Valentine Kingdom, Nelin City,
The Valentine Kingdom is one of several Human Kingdoms located in the southern part of the Fanor Continent, near the Navia Great Forest; it also borders the eastern part of the Navia Great Forest.
Unlike the central Human Kingdoms on the continent that were already engulfed in war and strife, the terrain within these kingdoms that border the Elf Forest is undulating, mostly consisting of hills, with few areas suitable for human habitation.
Also, because of their proximity to the Elf Kingdom, these kingdoms have not yet been drawn into the flames of war.
However, it was different in other regions. Following a "good start" initiated by the Feis Kingdom, many powerful kingdoms greedily reached out to the weaker neighboring kingdoms.
But so far, the wars raging across the Fanor Continent are still under control.
After all, those major powers seem to be engaged in eliminating their weaker neighbors, while maintaining a vigilant and cautious stance towards kingdoms of similar strength.
Feis Kingdom is now doing just that; during the period of assimilating the Boditch Kingdom, they retracted all their strength.
However, as these smaller nations fall and buffer zones disappear, a day will come when conflicts between these great Human Kingdoms will be inevitable.
Eventually, even these remote kingdoms will not be able to avoid the impact of war and chaos.
But for now, everything here is as usual—busy yet with a hint of tranquility.
In the city of Nelin, on the wide cobblestone streets, the sounds of horse hooves, wagon wheels, and pedestrians' footsteps blend into a busy symphony.
Caravans laden with all kinds of goods, freshly out of the Elf Forest and dust-covered, mingled with those who traveled from afar, coming to this small city near the Navia Great Forest to purchase specialties and forest produce from the Elves.
The ceaseless flow of caravans kicked up dust but carried with them an air of wealth and hope.
In the stores along the streets, shopkeepers enthusiastically greeted passersby, showcasing their wares.
Spices from the Great Forest, medicinal herbs, and even a variety of dried delicious fungi and fruits were neatly arranged on the stands.
But what attracted the merchants' eyes the most were the exquisite handicrafts from the Elf Clan, weapons, equipment, and even those Magic Items radiating various colors of Spirit Light.
The sounds of haggling rose and fell continuously; the air was thick with commercial fervor.
Nelin City is not very large, and there are not many natives, but its proximity to the Elf Forest has made it quite prosperous, with the commuters pushing the city to its full capacity.
Lis, dressed as an ordinary adventurer, walked the streets of Nelin City with interest, watching the bustling scenes around him, and casually spent a silver coin to buy some fresh fruit.
Due to the richer Life essence inside the Elf Forest than in the outside world, the various fruits there are even sweeter and juicier.
In particular, the Bomi Fruit that Lis held in his hand, once treated to remove the somewhat bothersome slime, had a crisp and sweet flavor that was quite tempting.
It was somewhat similar to the jackfruit on Blue Star, which Lis quite fancied.
Many residents in Nelin City earn profits by processing and providing such simple fruits and game, and offering services to the caravans.
This city almost entirely relies on the trade of the caravans to sustain itself, so the residents are quite hospitable to outsiders.
As Lis wandered through the city, he often saw individuals with long ears and slender figures.
Some of these people are Elves from the Elf Forest, but the vast majority are Half-Elves, who are of mixed Human and Elf blood.
Due to pressure from the Elf Kingdom, the neighboring Human Kingdoms—at least ostensibly—do not engage in capturing Elf Slaves.
Especially within the city, the City Guard actively crack down on the Elf Slave Catching Teams.
But that's just on the surface.
Often, in the city's underworld, Elf Slaves are a staple on the block at illegal auctions.
As long as the Elves don't catch them red-handed, the City Guards often turn a blind eye.
Many times, the Lords of these cities have some sort of connection with the Slave Capturing Teams, and in some cases, these Lords are the very puppet masters behind those teams, secretly seeking exorbitant profits and satisfying personal desires through these channels.
Without direct evidence, the Elves are somewhat powerless against such practices.
After all, the bases of the Slave Capturing Teams are hidden outside the city, and even if one is destroyed, it doesn't directly implicate those Lords.
Although many Elves are angry about this, they still have to abide by certain rules and bottom lines.
Although the Elf Kingdom is strong, on the Fanor continent, it is ultimately Humans who dominate, with both Legendary Strongmen and revered deity factions being much stronger.
Compared to Elves, Half-Elves face a much harsher living environment.
Half-Elves are more similar in appearance to Elves, equally beautiful, but their lifespans are only half that of an Elf.
For this reason, Humans regard Half-Elves as part of the Elf Clan.
However, in the eyes of the Elves, Half-Elves are seen as impure, and they do not accept these Half-Elves.
Even the Elf Royal Court does not allow Half-Elves entry, treating them with disdainful looks.
Half-Elves are also unable to receive the blessings of the World Tree New Bud, as they are considered unworthy of the World Tree's gifts.