RISE OF EROS

Andrew wasn't really trying to scare them or threaten them, as they didn't know each other and it wasn't like Andrew had saved them on several occasions, for his words to have any kind of weight.

He was just telling them the truth. Although he saved them with the intention of establishing a friendship that could serve them in the future, that doesn't mean he would beg for that attention.

On the other hand, the water elves misinterpreted his words as a threat, but a very weak one, since as it had already been said, they barely knew each other and it was only the first time they were saved.

Even so, the water elves did not immediately accept and ignored his words since they were still in the presence of Oliver, who could easily capture them, so they had to think very carefully about their next move.

They may not have cared about the threat, since they believed that they would never see Andrew again, but there was still the possibility that, if they were very obvious in their intentions, Andrew could give the order to capture them.

What they didn't know was that Andrew didn't really have any intentions of punishing them even if they refused. With his Eros eyes, he had already seen through their intentions and although disappointed, he didn't push it.

Seeing the water elves' distrust, Andrew decided not to get involved any further and simply said, "Well, we'll leave." Andrew started walking back to where they left the carriage, leaving the water elves stunned.

They were still considering how to act so as not to put themselves in danger and Andrew was already leaving as if he didn't care what they did, which surprised them.

Oliver, Aki, and Zany were also surprised by Andrew's actions, but they didn't ask anything and just followed him as if it was natural. After Andrew and his companions left, the water elves reacted.

One of them approached Lucas and asked, "What just happened?", to which Lucas could only answer with, "I don't know." After returning to the carriage, Andrew's group resumed their journey, but they took a different route.

As they traveled, Oliver couldn't help but ask, "Young master, why did you leave like that?" The question also attracted the attention of Aki and Zany who had the same doubt.

Andrew looked at them and with a smile began to explain, "It's true that I intervened because I wanted to establish a friendly relationship with the water elves so that in the future our path in this country would be smoother."

Andrew paused and added, "However, their auras were full of suspicion. It's obvious that it's no use talking to them too much because they won't be sincere, they'll just pretend, to avoid conflict with us, since they can't win."

"I understand that, but, even so, you should have pushed a little and gained something," Oliver said, and before anyone could say anything he added, "With what you did, you risked it for nothing."

"You are wrong there," Andrew said and continued to explain, "Certainly, we did not gain anything from the elves, but we still gained combat experience. Also, although they did not offer us their friendship, we still saved them, perhaps in the future they will still help us in some way."

Aki and Zany who are muscle heads did not quite understand what Andrew meant, but Oliver was different. He understood what Andrew was trying to do and had to admit that it was a good move.

Think of it this way. Andrew could force them to commit to something, but that would only make them distrust him more and even label him the same way as the red scorpion men who tried to kidnap you.

However, by stating his intentions honestly and then leaving without making them commit, it showed them sincerity and respect, which, in the future, these water elves could return in some way.

There was no guarantee that this would happen, but at least it was a better option than forcing them to compromise in some way. With that settled, Andrew and the others continued their journey.

The soft soil of this country was an enemy to carriage movement and so they had not made much progress. The carriage wheels would get stuck in small puddles or the ground would sink under their weight, making movement difficult.

It would have been easier to abandon the carriage and continue on foot, but they would need the carriage when they reached their destination, so they preferred to go through these problems before abandoning the carriage.

Thanks to the great water resources of this country, the vegetation is lush, but it is not all forest. There were many tall grass prairies, swamps, and marshes, which made the journey a martyrdom, but they persevered.

After 2 weeks, they managed to reach the city of Rulia, which was where they would take the boat to their destination. The city was beautiful, with countless canals and lots of vegetation.

Although the population in this city was not very large, it was very lively, as it is one of the busiest trade routes in the country of Rios. Near this city ran the Rulia River, which is the reason for the city's name.

It is a wide and wealthy river, perfect as a waterway. When they arrived it was quite late, so they decided to spend the night in the city and leave the next day.

Although that was the plan, they had to buy the tickets for the boat, so after renting a room at an inn, Oliver went out to find out what the process for this operation was like.

Surprisingly, there were several companies and the boats that left and entered the city every day could be counted in dozens and they were not small boats at all.

Oliver checked out each of the river transportation companies that traveled to where they wanted to go and after weighing the advantages and disadvantages, he bought the 4 tickets, as well as the additional payment to be able to take the carriage.

The ships are the size of any maritime cargo ship, so taking a carriage was not abnormal. When Oliver returns to the inn, where Andrew and his wife are already eating, so he joins them.

While they were eating, Oliver explained to them everything he had found out, as well as the travel itinerary they would have. Although ships entered and left every day, for the place they were going to, there were no trips every day, so they had to wait for a couple of days to travel.

They were heading to the free republic of Comers, which was quite far away and in fact, they could not get there just by taking the ship, but this would get them as close as possible and then they would have to travel by carriage again.

The point they would arrive at is the border with the duchy of Cannes, a small territory between Comers and Rios. This small duchy is independent, but quite prosperous as it is in the middle of several countries.

It is like the buffer land between all these countries, which prevents them from going to war and that is why it can exist, although it has no comparison with its neighbors, since every time one of these countries tries something, all the others support the duchy.

This has created a strange balance in the region and that is why peace reigns. In addition, having proximity to several countries, it is a very popular commercial center where products from different countries can be found.

Hearing this, Andrew believed that it was a good option to establish a Heavenly Palace. It is a prosperous place with a lot of movement and is well-located, so Andrew began to consider this idea.

Although this was not the original plan, it was very convenient for them. If they established a Heavenly Palace there, they could move to different countries without complications, it would also allow them to teleport back to Dunnas and not be out of contact for a long time.

The more he thought about it, the more Andrew thought it was a good idea, so he told Oliver and the others, who after thinking for a moment thought it was a good plan.

Well, Oliver thought so, because Aki and Zany really aren't good at this kind of planning. The trip to Cannes would take about 3 weeks and from there by carriage to Comers capital where they want to go, would take 1 to 2 months, so it was better to settle in Cannes and then travel to Comers capital city in the future.

Also, this place is perfect for Candice to expand her business, since she could trade with 4 different countries, which wasn't bad at all. After discussing this and finishing dinner, everything was set, they would establish a Heavenly Palace in the duchy of Cannes. Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire

What they didn't know was that the water elves they had saved had returned to the hidden capital, Lagunas. The country of Rios is ruled by the water elves, but since they left most things to the humans, there were two capital cities.

The well-known and public one, where humans ran everything, is called Sweet Waters, and the hidden one, where the water elves resided and very few people could go, is called Lagunas. It's true that humans have become arrogant, but the water elves cannot be looked down upon.

Many humans are overconfident, as they rule everything, but those who really know the situation know that they have no chance against the water elves.

The water elves are ancient and powerful. The number of experts and demigods among their population outnumbers the Amazons in the Black Forest, and although they are few, their strength is not small.

Just think about it, the 6 water elves that Andrew and the others saved were young and already experts, so everyone in the hidden capital of Laguna is an elite. When the elves saved by Andrew returned, they told what had happened, and before the night was over, the red scorpions' organization was eliminated.