1184: Thanks to Dusk Dreamweaver-once this scene's over, I'll treat you all to chicken drumsticks!

"These elves were already stiff and dull when they were alive. Now that they're dead, they've become even more extreme. I'm afraid their ruthless, savage ways are going to ruin the reputation of the Afterlife of the World Tree and make you, 'Lord of Decay,' a byword that elven parents use to scare their children.

"Like, 'If you don't behave, the terrifying Murphy will reach out of the morning mist, grab you, and stuff you into a ghoul's rotting body!'"

Watching the energetic dead stride away with strange, delighted steps, Triss couldn't help giving them a scathing roast.

As for the person she was roasting, Murphy merely shrugged and waved a hand, unconcerned.

"But isn't that the whole point of the underworld, my dear Triss? The underworld and death have never been concepts the living could love. As long as they don't spread rumors that Lord of Decay Murphy eats three pure elven girls for breakfast every morning and has seven elven boys as a midnight snack before sleeping with his seductive midnight witch paramour, I don't care what they say about me.

"Besides, vampires and the dead have never been popular with meddlesome living people.

"As for the elves becoming harsh after death—

"They were already extreme, Triss. Just look at the Shadow Elves, who've got every vice under the sun. Those outrageous accusations about elves on the continent didn't come out of nowhere.

"Elves in our world have never been the embodiment of 'truth, goodness, and beauty.'"

"Um, I think your understanding of us elves is still rather one-sided, sir."

Iverios, who was walking beside Murphy into the biological laboratory, spoke with a stern face.

"In fact, if you're willing to listen, I can give you plenty of examples and legends that prove elves embody truth, goodness, and