Ross was somewhat dazed upon hearing that answer.
It seemed Charles had said everything, yet it also seemed he had said nothing at all.
Seeing Ross's absent look, Charles smiled faintly. "In my eyes, humans are not lowly. On the contrary, they too can create a bright future."
"Among my subordinates, there are many human officials and officers. They offer me their loyalty, and in return, I offer them my trust."
Ross asked calmly, "And what about afterward?"
"If you become the Lord of Silverleaf, or even the Lord of the Ancient Tree?"
"My lord, you came from the Lotheran Elven Court. Sooner or later, you will return to the Tree Sea. What will become of this territory after you leave?"
"The Avenor Elven Court will still appoint a half-elf prefect or half-elf governor to govern this land."
"When that time comes, the humans loyal to you, the humans you trust—their fate will not be a pleasant one."
Yet Charles shook his head. "That is too far away. And why do you think I would return to the Tree Sea, to the Lotheran Royal Court?"
Ross said, "Hasn't it always been that way for elves who leave Lotheran to travel?"
"Even Lord Felenlos two hundred years ago, who was likewise a Sun Elf Lord of the Ancient Tree."
Charles asked, "Just because it has always been that way, does that mean I must be the same?"
"Think about it again."
Ross was just about to speak when he realized that Charles had already taken a different road from Felenlos and the other elves.
In the past, even Felenlos had relied primarily on elven and half-elven armies to conquer his territory.
Yet Charles, a Sun Elf, did not have a single elf or half-elf under his command.
Charles said, "Perhaps I