Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2863: 1568: Questions in the Grand Hall

“Your Majesty of the Humans, I have one final question.”

Inside the majestic hall that perfectly matches the painting's depiction, the Dark Half-Elf Queen lounges lazily upon her throne with elegant grace, her soft voice inquiring, “What do you think about the rumors claiming that the strength of the Dark Elf Kingdom is declining day by day?”

“Is the question about the Dark Elf Kingdom and not the Dark Half-Elf Kingdom?”

At these words, the powerhouses from our group—including the clan leaders of Lila and Hollis—knit their brows in deep thought, quietly mulling over the intent behind the Dark Half-Elf Queen's abrupt inquiry.

Was the opposing side posing this to demonstrate that the Dark Elf King's power hasn't truly waned? Or to gauge His Majesty's stance toward the Dark Elf Kingdom more deeply? Maybe even to test how much His Majesty truly knows regarding the Dark Elf Kingdom?

Yet one thing remains clear: this sudden query from the other side carries profound implications.

Standing amid the assembly, Leo Ray's eyes hold a deep intensity, and he refrains from answering the question right away.

He ponders everyone's speculations in turn, but what captivates him most is the reason prompting the other party to raise this point.

Given the perilous and intricate circumstances at hand, even with the peculiar ties between Dark Half-Elves and Dark Elves, they ought to prioritize their own concerns.

Besides, airing thoughts on the Dark Elf Kingdom—their formidable supporter—in front of us outsiders hardly seems fitting for the Dark Half-Elf Queen. From her earlier actions, it's evident she's shrewd and wouldn't risk offending the Dark Elf Kingdom.

Stepping further back, supposing a divide has formed between the Dark Elf Kingdom and the Dark Half-Elf Kingdom, making their bond less tight than it seems, she still shouldn't reveal it, since a mighty ally deters any foe.

Thus, from every angle, this isn't a query the Dark Half-Elf Queen ought to voice—unless she's aligned not with the Dark Half-Elf Kingdom, but with the Dark Elf Kingdom itself.

“Could this Dark Half-Elf Queen actually be no Half-Elf at all? Might she be a pure Dark Elf? Or perhaps even Dark Elf royalty? If so, it explains why she speaks from the Dark Elves' perspective.”

“On top of that, maybe her rare public appearances stem from spending most of her time in the Dark Elf Kingdom as a Dark Elf? And her presence here today is merely coincidental?”

“This perspective also clarifies the sudden increase in outer guards, for someone fit to rule as Dark Half-Elf Queen must hold high status in the Dark Elf Kingdom. When Teresa was around, the Queen was absent, so security stayed lax naturally.”

These notions swirling in his mind leave Leo Ray's gaze flickering with doubt once more.

Still, all of it stays mere conjecture without solid proof—or does the question conceal another layer? Could she be deliberately steering me toward these conclusions?

Should that hold true, the bond between the two sides must run even deeper, virtually unbreakable. Persuading me of this would heighten my caution toward the Dark Half-Elf Kingdom, thereby bolstering the Half-Elves' security.

“So, Your Majesty of the Humans, is my question too tough to tackle?”

Noting Leo Ray's silence, the Dark Half-Elf Queen's tone drips with playful mockery as she lets out a light chuckle.

“Your Majesty's question does pose a real challenge.”

Leo Ray responds with his own soft laugh, deftly evading the heart of the matter: “I've only recently stepped into the Outer Region, so my grasp of it remains shallow, which explains my lengthy pause. But surely, since the Dark Elves hold their ground against the Light Elves, their might endures strongly, wouldn't you agree?”

“Is that your answer, Your Majesty of the Humans? Flawless, really.”

The Dark Half-Elf Queen's voice stays even, her indistinct features curving into a faint smile as she adds, “I see. For the Throne Corridor gathering, Prince Chasing Shadow will represent us still. You'll have chances to talk then. Truth be told, I haven't chatted this long in ages—it's quite exhausting.”

“Got it. I won't keep Your Majesty further. Here's to smooth teamwork.”

Catching the farewell hint in her words, Leo Ray gives a slight nod, shares brief pleasantries, bids farewell, and soon exits guided by Prince Chasing Shadow, heading back to the guest hall.

Moments later, once the reception hall empties out, the vast dark hall plunges back into utter silence, with only the Dark Half-Elf Queen lingering on her throne, letting out a lazy yawn.

“My Lord, they have already left.”

Shortly afterward, Prince Chasing Shadow bows respectfully and reappears before the Dark Half-Elf Queen.

“Very well, lead the Dark Half-Elves to offer them temporary aid.”

With a casual flick of her hand, the Dark Half-Elf Queen issues the command.

“I obey my Lord’s command; may shadow and glory forever accompany my Lord.”