My Love Debts Are Everywhere!-Chapter 681: Zelda’s Departure

"Are you leaving now?"

In the throne room, the First Elder stood beside Zelda, who was seated on the throne.

Zelda gave a small nod and slowly rose to her feet. She turned toward the elder and replied, "Yes, First Elder—no, Ancestor. I’m going to the Dragon Empire to meet Empress Athena. She’s already expecting me and has invited me to her palace."

As she finished speaking, she took a gold-colored letter from her pocket. A red dragon’s head was stamped on the envelope—it looked elegant and regal.

Zelda handed the letter to the First Elder, who accepted it without hesitation.

The elder opened it and read in silence. After a brief moment, she nodded faintly and returned it to Zelda.

"Very well. I won’t try to stop you," she said gently. "But be careful on your journey. The world beyond the Forest of Eternal Silence is very different. There are many things you’ve never encountered. And one more thing—don’t place your trust too easily in others, whether they be human, demon, or even dragon. That’s my only advice."

Zelda gave a faint smile as she folded the letter and tucked it back into her pocket.

"Thank you for your advice, Ancestor. Don’t worry—I’ll remember it," she replied softly.

The First Elder nodded in satisfaction. She gave a few final instructions before falling silent, feeling there was nothing more to add.

"By the way, who will be accompanying you?" She asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

"I’ll be traveling with Leyna and Thalon."

"Leyna and Thalon, huh? Understood." The First Elder gave a short nod, then added, "And about the Dark Elves... Do you plan to bring them back into the Elven race—or wipe them out completely?"

The war between the Elves and the Dark Elves had raged for ages, and the hatred between them remained deeply rooted even now.

The Dark Elves had already suffered heavy losses due to the emergence of the Evil God’s consciousness more than two months ago.

In other words, if someone intended to wipe them out completely, now would be the perfect time.

Just when the First Elder thought Zelda would choose that path, the woman softly shook her head and replied, "I’ve already taken care of that matter. I’ve chosen to bring them back into the Elven race."

The First Elder was momentarily stunned, then gave a small smile. "Are you sure about this decision? Aren’t you worried there will be strong resistance from your people?"

"As for fear—I’m not afraid," Zelda said calmly. "There will be complaints, of course. That’s natural, considering the long-standing hatred between us and the Dark Elves. But no matter how deep the grudge, they are still a part of us. They didn’t become Dark Elves by choice—they were corrupted by the Evil God’s dark power, which twisted their minds and enslaved their hearts."

In truth, the Dark Elves issue had been the responsibility of every Elven ruler since the second generation.

But now that the position had passed to her, it was her burden to carry. freewebnøvel.coɱ

That meant returning the Dark Elves to the embrace of the Elven race—and preparing a proper place for them to live.

Of course, this was also based on Leon’s suggestion and advice.

After all, there were so many Dark Elves. To wipe them out completely would be a waste.

The First Elder couldn’t help but smile at Zelda’s reasoning.

"You’ve grown up well, Zelda," she said fondly, gently patting the younger woman’s head.

Had she been in Zelda’s position, she would likely have chosen to eliminate the Dark Elves.

It wouldn’t be out of cruelty—just the most efficient and secure path.

After all, no one could guarantee that the Dark Elves truly wished to coexist with the Elven race again.

That was why Zelda’s choice was a bold—perhaps even unprecedented—step. None of the previous Elven leaders had ever taken such a risk.

"Then, Ancestor, I’ll be on my way," Zelda said, glancing toward the gradually brightening sky. "In the meantime, I leave the entire Elven race in your hands."

"Alright. Don’t worry—just leave it to me," the First Elder replied in a reassuring tone.

Zelda said nothing more. In the blink of an eye, she vanished, leaving the First Elder alone in the throne room.

"The outside world, huh?" the First Elder murmured, turning her gaze toward the large window on the right side of the room. "It’s been over seven thousand years since I last stepped out there... Perhaps, once Zelda returns, I’ll go out as well—especially to meet that black dragon."

***

"Are you ready, Your Majesty?"

At the edge of the Elven territory, where the barrier met the Forest of Eternal Silence, Leyna turned toward Zelda, who had just appeared behind her.

"I’m ready. Please support me on this journey, Leyna, Thalon," Zelda said gently, meeting their eyes one by one.

"Don’t worry, Your Majesty." Thalon patted his chest confidently. "Leave everything to us."

Leyna nodded in agreement. "He’s right, Your Majesty. We’ll protect you—no matter what."

Zelda smiled, pleased by their enthusiasm. "Then let’s go."

"Let’s go!" Leyna and Thalon echoed in unison, their voices full of spirit.

Without another word, the three of them vanished from the spot.

Meanwhile, high above on one of the World Tree’s branches, Astra watched their departure with a look of envy.

"I wish I could go too," she muttered, irritated.

But she couldn’t—not because she wasn’t able, but because of a one-year promise she had made with Leon.

If Leon failed to return by then, she would be free to visit Liliana and her granddaughters in person.

But for now, only two months had passed—ten more still remained.

"Sigh... I just have to be patient," she whispered, trying to reassure herself. "What’s ten months? I’ve waited over seven thousand years—ten months is nothing."

With that, she steadied her thoughts and smiled again as she gazed up at the clear blue sky.

***

Meanwhile...

"Oh? If I remember correctly, that Elf is supposed to arrive today, isn’t she?"

Inside her workspace, Athena paused for a moment before a wide smile slowly spread across her face.

She opened a drawer and took out a pale green letter—one that Zelda had sent two months ago.

The letter stated that Leon had completed his business in Elven territory and was now on his way to the Dwarven lands, located on the far side of the continent.

Zelda had also expressed her intention to establish cooperation with the Dragon Empire and requested Athena’s help in preparing the Elven race to adapt to the outside world.

Since they shared a common enemy and a unified goal, Athena had no reason to refuse.

In fact, she had welcomed the proposal with open arms and invited Zelda to come. And today was the day she was expected to arrive.

"Zelda, huh?" Athena murmured. "I’d like to see for myself... whether you’re truly as beautiful as the painting shows... or not."

A thin, elegant smile formed on her lips—charming, but tinged with something darker.

"And I also want to know whether you’ve really taken Leon from me. If you have... hehehe... then we’ll see how I choose to deal with you."

New novel chapters are published on fr(e)ew𝒆bnov(e)l.com