Witch's Daughter And The Devil's Son

On the other hand, three handsome men wearing ordinary-looking cloaks were roaming in the harbor area of the city. Drayce, Arlan and Yorian were on the search for the Black Witch around the city, but after hours of searching, they could not find a single trace of her in Selve.

"I wonder how fast she ran. Did she know I have been chasing her? How did she manage to completely hide her essence from us three?" Drayce commented with a furrowed brow.

"She is a smart one. Either she was used to living the life of a fugitive who knew not to leave traces, or she was alarmed that you'd come after her and made sure you would not be able to track her. The moment she reached here, she probably hurried out of the city," Yorian replied.

"If she is secretly doing something, then she won't stay among the crowd. We should look for her in the nearby forest or mountains, places where people normally avoid," Drayce suggested.

Arlan frowned, "I don't like that an unknown variable exists in my kingdom. She might be able to escape today, but I will keep a tight monitor on her possible whereabouts."

"Indeed. She is too suspicious to be left alone. We have to catch her to make sure she is not up to no good, and if she is related to Zaria Lynx, we cannot leave her alive," Drayce remarked as he eyed the busy crowd.

Yorian scoffed, "Both of you always talk about killing and all. Calm down. We supernatural beings have the right to go anywhere. Don't act like the entire continent belongs to humankind."

"We?" Arlan raised his brow. "You mean you and that witch?"

"Yes, because I consider both of you as human scums," the elf said as he rolled his eyes. "You young ones are so ungrateful. You consider other supernatural beings as a threat, as if we are any different from humans. Morals do not work that way. Judge one based on their actions--actions!--not their identities."

"Then why are you searching for her if not for the same purpose as us?" Arlan shrugged.

"Of course I want to know if she is of any harm and if she belongs to Zaria's side, but the greater reason is that I want to understand her situation. As a senior of our kind, I need to know if that young witch needs any help. What if she is running and hiding because she is troubled by humans? I can help her and send her among others of her kind who are still residing in Agartha."

"Agartha?" Drayce looked surprised. After he learned of Zaria Lynx's identity, the elf had also told him what she did to the residents of Agartha.  "After Black Witches caused massive damage to Agartha, do they still live there?"

This made the elf scowl. "Do you not listen? Not all Black Witches are wicked, the same way not all humans are wicked. Black Witches are witches too. Of course, they live in Agartha. Those who were innocent chose to remain living there.

"Maybe it is because you are raised among humans, you do not know the importance of Agartha to our kind. Agartha is not just a homeland to us, it is our safe haven. It is a place where various races, despite our obvious differences, live together in harmony. Even humans, despite the wrongdoings of other humans, are allowed to live there as long as they do not disturb the peace of the kingdom."

The younger men's reactions were that of surprise.

"Humans and Black Witches?"

"The King of Agartha does not mind having them as his people?"

The elf had a self-satisfied look seeing their disbelief.

"Though other people initially opposed it, King Draven Aramis welcomed them as he would never punish the innocent. He might be one arrogant Dragon, but he's wise unlike you two. Because of his impartiality, those innocent Black Witches have a place called home, where they are afforded a peaceful life even though their numbers are so few they barely count as a single village."

Drayce admired the King of Agartha; it shouldn't have been easy to make such a broadminded decision after Agartha suffered massive losses. On the other hand, Arlan crossed his arms over his chest, finding amusement at the elf's jab.

"The King of Agartha sure is generous. Those witches are fortunate that I am not the king there or their existence would have vanished from this continent."

Yorian sighed. "That's a worrisome outlook, Prince Arlan. I only have one request. If you do happen to catch this Black Witch, do not let your bias cloud your eyes. Every life is precious, and death should not be dealt lightly. Try to know her circumstances first. Though I will not fault you for killing her for breaking the laws of your kingdom, sometimes, being lenient can bring you good fortune."

"I am fortunate enough, and I at least do not need to depend on one Black Witch to bring me more fortune, elf," Arlan replied with a raised brow, "but as you are being so sympathetic towards her, before punishing her, I will let you meet her."

"Thank you for the generosity, Your Highness Prince Arlan," Yorian replied, sarcastically.

Arlan smirked in response. "Not a big deal."

Drayce almost rolled his eyes at these two and then said, "Arlan, don't do anything recklessly."

The Crown Prince of Griven  shrugged. "Don't worry. I am not as unreasonable as this ancient elf priestess thinks of me."

"This priestess is pleased to hear that, oh reasonable prince," the elf shot back as the three men made their way back to the Selve Estate. They had to prepare to leave for Abetha.

When they reached the Selve Mansion, Slayer and Azer met them at the rear entrance. The group then separated, with the elf leaving for who knows where while Arlan spoke to the Duke to bid farewell. Azer stayed behind to deal with the preparations for their departure  while Slayer followed the King inside.