I, the prince in distress, send money

Chapter 572 The Desire of Long Ears

The immense vitality of the World Tree "Tears of the Sky" shines softly through the glazed dome of the Temple of Dawn, but it cannot dispel the solemnity and tension that permeates the temple.

The highest decision-makers of the Blue Flame Kingdom, representatives from the major islands of the Blue Flame Archipelago, patriarchs of ancient families, and high priests of the temple are gathered here for a heated debate.

The Blue Flame Kingdom has no king or queen. The country was established by the high elves of Evergrande Island to protect the World Tree, Tear of the Sky, making it a somewhat special case.

Therefore, the leaders of this country are the island lords and patriarchs of the various islands... that is, the high elf nobles.

The focus of the current debate among the actual rulers of the Blue Flame Kingdom is the human reinforcements that flooded into Mooncrown City last night, their behavior astonishing.

During the meeting, an elderly nobleman with white hair and beard, dressed in a traditional silver-leaf robe, slammed his scepter on the ground with an unquestionable air of authority.

"...Enough. We don't need those savage humans to defile our holy land. Look at what they've done."
They bombed our streets, trampled our magic circles, and turned our sacred city into ruins!
Reinforcements are gathering on the Blue Flame Islands. Our warriors, our mages, our power in harmony with nature is enough to purify these abyssal filths. To rely on humanity will only bring shame upon the World Tree!

A relatively young, sharp-eyed elven general immediately retorted, his armor still stained with undried demon blood.

"Shame? Elder, while demons were slaughtering our people in the streets, it was those savage humans who, with their muskets, held the docks and half of the lower city!"

Yes, their fighting style was disturbing, but what was the result?

The demons' advance has been abruptly halted. What we need now is not elegance, but victory and survival!

With our reinforcements alone?
You too have seen the cracks in the sky; the number of demons is endless. We must seize any possible power, even human power!

"Everyone, please calm down."

As the discussion between the two sides became increasingly heated, a gentle and graceful moon goddess priestess dressed in a moon-white dress stepped forward to try to calm the atmosphere.

"Human assistance is indeed somewhat overly destructive, but its effectiveness cannot be denied."

However, I believe the key lies in guidance and cooperation. Can we try to communicate with them, establish some basic rules, and direct their energy where it is more needed, rather than letting them run rampant...?

The priestess's words steered the debate in another direction. In the midst of the discussion, everyone's gaze quickly and unanimously turned to the two elves standing on one side of the hall, who had the deepest contact with humans: the high elf noble Eluneor and the kingdom's fleet commander, Lilana.

The elder representing the conservatives was the first to ask a question, his tone scrutinizing.

"Eluneor, as a high elf noble who once served in the human fleet, you have spent the most time with these Bagnians."

Tell me, what kind of people are they? Can we truly trust them, or rather... control them?

Elunor bowed slightly, a hint of weariness on his handsome face, and carefully chose his words before replying.

"Respected elders, gentlemen, the Bagnians cannot be measured by any standard we are familiar with."

They are disciplined yet individualistically unrestrained; they revere power yet seem to lack a general understanding of tradition and the sacred.

Rather than an army, they are more like a collection of countless independent individuals following some kind of internal rules that we cannot fully comprehend.

trust?

They kept their promise and are trustworthy in the fight against evil.

But control?

He gave a helpless, bitter smile.

"Trying to control them is like trying to hold water in your hand; it will only create more waves."

I think the best way is to clearly define the goal, provide them with the rewards they need, and then... guide them toward the devil.

His answer caused both conservative nobles and radical generals to frown.

Immediately afterwards, the radical general looked at Lilana, the captain of the magic warship known for her decisiveness.

"Commander Lilana, your Emerald Dream is sailing alongside their fleet. From a military perspective, what is their value? Should we accept more of these human armies?"

Lilana stood ramrod straight, her voice clear and calm, with the crispness of a soldier.

"Their fighting prowess is beyond doubt, Your Excellency."

Their self-developed dwarven firearms are devastating at medium range, especially against dense groups of low-level demons.

Their soldiers seemed to know no fear, able to withstand enormous casualties and continue fighting; from a purely military efficiency standpoint, they were exceptionally skilled warriors.

She paused and added.

"However, most of their soldiers had virtually no tactical coordination, their high command structure was practically nonexistent, and they completely disregarded collateral damage."

Accepting them means we must bear the cost of chaos outside the battlefield. Whether we accept more depends on how much of our homeland we are willing to sacrifice for victory.

Lilana's objective and incisive analysis plunged the hall into a brief silence.

She affirmed the military value of humanity while also frankly pointing out the problems it brings.

The three faction leaders fell into deep thought. Elunor described an uncontrollable but steerable chaotic ally, while Lilana pointed to a highly effective but destructive military tool.

