaard sent a new envoy to Dol Blathanna to reopen negotiations. Unlike the previous delegation, which had been arrogant and dismissive, this envoy was markedly respectful and, notably, far more astute.
No longer viewing the elves as weaklings to be subjugated, the Nilfgaardian representatives recognized their strength and presented a series of proposals to resolve the conflict.
After several days of intense negotiation, Francesca and Nilfgaard reached an agreement. The empire officially recognized the independence of Dol Blathanna and acknowledged the Elf Kingdom as the legitimate ruler of the territory. Furthermore, they formally recognized Francesca as the Elf Queen and signed a binding non-aggression treaty.
However, Nilfgaard stipulated its own conditions in the agreement: the elves would not be allowed to assist the Northern Kingdoms or become enemies of the Nilfgaardian Empire.
At the same time, Nilfgaard extended a gesture of goodwill, proposing the establishment of direct trade exchanges. This arrangement would allow both parties to engage in equitable commerce, providing the elves access to essential supplies.
For the elves, these were highly favorable terms. Perhaps the Nilfgaardian Empire hoped to use diplomacy to win over the elves, who had long suffered discrimination in the Northern Kingdoms, and persuade them to join Nilfgaard's cause through amicable relations.
This aligned perfectly with Francesca's and Wayne's goals. In truth, neither of them had any desire to involve themselves in the ongoing Civil War. Both sides, in their view, were unworthy of elven blood being spilled for their cause.
Thus, the diplomatic agreement was swiftly signed. Nilfgaard wasted no time publicizing the treaty, ensuring news of it spread quickly throughout the Northern Kingdoms.
The announcement stunned the Continent. The Elf Kingdom had declared independence, Francesca had been crowned as the Elf Queen, and the elves had entered into a non-aggression pact with Nilfgaard.
The reaction from the Northern Kingdoms was immediate. Spymasters and intelligence agencies received orders to investigate the matter, scrambling to uncover details.
A war involving tens of thousands of soldiers is difficult to conceal, and Nilfgaardian deserters fleeing the battle ensured that the details of the conflict leaked. Reports of the elves fielding a formidable army of armored giants—who effortlessly slaughtered Nilfgaardian troops—quickly reached the northern nobility.
The initial reaction from most nobles was disbelief. Skepticism dominated their discussions.
After all, if the elves truly possessed such strength, how had they been driven to near extinction by humans in the Northern Kingdoms?
Additionally, scholars familiar with monsters argued that giants were extraordinarily rare. It was widely believed that fewer than twenty existed across the entire Continent. Known for their violent tempers, these creatures were thought to be impossible to control, let alone organize into a disciplined force.
The idea of two or three hundred giants, equipped with massive armor and weapons, following orders was beyond belief. To those imagining the destructive power of such a force, the thought was both awe-inspiring and terrifying.
Regardless of whether the northern nobility believed the reports, the fact remained: the elves had established a kingdom in Dol Blathanna, successfully defeated Nilfgaard, and secured their independence. This development forced the North to reevaluate the elves' position in the ongoing conflict.
Many nobles worried about the implications. While they feared Nilfgaard's continued aggression toward the North, the sudden resurgence of elven power added another layer of complexity. The elves, once thought to be a fading race, had become a force to reckon with.
As for Francesca, her reputation soared. Once a figure known primarily within the circles of sorcerers, she became a household name across the Northern Kingdoms. Nobles and commoners alike, human and non-human, learned of the powerful queen who now ruled over the elves in the Valley of Flowers.