The truth of the matter was that Rey already had a discussion on the Elf issue with Rebal not too long ago.
It seemed the Elves were still around, and they were very much interested in the exchange.
Rey was personally going to see them and acquire more information about the Elves—as much as he possible could—while trying his best to form some kind of connection to them.
He would take things slow and easy until he knew enough before he suggested the idea to Esme.
'Who would have thought she would bring it up first…' He smiled wryly as he sat in his room.
Rey wasn't upset her decision. In fact, he understood it perfectly.
'Just the way I fight for humans, she probably wants to do the same with those she closely relates to the most.'
Besides, the Elves never hurt her like the humans had. They were also the more superiror race, and they would be able to help her grow a lot faster than the humans.
'It's the most preferred option.' Rey sighed.
He plopped on his bed, instantly remembering Esme's.
The beds offered to the Otherworlders was by no means of shoddy quality. For all he knew, his could even be better than the Esme's.
And yet… he found himself missing that sensation.
"Haa… I'm so stupid." Rey muttered to himself, not even knowing why.
'The meeting with the Elves has already been arranged. It's happening tomorrow, and I'll be warping there with Esme.'
When he told her of the details, she beamed and excitedly accepted his offer to take her along with him.
Of course, the meeting was purely commercial, but Rey was sure Elves wouldn't reject one of their own seeking sanctuary with them.
At the very least, it was worth a shot.
"Welp…" He closed his eyes and nonchalantly raised both hands. He had to let go at some point, and now was the best time to do so.
'... It is what it is.'
************
[The Next Day]
~VWUUSH!~
Rey, Aldred and Esme proceeded out of a portal, all three of them in their respective disguises.
Rey was in his usual Ralyks appearance, and as for Esme, she was dressed in an overall hood that covered most of her face from being seen.
Aldred wore an his all-black suit, with his handsome face exposed and his clear skin gleaming under the evening sky.
The meeting took place at the very eastern shores of the Western Continent. It was the first time Rey had come to such a place, so after teleporting to the nearest location, and flying for another long distance, he saw the meeting spot from afar and opened a portal there.
All of this was to achieve a grand entry, and he considered it successful by all standards.
The waves crashed upon the rocks present at the beach, and Rey could see water constantly creeping to sea shore from a short distance off.
It reminded him of the beach back home, though this place was deserted.
Well, almost deserted.
"You can undo your cloaking. I can clearly see you." Rey spoke up, looking in a particular direction to his far right.
Just as he said, there were about three Elves standing there—though there was a certain barrier that covered them from sight.
It was useless against his perception, though.
"You have good eyes." A voice echoed forth, and from the invisible layer that existed, three figures emerged.
Just as Rey expected… they were Elves.
All three were exquisitely beautiful, all dressed in attires that could only be described as gorgeous—albeit crude.
Their hair had neon-like colors, but the one that stood out to him was the hair of the Elf at the center. It was bluish green, and her attire matched it well—exuding an air of elegance he couldn't ignore.
Everything about the Elf at the center captivated him. She was incredibly beautiful—almost as beautiful as Esme.
She wielded a white wooden staff, and while her demeanor was stoic, slowly turning into a frown, she still looked incredible.
Other than looks, though…
'This smell… it's so good!'
It reminded him of Esme's room, though somehow it felt stronger than that. The aura that came from the lady at the center dominated all the rest, and so did her scent.
It was not as pleasant as Esme's, but it was more overpowering.
'Are all Elves like this?' He wondered, snapping himself back to his senses as he watched them approach.
"My name is Aurora El Slaviarai. My sisters with me are Lila and Lali." She introduced herself.
Rey nodded in acknowledgment and introduced himself as well.
"My name is Ralyks. With me are Aldred and Esme."
"Es… me?"
"Yes?" Rey asked, wondering if the name struck some kind of bell with Aurora.
It would make things a lot easier if they actually knew Esme in some way, or if she happened to be the long lost daughter of their queen or something.
Unfortunately, they had no such luck.
"That's a good name." Was all Auorora commented on.
It was disappointing, but not entirely so. Much to Rey's relief, the Elves were plenty courteous.
He didn't know if it was because they were desperate, or they were always like this, but it made the mood perfect for Esme's entire reveal.
Before that, though… business came first.
'I'm tempted to look at their Status Windows, but I can't do that now.'
If they had some sort of way to know that he used [Absolute Appraisal], he could risk offending them. Worst case scenario, the deal would be off..
'I don't know just how desperate they are, but it's probably not a good idea to test the waters yet.'
He still wanted to maintain good relations with the Elves after this, and there was the issue of Esme. Rey decided to wait until the deal was sealed and he was somewhat out of reach before he used [Absolute Appraisal].
That way, they couldn't be sure that it was him.