The conservative elders' faces grew even more somber.

The radical generals' eyes burned even brighter.

The neutral priestess looked anxiously out of the temple, where she could still faintly hear sporadic gunshots and explosions.

Finally, the conservative elder spoke slowly, his voice heavy with a hint of compromise.

"Then... perhaps we can try to use them to a limited extent, delineate areas, and clarify objectives."

However, someone must restrain their behavior; at the very least, they mustn't be allowed to destroy the foundations of Mooncrown City!

The radical generals responded immediately.

"I will personally lead a team to try to establish contact with their commander and provide guidance."

The neutral priestess nodded in agreement.

"The temple will send messengers to try to communicate with their priests, hoping to work together to soothe the wounds inflicted on this land."

A heated debate about the fate of humanity has temporarily reached a fragile and helpless consensus.

……

Players outside the kingdom had no idea what the pointy-eared creatures inside were up to, and even if they did, they wouldn't care, because something more important occupied their minds... slaying demons.

In an unnamed district of Mooncrown City, a lone demon hunter is on a demon hunt.

The equipment specifically designed to cure a child's crying isn't top-tier among players; it's a light set of chainmail that covers vital areas and allows for swift movement.

His weapons were also quite distinctive: his right hand gripped a broad-backed machete with a blade that gleamed coldly, while his left hand casually weighed two rough-hewn wooden grenades.

The machete is a unique weapon that is very suitable for novice players. When you hold it, you don't need to worry about any spikes, just swing it around and chop.

The demon hunter, hiding in the shadows of the alley, had a clear target. Around the corner ahead of him, a group of about seven or eight lesser demons were surrounding the corpse of an elven guard, making sickening chewing noises and excited hisses.

These lowest-ranking demons are not strong in combat, but they are numerous, making them perfect prey for quelling a child's crying... Killing them will earn you military merits. They are not strong in combat, but there are many of them, and they are everywhere in the city.

Even so, the specialist in treating infantile crying did not rush into action.

He cautiously peered around, taking about ten seconds to confirm that there were no large creatures hiding nearby, such as berserker demons or more troublesome winged demons crouching on the rooftops.

After confirming that it was only this group of "little monsters," a happy smile spread across his face.

"Dinner's ready, little ones!"

With a low shout, he swung his arm out, sending a wooden-handled grenade flying in a precise arc, landing right in the center of the demon horde.

The explosion was deafening in the narrow alley, and shrapnel and shockwaves engulfed the group of demons.

Limbs and foul-smelling blood splattered everywhere. Three or four lesser demons were instantly blasted to pieces by the black powder, and the rest were all wounded and disoriented.

Before the smoke of battle had completely cleared, the expert who specializes in treating crying children had already charged out like a cheetah.

He deliberately avoided the demon remains on the ground to prevent himself from falling while running, and swung his machete with a sharp whistling sound at the wounded, struggling lesser demons.

"Pfft! Crack!"

The blade flashed, precise and efficient.

He specifically targeted the vulnerable spot on the neck of the lesser demons. Thanks to his height, he could swing his sword and cut right into the neck of the lesser demons, so much so that when the demon hunter chopped down the lesser demons, he could kill them with almost one strike.

The sounds of cleavers slicing through flesh and breaking bones were incessant, accompanied by the short, mournful howls of the lesser demons before their death.

The movements were swift and efficient, clearly demonstrating a high level of skill in dealing with crying infants.

In just over ten seconds, the remaining few lesser demons all turned into twitching corpses at his feet.

He quickly crouched down and skillfully rummaged through the corpse with the tip of his knife. After finding a relatively long and undamaged canine tooth from the demon's mouth, he stuffed it into the leather pouch at his waist with satisfaction.

"Officer +1, Demon Amulet Material +1, feeling great."

He muttered to himself and patted the leather bag.

However, just as the expert in treating crying children was preparing to find his next target, a heavy and violent roar suddenly came from the alley entrance, and a huge figure covered in dark carapace blocked the alley entrance... It was a berserker demon!

It was clearly attracted by the sound of the explosion and the strong smell of blood.

The expert, who specializes in treating infantile crying, glanced back without hesitation. He immediately pulled out another grenade with his left hand and quickly pulled out the fuse with his right.

But this time he didn't throw it at the demon. Instead, he slammed it into the ground in front of him and ran toward the grenade... It was a smoke grenade!

"Oh!"

Thick gray smoke exploded the moment the demon hunter jumped over, quickly filling the entire alley and obscuring the vision of the pursuing berserker.

"The wind's getting strong, let's get out of here!" Under the cover of the smoke, the one who could cure a child's crying turned around without hesitation, tiptoed quickly and lightly to the left, used both hands and feet to climb over a pile of collapsed debris behind the alley, and rushed towards another complicated path without looking back.

Under the cover of smoke, and following the retreat plan and escape route prepared before the battle, the berserker that charged into the smoke angrily swung its claws and charged forward. When it left the smoke and continued to chase ahead in the alley, it took a while to realize that its prey was not ahead of it.

This caused it to furiously destroy several sections of the remaining wall, letting out a resentful roar, but it could only move forward dejectedly, continuing its aimless search for the enemy.

Hearing the demonic roar behind him, the one who specializes in stopping children's crying smiled disdainfully.

"Ha, you big oaf, you think you can catch me? No way."

Specializing in treating infantile crying, he skillfully navigated the intricate alleys and ruins of Mooncrown City, expertly avoiding several fel-contaminated areas still smoldering with sporadic airbursts and temporary checkpoints set up by the elves. After half an hour, he finally returned safely to the relatively peaceful dock area controlled by the Bagnian Marines.

The atmosphere here is completely different from the fierce battlegrounds inside the city. The dock area is very busy, with merchant ships docked at their repaired berths unloading cargo 24 hours a day. The dockworkers include both humans and half-elves.

Humans were sailors in the First Fleet, while half-elves were refugees from Mooncrown City... As for why there were no elven refugees.

Actually, there were some. When the First Fleet took over the docks, many elves and half-elves came to join them. However, when a group of long-eared people arrived later, they took all the elven refugees away, supposedly to the safer palace.

As for the half-elves, they stayed behind.

The docks need manpower now, and the players have organized the able-bodied, uninjured half-elves into the logistics team, making them work alongside the sailors to unload boxes of ammunition and supplies from the transport ships.

Inside the camp, medics tended to the wounded in makeshift tents. Many players who had finished a round of combat or returned from a wilderness adventure, like a cure for a crying child, stayed here to receive physical examinations from the medics or simply maintain their weapons in preparation for the next attack.

However, the atmosphere at the dock camp seemed a little strange today.

The newly returned expert in treating infantile crying keenly noticed a group of people gathered beneath the flagship serving as the temporary command post in the center of the camp. Among them were not only Bagnian NPC officers but also a group of glamorous elves.

These elves were different from the long-eared warriors he had seen in the city, who were covered in blood and fighting. They were dressed in gorgeous clothes and wore shiny armor. Although their faces were solemn, they were more arrogant and superior with their nostrils pointing to the sky... just like the expressions of squid.

He was a specialist in treating infantile crying and didn't recognize these elves, but he noticed that the one surrounded by several people was none other than Vice Admiral Marlowe of the First Fleet.

The NPC general had a furrowed brow and a look on his face that was a mixture of helplessness, exhaustion, and suppressed impatience.

Hey, there's a CG cutscene to watch!

The player, who loved to join in the fun and specialized in treating crying babies, moved closer. Thanks to his excellent hearing, he could clearly hear the conversation between the two.

"...General Marlowe, we understand the bravery of your soldiers and are grateful for your assistance."

The voice of a female elf in a white robe was gentle, but her tone carried an undeniable firmness.

"But Mooncrown City is our home, and the World Tree Tear of the Sky is a sacred object of our race. In order to coordinate defense more effectively and reduce unnecessary damage, we hope to establish a joint command system."

Your king's guards are brave and skilled in battle, but their actions would be even more effective if they were coordinated and deployed in a unified manner.

An elven general standing beside her spoke up next, his tone much more direct, even carrying a hint of accusation.

"That's right, your soldiers are brave in battle, but they are disorganized. They destroy our city facilities, interfere with our magical barriers, and sometimes even fight amongst themselves over spoils!"
This severely impacts overall defense efficiency. We must take over their command, or at least battlefield control, and guide them to where they are most needed!

Lieutenant General Marlowe's lips twitched slightly. He took a deep breath and tried to keep his tone steady.

"Your Excellency, Your Excellency, I reiterate once again that the Royal Guard is a special force in our country. They are the personal guard directly under the King, and they possess extremely high autonomy and fighting spirit."

My command authority is primarily focused on strategic guidance and logistical support. Forcing them to accept detailed tactical command would likely... backfire.

"Are we just going to let them continue to act so recklessly?"

Another elven civil official couldn't help but raise his voice.

"Look at our city! Much of the destruction doesn't come from demons, but from your soldiers!"

"Please watch your words!"

One of Lieutenant General Marlowe's adjutants couldn't help but retort.

"Without our soldiers, the dock area would have fallen long ago, and your outer city would have become a paradise for demons!"

The situation became somewhat tense for a moment.

The person who specializes in treating infantile crying was listening nearby and almost burst out laughing.

He nudged a player watching the commotion next to him.

"Hey buddy, what's going on? Long Ears wants to be our commander?"

The player scoffed.

"That's right, they came here to point fingers and say things like they want unified command and division of war zones."

What do you think?
"Do I have to take orders from NPCs when I play a game?"

"that is……"

Another player chimed in.

"What do they know about monster spawn efficiency? I finally found a low-level demon spawn point, and they insist that it's near some damn ancient ruin and that I can't use explosives. Isn't this just delaying my earning of merit points?"

He nodded in deep agreement, agreeing that this was a cure for crying children.

Should we make him accept the elf's command?
Are you kidding me?! Does that mean he can still happily bully the weak and fear the strong, efficiently farming materials?
Just then, he saw Lieutenant General Marlowe seem to have made some kind of decision. He raised his hand to signal both sides to be quiet, and then spoke in an almost dismissive tone.

"My fellow elves, this is the situation. I do not have command of the King's Guard, much less the authority to authorize you. I have neither the power nor the standing to do so..."

Lieutenant General Marlowe spread his hands, his face clearly saying, "I can't help you."

The Moon Goddess Priestess's gentle demeanor finally crumbled; her delicate brows furrowed, and her tone carried a hint of disbelief.

"General, do you mean that your country's powerful army is actually out of command on the battlefield?"

“I am not uncommanded, Your Excellency.”

Lieutenant General Marlowe corrected, trying to find a more accurate statement.

"They only obey His Majesty Chris's orders, and His Majesty's mission for them is to protect the World Tree and destroy the demons."

As for the specifics of how to implement it, I can only offer assistance and suggestions; I have no authority to interfere with their command. They have the autonomy to decide what to do.

The elven general's face turned ashen, and he practically spat out the words through clenched teeth.

"So, we can only watch helplessly as they rampage through our city like a herd of out-of-control bulls, continuing to create chaos!?"

"I think the description 'efficient battlefield autonomy' might be more accurate."

Lieutenant General Marlowe, without changing his expression, once again "corrected" the other party's wording.

"Moreover, I must emphasize again that it was this autonomy that enabled them to annihilate the demons in the dock area last night, stopping the demons in the outer city and temporarily preventing them from continuing their advance into the inner city of Mooncrown City."

Perhaps you could try a different approach: instead of trying to command them, try to cooperate.

For example, clearly inform them which areas require focused defense, which places contain valuable historical sites that need to be protected from damage, and provide corresponding... well, rewards or guidance. I believe that as long as the goals are aligned, they will be happy to fight alongside you.

Lieutenant General Marlowe spoke the truth very sincerely, saying that this was what he had always done, and whether the elves could understand it or not was none of his concern.

His Majesty Chris's task for him was to protect the World Tree, not the elves. What did it matter to him how many long-eared creatures died or how many cities were destroyed?

The elven messengers exchanged bewildered glances. From Lieutenant General Marlowe's words and attitude, they clearly sensed his sincerity and realized that he was not deliberately making things difficult, but rather genuinely lacked the control they could comprehend over this army known as the "King's Guard."

The Moon Goddess Priestess took a deep breath, knowing that further entanglement would be fruitless. She barely maintained her composure and nodded slightly.

"...I understand. Thank you for your frankness, General. We will consider your suggestion."

Having said that, she said no more, and led her resentful and disappointed elf companions away from the dock camp.

Their figures, set against the backdrop of busy players and human soldiers, appeared particularly desolate and out of place.

Watching the elves disappear into the distance, Lieutenant General Marlowe finally let out a long sigh of relief and rubbed his throbbing temples.

The person who specializes in treating infantile crying watched with great interest and smiled at the player next to him.

"Hey, see that? Long Ears got his comeuppance. They still want to boss us around? Dream on!"

"that is……"

Another player brandished a bayonet.

"I don't really like elves. Although they are beautiful, their inherent arrogance and long ears, like those in other works, are disgusting!"

Lieutenant General Marlowe could only shake his head helplessly as he listened to these unvarnished comments.

He glanced at his adjutant beside him, whose expression was equally complex, and said in a low voice.

"Issue a notice to all departments, reiterating... uh, encouraging them to prioritize clearing demons from main roads and strategic locations, and if possible, to pay attention to sensitive areas inhabited by the elves."

Use a tactful tone and offer a suggestion.

"Yes, General."

The adjutant responded.

The man who specialized in treating infantile crying had long forgotten about this little incident. He ran to the quartermaster, handed over the spoils in his leather bag, and then went to the supply point to collect a few grenades and some dry rations. He then rubbed his hands together again and looked towards the direction from which the sounds of fighting were still coming from within the city.

The Elf's Troubles?
A dispute over command?

None of his business!

All he knew was that there were still plenty of merits and materials waiting for him in the city.

(End of this chapter)